AYER KEROH, Melaka: The Shimano Burung Hantu 2014 mountain bike event held here last Saturday was a roaring success as it celebrated true backcountry riding experiences that were technically and physically challenging.

Jointly organised by the Environment Cycling Club with Majlis Perbandaran Hang Tuah Jaya, the event is the 6th edition of Burung Hantu Ride with Shimano as its main sponsor.

The event took riders thorugh palm oil plantations and rubber estates and the total distance covered was 48km.

Mountain bike enthusiast Fiza Abdul Rahim, who found the course challenging, was one of the cyclists who wore a Mio Heart Rate monitor watch and bands during the Shimano Burung Hantu 2014 night-cycling event last Saturday.

Fiza, 38, said she found it to be useful for measuring her heart rate as it is important to avoid overtraining one’s heart rate during practice and competitive riding.

The Mio Heart Rate Monitor watch uses LED lights and electro-optical cells to “sense” the volume of blood under the skin. From there, sophisticated algorithms are applied to the pulse signal so that the heart’s true rhythm can be detected, even while running or cycling at performance speeds.

It also offers bluetooth connectivity to one’s favorite mobile fitness apps and pairs with devices like bike computers.

Distexpress (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which also sponsored the prizes for the lucky draw of the cycling event, is offering readers of The Edge Financial Daily a special 20% discount for its Mio Alpha and Link Heart Monitor watches and bands.

The Mio Alpha will cost RM559 (normal price RM699) and the Mio Link will cost RM319 (normal price RM399). The shipping fee is RM8. Purchases can be made though Distexpress’ Facebook page at Facebook.com/DISTEXPRESS.MY or you may email your order to [email protected].

The promotion code “Mio@TheEDGE” must be included with the purchase order. The money can be paid online via Maybank2U. The beneficiary name is Distexpress (M) Sdn Bhd and its account number is 514 114 337 463.

Buyers must email the payment slip for payment confirmation and Distexpress will ship out the item to the provided address by Freight Mark Express or other courier services.

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on November 5, 2014.