By Mu Vitet
KOTA KINABALU: While most 81-year-olds are content with a quiet life at home, Frank Yapp is defying age with the stamina of a much younger man cycling hundreds of kilometres under the blazing sun, all in the name of charity.
The octogenarian, who keeps fit thanks to his passion for cycling, is spending his golden years raising funds for charitable causes and helping wherever he can.
His latest mission was to raise funds for the completion of the St Catherine of Laboure Church in Putatan.
According to Frank, the construction of the gothic-style church has been stalled for many years due to financial constraints.
“Since I have been cycling for charity and actively involved in community work, a friend suggested I could perhaps contribute a little to the church,” said Frank, who recently completed a return ride from Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort.
The feat, accomplished on Labour Day, covered a return distance of 207.55km and took 7 hours and 55 minutes adding yet another feather to his cap.
“I’m fine with the heat, as sweating makes a person healthier. My journey started from Kota Kinabalu to Lok Kawi, then passed through Benoni, Bongawan, and Membakut before finally reaching Beaufort.
“I take a rest in every district. At my age, and based on experience, I usually rest every 30km. I have an escort car trailing me to carry drinking water and spare parts,” he said.
Last year, Frank and his team rode from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu for the Sabah Cheshire Home, covering a total of 1,144km in 12 days surpassing his previous Malaysia Book of Records achievement as the oldest cyclist to ride from Johor to Penang, a distance of 1,200km.
“I started cycling actively 15 years ago after retiring from business,” he said.
