Over coffee the night before Century Ride Malaysia 2012 (formerly Ipoh Century Ride), a member of the organizing team told us that would be the toughest edition yet. CK described the 2012 route this way: take the hardest segments from previous years and string them together. Not exactly the encouragement we were looking for, especially with 6 century first timers in our group.
To be forewarned is to be prepared.
The 1,800 participants (record numbers) flagged off at 7 am for a 8-km rolling start through Ipoh. Though we didn't witness it, there was a pile-up involving a lorry shortly after. There were a couple of challenging climbs, but the morning was cool and our legs were fresh.
SC stayed back to pull us and we maintained a good speed, averaging slightly over 30 kph. The camel back (also known as Ipoh dragon back) wasn't as bad as it sounded. We were able to keep together for most of the 65km to the first water point.
That was the easy third, I told SY. We waited for as many FOTRers as we could gather and were mentally prepared for the next third. Had to pop a panadol tablet to keep the sinus congestion in check.
The next 60+ km were a series of rolling hills. It was easier to cycle alone, as our downhill speed and uphill climbing styles were different. But we would regroup for the flats. Passed through a few villages and the young children came out to cheer us on, hi-fives and waves. Never failed to warm my heart.
Law, J and GC pulled ahead, and eventually JN (aka Bushido) on his second wind (apparently he went on to overtake many others!). KO had to replace his tube and we stopped to assist. In the process, we picked up a couple more.
The cyclists were thinning out, and the sun broke cover. Together we kept together regrouping at each water point. The upshot was that we would be featured in KO's video!
Did I mention how good the support was? Abundant water and 100 plus, bananas and even bread rolls. The iced sponges were great and timely relief. Thank God the weather was kind to us, unlike Kuantan.
The final 15km was via the old trunk road, with relatively heavy traffic. Nevertheless, we were waved through by marshals at every traffic light. The sight of the bridge was a welcome sight although it presented a last hurdle for some.
Music was playing in the carnival-like atmosphere at the finish area. Cold drinks, water melon and a beautiful finisher medal. Nice.
Congratulations to our first time century riders - WL, SY, JS, KO, DM (aka sexy legs), SChoy!! You survived and prevailed. Many would come back for more. Special mention for JSh and Jodan who persevered and triumphed. Great race for SG, JN, J and GL (aka RSM) and many others.
Big thank you to our logistics officers JC (S4) and J (S1), WL and CL for arranging the dinners, PG for being ever dependable and steady, EN for our registration, and PH for maxi fuel gels!
The one word to describe the experience is the Greek noun argon, which is "a place of conflict" as in the stadium where athletic contests take place. Argon is the word for the good fight of combat on the athletic field where the most fearsome opponents are often ourselves.
For me, it was good to complete and in small ways help our first timers, as did SC and EN. Kairos over chronos, a trade off I'd gladly make.
To be forewarned is to be prepared.
The 1,800 participants (record numbers) flagged off at 7 am for a 8-km rolling start through Ipoh. Though we didn't witness it, there was a pile-up involving a lorry shortly after. There were a couple of challenging climbs, but the morning was cool and our legs were fresh.
SC stayed back to pull us and we maintained a good speed, averaging slightly over 30 kph. The camel back (also known as Ipoh dragon back) wasn't as bad as it sounded. We were able to keep together for most of the 65km to the first water point.
That was the easy third, I told SY. We waited for as many FOTRers as we could gather and were mentally prepared for the next third. Had to pop a panadol tablet to keep the sinus congestion in check.
The next 60+ km were a series of rolling hills. It was easier to cycle alone, as our downhill speed and uphill climbing styles were different. But we would regroup for the flats. Passed through a few villages and the young children came out to cheer us on, hi-fives and waves. Never failed to warm my heart.
Law, J and GC pulled ahead, and eventually JN (aka Bushido) on his second wind (apparently he went on to overtake many others!). KO had to replace his tube and we stopped to assist. In the process, we picked up a couple more.
The cyclists were thinning out, and the sun broke cover. Together we kept together regrouping at each water point. The upshot was that we would be featured in KO's video!
Did I mention how good the support was? Abundant water and 100 plus, bananas and even bread rolls. The iced sponges were great and timely relief. Thank God the weather was kind to us, unlike Kuantan.
The final 15km was via the old trunk road, with relatively heavy traffic. Nevertheless, we were waved through by marshals at every traffic light. The sight of the bridge was a welcome sight although it presented a last hurdle for some.
Music was playing in the carnival-like atmosphere at the finish area. Cold drinks, water melon and a beautiful finisher medal. Nice.
Congratulations to our first time century riders - WL, SY, JS, KO, DM (aka sexy legs), SChoy!! You survived and prevailed. Many would come back for more. Special mention for JSh and Jodan who persevered and triumphed. Great race for SG, JN, J and GL (aka RSM) and many others.
Big thank you to our logistics officers JC (S4) and J (S1), WL and CL for arranging the dinners, PG for being ever dependable and steady, EN for our registration, and PH for maxi fuel gels!
The one word to describe the experience is the Greek noun argon, which is "a place of conflict" as in the stadium where athletic contests take place. Argon is the word for the good fight of combat on the athletic field where the most fearsome opponents are often ourselves.
For me, it was good to complete and in small ways help our first timers, as did SC and EN. Kairos over chronos, a trade off I'd gladly make.
