File photo shows participants of last year’s Batang Ai Mountain Bike Jamboree at the starting
point on the dam crest.
LUBOK ANTU: The second edition of Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB)’s Batang Ai Mountain Bike Jamboree will take place at the hydroelectricity power plant (HEP) dam near here on Aug 20.
The event is set to attract over 200 mountain bikers, out to test their skills in manoeuvring the rugged trails.
Flag-off is set to be on the dam crest.
According to SEB executive vice-president (corporate services) Aisah Eden, the event is open to all mountain bike enthusiasts.
“The jamboree is meant to give cycling enthusiasts and their supporters the opportunity to see for themselves the natural regeneration of the area since the development of Batang Ai HEP over 30 years ago. Following the success of last year’s inaugural jamboree, we are continuing to work with local agencies and the community as well as another professional organiser to bring this event back to the area for the second year.
“This jamboree is aligned with the state government’s aspiration in promoting recreational activities and growing eco-tourism opportunities to benefit the communities at lakeside areas of hydropower plants,” she said.
Various events will also be included in the day’s programme for members of the local community to take part in.
This year’s event has the Sarawak Closed and Sarawak Energy-Lubok Antu Closed divisions – each of which has the Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Men’s Masters (40 Years and Above) categories.
Those in the Men’s Open category will cover a distance of approximately 45km, while the race for both women and veteran mountain bikers is about 30km.
Attractive prizes including cash, trophies and medals await the winners of all categories. For more details about the event and registration matters, visit Facebook page ‘Btg Ai MTB Jamboree’.
Batang Ai HEP is Sarawak’s first hydroelectric dam. Commissioned in 1985, it was the first major milestone in the state’s journey towards renewable energy generation.
The lakeside areas surrounding the power plant also draws eco-tourists from around the world, attracted by the opportunities in cultural tourism, sport-fishing and wildlife sightings.