Obsessive compulsion

What is it about clocking saddle time that is so addictive, and even obsessive compulsive?

We (FOTR) were bringing our mileage up to prep for the Sept Bike n Blade 160 km (x2) ride to Mersing. Somehow, we didn't quite hit our mileage the past few weeks. And I was determined to do the two 100km back-to-back rides this past weekend, not least because I lost some training time due to a minor setback.

Sat's ride was with three other riders prepaing for London-Paris. Hardcore veterans. We also had JC joining us, and Kaki Bukit was a baptism of fire. The group waited for us at Tampines Ave 10 as they were not familiar with the route to Yishun camp. We went via Jln Kayu and Seletar (I believe there is a shortcut from Ponggol).

Was surprised to met FeetofFlury at Ponggol Point. He qualified for Boston! Great news. He's taking a rest from running due to PF, and is now into swimming. And photography. He was there with a bunch of photo enthusiasts. Good to see you again, Max.

With the big group (11 - 12 of us), it was hard to keep track. And thank
God I saw someone looking like SC going down a parallel road when on the way to the dam. Indeed, SC missed a turn and SY had to go back to fetch him. Sorry we had to keep Jodan waiting at the Yishun dam.

The fast group had left Mandai Shell by the time we arrived, and the sky wasn't looking too good. We decided to press on to LCK. Rain promptly came while we were at Neo Tiew, and we were looking for a bus stop to take shelter. Guess what. No bus stops along Neo Tiew (we always learn something new). By the time we were at LCK, the rain had stopped. After a short break, Jodan turned back (poor chap had to work OT on Sat) and we proceeded to West Coast. Felt a little tired by the time we reached West Coast SPC station, but the thought of mee pok at Sixth Avenue brought a new lease of life to our weary legs. Clocked 98.6 km.

Sunday's ride was an afternoon affair, in part due to the ladies Shape Run in the morning, and in part we wanted to train under the hot sun. JN, WL and I took turns pulling as we did two CCR loops. Met up with TC at NSRCC for his first road ride. Not bad for a first time, managing 25 km on the way to Changi Village, and like most people, slower on the return. We were just glad to spin on easy gears to get rid of the lactic acid.

JN had to go back, but I decided to complete the fourth and last lap to make up to 100km. Hard (relatively) out and easy back with a much needed drink at CV. It was almost 7 pm when I reached back home.

How'd it feel after two 100km btb rides? The closest comparison for me would be two long 20+ km btb runs. Bloated from the water, require food (carbo) but yet not quite hungry. Legs were ok from Sat, and a little sore after Sun. But the glutes were quite sore (as usual).