BENTONG: Age is just a number for two retirees who have cycled over 10,000 kilometres from Malaysia to China in 90 days to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Retired headmaster Tiong Ting Ming, 72, from Manjung, and retired teacher Teng Choon Kwang, 73, from Shah Alam, started the cycling journey from Janda Baik, Pahang, on 30 June, and reached Beijing’s Tiananmen  Square this Monday as planned.

They cycled for about 120 km a day from Malaysia to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China, facing various challenges mainly from the weather.

“The weather was sunny and hot in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, but we encountered rainy season in Laos,” they said.

Unable to cover 120 km a day, they could only cycle 60 to 70 km instead.

Many roads in Laos were muddy and covered with stones due to flash floods, and the duo had to push their bicycles along instead of riding them.

In order to catch up with the schedule, they made changes to their rest hours.

Along the journey, they came across many friendly people.

On 17 September which was the Mid-Autumn Festival, a mother and son presented them with mooncakes after spotting their Malaysian flag.

The duo also met new friends to celebrate upon arrival at their final destination at Tiananmen Square, just a day before China celebrates its 75th national day on 1 October.

They will be taking a flight back to Malaysia this Saturday.

It has been reported that Teng and Tiong’s cycling journey was flagged off by Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong on 30 June.

Also present were President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Datuk Abdul Majid Khan, and veteran politician Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang.