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To many, retirement signals the end of their careers. But for Samedi Ho, it is where dream begins. The lifelong bike-lover is now the proud owner of V Bike, a specialty store that allows him to pass on his knowledge and passion for cycling to younger generations of bike-enthusiasts.
“When I was growing up, we had very little entertainment. It was either football or bicycles,” said Samedi, who 10 years ago retired from a career in property management. Since childhood, he had always wanted to be a professional cyclist but life got in the way time and time again. Retirement gave him the perfect opportunity, so with the support of his wife, they went and opened a bike store together.
“A bike can take you anywhere you want to go, whether there’s road or not,” he said. Most sports can only to be played in designated venues while cycling can serve both functional and recreational purposes. Driven by his passion for cycling, Samedi founded V Bike in 2012. Two years ago, the shop moved to its current address at the ground floor of Chun Yu House, Sam Shing Commercial Centre in Tuen Mun. With its close proximity to the cycle track network connecting East to West in the New Territories, V Bike is not just frequented by bike-lovers in the neighbourhood, but also a popular spot for serious and even professional cyclists.
Helping young people realise their dreams is one of Samedi’s aspirations, for example taking part in cyclo-cross races in Mongolia, solo bikepacking all the way from Germany to Hong Kong, and a two-month bike trip from Hong Kong to Russia. “These young people are bold and not afraid of cycling on their own to other places.” Yet sometimes these young people may not be able to make the trip due to lack of resources and relevant knowledge. And that’s where Samedi comes in – by providing supplies and teaching them maintenance techniques, giving little final push to get them on the road.
A university student once approached him with a proposal to pedal all the way from Hong Kong to Russia. Right away, Samedi committed himself to help without hesitation – aside from retrofitting, he also gifted the young man a camcorder to record his trip. “Other than financial support, we can provide them with tools and knowledge to help them achieve their dreams. It’s just that simple.”
Samedi is not just a bike shop owner or provider of repair and maintenance services, but also a cycling coach and team manager who support cyclists in all aspect of their races. Sometimes he would take part in the races even everything himself. “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” His goal will always remain the same: to promote cycling to every corner of the community.
From 3 to 28 August 2022, Link will launch “Tour de LINK 2022”. Exercise bikes will be featured at six of its malls to promote healthy bodies and minds across Hong Kong. Gear up yourself and join our healthy community!
List of Shopping Centres:
Round 1（3 - 14 August）
Round 2（17 - 28 August）
If you want outing ideas for the summer, cycling can be a good choice. Here’s a bike route recommended by Samedi that takes you from Sam Shing Estate, where V Bike locates, and all the way to Hong Kong Wetland Park. Staring from My Loft in Tuen Mun, it passes through Nam Sang Wai in Yuen Long and Tin Shui Path in Tin Shui Wai. With a total distance of just 32 kilometres, you can finish the full course within three hours at slow pace. This easy and scenic route is perfect for family outing according to Samedi.
Route：My Loft→Tuen Mun Station→Tuen Mun Hospital→Lam Tei→Hung Shui Kiu→Nam Sang Wai→Tin Shui Wai Station→Tin Shui Path Cycling Route →Hong Kong Wetland Park
With more bike routes available in the city, cycling has now become a more popular weekend activity. Here’re a few tips from Samedi on must-have cycling equipment:
1) Helmets
They help prevent serious brain injuries. It’s been reported that the government is considering the mandatory usage of bicycle helmets for all cyclists and bike passengers starting from 2023.
2) Bike Bell
Under the law of Hong Kong, only one bell is allowed for each bike to help alert other road users and prevent bike crush.
3) Bike Lights
When visibility is low before sunrise and after sunset, front and back bike lights help increase visibility, and also help other road users and pedestrians to see each other.
