KUALA LUMPUR: The six participants of 'Ekspedisi Perpaduan Watikah Kemerdekaan 66 London - Kuala Lumpur 2023' are all geared up to start the motorcycle expedition.
One of the participants, Yusyafizal Mohd Yusop, 47, a businessman, said he felt happy and touched to be chosen to participate in the expedition and that it will be an unforgettable experience for him.
"Before this, I rode (my motorcycle) for two months to South America and that is the furthest I've gone so far.
"This (upcoming) motorcycle expedition will take even longer and I will be visiting 16 countries in total, covering a distance of 22,000 kilometers from London to Kuala Lumpur.
He also said that he likes to participate in this kind of activity because he has a lot of time as he runs his own business.
"I am also already accustomed to riding motorcycles.
"In terms of preparation, I went into the woods with a motocross bike and did some fitness activities to stay fit physically," he added.
He added that he had to prepare himself both mentally and physically to face the challenges during the expedition.
The New Straits Times Press executive photographer Effendy Rashid echoed Yusyafizal's comments on the need for mental and physical preparation for the expedition.
He said those who ride need to practice riding motorcycles on and off road for weeks before the start of the expedition to get used to and be prepared for any circumstances that may happen.
Effendy who has been riding since his school days, joined the expedition due to his passion for riding.
"The crucial thing is the passion, the second reason why I'm joining this (expedition) because it is a once in a lifetime experience to create memories throughout the journey."
Besides enjoying his ride for 66 days crossing 66 countries, he is assigned to document the journey in photographs and videos for the daily newspapers.
Earlier today, Investment, Trade and Industry minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz launched the expedition, expressing his pride towards the plan made for the programme.
"This expedition will uplift the country's name, not only for Malaysians but also rekindle the spirit of independence achieved 66 years ago.
"I am truly amazed by the six riders who are participating in this expedition, especially in the challenges they need to face," he said.
