Cycling and fitness for change

The cyclists will surely enjoy breathtaking scenery and explore spectacular rainforests, waterfalls and beaches along the way, writes HENRY MORABANG

MISS PNG Rachael Sapery James will cycle 182km of the Boluminksi Highway, that runs along the scenic east coast of New Ireland Province to promote awareness on culture, community spirit and importantly about healthy and sustainable living.
She will undertake this enduring physical challenge during the inaugural Tour long Malagan which is set for June 10 – 13,  the Queens birthday long weekend.
Organisers envisage this event to become an annual two day cycling event that also seeks to promote New Ireland’s magnificent cultural and environmental diversity.
The 60 or so cyclists will surely enjoy breathtaking scenery and explore spectacular rainforests, waterfalls and beaches along the way. Time permitting cyclists can go surfing or scuba diving.
It is encouraging to note that the final 5km, the most challenging, when cyclists have endured competitive racing over two days, will be dedicated to raise funds for charity. The final leg will be a fun event where locals will join. 
For locals, the highway plays a significant role in their livelihood and is the main land transportation route. It runs from the provincial capital of Kavieng for 193 km down the east coast of the island to Namatanai.
Ideally, the event will be an opportunity for locals to generate income by hosting cyclists in guest houses, selling arts/crafts, fruits and even participating in the event as marshals, officials, and support crew. Throughout the race cyclists will overnight in one of many guesthouses along the Highway.
“This approach also supports the expansion and capacity building of local tourism operators,” Ms James said, adding that such events addresses issues such as substance abuse as it gets young people involved.
“New Ireland faces social and environmental challenges, including combating malaria, HIV/Aids, marijuana and homebrew abuse, lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation, therefore the cycle will be educational and informative where training and awareness material will be given on healthy and sustainable living practices,” Ms James said.
Ms James who also is Miss Humanitarian and Miss Patron’s Choice is keen on using this opportunity for this positive purpose, has joined the bandwagon of organisers.
The race will start at the Palm Waterfall, just before Dalom guest house and end in beautiful Kavieng town. Ms James is working with Up South Events, NIP Tourism Bureau and Cylopaths PNG, including an amazing team of organizers; Stephen Damien, Annette Coppola, Cathy Amos, Mark Shepard and Sarah MacCana; enthused road cyclists, fitness fanatics and passionate rural community development advocates to stage the event.
Tour long Malagan has been dubbed as the first ever “endurance cycling race” in PNG and is set to be a hit, attracting local and international cyclists.
Ms James is already preparing physically for the cycle and recently took part with a group of enthused triathletes in the first triathlon for 2011 in Port Moresby. 
“I swam 750m, cycled 20km, and then ran 5km to the finish line. Endurance is needed, along with mental strength to keep you going until the end,” said James encouraging more females to take up such challenge and come and try the next Urbanathon in April. An exciting race through the urban centre of Port Moresby, includes cycle and running circuits.  
By taking in such challenges as Tour long Malagan, Ms James is sending out a message to everyone that “no challenge is too tough or hard if you have a healthy mind, body and spirit to overcome it”. This message can be applied to any situation in life.
A positive attitude to life and everything around you, people and environment will take you far. A negative attitude to people and environment – life in general won’t. It’s all attitude.
And take this from a young woman who manages to play her role as Miss PNG/Miss Humanitarian, have a fulltime job as Social and Environmental Officer with BSP and take time out to support such worthy causes as the Tour long Malagan and other environmental campaigns and NGO projects that she’s passionate to support.