It had been a while since we ventured up Keppel viaduct, so I planned an unconventional ride through Clementi, NUS-Westcoast-Jln Buroh, U-turn, and up Keppel viaduct. Traffic was light at 4 ~ 5 am, but there were trucks coasting along the viaduct.
I didn't see the accident as I was bringing the rear with CL. What I saw was IN holding his wheel and I thought "puncture." It was much worse - he lost the front peleton, saw some potholes but was helmed in by a truck and couldn't avoid the potholes. Went through the first but caught off balance by the second. Right-side abrasions to shoulder, hip, knee and ankle. Terrible accident.
Much to our surprise, IN continued the ride all the way - up Mt Faber (Kg Bahru approach) twice (officially it's one and a half loops), TBG, SBV and back home. For this, he deserved the FOTR Valiant Heart Award!
What of the Kg Bahru side of Mt Faber? Everything we heard about it is true. Tough b***h of a climb. I was panting so hard that I could have woken up the whole neighborhood. But definitely glad that we made it through :)
The gang was a little disappointed that we skipped Pepys as JT and KC had to head back to work. Best of all was prata breakfast at Evans.
Heal fast, IN! See you back on the saddle soon.
Showing posts with label climbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label climbs. Show all posts
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Surmounting Mt Faber & Kampong Kaki
It has been a long time brewing - the inevitable climb up Mt Faber. For the benefit of foreign readers, Mt Faber is not a mountain, just a small hill. Singapore's that flat.
It was quite a turnout - 13 in all, of which only 4 - 5 had gone up Mt Faber previously. Nothing like a good challenge to get the guys churning. AY, our guru, came along just to witness our virgin climb up Mt Faber!
I had run and driven up Mt Faber before, so I was aware of the slopes. Still, going up on the bike was a different affair altogether. HR went up to 180 and it was just grind and grind. All too soon, we reached the top (it was only 2 km of ascent)!
Perhaps we were too overwhelmed by exuberance that JN didn't see a turn on the way down and fell. Thank God he wasn't hurt.
At the bottom, we stopped to regroup and I heard a sharp hiss from my front tyre. Good grief. The third flat in two rides. What a bummer. Thanks to JN (he's becoming very proficient!), we were on our way shortly.
Next up was Telok Blangah Green, a longer but less steep climb. Regrouped again at the foot, and down Depot and Alexandra toward Labrador Park for our third climb. This was a short one, and the gang was kinda disappointed (What? That's it?!). I promised the group that the fourth climb up Pepys would be a better challenge. True enough, it was. Just under 1 km, but sufficient to bring my HR up to 180 again.
By now, the gang was getting fired up and we charged up South Bouna Vista. Before we did so, we asked IN if we should revisit Vigilante, but we decided to give it a miss this time. And that covered the Kampong Kaki circuit (I think we missed just one climb).
A left into NUH/NUS and we headed up Kent Ridge. The 200m up the peak was, as usual, a huff and puff affair. HR reached a max of 184.
After these climbs, the slopes along Clementi and Ulu Pandan didn't feel that bad. A short 38k, but well worth every meter.
Indeed there was an air of exuberance at breakfast. Yes, we definitely improved. As SC proclaimed, next up would be the Kg Bahru approach to Mt Faber and our nemesis - Vigilante Drive!
It was quite a turnout - 13 in all, of which only 4 - 5 had gone up Mt Faber previously. Nothing like a good challenge to get the guys churning. AY, our guru, came along just to witness our virgin climb up Mt Faber!
I had run and driven up Mt Faber before, so I was aware of the slopes. Still, going up on the bike was a different affair altogether. HR went up to 180 and it was just grind and grind. All too soon, we reached the top (it was only 2 km of ascent)!
Perhaps we were too overwhelmed by exuberance that JN didn't see a turn on the way down and fell. Thank God he wasn't hurt.
At the bottom, we stopped to regroup and I heard a sharp hiss from my front tyre. Good grief. The third flat in two rides. What a bummer. Thanks to JN (he's becoming very proficient!), we were on our way shortly.
Next up was Telok Blangah Green, a longer but less steep climb. Regrouped again at the foot, and down Depot and Alexandra toward Labrador Park for our third climb. This was a short one, and the gang was kinda disappointed (What? That's it?!). I promised the group that the fourth climb up Pepys would be a better challenge. True enough, it was. Just under 1 km, but sufficient to bring my HR up to 180 again.
By now, the gang was getting fired up and we charged up South Bouna Vista. Before we did so, we asked IN if we should revisit Vigilante, but we decided to give it a miss this time. And that covered the Kampong Kaki circuit (I think we missed just one climb).
A left into NUH/NUS and we headed up Kent Ridge. The 200m up the peak was, as usual, a huff and puff affair. HR reached a max of 184.
After these climbs, the slopes along Clementi and Ulu Pandan didn't feel that bad. A short 38k, but well worth every meter.
Indeed there was an air of exuberance at breakfast. Yes, we definitely improved. As SC proclaimed, next up would be the Kg Bahru approach to Mt Faber and our nemesis - Vigilante Drive!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Tackling Kampung Kaki circuit
We had been talking about the Kampong Kaki circuit for a while, but didn't have the gumption to do the climbs. This morning was our first attempt - a relatively short challenge to confront our nemesis - the climb.
We rode down Farrer and Queensway, just to get the legs going. Road works along Pasir Panjang were annoying, but once we started up Henderson, it was all systems go. Led by our resident champion cyclist AY, we turned into Telok Blangah hill and although it was tough, we found it manageable.
This is the Kampung Kaki website describes TB Green:
The fun really started at South Bouna Vista. Our front riders decided to turn right into Vigilante Drive. That, in my humble opinion, is another climb altogether. Almost immediately, we hear groans and moans (and silent curses), and one after another, we stopped. All except Albert, who went all the way to the top, proving why he's our champ! I made it up to only the second turn. HR was 190 when I bailed out.
After Vigilante, SBV turned out to be relatively easy, and so was Kent Ridge. I could still remember how tough I found KR last year. Good to see many cyclists going round NUS. Then it was back up Clementi, Ulu Pandan before heading back to RV.
Tough ride, but well worth the sweat. Should do more such rides to build strength.
As for me, I was only too happy to survive this ride without cramping, especially after 70+ km of running this week. The Zipp 303s I borrowed helped in a big way.
Now for the other KK rides (utlimate climb: Mt Faber).
We rode down Farrer and Queensway, just to get the legs going. Road works along Pasir Panjang were annoying, but once we started up Henderson, it was all systems go. Led by our resident champion cyclist AY, we turned into Telok Blangah hill and although it was tough, we found it manageable.
This is the Kampung Kaki website describes TB Green:
The climb here is longest. From start of Henderson Road to the carpark, located at the top of Telok Blangah Hill Park, is approximately 2.1km. The climb distance is 2.0km. This is a popular spot for visitors most mornings of the week; the park provides keep fit amenities for elderly citizens as well as joggers.Back to Henderson, through Depot and down Alexandra - that was a thrill. Hit 45 kph.
The fun really started at South Bouna Vista. Our front riders decided to turn right into Vigilante Drive. That, in my humble opinion, is another climb altogether. Almost immediately, we hear groans and moans (and silent curses), and one after another, we stopped. All except Albert, who went all the way to the top, proving why he's our champ! I made it up to only the second turn. HR was 190 when I bailed out.
After Vigilante, SBV turned out to be relatively easy, and so was Kent Ridge. I could still remember how tough I found KR last year. Good to see many cyclists going round NUS. Then it was back up Clementi, Ulu Pandan before heading back to RV.
Tough ride, but well worth the sweat. Should do more such rides to build strength.
As for me, I was only too happy to survive this ride without cramping, especially after 70+ km of running this week. The Zipp 303s I borrowed helped in a big way.
Now for the other KK rides (utlimate climb: Mt Faber).
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Stalling on a climb
Many times I had wondered what would happen when stalling on a climb? Other than falling off, I mean.
Unfortunately I found that out for myself last Saturday. It was a very steep slope. But because it was short, I didn't shift to the smaller chainring. About 3/4 of the way up, my momentum slowed to a crawl and I knew I was going down. Fortunately, this was on a bike path and there was a clear bank on the right. There were shrubs and a fence on the left. So I chose to go down on the right.
Other than a dent in my ego, I was unhurt. Another episode in my riding adventures to laugh over. :)
Back to the ride. It was meant to be a recovery ride after the long hard hilly ride last weekend and after two hard runs. So I chose to go up Torrens river by the bank. Figured the bike path would be easy.
However, Adelaide is such a small city that pretty soon, I was heading up the hills (again!). It was a gradual climb (100m over 15km), except for certain steep sections! Went as far up the bike path as I could. The last part was closed for repair works. Great views even with the limited height.
40km easy ride. The legs felt tight and crampy, though. And my right butt's still sore.
Unfortunately I found that out for myself last Saturday. It was a very steep slope. But because it was short, I didn't shift to the smaller chainring. About 3/4 of the way up, my momentum slowed to a crawl and I knew I was going down. Fortunately, this was on a bike path and there was a clear bank on the right. There were shrubs and a fence on the left. So I chose to go down on the right.
Other than a dent in my ego, I was unhurt. Another episode in my riding adventures to laugh over. :)
Back to the ride. It was meant to be a recovery ride after the long hard hilly ride last weekend and after two hard runs. So I chose to go up Torrens river by the bank. Figured the bike path would be easy.
However, Adelaide is such a small city that pretty soon, I was heading up the hills (again!). It was a gradual climb (100m over 15km), except for certain steep sections! Went as far up the bike path as I could. The last part was closed for repair works. Great views even with the limited height.
40km easy ride. The legs felt tight and crampy, though. And my right butt's still sore.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
'em HILLS!
What was supposed to be a 60km ride through Adelaide Hills turned out to be a 85km crank-till-I-drop hard ride. Elevation gain of 1,917 m, highest elevation reached of 545m (Ashton). The good news, of course is that I completed the ride without the C monster. The bad news is ... well, more about that later.
Met up with Chris at Tusmore at 6 am and had to borrow his jacket as the temperature was only 12 degree C. Met up with first year undergrad Shawn, who's studying sports engineering. Headed up north for Gorge Road that runs along Torrens River heading east. Chris told me the climb wouldn't be too bad, a little steeper but not as sustained as Norton Summit. Yes, it was manageable for the first main climb to Kangaroo Creek Reservoir. I cranked it up on my favorite combo for as long as I could, and then on the small chain ring.
Headed towards Gumeracha by way of Mannum Road. Looked for a store to replenish water, but everything was closed so early in the morning. It was undulating from Gumeracha to Lobethal, but reaching 40 km with ups and downs was taking its toll on me. At one point, Shawn gave me a hand literally, but pushing me uphill. He's very strong and fast - disappearing downhill like a torpedo.
According to Chris, this would be the same route for the open stage ride in the Down Under Tour next January. We took a long break at Lobethal, and then it was decision time. To go back the same way or through Norton Summit. Either way would take another 40 km. I was astounded. I knew it was a tough climb to Norton, but what the heck, might as well do it.
As it turned out, there were about 4 main climbs, first to Lenswood, then to Basket Range, then to Ashton. Never had I surmounted so many slopes. By this time, I had gotten a better hang of climbing - HR was high, breathing was hard, but I treated it as a long walk uphill, just cranking along at 10 ~ 12 kph. I almost cramped up during one of the climbs and had to stop to stretch. Good thing I did, otherwise I would have a long long way to walk.
Chris and Shawn were really gracious, waiting for me ever so often. I had admitted earlier that Singaporean riders like me looked good, but couldn't ride. They were very patient with me, encouraging me all the way.
The last major climb to Ashton was tough. And I found it was a good time to be thankful for all the blessings I'd. I couldn't describe the elation I felt when I saw Chris and Shawn waiting at the end of that climb.
After catching my breath, it was time to descend 2 km to Norton Summit, and then all the way down.
By the time we reached Chris' home, it was past 10:30 am. 4 and a half hours (riding time of 4 hours), and a gigantic effort for me. Longest and hardest ride thus far.
See ride in Garmin connect.
View of Adelaide in background from Norton Summit
Oh. The bad news. I forgot completely the stroke mechanics I learnt earlier, and Chris and Shawn had to remind me. Pull and push, smooth circular motion. That is the key to improving on climbs. Back to basics for me.
Met up with Chris at Tusmore at 6 am and had to borrow his jacket as the temperature was only 12 degree C. Met up with first year undergrad Shawn, who's studying sports engineering. Headed up north for Gorge Road that runs along Torrens River heading east. Chris told me the climb wouldn't be too bad, a little steeper but not as sustained as Norton Summit. Yes, it was manageable for the first main climb to Kangaroo Creek Reservoir. I cranked it up on my favorite combo for as long as I could, and then on the small chain ring.
Headed towards Gumeracha by way of Mannum Road. Looked for a store to replenish water, but everything was closed so early in the morning. It was undulating from Gumeracha to Lobethal, but reaching 40 km with ups and downs was taking its toll on me. At one point, Shawn gave me a hand literally, but pushing me uphill. He's very strong and fast - disappearing downhill like a torpedo.
According to Chris, this would be the same route for the open stage ride in the Down Under Tour next January. We took a long break at Lobethal, and then it was decision time. To go back the same way or through Norton Summit. Either way would take another 40 km. I was astounded. I knew it was a tough climb to Norton, but what the heck, might as well do it.
As it turned out, there were about 4 main climbs, first to Lenswood, then to Basket Range, then to Ashton. Never had I surmounted so many slopes. By this time, I had gotten a better hang of climbing - HR was high, breathing was hard, but I treated it as a long walk uphill, just cranking along at 10 ~ 12 kph. I almost cramped up during one of the climbs and had to stop to stretch. Good thing I did, otherwise I would have a long long way to walk.
Chris and Shawn were really gracious, waiting for me ever so often. I had admitted earlier that Singaporean riders like me looked good, but couldn't ride. They were very patient with me, encouraging me all the way.
The last major climb to Ashton was tough. And I found it was a good time to be thankful for all the blessings I'd. I couldn't describe the elation I felt when I saw Chris and Shawn waiting at the end of that climb.
After catching my breath, it was time to descend 2 km to Norton Summit, and then all the way down.
By the time we reached Chris' home, it was past 10:30 am. 4 and a half hours (riding time of 4 hours), and a gigantic effort for me. Longest and hardest ride thus far.
See ride in Garmin connect.
View of Adelaide in background from Norton Summit
Oh. The bad news. I forgot completely the stroke mechanics I learnt earlier, and Chris and Shawn had to remind me. Pull and push, smooth circular motion. That is the key to improving on climbs. Back to basics for me.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Up Adelaide Hills
Formidable though it seemed - at least from the morning's recce enroute to the cherry farm at Forrest Range - we were determined to give it a go.
Yes, we went up Norton Summit this afternoon, with Chris and Ben showing us the way. We met up with the two (LG friends of SY's) at Tusmore, and went by way of Magill. The climb started about 2 km into the ride, beginning from 80m and rising to 360m, a total ascent of about 270m over 7.5km. It was a sustained ride. The elevation chart showed a straight upward gradient.
It was an effort, especially for the first couple of km, but after getting into rythm, I was able to appreciate the view from up there and chatted with the others as well (short chats, mind you). HR averaged 165, with max of 170 for the climb. I thought I wouldn't be able to summit this, given the fact that we had yet to go up Mt Faber. Surprisingly, we made it almost to the top. Only hampered from the top most summit because part of the road was closed for a controlled burn.
The downhill ride was fun, but I kept braking as I wasn't so gutsy about descending.
View near summit; Chris and Ben chatting with another cyclist.
Shows the gradient of the climb up Norton Summit.
After regrouping, I thought we were going back to Tusmore, but instead, found myself in another long gradual climb. It was not as steep, and appeared deceptively easier. This second climb to Waterfall Gully was over 5 to 6 km covering 150m elevation. HR averaged 130 to 140. I didn't expect two climbs in one day, so was glad to be able to complete two in one session.
Well, for the record, Norton is supposedly the easiest hill around Adelaide. Waterfall Gully is not quite close enough to Mt Lofty to be much of a real climb. But it was a good workout. Felt that I could have gone up Norton a little faster, but then, wouldn't have been able to sustain the entire 7.5 km.
View ride in Garmin connect.
A big thank you to Chris and Ben for showing the way, and to SY for coming along on a heavy hybrid bike!
Yes, we went up Norton Summit this afternoon, with Chris and Ben showing us the way. We met up with the two (LG friends of SY's) at Tusmore, and went by way of Magill. The climb started about 2 km into the ride, beginning from 80m and rising to 360m, a total ascent of about 270m over 7.5km. It was a sustained ride. The elevation chart showed a straight upward gradient.
It was an effort, especially for the first couple of km, but after getting into rythm, I was able to appreciate the view from up there and chatted with the others as well (short chats, mind you). HR averaged 165, with max of 170 for the climb. I thought I wouldn't be able to summit this, given the fact that we had yet to go up Mt Faber. Surprisingly, we made it almost to the top. Only hampered from the top most summit because part of the road was closed for a controlled burn.
The downhill ride was fun, but I kept braking as I wasn't so gutsy about descending.
View near summit; Chris and Ben chatting with another cyclist.
Shows the gradient of the climb up Norton Summit.
After regrouping, I thought we were going back to Tusmore, but instead, found myself in another long gradual climb. It was not as steep, and appeared deceptively easier. This second climb to Waterfall Gully was over 5 to 6 km covering 150m elevation. HR averaged 130 to 140. I didn't expect two climbs in one day, so was glad to be able to complete two in one session.
Well, for the record, Norton is supposedly the easiest hill around Adelaide. Waterfall Gully is not quite close enough to Mt Lofty to be much of a real climb. But it was a good workout. Felt that I could have gone up Norton a little faster, but then, wouldn't have been able to sustain the entire 7.5 km.
View ride in Garmin connect.
A big thank you to Chris and Ben for showing the way, and to SY for coming along on a heavy hybrid bike!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Mandai and Rifle Range Road
There's nothing like some nice slopes to get excited over, cycling-wise. Have not been up Sembawang Road since our first ride. Usually turn left into Seletar Reservoir, and since Jodan told us that going straight up is more challenging, we thought we'll check it out.
There are two long slopes. At the top of the first slope, we turned left into Mandai Avenue for the second long climb. Certainly longer than the reservoir route and yes, it was challenging! The other factor was the wind along Mandai Avenue. Somehow, I felt the crosswind today, especially with the 50mm wheels.
Towards Mandai Shell, AY and JN overtook PK and I on the fast sprint portion. JN would later overtake me on the incline towards Namly. He is really improving!
Next up was RRR. As usual, the first 1 km or so set the tone. It was tougher going up than coming back. Good workout!
Distance: 44km.
There are two long slopes. At the top of the first slope, we turned left into Mandai Avenue for the second long climb. Certainly longer than the reservoir route and yes, it was challenging! The other factor was the wind along Mandai Avenue. Somehow, I felt the crosswind today, especially with the 50mm wheels.
Towards Mandai Shell, AY and JN overtook PK and I on the fast sprint portion. JN would later overtake me on the incline towards Namly. He is really improving!
Next up was RRR. As usual, the first 1 km or so set the tone. It was tougher going up than coming back. Good workout!
Distance: 44km.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Exploring new bike route: 40k eastern loop
It was exactly 6 am as I walked into the Simei coffee shop for some 100 plus and breakfast. Had just completed a 1 km brick run session after almost 40 km on the bike, and felt hungry. So it was a pack of nasi lemak, my first in many months. A reward for waking up at 3:30 am.
Actually I meant to wake up at 4:30 am but made a mistake setting the alarm. Only realized my mistake when I walked into the kitchen for my morning coffee (no food ok, but no coffee not ok). Momentarily thought of going back to sleep, but heck, earlier is better, right?
Really did not expect to see other cyclists on the road at 4 am in the morning, but I was not the only crazy guy. Saw one cyclist on the PCN along Changi coastal road, and a few more along Loyang Ave. Also saw two cars parked by the road side. One car stopped by the coastal road occupying one whole lane and did not even have its lights on. I almost bumped into it. Clearly it was occupied. No, I didn't take a good look inside the car :) I was more upset about the inconsiderateness of the driver.
Took the P2 out this morning and still trying to get used to riding in the aero position. Will be some time before I get comfortable.
The change this time is not to loop back as I had done last week. Instead, went up Loyang Avenue. There's a stretch about 1 km long before the Loyang Link/Pasir Ris Drive 3 junction that provides a good climb. Took a left on Loyang Link into Upper Changi/Selarang. 2 km of undulating (3 short climbs) terrain here before going back to Loyang Ave for a second crack at the slope.
Turned right into Pasir Ris Drive 3, then left on Drive 12 onto Tampines Ave 10. At Bedok Reservoir, I discovered a wonderful route to train for next year's 70.3, The Kaki Bukit Viaduct! A serendipitous discovery.
Tampines Ave 10 led into Bedok North Road after the PIE flyover, and I exited on New Upper Changi Road. Quite on impulse, I turned left into Jalan Tanjong before the Tanah Merah MRT to get another crack at climbing. This one up to Upper Changi road is only half a klick but another good slope to attack.
Then back home for a quick change for the brick workout.
View Larger Map
I wouldn't want to use the Bedok stretch during rush hour, as the traffic would be too heavy. But it was fine so early in the morning.
Ave speed: 23.8; max speed 39.4. Ave HR: 136; max 166
Actually I meant to wake up at 4:30 am but made a mistake setting the alarm. Only realized my mistake when I walked into the kitchen for my morning coffee (no food ok, but no coffee not ok). Momentarily thought of going back to sleep, but heck, earlier is better, right?
Really did not expect to see other cyclists on the road at 4 am in the morning, but I was not the only crazy guy. Saw one cyclist on the PCN along Changi coastal road, and a few more along Loyang Ave. Also saw two cars parked by the road side. One car stopped by the coastal road occupying one whole lane and did not even have its lights on. I almost bumped into it. Clearly it was occupied. No, I didn't take a good look inside the car :) I was more upset about the inconsiderateness of the driver.
Took the P2 out this morning and still trying to get used to riding in the aero position. Will be some time before I get comfortable.
The change this time is not to loop back as I had done last week. Instead, went up Loyang Avenue. There's a stretch about 1 km long before the Loyang Link/Pasir Ris Drive 3 junction that provides a good climb. Took a left on Loyang Link into Upper Changi/Selarang. 2 km of undulating (3 short climbs) terrain here before going back to Loyang Ave for a second crack at the slope.
Turned right into Pasir Ris Drive 3, then left on Drive 12 onto Tampines Ave 10. At Bedok Reservoir, I discovered a wonderful route to train for next year's 70.3, The Kaki Bukit Viaduct! A serendipitous discovery.
Tampines Ave 10 led into Bedok North Road after the PIE flyover, and I exited on New Upper Changi Road. Quite on impulse, I turned left into Jalan Tanjong before the Tanah Merah MRT to get another crack at climbing. This one up to Upper Changi road is only half a klick but another good slope to attack.
Then back home for a quick change for the brick workout.
View Larger Map
I wouldn't want to use the Bedok stretch during rush hour, as the traffic would be too heavy. But it was fine so early in the morning.
Ave speed: 23.8; max speed 39.4. Ave HR: 136; max 166
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