This post is almost a month over due since the event happened on 4th April 2009. I have promised Mat Salo that I will post it soon after the event but my attempt to do it at My Pasir Mas blog was aborted as I wasn't comfortable with Wordpress especially when a post involves so many pictures. In fact I have uploaded all the pictures into the gallery.
Anyway Mat Salo, this post is for you in mind as you have asked for it.
The small town of Pasir Mas was abuzz with the activity of preparation for the flagging off of the Electcoms Jelajah Malaysia 4th leg from Pasir Mas to Kuala Terengganu. The third leg had ended in Tanah Merah a day earlier and Pasir Mas was chosen as the starting point for the 4th leg. How lucky can we people of Pasir Mas be to have the event in Pasir Mas at our own doorstep.
The price of holding the event is the closure of the main road to Kota Bharu. All traffic to the road to Kota Bharu had to be diverted to go via the Lemal bridge. Locals going elsewhere along this route knows the smaller roads that can bypass this section.
This is where the flag off will begin beside the mini stadium of Pasir Mas infront of the Pantai Timur supermarket.
Here we can see Myvi Perodua cars carrying advertisement lined up for the event.
More of them here.
More of them.
Traditional music was provided by the Rebana (big drums) and serunai dan gendang ensemble.
Azhar is the local rider and here he is signing autographs for those who asked for it.
If you are into souvenirs from the event, they have a booth for them. Most items are sold from RM30.00 upwards.
Some riders are taking it easy before the event by resting under the shade trees.
An international rider was busy tucking his powerbars into his shirt.
A pretty face handing out cards to the crowd.
I saw this rider warming up. I like this shot as I managed to blur the background by panning the camera.
This guy is checking his stock.
This shooter is shooting with a Nikon D3. Together with the telephoto lens this camera can cost more than the cost of a racing bike. Care to guess how much is the cost of it?
Having a bite to build up his energy.
The master of ceremony.
She came over for Pak Zawi to have a closer look.
Another team waiting for the start which was scheduled at 11.00 AM.
A rider with scars and injury of the previous leg had to be given some kneading by the phsiotherapist.
The Big Boss of the event greeting 'Apa Khabar ?' to the school children.
A rider signing in. This was the last pic I took at the signing as immediately after I was told to move out of the area as I was not an official photographer covering the event.
Here they come!
At this point they are still bunched up.
Look Ma, no hands! This is the tail of the pelaton.
A TV camera will definitely draw the crowd's attention. Who knows their faces may appear on TV later that night.
Within seconds we saw the last of them
Ambulance vehicles follow them closely incase of any mishaps.
The backup cars comprising of Proton Wajas came in their wake.
