[Unpad Media Channel] In line with its commitment and excellence in environmental and health and well-being aspects (as recognized in the QS Sustainability ranking), Universitas Padjadjaran, through its cycling community Ikatan Goweser (i-Go) Unpad, collaborated with GX-ID (Gravel and Ultra Cyclist Indonesia) to host an event dedicated to environmental and health awareness, titled Bandung Urban Gravel, on February 15th-16th, 2025.
This gravel cycling event covered distances of 40 km, 100 km, and 120 km across Bandung, attracting over 200 participants. Besides cycling, the event also included environmental conservation activities. In collaboration with Serlok Bantaran and other communities such as Biker Brotherhood MC (BBMC), the event featured the release of 500 fish into the Cikapundung River and the planting of 100 trees along its banks.
Participants were also treated to local delicacies and traditional Jaipong dance performances, reinforcing the economic and socio-cultural aspects of the Cikapundung riverside area. This aligns with the concept of sustainable tourism. The event was supported by PT Cendo Pharmaceutical Industries, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), NCC, and other sponsors.
According to Prof. Setiawan, President of i-Go Unpad and Dean of Unpad’s Graduate School, the event was attended not only by Unpad faculty members and staff but also by participants from various other cities. Bandung Urban Gravel marked the first time GX-ID and i-Go Unpad organized such an event in Bandung. Previously, GX-ID had successfully hosted similar events in other cities, most recently in Bekasi.
“We learned a lot about organizing cycling events as part of sport tourism and environmentally conscious cycling events. The organizers were highly efficient, thanks to well-integrated IT support,” said Prof. Setiawan.
Dr. Eri Surahman, Advisor of GX-ID, expressed his joy at the enthusiasm of participants. Likewise, Donny Hardiana, Director of PT Cendo, who also participated in the event, enjoyed the challenging routes and appreciated the opportunity to be part of an initiative that positively impacts the environment, particularly around the Cikapundung riverside area.
Participants were highly impressed with the challenging routes in Bandung, known for its steep inclines. They hope this event will continue in the coming years with improved preparation and execution. Some participants faced difficulties reading maps during this unsupported gravel event, and the checkpoint barcodes were occasionally hard to locate. It is hoped that Bandung Urban Gravel will become an annual event, strengthening Unpad’s branding in environmental and health/well-being excellence. (Release)
