PCC Interstate 2012

"Horse, Bull or Tortoise?"

That was the question the Lizards asked on the coach ride up for Pedalholics Cycling Club Interstate 2012; 420km over three days through Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor (hence interstate)

Day 1: 120 km hills. A category one climb over 3 km, 1 cat two climb over 6 km and 2 cat five climbs.

Day 2: 130km undulating terrain with 4 short climbs.

Day 3: 166km, the longest ride on flat terrain with strong headwinds.

KPI for PCC: to survive!

Through EN's goodwill, I joined the Lizards/Entro group with apprehension, knowing how underprepared I was. As one participant said - to prepare for PCC one needs 400km a week, 200 km minimum training. Gulp :( The longest mileage I had was 230km two weeks ago.

The Lizards' tag line is "Keep Crawling." That made me felt right at home, coz I am definitely a tortoise.

The one thing I really appreciated was that the group took good care of all members, even tag-alongs such as I. They designated regroup points, either to eat (breaks and lunches!) or refuel. They designated sweepers for each day. On the last day, some strong riders stayed with the main group to babysit some of us (ok, to babysit me!).

Truth of the matter: the rest stops for breakfast and lunch helped tremendously. In fact, they made the most significant difference from other events and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the experience! Good company, good food, good cycling. What more could one ask for?

Day 1
Inspite of CH, I wasn't sure what to make of the cat one climb. Average gradient was supposedly 10.6%. Over 3 km, that meant slopes of 15% or more? With that in mind, I was conservative throughout the ride. The first climb - a cat five - was a warm up. The cat 2 6km climb was a bit of work, and I had to go all the way to 29 at one point. But mostly working on 27.

For all that hard work, we were rewarded with a good 5km stretch of straight downhill. Descended at max speed of 66 kph :) [Note: this is part of the Broga Loop, which comes up the other way. Imagine that climb!]

Surprisingly I was feeling quite ok. Then at the 83km mark, we were on gravelly roads - more like footpaths. Surrounded by trees, but snaking upwards. The fun had begun.

It was 5 to 6% for the first half and then 10s and 11s. Then it levelled out to 4 - 5. The big climb would be coming up just around the corner, I told myself.

That was not to be. The descent started, to a mixture of relief and disappointment. No dreaded 18%! :) The surprise was at 86km where a mud slide had gone onto the road. It was a right turn, and though we were forewarned, I didn't expect the three mounds created by the water. No way but to go straight through with much clattering of teeth and mashing of brain.

We learnt later that JK had a fall at this spot and lost consciousness and cracked his helmut. This remarkable man of steel went on to finish the other two days!

 Lizards group pix at lunch break:

As was typical, the organizers had some surprises for us. Another climb towards the end, and some winding roads and sharp humps (GT fell when going through one such hump. Had several road rashes to show for it, and yet he finished with the front pack the next day!).

Last stretch - felt bad about sitting at the back of the peloton, so went up to pull for a short while :)

Total elevation gain of almost 1,200m.

Day 2
We waited for the train 1.8km from the start point near Desa hotel, and it was good to be in the front pack even just for a short time. Shortly after, we hit a big climb. With so many riders, it was like a pro tour. Shoulder to shoulder, tyre to tyre. I was uncomfortable and constantly watched the riders around me, shifting to the small chain ring to keep pace. Was glad to move on ahead towards the end.

The rest kinda reminded me of Desaru. Similar rolling terrain, but shorter. The Lizards waited up to regroup. I was the last, and at the tail of the peloton I honestly didn't expect it when the group started speeding up. Averaged 40 kph over 6 to 7 km. That was sprint pace for me, and I knew that I couldn't keep up for long. Stayed back when a JR rider dropped off and we were along for a bit until the next regroup point. The rider (#351) gracioulsy thanked me for pulling, and that boosted my self worth (just a bit).

Lunch was beef noodles at a town 20 km away from Muar. The chendol next door was a killer.

Pix of fellow Lynskey fans (MK and SC):

Day 3
Familiar grounds, having been through this way from the TTSH charity ride last year. Was separated from the group at traffic lights and tagged along with EN, AK and NP. Joined up with the main train at Pontian Kechil. Shortly after, I dropped back with the steady Bandung team. Unfortunately they turned off too soon, and worked together with two other riders before they slowed. Tagged on to another group and RV with the Lizards at the turnoff. Alternatively pulling with two other riders until a bigger train came up.

Lunch at Pontian - one and a half servings of char siew and chicken rice. :)

Accompanied JT's alt for the home stretch. Traffic was heavy and there were a few small climbs. Really glad to see Pulai Springs resort.

Yes, folks. I survived PCC IS 2012 without a glimpse of the C-monster. Lots of good food, great company and learnt much from fellow cyclists. Needless to say, a big thank you for my ever supportive family who put up with my unsatiatable appetite for long rides.

It is good being a tortoise. The tortoise finishes.

Bike n Blade 2010: double century rides

After the months of training rides, we were looking forward to the Bike n Blade event - no, it's not a race as the AY reminded us - two 160km rides back to back to Mersing and Rompin.

We started off at Kota Tinggi - almost 100 of us. 6 of us from FOTR, not counting AY (BnB chairman) - IN, JN, SC, JT and GP. We started off riding together as a group, but the fast group went ahead and JN and I kept each other company until the 70km wanton noodle shop. It's familiar undulating terrain, nothing too difficult. But keep at it long enough, and it became a challenge. HR was way up at 150 to 160.

JN was kept busy - he fixed three flats - lady from Crazy to Tri ($100 fee!?), IN and SC. We stopped to help one rider who suffered from bad cramps on both legs. That's where the 'spray me, spray me' incident occurred. As I wasn't there to witness it, I'll leave it to IN and SC to tell the story some other time.

I couldn't sustain HR above 160 for long, so had to drop back when we were past Mersing. The group waited for me and we continued at a more sustainable pace below 30 kph. Even then, once we crossed into virgin territory at 140km, my left thigh cramped up. Took a few minutes to get rolling again.

The support vehicles and crew did a marvelous job, always around to render assistance, drinks, food and encouragement. We felt so pampered!

When we reached Rompin Beach Resort (it was 155km!) we were greeted with banners, photographers, drinks and congratulatory applause. What a nice end to an imperial century ride. 7.5 hours in all, 6:47 riding time. Ave speed: 26+kph

A nice buffet dinner with the gang. EN joined us and we learned much from him. Incidentally, EN was the first rider to complete! Amazing stuff. He's quiet and unassuming, but what a strong cyclist he is!

The second day started with light rain and a flat about 600m out. It's IN's second of the event. Good thing the mechanic was on hand to help. The rest waited and we rode together most of the way. With the rain, we were all splattered with mud and dirt. Took it easier, keeping below 30 kph. Even so, we were able to catch up with the other riders. The Rompin park was nice with a couple of challenging climbs. LV joined us at Rompin park and with her compact crank, she was able to surmount the climbs fairly easily.

After surviving the first 80+km, lunch was at the same wanton noodle shop. Felt pretty good until then. But the toughest part of still ahead of us. There were a few long climbs after Mersing, and that took their toll on me. Our group started breaking up, with SC and JT up front, and me at the back. But we regrouped regularly especially to top up and catch our breath. JT took a flat as well, so JN fixed a record 4 flats. He'd become really proficient.

The mental image most vivid in my mind was that of a bike or two mounted behind the support vehicle. I determined that I wouldn't end up in a support vehicle with my cento behind. Interestingly, even the sight of long climbs paled in comparison (possibly because I have seen worse climbs).

The last few climbs took me out - and I slowed to a crawl to keep my HR down. It was tough to ride alone - more so mentally than physically, and I struggled with my inner demons over that 10+km. Who'll sweep the sweeper? Who'll train the trainer? How to survive a 180km ride and then run 42km?

But my faith in the group was restored when I saw IN and further along JN and LV, waiting for me.

We rode together into Kota Tinggi with a car escort behind us! We were probably one of the last groups to roll in, and some were probably picked up by the sweeper bus. Ride time: 6:07 ave speed 25+kph. I was glad to finish cramp-free.

The biggest surprise was when we arrived back at WC McDonalds. MBH and Irene decided to meet us there with banner and cake. I was famished by then and gladly ate my bd cake. Thanks, ladies!

So here I am, having survived the double century rides and thinking about the next long ride! As SC said, we forget our pain very quickly.

More importantly than achieving a new distance milestone and the physical endurance for me was the spiritual journey of discovery. Dejection and redemption, servanthood and perseverance. Above all, humility and selflessness.

Last but not least, I am thankful for the many prayers offered by our friends and especially for MBH who fasted and prayed for our safety.

Audax Randonneurs Singapore

As we push towards the century ride (160km), we came across Audax cycling. And there's a Audax group in Singapore: Audax Randonneurs Singapore.

200km, 300km and even 400km rides! Makes our Desaru 130km ride next week look like a stroll in the park.

Wonder if I could ever get to do one?!?

Kranji-Neo Tiew-LCK-CCK 57k ride

It had been a long time coming, but finally we persuaded AY to lead us on this "extension" after Mandai shell station. PK and JN were already waiting for me at the guardhouse when I arrived at 4:45 am. These guys sure knew how to put pressure on me! I was with them at 4:58 am, with 2 minutes to spare. We rode off, and RV with AY at the Adam Road junction.

The ride to LH was uneventful, and AY took us on the Old Upper Thomson Road that joined back at Upper Thomson Road just before SLE. A quiet one-lane two-way winding road (about 4 k long). Pleasant enough change of scenery. Took a left into Mandai Rd. I was looking forward to this stretch and started to pull, hoping that my legs would hold up after the previous day's trail run. They didn't. Perhaps it was because I could get into the big chain ring (need to get that adjusted), so I rode on the small chainring all the way.

The undulating Mandai Road was a rush, as usual. Then after a quick regroup at Mandai Shell station, AY led us left up north on Woodlands Road. A sharp turn into Kranji loop (no heroics for me!) and a traffic wait at the railway crossing. Many workers were waiting for their transport - even on a Sunday! Tough life.

The bridge across Kranji Reservoir was pretty, much nicer than the other reservoir bridge at Yishun. Neo Tiew Road reminded me so much of the good old farm days. The smell, narrow winding roads. JN had a broken spoke and had trouble freeing his rear wheel. We managed to open the brake calipers and with a prayer and some luck, we hoped to make it back. (And we did!)

The north part of Lim Chu Kang is pretty scenic and tree-lined. The south section by the cemeteries is open and a little windy and slight upslope. LCK rode shorter than I'd imagine.

We turned left into Old Choa Chu Kang Road, past the airbase and beside KJE before turning right into Brickland Road. The area here is more built up and there's more traffic. A left into Bukit Batok Road where we took a short break to stretch our legs. It was a challenging ride especially those who had less miles on their bikes. Frankly, I was very pleased that we did as well as we were doing!

Along Upp Bukit Timah, just past Linear, we stopped for breakfast - prawn noodles! Hot and succulent. Best prawn noodles I'd had for many months. It was about 7:30 am when we left for the remaining 12 k back to Trevose. Joined up with three other cyclists along Dunearn Road for a make shift peloton.

Distance covered: 57.4. Average speed 24.3 kph. Very decent speed considering all factors - crampy legs, wobbly wheel and limited road experience!

View ride on Garmin connect.

PS: How did it feel with two long training sessions back-to-back? It felt like completing a 42k run. Compression tights, tightness in the right leg, some pain in MRK (but minor), and that familiar limping walk. Boy do I miss these post race feeling! Anyway, 24 hours later, I was 85% back to normal. More long back-to-backs please.

Long Distance Cycling

Long-Distance Cycling is published by Bicycling magazine, 1993. A little dated, but wonderful insights (for me at least).

Right off in chapter 1, Ed Pavelka recounted his experience in the 1991 Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) race, covering 760 miles, and there's a time limit of 90 hours. Held once every four years, this is not a race, and not a tour. It is randonnee cycling (from the French word randonee, meaning ramble).

There are many tips for long distance cycling:

• Solutions to saddle sores: wear padded cycling shorts (no underwear), dry inside out, check saddle height.
  
• Emergency fix for saddle sores: use Dr Scholl's molefoam, cut into donut shape to surround the sore.
  
• Hand positions: pressure on the ulnar nerve causes numbness (ulnar neuropathy), so try other positions such as both hands on top, one hand on top, on the hoods, on the hoods with fingers split, palms on hoods, on the drops, and on bottom of hooks.
  
• Tips for long haul comfort: paddled gloves, stiff-soled shoes, padded liner shorts, handlebar length (38 cm or 40 cm), brake levers aligned with flat art of handlebar drops, relax hands, elbows unlocked, get shoulders out of the ears!
  
• Tips for stronger climbing: lighten the bike, lighten the body(!), inflate tires to max pressure, reduce wind resistance by going aerodynamic, begin climb in lower gear than you need, shift up when standing, down when sitting, sit rather than stand, avoid macho gears, grip hoods, not hooks, sway bike when standing (got to learn this technique), shift before the hill, study good climbers.

There's a whole chapter on training program for the century (100 miles) rides... longest ride of 65 miles ... same principle as running!

I also find the chapter on fighting fatigue to be useful (stiffness in neck and shoulders, back and butt aches, feet swell, numb hands, tired arms). The recommended exercises to strengthen muscles for cycling are noted - step up, bench press, crunches, leg press, row, back extension).

Note to myself: emergency repair kit!

• Frame pump
• Spare tube
• Patch kit
• Tire levers
• Spoke wrench
• Allen keys
• Small adjustable wrench
• Small folding knife
• Small screwdrivers
• Saddle pouch

Gotta wait a few months for allowance :)

PS: The last PBP was in 2007, where 5,000 randonneurs took part. Time limit is still 90 hours. Read more...