The Iron Lady’s Ride
The day began with a surprise: Penny appeared at dawn astride her
brother-in-law’s bike, determined to join us on the long ride to
Melaka. The road was flat, the pace leisurely, but the distance—108
kilometres—was formidable for someone unaccustomed to cycling.
Yet Penny pressed on with quiet resolve, each kilometre a testament
to her spirit. By the time we reached Melaka, she had earned herself
a new title: the Iron Lady.
Keng, attending flying school in Melaka, rode out to meet us in Muar.
His borrowed bike was unusual, almost comical in appearance, but his
enthusiasm was infectious. Together we pedalled into Melaka’s old
town, the city’s historic streets welcoming us with their layered past.
Penny arrived sunburned and weary, yet her smile never faltered.
That evening, Keng guided us to an Indian restaurant tucked into the
heart of the city. The food was extraordinary—rich curries, fragrant
spices, flavours so vivid they transported us back to India itself.
Surrounded by friends, laughter, and the warmth of shared meals,
the day closed not with exhaustion but with celebration.