The launching of Make A Difference Charity Century Ride, also known as the MAD ride, was held at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort on 26th September 2010.

Malakoff, an experienced organizer of social rides such as this and also one of the sponsors for the ride, presented the gist of the upcoming ride to the audience. The sneak preview of the ride included a quick run-down of the route, the concept of the social ride and what the cyclists can expect from this ride, which will cover a distance of 360km.

The ride will be held on 23 and 24 October 2010, starting at Tropicana and finishes at Kluang Mall, Johor. The ride is expected to attract more than 100 cyclists from all over Malaysia.

The concept of social ride which is a marriage between cycling and charity has been “in the blood” at Malakoff for more than 5 years. Donations collected from business associates will then be distributed to deserving charity homes in Kluang, which is the end point of this 2-day ride. A total of RM50,000 is expected to be raised for the event, which will benefit 5 charity homes in Kluang, namely Miriam Home, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Damo, Che Luan Khor Haemodialysis Centre, Kelab Kiwanis Kluang Mandarin and OKU Sembrong.

A cycling clinic was also held to teach beginners and experienced cyclists alike on the importance of safety, the correct cycling techniques and nutrition for the upcoming ride.

What’s more special was that Tropicana, one of the sponsors for the ride, gave a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to ride on the buggy track on its East wing, which is undergoing renovations. Cyclists from Letua Cycling Club led the group of cyclists into the golf course where they cycled for approximately 5km on the track.

So pump that tyre, check your gears and get ready to cycle this MAD ride!