Detta rings the gong to welcome the riders while Roslan (left), Sharizal (second left) and Bronnie look on.
The bikers posing at the entrance of the longhouse at Kampung Benuk.
KUCHING: More than 500 big bikers rolled into Kampung Benuk, a Bidayuh village along Jalan Puncak Borneo here yesterday for a gathering in conjunction with Kuching International Bike Week (KIBW).
The gathering was hosted by PBB Bengoh Youth who also treated the bikers to lunch at the Bidayuh longhouse.
Bengoh PBB information chief Datuk Detta Samen who was representing Mambong MP Datuk Seri James Dawos Mamit attended the event.
In his welcoming speech, he said the event aimed to promote the Bidayuh culture to local and international riders involved in KIBW.
“We are all here to learn more about the Bidayuh culture. In the future, we hope there will be more events held here,” said Detta.
“I hope riders will also take the opportunity to get to know each other and I am very sure there are many things to talk about, especially involving your motorbike.
“Here you can exchange ideas while enjoying the food, music and environment.” he added.
Meanwhile, PBB Bengoh deputy youth chief Bronnie Marshal who led the organising committee for the gathering said it was the first time such an event was held in the village.
Upon their arrival, bikers were entertained by a traditional Bidayuh dance performance at the entrance of the longhouse. During lunch, ‘ayam pansoh’ which is chicken cooked in bamboo was served among other dishes.
Donpi, a biker who hails from Johore, shared his experience as a first time visitor to a Bidayuh longhouse.
“This is an interesting and unique experience for me because I have seen the Iban longhouse and it has its differences.
“After I touched down this morning (yesterday), I couldn’t wait for the ride to this village after being told of the programme,” he said.
“It was a great day for riders. In my diary, this would be one of the gatherings I will always remember.”
KIBW will close tomorrow at CityOne Megamall here, after showcasing some 4,000 local and foreign bikers from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Arab Saudi, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia.
Among those present were PBB Youth vice-chief Bell Bernard Agan and the movement’s secretary Leonard Jambu, PBB Bengoh chief Miro Saymour Simuh, Kuching police chief ACP Roslan Bek Ahmad and Iron Bikers Kuching president Dato Sharizal Md Ishak.