Woke up at 3am.
Prep and was ready by 3:30am.
Set up bike repair station, ready for tube changing session at 4am. =D
Weijie arrived and we proceed to fix his front wheel.
After that, we proceed to change the tube for his rear wheel.
The poor chap know little about bike parts.
Got a tube with a short presta valve. =)
Valve Type : Presta 48mm is the model that most of our bikes will require. =)
Found the source of his frequent deflating tire. (His rear tire will deflate to 50psi after 3 days)
A long needle is embedded on the inner wall of his tire.
Rode off at 5:00am.
Argh... his rear tire is deflating again.
This time round, the problem seems to be much worse.
Pumped up the tires to 120psi.
We will ride through Mandai -> Woodlands -> Yishun loop, so that Weijie can drop off along the way and I have a chance to clock some decent mileage.
We did just that , but the distance is a wee too far for Weijie as his rear wheel went completely flat less than 50m from home...
Advised him to get both his tire and tube changed.
Some money just cannot be saved, especially not when you are doing your first OD Tri.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Cycling 29th July 2009
Met Weijie at 4:15am and we rode down to LH together.
I was riding at a pretty fast pace and Weijie followed right behind.
It is amazing that he is able to keep up, given that he has only been on the bike for 3 months.
Haha... suddenly it dawned on me... I am cycling with a rider half my age with a sporting background. =D
We reached LH at 5.45am. It was a much smaller group riding this morning.
I dunno why, but I always seems to be among the last few riders to roll out of LH.
Geez, the train was way ahead.
Chase the group without success. Their pace are just too fast.
Took Donna's draft up Prata Hill. =) Thanks, Wonder Woman.
Continue chasing the pack. It was a futile attempt.
Took the Old Mandai Road route, hoping to join up with the pack later.
Out onto Mandai Road, I continued my chase.
Only when I reached Mandai Lake Road, did I realised that I had came out of Old Mandai Road ahead of the pack!!!
The feeling is surreal.
Crossing under the SLE flyover, I decided to test my pace to Mandai Shell.
Reached Mandai Shell not feeling breathless, I take it as a good sign.
Pace? 44.5kmh! =D
Out of Mandai Shell, Edward and Shane lead the group at a steady pace of 28kmh. Well done, guys!!!
Rynn commented "The pace is great! This definitely feels like Recovery Wednesday!"
I got to agree. It has been a long time since we had a steady Wednesday pace.
After Bukit Panjang, Bernard and I took over the reins to lead the group.
Along Bukit Timah Road, it was just Weijie and me. I decided to upp the tempo.
We did a 40kmh average pace.
The aero position felt great!
I feel that I am pedalling more efficiently and the heart rate is steady.
Not wanting to climb slopes, I led Weijie through Dunearn Road, Newton Road before turning back via Novena.
Took a breather along Maryount Road before continuing home.
Awesome ride, guys! Thank You!
I was riding at a pretty fast pace and Weijie followed right behind.
It is amazing that he is able to keep up, given that he has only been on the bike for 3 months.
Haha... suddenly it dawned on me... I am cycling with a rider half my age with a sporting background. =D
We reached LH at 5.45am. It was a much smaller group riding this morning.
I dunno why, but I always seems to be among the last few riders to roll out of LH.
Geez, the train was way ahead.
Chase the group without success. Their pace are just too fast.
Took Donna's draft up Prata Hill. =) Thanks, Wonder Woman.
Continue chasing the pack. It was a futile attempt.
Took the Old Mandai Road route, hoping to join up with the pack later.
Out onto Mandai Road, I continued my chase.
Only when I reached Mandai Lake Road, did I realised that I had came out of Old Mandai Road ahead of the pack!!!
The feeling is surreal.
Crossing under the SLE flyover, I decided to test my pace to Mandai Shell.
Reached Mandai Shell not feeling breathless, I take it as a good sign.
Pace? 44.5kmh! =D
Out of Mandai Shell, Edward and Shane lead the group at a steady pace of 28kmh. Well done, guys!!!
Rynn commented "The pace is great! This definitely feels like Recovery Wednesday!"
I got to agree. It has been a long time since we had a steady Wednesday pace.
After Bukit Panjang, Bernard and I took over the reins to lead the group.
Along Bukit Timah Road, it was just Weijie and me. I decided to upp the tempo.
We did a 40kmh average pace.
The aero position felt great!
I feel that I am pedalling more efficiently and the heart rate is steady.
Not wanting to climb slopes, I led Weijie through Dunearn Road, Newton Road before turning back via Novena.
Took a breather along Maryount Road before continuing home.
Awesome ride, guys! Thank You!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Cycling 27th July 2009
Rode a quick LH loop with STP.
We were supposed to do an easy ride, but somehow I upped the pace and she followed suit. =p
She was coughing away during the ride, but she is insistent on completing her training for this weekend's race.
With just the two of us riding, she was on her aerobars most of the time.
We did a consistent 30kmh ride chatting away. =D
We completed our training and proceed home satisfied that we both clocked the mileage we required.
Thanks for the ride, STP.
Take care and all the best for your race!!! =D
We were supposed to do an easy ride, but somehow I upped the pace and she followed suit. =p
She was coughing away during the ride, but she is insistent on completing her training for this weekend's race.
With just the two of us riding, she was on her aerobars most of the time.
We did a consistent 30kmh ride chatting away. =D
We completed our training and proceed home satisfied that we both clocked the mileage we required.
Thanks for the ride, STP.
Take care and all the best for your race!!! =D
OSIM Triathlon Training Clinic 2009
On the invitation by Kia Liang, I decided to sign up for the OSIM Triathlon Training Clinic.
It turns out to be a blessing in disguise as I had to skipped the Cyclone Series ITT 36km which was conducted on wet roads.
The Open Water Swim was conducted in calm waters.
Haha, a scenario that is too good to be true for OSIM Tri. =D
I felt very tired after the swim, probably due to the inadequate hours in the pool.
Geez...if this happens on race day, I'm dead meat.
Thanks to the long briefing, I recovered enough to carry on with the bike leg.
Out onto the main road, I was eager to try out the aero position.
I could hardly stay in aero for long, the quads are aching like ****!
Hmm... now I understand why they dun recommend breast stroke for the swim leg.
Not only is the swim stroke less efficient, you are practically using the same set of muscles for 2 consectutive legs of the triathlon.
Pushing the legs as hard as I could go, I was dismayed to find out that I could hardly maintain 30kmh. =(
This is not good... In fact, OSIM Tri is going to be disastrous. =(
Why do I have to sign up for OSIM Tri when I could have done Tri-Factor Tri Run that I had already signed up for. =(
Making a U-turn at the TMFT, we rode back at a much better pace.
> 40kmh to be exact.
I am quite a distance away from the front 2 riders...
Going into aero position, I am slowly closing the gap...
Suddenly, Andrew appeared right beside me and we tried to outsprint each other. =)
Haha... Andrew has led a chase pack of 4 to hunt me down.
One of the guys commented later that they were doing 42kmh during the chase!!!
Reaching back to the transition area, it was another briefing before we set off for our 6km Run.
Always the slacker, I did only 3km with Sywog. =D
Packing up, I went to Changi Village for Nasi Lemak before going home. =)
It turns out to be a blessing in disguise as I had to skipped the Cyclone Series ITT 36km which was conducted on wet roads.
The Open Water Swim was conducted in calm waters.
Haha, a scenario that is too good to be true for OSIM Tri. =D
I felt very tired after the swim, probably due to the inadequate hours in the pool.
Geez...if this happens on race day, I'm dead meat.
Thanks to the long briefing, I recovered enough to carry on with the bike leg.
Out onto the main road, I was eager to try out the aero position.
I could hardly stay in aero for long, the quads are aching like ****!
Hmm... now I understand why they dun recommend breast stroke for the swim leg.
Not only is the swim stroke less efficient, you are practically using the same set of muscles for 2 consectutive legs of the triathlon.
Pushing the legs as hard as I could go, I was dismayed to find out that I could hardly maintain 30kmh. =(
This is not good... In fact, OSIM Tri is going to be disastrous. =(
Why do I have to sign up for OSIM Tri when I could have done Tri-Factor Tri Run that I had already signed up for. =(
Making a U-turn at the TMFT, we rode back at a much better pace.
> 40kmh to be exact.
I am quite a distance away from the front 2 riders...
Going into aero position, I am slowly closing the gap...
Suddenly, Andrew appeared right beside me and we tried to outsprint each other. =)
Haha... Andrew has led a chase pack of 4 to hunt me down.
One of the guys commented later that they were doing 42kmh during the chase!!!
Reaching back to the transition area, it was another briefing before we set off for our 6km Run.
Always the slacker, I did only 3km with Sywog. =D
Packing up, I went to Changi Village for Nasi Lemak before going home. =)
Cycling 25th July 2009
Meet Eugene at 5am and we both cycled down to Longhouse together.
Not too sure if I had improved or Eugene slowed down for me, but I was able to keep pace with him for most of the distance...
It was a far cry from previous rides where Eugene have to slow down considerably to wait for me after every climb.
Reached LH with time to spare.
The 5:30am group is pretty small this morning.
Hmm....very low attendance for these past 2 weekends.
Where are the riders?
Adri arrived just before the group is about to roll off. =D
Playing host this morning, I gave her an overview on how the 5.30am LH ride is.
Along Sembawang Road, we were all caught in the light showers.
Argh... this was not shown on the NEA weather forecast! =(
Luckily the rain din last long and we have dry roads along Mandai. =)
Just before reaching Mandai Shell, Eugene gave me a challenge.
"Try to overtake the two riders ahead"
Zoom and off I went. =p
Chasing the two riders was hard but fun...
It was a time of discovery as well...
I realised how hard I can push myself and how I am feeling during that short burst of speed.
Taking a breather at Mandai Shell, we proceed back towards LH.
Adri and I quicken our pace, hoping to catch the 6:40am train.
The attempt was futile.
We reached LH at 6:48am and the train has already left.
Met Lin and had a chat with her group before realising that the 7.00am Changi Ride has rode off!
Poor Adri was waiting for me, not knowing what to do.
We started chasing the 7am ride.
We almost caught up with the group twice.
Once at the Thomson-Yio Chu Kang traffic junction and a second time along the Lentor Ave traffic junction.
Unfortunately, we got stopped by traffic lights both times. =(
Brought Adri through the usual Sengkang route, skipping Punggol entirely.
Took the shortest route across KPE into Tampines.
Strangely, the group is still nowhere in sight.
Commented to Adri that either we are way in front of the group or way behind. =D
Given that we had taken so many shortcuts, it does not seems possible for us to lack behind the group.
Stopping at Shell Loyang, we had to admit that we may be too slow for the 7:00am Changi Ride.
The Eastern Ride is just starting to roll off.
Bid farewell to Adri and I cycle home.
Got caught in light showers again along Sengkang.
Looking up, it was a cloudless sky!
Geez, where is the rain coming from?
Rode thru Jalan Kayu, tempted to stop by the Prata shop, especially when u sit other riders sitting there cooling off. =p
Starting with 3 bottles of plain water, I was surprised that I could survived the 90km ride without electrolytes.
The joy was short-lived as I learnt another tough lesson.
Unclipping my left cleat, my whole calf seized up.
I was left standing at the void deck gripping the handlebars, cringing in pain.
It was a minute or two later before I feel good enough to walk again.
I wonder what can I do if I ever encounter this during a triathlon transition.
Hmm...best to take electrolytes to prevent this from happening. =)
Great Ride, great company.
Thanks, Adri and Eugene. =)
Not too sure if I had improved or Eugene slowed down for me, but I was able to keep pace with him for most of the distance...
It was a far cry from previous rides where Eugene have to slow down considerably to wait for me after every climb.
Reached LH with time to spare.
The 5:30am group is pretty small this morning.
Hmm....very low attendance for these past 2 weekends.
Where are the riders?
Adri arrived just before the group is about to roll off. =D
Playing host this morning, I gave her an overview on how the 5.30am LH ride is.
Along Sembawang Road, we were all caught in the light showers.
Argh... this was not shown on the NEA weather forecast! =(
Luckily the rain din last long and we have dry roads along Mandai. =)
Just before reaching Mandai Shell, Eugene gave me a challenge.
"Try to overtake the two riders ahead"
Zoom and off I went. =p
Chasing the two riders was hard but fun...
It was a time of discovery as well...
I realised how hard I can push myself and how I am feeling during that short burst of speed.
Taking a breather at Mandai Shell, we proceed back towards LH.
Adri and I quicken our pace, hoping to catch the 6:40am train.
The attempt was futile.
We reached LH at 6:48am and the train has already left.
Met Lin and had a chat with her group before realising that the 7.00am Changi Ride has rode off!
Poor Adri was waiting for me, not knowing what to do.
We started chasing the 7am ride.
We almost caught up with the group twice.
Once at the Thomson-Yio Chu Kang traffic junction and a second time along the Lentor Ave traffic junction.
Unfortunately, we got stopped by traffic lights both times. =(
Brought Adri through the usual Sengkang route, skipping Punggol entirely.
Took the shortest route across KPE into Tampines.
Strangely, the group is still nowhere in sight.
Commented to Adri that either we are way in front of the group or way behind. =D
Given that we had taken so many shortcuts, it does not seems possible for us to lack behind the group.
Stopping at Shell Loyang, we had to admit that we may be too slow for the 7:00am Changi Ride.
The Eastern Ride is just starting to roll off.
Bid farewell to Adri and I cycle home.
Got caught in light showers again along Sengkang.
Looking up, it was a cloudless sky!
Geez, where is the rain coming from?
Rode thru Jalan Kayu, tempted to stop by the Prata shop, especially when u sit other riders sitting there cooling off. =p
Starting with 3 bottles of plain water, I was surprised that I could survived the 90km ride without electrolytes.
The joy was short-lived as I learnt another tough lesson.
Unclipping my left cleat, my whole calf seized up.
I was left standing at the void deck gripping the handlebars, cringing in pain.
It was a minute or two later before I feel good enough to walk again.
I wonder what can I do if I ever encounter this during a triathlon transition.
Hmm...best to take electrolytes to prevent this from happening. =)
Great Ride, great company.
Thanks, Adri and Eugene. =)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Cycling 22nd July 2009
Woke up at 3:45am.
Met Weijie at 4:15am and we cycled down to Longhouse together.
Along the way, I shared with him some tips about how to conquer his first triathlon.
The chap has signed up for OSIM Triathlon, Olympic Distance! Way to go, Weijie.
Reached Longhouse at an average speed of 29kmh. =)
We rolled off at 5:05am.
The pace was fast, in excess of 35kmh!!!
Manage to follow the group up Prata Hill and Sembawang Hill! Woot!!!
Turning left, I manage to hang on with the group for about 2km before my speed dropped to to 28kmh and I lose them forever.
I was hoping to stay with the group, but my heart rate is pretty high.
Although I tried to spin faster, the legs just refused to co-operate.
It is as if the legs has a fail-safe mode which prevents the engine from overheating...
I am glad that I am able to keep them within my sight till 1 km before the Zoo though. =)
Reaching Mandai Shell, I was excited to know that there is still a group of riders behind me.
There are probably 20+ riders ahead of me, so I am kinda smack right in the middle of the pack. =)
Turning left at Mandai Shell, it is a steady ride all the way to Clementi Flyover where the group splits.
Turning into Bukit Timah, I decided to remain at the rear, so that I can try out my aero position.
This will be my first time doing aero on the public main roads.
I seem to be gaining speed with lesser effort.
I am catching up with the group ahead without over-straining myself. Nice!!!
After one of the traffic lights, I decided to go in front and pace the group in aero position. =)
The aero position is comfortable, I am not feeling as tensed as I usually does in aero...
I am cruising at a very comfortable pace, not too sure if it is at maximum effort though...
At the end of the stretch, I was surprised to find the whole group missing.
A check with my log later in the day.... I was doing 43kmh!!!
Turning left into Lornie Road, I was able to climb up Lornie Flyover and maintain the pace till Adam Drive where I start to falter.
Try taking deep breaths, but the fail-safe scenario seems to kick in once again.
Reached Longhouse to find the average pace clocked at 30.8kmh.
Hehe... this is probably the fastest 5am LH ride I have ever done.
Weijie clock 28.8kmh... an amazing feat for a rider with 2 months experience who cycle only on Wednesdays!!!
Took a breather before we continue on our way home.
The wind seems to be picking up speed.
It seems like it is going to rain, creating the urgency for us to cycle home fast.
Cycling past Island Club Road, the wind was so strong that both Weijie and I got swept sideways.
Imagine a 100kg man on a bike being swept sideways!!!
During that period, we were taking about deep rim wheels and disc wheels, so we were wondering how a rider with disc wheels will fare in this cross wind. =D
His rear wheel will probably get up-lifted!!!
Cycling past Prata Hill, we got caught in a sudden downpour!
Brr....it is cold!
We tried our best to cycle in the rain.
Shared some tips with Weijie on how to cycle safely in the rain.
Just before the SLE Flyover, the visibility was so bad that I asked Weijie to stop at the bus stop ahead.
Applied both the front and rear brakes, but I am still rolling forward!!!
Had to unclip and sacrifice the cleats to jam on the brakes.
After 10 minutes, the rain seems to have soften and we continue on our ride home.
Had a quick hot shower, wash my clothes, clean the bike and I am off to work! =D
Met Weijie at 4:15am and we cycled down to Longhouse together.
Along the way, I shared with him some tips about how to conquer his first triathlon.
The chap has signed up for OSIM Triathlon, Olympic Distance! Way to go, Weijie.
Reached Longhouse at an average speed of 29kmh. =)
We rolled off at 5:05am.
The pace was fast, in excess of 35kmh!!!
Manage to follow the group up Prata Hill and Sembawang Hill! Woot!!!
Turning left, I manage to hang on with the group for about 2km before my speed dropped to to 28kmh and I lose them forever.
I was hoping to stay with the group, but my heart rate is pretty high.
Although I tried to spin faster, the legs just refused to co-operate.
It is as if the legs has a fail-safe mode which prevents the engine from overheating...
I am glad that I am able to keep them within my sight till 1 km before the Zoo though. =)
Reaching Mandai Shell, I was excited to know that there is still a group of riders behind me.
There are probably 20+ riders ahead of me, so I am kinda smack right in the middle of the pack. =)
Turning left at Mandai Shell, it is a steady ride all the way to Clementi Flyover where the group splits.
Turning into Bukit Timah, I decided to remain at the rear, so that I can try out my aero position.
This will be my first time doing aero on the public main roads.
I seem to be gaining speed with lesser effort.
I am catching up with the group ahead without over-straining myself. Nice!!!
After one of the traffic lights, I decided to go in front and pace the group in aero position. =)
The aero position is comfortable, I am not feeling as tensed as I usually does in aero...
I am cruising at a very comfortable pace, not too sure if it is at maximum effort though...
At the end of the stretch, I was surprised to find the whole group missing.
A check with my log later in the day.... I was doing 43kmh!!!
Turning left into Lornie Road, I was able to climb up Lornie Flyover and maintain the pace till Adam Drive where I start to falter.
Try taking deep breaths, but the fail-safe scenario seems to kick in once again.
Reached Longhouse to find the average pace clocked at 30.8kmh.
Hehe... this is probably the fastest 5am LH ride I have ever done.
Weijie clock 28.8kmh... an amazing feat for a rider with 2 months experience who cycle only on Wednesdays!!!
Took a breather before we continue on our way home.
The wind seems to be picking up speed.
It seems like it is going to rain, creating the urgency for us to cycle home fast.
Cycling past Island Club Road, the wind was so strong that both Weijie and I got swept sideways.
Imagine a 100kg man on a bike being swept sideways!!!
During that period, we were taking about deep rim wheels and disc wheels, so we were wondering how a rider with disc wheels will fare in this cross wind. =D
His rear wheel will probably get up-lifted!!!
Cycling past Prata Hill, we got caught in a sudden downpour!
Brr....it is cold!
We tried our best to cycle in the rain.
Shared some tips with Weijie on how to cycle safely in the rain.
Just before the SLE Flyover, the visibility was so bad that I asked Weijie to stop at the bus stop ahead.
Applied both the front and rear brakes, but I am still rolling forward!!!
Had to unclip and sacrifice the cleats to jam on the brakes.
After 10 minutes, the rain seems to have soften and we continue on our ride home.
Had a quick hot shower, wash my clothes, clean the bike and I am off to work! =D
Monday, July 20, 2009
Cycling 18th July 2009
Invited my guest for a 5.30am LH ride.
Waking up at 3:50am, I decided to give myself another 10 minutes of nap time.
Woke up at 4:50am with a start!
Geez... I could never made it to LH in time...
The bike is not even set up for the ride yet.
Out of the house at 5.25am, only to receive a SMS from my guest that she has arrived at LH.
Oh no...
Sheepishly, I replied that I am just leaving the house and ask her to tag along with the main group.
I will catch up with her along the way.
Did a quick spin along Sembawang Road, spot the peloton coming and quickly did a U-turn.
Parked myself at the bus stop and tried to spot my guest.
The group is too big and too fast for me to see if she is in the pack. =/
Decided to wait for a while longer to see if she is riding rear.
After 10 minutes of wait, I decided to carry on, SMS-ing her my location.
Reached Mandai Shell, Chan Kilo and -licht were there waiting for the Kranji group.
The LH group has left long ago.
Waited for a short while before I start my chase again...
Up till now, the average pace is in excess of 30kmh...
Hitting the Clementi slope, a rider ride up alongside me and ask me for directions to Bukit Timah.
Checked with him if he is going to Longhouse.
When he realised that I am going to Longhouse, he decided to follow me. =D
Brigthon is his name, if I heard him correctly. Sorry, mate... =p
As I was chasing my guest, I rode at a pretty fast pace.
Was relieved that he is riding comfortably alongside me all the way. =D
Conquering Lornie Flyover seems to be chicken feet this morning.
Probably cause I have an agenda...
But I started to slow after I went over the slope.
The heart rate went into overdrive and I just could not get my legs to spin any faster.
Brighton and another rider overtook me and rode ahead fast.
Reached Thomson Flyover to find Brighton waiting for me.
He was sure which direction to proceed.
Took him through the flyover and we rode to Longhouse together.
My guest was nowhere in sight.
The coffeeshop started to fill up.
Spotted Eugene who is doing a long ride with his friends this morning.
Decided to proceed home around 7:20am.
Cycling along Thomson Road, the feeling was very down....
Saturday 5.30am Ride held no meaning at all.
I am ready to hang up the bike...
I am sure that the mood is not due to the fact that I let my guest down.
But I guess it makes up for part of the mood. =( Sorry, gal...
I just cannot pinpoint what is bothering me these past few weeks...
One cannot get burned out and sprint at 40kmh along flats!!!
Not knowing where to ride... I decided to turn into OUTR.
The cool breeze swept some of the weariness away.
Decided to tried out the aero position again.
Picking up speed along the straight is getting easier.
I had to ride up straight during the bends though...
No biggie, one baby step at a time.
Did another loop of OUTR, before buying brekkie home for my family.
Waking up at 3:50am, I decided to give myself another 10 minutes of nap time.
Woke up at 4:50am with a start!
Geez... I could never made it to LH in time...
The bike is not even set up for the ride yet.
Out of the house at 5.25am, only to receive a SMS from my guest that she has arrived at LH.
Oh no...
Sheepishly, I replied that I am just leaving the house and ask her to tag along with the main group.
I will catch up with her along the way.
Did a quick spin along Sembawang Road, spot the peloton coming and quickly did a U-turn.
Parked myself at the bus stop and tried to spot my guest.
The group is too big and too fast for me to see if she is in the pack. =/
Decided to wait for a while longer to see if she is riding rear.
After 10 minutes of wait, I decided to carry on, SMS-ing her my location.
Reached Mandai Shell, Chan Kilo and -licht were there waiting for the Kranji group.
The LH group has left long ago.
Waited for a short while before I start my chase again...
Up till now, the average pace is in excess of 30kmh...
Hitting the Clementi slope, a rider ride up alongside me and ask me for directions to Bukit Timah.
Checked with him if he is going to Longhouse.
When he realised that I am going to Longhouse, he decided to follow me. =D
Brigthon is his name, if I heard him correctly. Sorry, mate... =p
As I was chasing my guest, I rode at a pretty fast pace.
Was relieved that he is riding comfortably alongside me all the way. =D
Conquering Lornie Flyover seems to be chicken feet this morning.
Probably cause I have an agenda...
But I started to slow after I went over the slope.
The heart rate went into overdrive and I just could not get my legs to spin any faster.
Brighton and another rider overtook me and rode ahead fast.
Reached Thomson Flyover to find Brighton waiting for me.
He was sure which direction to proceed.
Took him through the flyover and we rode to Longhouse together.
My guest was nowhere in sight.
The coffeeshop started to fill up.
Spotted Eugene who is doing a long ride with his friends this morning.
Decided to proceed home around 7:20am.
Cycling along Thomson Road, the feeling was very down....
Saturday 5.30am Ride held no meaning at all.
I am ready to hang up the bike...
I am sure that the mood is not due to the fact that I let my guest down.
But I guess it makes up for part of the mood. =( Sorry, gal...
I just cannot pinpoint what is bothering me these past few weeks...
One cannot get burned out and sprint at 40kmh along flats!!!
Not knowing where to ride... I decided to turn into OUTR.
The cool breeze swept some of the weariness away.
Decided to tried out the aero position again.
Picking up speed along the straight is getting easier.
I had to ride up straight during the bends though...
No biggie, one baby step at a time.
Did another loop of OUTR, before buying brekkie home for my family.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Cycling 17th July 2009
Woke up at 3:50am.
Depressed the buzzer and went back to sleep.
Woke up at 4:20am...
Gotta get out of bed and went for the ride.
Out of the house at 5:10am, it is a high tempo ride all the way to Mandai Shell.
Reached Mandai Shell at 5:30am... Was surprised that the train has not arrived yet.
When the group finally arrived, I was surprised at how small the group is...
Probably in the 20s?
Hmmm....where is everyone?
Most of the regulars are missing.
Took the sweeper role together with the rookie attendance taker for the day.
Talked about her experience during Thursday's SCSM Launch Party...
Free registration, meet-up with Teo Ser Luck and Jade Seah, free goodie bag without queueing up were the highlight of the day. =D
Resting her legs for Shape Run, we did an easy ride (losing the group in the process =D ) to Clementi where we split.
Thanks for the chat and ride. =)
Not knowing how far I was from the front group and having fresh legs, I literally flew through Bukit Timah averaging 38-40kmh...
Haha... I seriously din know that is possible on the flats!
Keke, ENG... could it be the saddle? =D
I have rode through this stretch of road countless times and have never achieved such speed.
Caught up with the front riders, overtook them and left them behind.
I must have caught everyone by surprise! =D
Hitting Newton Road, I started doing my one legged pedalling training.
Almost got a cramp on my calf. =p
Met Electronic Kang and Record Holder Looi along the way and chat and ride with them before we split at Marymount Road.
Did a home straight and reached home with tons of time to spare. =D
Thanks for the ride, everyone!!! =D
Depressed the buzzer and went back to sleep.
Woke up at 4:20am...
Gotta get out of bed and went for the ride.
Out of the house at 5:10am, it is a high tempo ride all the way to Mandai Shell.
Reached Mandai Shell at 5:30am... Was surprised that the train has not arrived yet.
When the group finally arrived, I was surprised at how small the group is...
Probably in the 20s?
Hmmm....where is everyone?
Most of the regulars are missing.
Took the sweeper role together with the rookie attendance taker for the day.
Talked about her experience during Thursday's SCSM Launch Party...
Free registration, meet-up with Teo Ser Luck and Jade Seah, free goodie bag without queueing up were the highlight of the day. =D
Resting her legs for Shape Run, we did an easy ride (losing the group in the process =D ) to Clementi where we split.
Thanks for the chat and ride. =)
Not knowing how far I was from the front group and having fresh legs, I literally flew through Bukit Timah averaging 38-40kmh...
Haha... I seriously din know that is possible on the flats!
Keke, ENG... could it be the saddle? =D
I have rode through this stretch of road countless times and have never achieved such speed.
Caught up with the front riders, overtook them and left them behind.
I must have caught everyone by surprise! =D
Hitting Newton Road, I started doing my one legged pedalling training.
Almost got a cramp on my calf. =p
Met Electronic Kang and Record Holder Looi along the way and chat and ride with them before we split at Marymount Road.
Did a home straight and reached home with tons of time to spare. =D
Thanks for the ride, everyone!!! =D
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cycling @ Hong Kah
Woke up early.
Intention was to do a Kranji Loop before taking part the Endurance Challenge at Cycling @ Hong Kah.
But as per recent expectation, this was not meant to be....
I cycled straight to the race site via Woodlands Road.
Went to register and got my goodie bag and timing chip.
After dropping off the goodie bag with Sandy, Conrad and I proceed to the race site together.
The race starts exactly at 9am.
Instead of a 90 minutes Endurance Race, it has been shortened to 60 minutes.
A group of 5 sprinted out of the starting blocks.
All is well till we encountered the slope at the end of the straight!!!
Coming out of the U-turn I was 2nd.
Sprinting past the point rider, I managed to held on to the lead till the end of the first lap.
Hehe.... the organiser's decided to deploy a safety vehicle to lead the group through the first 2 laps.
Deja vu.....
Riding behind the safety vehicle, this is my second time leading the pack at a start of a ride. =D
Right after the first lap, it becomes a crazy ride.
Leads keep changing between 3 riders.
Hitting the slopes for the 2nd time, I have all but surrendered any chance of finishing first...
The first 2 guys are too good during the climbs...
Looking behind me, I am thinking that if I can stay at this pace for the next few laps, I should be able to finish third....
Alas this was not meant to be.
Nearing the end of the 3rd lap, a rider rode past me and commented "Let's draft... else there is no chance of us catching up with the leaders..."
I took his draft before we swap places...
It wasn't good enough... we both falter during the climb...
I hung on to third place till the 7th lap...
A group of 5 riders flew past me up the slopes!!!
This is enough to knock all the air out of me...=(
After the U-turn, I stopped to chat with Sandy and Conrad, who are making their way home.
After about 5 minutes rest (while the guys lapped me), I continued on my way.
Went down on aero-bars hoping to get a shot from the photographers. =D
Haha... kinda desperate to see how I look in aero position. =D
After completing another 2 laps, the organisers signalled the end of the challenge.
Came in 12th. =D
Went around chatting with the other participants.
Get to know Roy... who is probably reading this entry right now!!! =D
Roy finished first for the Endurance Challenge! Well done, mate!
When the Circuit Cycling for the Youth "A" started, Roy and I went to marshall the traffic.
The organisers were non-existent and they din even bother to take over when they heard us shouting for the riders who are taking part in the later races to get off the race route!!!
After about 30 minutes, Roy went to get the organisers to marshall the traffic and both of us went to enjoy the race.
Adjourned for lunch.
Rode with Raphael towards Bukit Panjang. We parted ways along Choa Chu Kang where I rode to the usual Kranji Ride coffeeshop for the "手工面".
Took a ride back to the race site again.
Met Cassandra, who went down to kaypoh.
Watched the Ladies Open before riding home.
Results
========
Ranked : 12/41
Bib : 123
Time : 01:02:52.461
Laps Completed : 9
Intention was to do a Kranji Loop before taking part the Endurance Challenge at Cycling @ Hong Kah.
But as per recent expectation, this was not meant to be....
I cycled straight to the race site via Woodlands Road.
Went to register and got my goodie bag and timing chip.
After dropping off the goodie bag with Sandy, Conrad and I proceed to the race site together.
The race starts exactly at 9am.
Instead of a 90 minutes Endurance Race, it has been shortened to 60 minutes.
A group of 5 sprinted out of the starting blocks.
All is well till we encountered the slope at the end of the straight!!!
Coming out of the U-turn I was 2nd.
Sprinting past the point rider, I managed to held on to the lead till the end of the first lap.
Hehe.... the organiser's decided to deploy a safety vehicle to lead the group through the first 2 laps.
Deja vu.....
Riding behind the safety vehicle, this is my second time leading the pack at a start of a ride. =D
Right after the first lap, it becomes a crazy ride.
Leads keep changing between 3 riders.
Hitting the slopes for the 2nd time, I have all but surrendered any chance of finishing first...
The first 2 guys are too good during the climbs...
Looking behind me, I am thinking that if I can stay at this pace for the next few laps, I should be able to finish third....
Alas this was not meant to be.
Nearing the end of the 3rd lap, a rider rode past me and commented "Let's draft... else there is no chance of us catching up with the leaders..."
I took his draft before we swap places...
It wasn't good enough... we both falter during the climb...
I hung on to third place till the 7th lap...
A group of 5 riders flew past me up the slopes!!!
This is enough to knock all the air out of me...=(
After the U-turn, I stopped to chat with Sandy and Conrad, who are making their way home.
After about 5 minutes rest (while the guys lapped me), I continued on my way.
Went down on aero-bars hoping to get a shot from the photographers. =D
Haha... kinda desperate to see how I look in aero position. =D
After completing another 2 laps, the organisers signalled the end of the challenge.
Came in 12th. =D
Went around chatting with the other participants.
Get to know Roy... who is probably reading this entry right now!!! =D
Roy finished first for the Endurance Challenge! Well done, mate!
When the Circuit Cycling for the Youth "A" started, Roy and I went to marshall the traffic.
The organisers were non-existent and they din even bother to take over when they heard us shouting for the riders who are taking part in the later races to get off the race route!!!
After about 30 minutes, Roy went to get the organisers to marshall the traffic and both of us went to enjoy the race.
Adjourned for lunch.
Rode with Raphael towards Bukit Panjang. We parted ways along Choa Chu Kang where I rode to the usual Kranji Ride coffeeshop for the "手工面".
Took a ride back to the race site again.
Met Cassandra, who went down to kaypoh.
Watched the Ladies Open before riding home.
Results
========
Ranked : 12/41
Bib : 123
Time : 01:02:52.461
Laps Completed : 9
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Cycling 8th July 2009
Woke up but too lazy to go for a ride...
In fact, something is horribly wrong with me.
I am not as motivated to ride as I did before.
Have to come out with reasons for rides every now and then.
Most of the time, if buddies are not riding, I will slack. =p
But I really have to burnsome lots of calories after the durian-loading feast on Tuesday.
So I haul the lazy ass out of the house and proceed down to Mandai Shell.
It could be the durian or it could be just mental, but I do feel that I can go faster today. =D
Reached Mandai Shell in good time.
The group was puzzled why it took quite a while before the group rode in.
Ahh... the train came streaming in as a single pack...
Interesting! This has not happened for a long time.
We usually see pack of riders coming in, hardly as an entire group.
Rode out with Vivi as sweepers.
But felt the need for speed, I slowly inched my way forward at the Bukit Panjang traffic junction.
Rode with the group all the way until Hume Ave, where I sprinted away.
Hehe... got pinpointed as one of the five riders who broke away from the pack.
Came to know later, the train rode together till West Coast Flyover!!!
Along Bukit Timah, the entire group rode in TTT mode.
Already drafting at 36kmh, I managed to broke away from the pack!
40kmh on a flat stretch... this is something very new for me...
Durian power!!! =D
Again... I took the flattest route home...
Keke... I guess I won't be seeing Lornie Flyover for quite some time. =p
Old liao...
In fact, something is horribly wrong with me.
I am not as motivated to ride as I did before.
Have to come out with reasons for rides every now and then.
Most of the time, if buddies are not riding, I will slack. =p
But I really have to burn
So I haul the lazy ass out of the house and proceed down to Mandai Shell.
It could be the durian or it could be just mental, but I do feel that I can go faster today. =D
Reached Mandai Shell in good time.
The group was puzzled why it took quite a while before the group rode in.
Ahh... the train came streaming in as a single pack...
Interesting! This has not happened for a long time.
We usually see pack of riders coming in, hardly as an entire group.
Rode out with Vivi as sweepers.
But felt the need for speed, I slowly inched my way forward at the Bukit Panjang traffic junction.
Rode with the group all the way until Hume Ave, where I sprinted away.
Hehe... got pinpointed as one of the five riders who broke away from the pack.
Came to know later, the train rode together till West Coast Flyover!!!
Along Bukit Timah, the entire group rode in TTT mode.
Already drafting at 36kmh, I managed to broke away from the pack!
40kmh on a flat stretch... this is something very new for me...
Durian power!!! =D
Again... I took the flattest route home...
Keke... I guess I won't be seeing Lornie Flyover for quite some time. =p
Old liao...
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Cycling 4th July 2009
Woke up at 2:16am.
Cham... do I ever sleep????
Luckily I manage to grab another hour's sleep before waking up at 4am.
Had wanted to do the short loop before detouring to Big Splash.
Alas, Stella woke up.
Manage to put Stella back to sleep and proceed directly to Big Splash instead.
Kinda strange to see riders streaming towards Longhouse while I am proceeding to the Big Splash on the opposite side of the road. =D
Reached Big Splash at 6:35am.
Alvin is conducting his briefing, ANZA style. =D
A rolled in just as the last of the 6:40am group were rolling off.
We waited till 7:05am before the 7am group begin our ride.
A and I were able to chat for a while.
About 2km into the ride, we realised that the group is spinning faster and faster.
We started concentrating on keeping pace with the group.
A gallant effort from A.
She is the only lady rider in the group of 7.
I wasn't worried about her, as I knew that she could do a average pace of 33km/h during races.
Hmm... she is not drafting any of the riders.
In fact, she always try to keep a distance from the last rider of the group.
I dun blame her. She must have her reason for doing that.
Hitting Changi Coastal Road, the pace picked up even faster.
A went down on her drop bars.
Hmm... she is not going aero at all.
Given her pace, that did took me by surprise.
Rynn and Winnie took to the aerobars like fish to water once they installed their aerobars.
Our average pace hits 35km/h, but we still lose the front pack.
But we are catching up with 6:40am riders.
Wow, is that possible?
I will never be able to make up a 20-minute gap for the LH group.
It din take long before we reach Shell Loyang for a well deserved break.
The journey back is through Selarang.
Not a good idea leh. It is a single lane road with plenty of impatient drivers.
Back on Changi Coastal Road, A is pretty conservative, prefering to stay behind the other riders.
With a little nudge from me, both of us started going into cruise mode.
Along East Coast Park, I spot Yankee and Tao doing their runs.
The Too family must be doing their LSD here.
Saw Burnz next and shouted out to him.
That's probably LT beside him, but scanner is not fast enough to register and decode. =p
We soon reach East Coast Hawker Center.
After a hearty talk with plenty of laughs, we soon split for home.
Thanks for the nice ride, A! =)
Spotted Atomic and family, I sat down with them and had a bowl of laksa.
(Keke, too timid to take Endurox, but brave enough to take laksa. I must be crazy.)
Rode home riding towards Fort Road. Thought I kaypoh a bit and see any riders are at Big Splash.
Derrick, Alvin and Remy are having brunch there.
Sat down and chat while checking out Remy's bling bling bike.
Haha, Alvin prefer to call it Remy's show bike. =)
After an hour, we broke for home.
Followed Derrick through Gulliemard - Aljunied.
While he turned towards Macpherson, I proceed along Upper Serangoon Road - Yio Chu Kang - Sengkang - Jalan Kayu home.
Cham... do I ever sleep????
Luckily I manage to grab another hour's sleep before waking up at 4am.
Had wanted to do the short loop before detouring to Big Splash.
Alas, Stella woke up.
Manage to put Stella back to sleep and proceed directly to Big Splash instead.
Kinda strange to see riders streaming towards Longhouse while I am proceeding to the Big Splash on the opposite side of the road. =D
Reached Big Splash at 6:35am.
Alvin is conducting his briefing, ANZA style. =D
A rolled in just as the last of the 6:40am group were rolling off.
We waited till 7:05am before the 7am group begin our ride.
A and I were able to chat for a while.
About 2km into the ride, we realised that the group is spinning faster and faster.
We started concentrating on keeping pace with the group.
A gallant effort from A.
She is the only lady rider in the group of 7.
I wasn't worried about her, as I knew that she could do a average pace of 33km/h during races.
Hmm... she is not drafting any of the riders.
In fact, she always try to keep a distance from the last rider of the group.
I dun blame her. She must have her reason for doing that.
Hitting Changi Coastal Road, the pace picked up even faster.
A went down on her drop bars.
Hmm... she is not going aero at all.
Given her pace, that did took me by surprise.
Rynn and Winnie took to the aerobars like fish to water once they installed their aerobars.
Our average pace hits 35km/h, but we still lose the front pack.
But we are catching up with 6:40am riders.
Wow, is that possible?
I will never be able to make up a 20-minute gap for the LH group.
It din take long before we reach Shell Loyang for a well deserved break.
The journey back is through Selarang.
Not a good idea leh. It is a single lane road with plenty of impatient drivers.
Back on Changi Coastal Road, A is pretty conservative, prefering to stay behind the other riders.
With a little nudge from me, both of us started going into cruise mode.
Along East Coast Park, I spot Yankee and Tao doing their runs.
The Too family must be doing their LSD here.
Saw Burnz next and shouted out to him.
That's probably LT beside him, but scanner is not fast enough to register and decode. =p
We soon reach East Coast Hawker Center.
After a hearty talk with plenty of laughs, we soon split for home.
Thanks for the nice ride, A! =)
Spotted Atomic and family, I sat down with them and had a bowl of laksa.
(Keke, too timid to take Endurox, but brave enough to take laksa. I must be crazy.)
Rode home riding towards Fort Road. Thought I kaypoh a bit and see any riders are at Big Splash.
Derrick, Alvin and Remy are having brunch there.
Sat down and chat while checking out Remy's bling bling bike.
Haha, Alvin prefer to call it Remy's show bike. =)
After an hour, we broke for home.
Followed Derrick through Gulliemard - Aljunied.
While he turned towards Macpherson, I proceed along Upper Serangoon Road - Yio Chu Kang - Sengkang - Jalan Kayu home.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Cycling 1st July 2009
Woke up at 3am.
I am getting good at this "Beat the Clock" game. Argh...
Met Weijie at 4.30am and we ride down to Longhouse together.
After taking attendance, Calvin called for the roll-off.
Pace was good and I manage to suck Judith's wheel up Prata Hill.
It wasn't till Evelyn started talking to me that I realised that I was in trouble.
Her voice sounds muffled.
For a while, I wasn't even sure where her voice came from.
I realised that I was breaking into cold sweat and I am having tunnel vision.
The stomach felt queasy.
I probably have not fully recovered from Sunday's gastric flu.
The Endurox drink that I took at Longhouse probably made matters worse.
I am still well enough to ride, but I am not too sure if I can continue in this condition for the next one hour.
My pace is still good, I am riding with the front pack.
Decided to take Old Mandai Road to Mandai Shell and probably make a U-turn home from there.
Took a cough drop and drank more water, hoping that it will help lessen the un-easiness.
Decided to call it a day when the remedies did not seems to work.
Reached home safely and SMS the group that I have DNF this ride.
Ride safe... There are many more rides ahead.
I am getting good at this "Beat the Clock" game. Argh...
Met Weijie at 4.30am and we ride down to Longhouse together.
After taking attendance, Calvin called for the roll-off.
Pace was good and I manage to suck Judith's wheel up Prata Hill.
It wasn't till Evelyn started talking to me that I realised that I was in trouble.
Her voice sounds muffled.
For a while, I wasn't even sure where her voice came from.
I realised that I was breaking into cold sweat and I am having tunnel vision.
The stomach felt queasy.
I probably have not fully recovered from Sunday's gastric flu.
The Endurox drink that I took at Longhouse probably made matters worse.
I am still well enough to ride, but I am not too sure if I can continue in this condition for the next one hour.
My pace is still good, I am riding with the front pack.
Decided to take Old Mandai Road to Mandai Shell and probably make a U-turn home from there.
Took a cough drop and drank more water, hoping that it will help lessen the un-easiness.
Decided to call it a day when the remedies did not seems to work.
Reached home safely and SMS the group that I have DNF this ride.
Ride safe... There are many more rides ahead.
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