Published on Oct 02 2008 

On a day that was forecasted to be filled with strong winds and torrential downpours, Friday 3rd October 2008 turned out to prove the weatherman wrong again. Almighty Allah had truly listened to the prayers of everyone involved that day. Blue skies and a spot of sunshine made it a wonderfully fresh October day which was reason enough for anyone to get on their bike.

Allhamdolillah the continuation of the celebration of 100 years of blessed Khilafat continued with an event for 100 cyclists to make the 33 mile journey from Baitul Futuh to Islamabad for the start of the National Khuddam Ijtema 2008.

With word of the event initially spread via the MKA email database, momentum soon picked up as the good old fashioned word of mouth method kicked in across the UK . Handy information packs; detailing training, equipment, nutrition, etiquette and much more; were created and distributed to all those registering their interest in the auspicious event. The event was also made known and available to Ansar and Atfal. It was encouraging to have representation from all 3 age groups. Members from Jamaats as far as Manchester , Birmingham , Scunthorpe and parts of Wales took a hold of the opportunity to participate with an overall total of 94 cyclists and 6 support personnel representing 13 different UK regions.

The event began at 7am on Friday morning with participants congregating at Baitul Futuh. Everyone was registered accordingly, payments for hired bikes were collected and nametags were distributed too. Once all bikes were issued and prepared for each rider, all the luggage was loaded onto the support truck region by region. It was at this very early stage that the beauty of the Jamaat brotherhood and ethos began shining as people, who mostly didn’t know each other personally, helped one another with their bike adjustments and pre-departure preparations.

The event was structured to include the support of 3 vehicles. The first support vehicle was always well ahead of the cyclists to set up the signposts, route markings and to prepare all of the 4 refreshment points. The second support vehicle had the responsibility of clearing up the litter, packing up the refreshments and removing all the signposts. It also had sufficient space to carry any participants who may have been physically unable to complete the journey. The third and rearmost vehicle was a truck, which was in place to carry all the luggage, spare bikes and assist wherever possible. In addition, there were 6 strong (very regular) cycle marshals to usher, guide and take care of the group along the route ensuring their safety and well being at all times.

After invitation, the group was graced with the presence of Naib Amir UK, Nasir Chaudhry Sahib and Sadr Sahib, Mirza Fakhar Sahib, to say a few words of encouragement and also to lead us in silent prayer before departure. With all the riders geared up and ready, the final safety briefing was delivered and the group was split into and 2 halves. Just after 10am the 94 cyclists took to the A24 road to begin the 33 mile journey to Islamabad .

As was to be expected, as the ride progressed, there were some mechanical teething problems for few individuals. The 2 broken pedals and 3 punctures picked up were, Allhamdolillah, issues that were dealt with quickly and effectively due to the planned resources available.

The aim of the event was always for 100 to start together and 100 to finish together, which essentially meant that the slowest rider dictated the pace. Therefore, it was essential for the tail end riders to be given the chance to catch up and remain a part of the whole group. So, to serve that purpose; 4 predetermined regroup and refresh points were, in turn, temporarily set up to give everyone an opportunity to refuel on peanuts, raisins, biscuits, oranges, bananas and water.

About 1 mile from Islamabad , Tilford Green provided the venue for namaaz and the final stop. The congregation for Zohr and Asr namaaz was led by Ataul Quddous Ahmad of Jamia, before riders put on their commemorative t-shirts and readied the for the finish. Although a little later than originally planned, a complete group of cyclists proudly adorning their t-shirts and filled with a sense of accomplishment, left Tilford Green together to cycle the last mile to cross the finish line in Islamabad. A healthy group of highly respected Jamaat members, including Sadr Sahib gathered around our beloved Huzoor Aqdasto welcome the finishing elated cyclists. Allhamdolillah.

Overall, by the grace of Allah, the event was a huge success and was beautifully capped with the presence of our beloved Huzoor Aqdasand a Musafa with all participants. A new seed of challenge and motivation has been planted within the UK Jamaat and with the establishment of a ‘British Cycling’ affiliate cycle club, regular planned activities are due to begin shortly, Inshallah.

The future is bright and healthy with 2 wheels subtly carrying the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat up close, personal far and wide. There are more events just around the corner so no matter what your age, or your skill level might be, now is the time to get ready get on your bike and start pedalling.

For more information on the cycle club or general cycle related information, please do not hesitate to contact Zafar Bhunnoo at cycle@khuddam.org.uk

Zafar Bhunnoo
Event organiser and club founder