Causeway Point: 10km run

A Bad Day at Bukit Timah

When it isn't your day, it will not be. In just two laps of Bukit Timah, I fell twice and nearly totaled my bike against a huge slab of rock.

The first fall came when I was on the rock gardens at the entrance (2nd lap). There was someone ahead of me and I slowed, only to lose my balance on the rocks. The grips took the brunt of the impact. I believe I made 4 successful attempts up the entrance out of a total 6 tries today.

The second crash took place when we were practicing on the rock gardens. As I cleared the last slab of rock at the entrance, my control just went wide and the bike slammed sideways into a huge rock lining the path. I half-expected to see dents in the frame but fortunately the bottle cage took the brunt of the impact. My bottle flew off and what left of the holder was a twisted piece of metal which broke when I tried to pull it back into position. My crank arm also took some scars and the pump bracket nearly got ripped off. The plastic bracket was slightly damaged but what surprised me was the screws which held the bracket to the frame. They were twisted out of position. Imagine the force I had hit the rock with.

I just felt tired on the ride today. To mention that my control was poor would be an understatement. On a positive note, I met Jeremy – I think it has been 4 years since I last saw him. His new Giant Trance X3 is a beauty. Its slack geometry inspires more confidence downhill.

Total distance: 23km (off-road); 20.6km (on-road)
Money spent: $0
Participants: LSH, Jasper, Terence, Jeremy Yeap

Volunteering @ Osim International Triathlon

I guess being the lead bike / rear sweeper for the run component is a pretty good way to clock mileage. And the job is pretty interesting – at least I get to ride! There was the rain, the delay, the hunger, but also the satisfaction from a job done. The international youth athletes were fast. They were running at around 16km/h throughout the 5km. I am impressed.

Total distance: 90km
Money spent: $0
Participants: LSH

Sembawang Circuit: 7km run

Sembawang Circuit De-stress!

Total distance: 20.2km
Money spent: $0
Participants: LSH

Cycling Mount Faber in the Downpour

I thought the weather would spare us early in the morning as I pulled myself out of bed at 4.30am. Unfortunately, before we reached Mount Faber (around 6.30am), it started to pour heavily. I was shivering from the cold as we continued our ride and Dad was not willing to take any risks with the slippery descends hence after one lap, he waited for me at the foot of the hill while I went on the smaller loop. One loop became two, two became three and finally five when I was finally done. We had a simple breakfast at Tiong Bahru before heading home in the rain.

Home - Mount Faber (23.8km)
Mount Faber Loop (1.6km)
Mount Faber Lap (Faber - Pender - Morse - Kampung Bahru) (5km)

Total distance: 60.6km
Money spent: $4.60 for 2 pax
Participants: LSH, Dad

A Muddy Bukit Timah on Good Friday

Days of high rainfall meant muddy trails and after 4 laps of Bukit Timah, my bike was heavily coated with a layer of stinking mud. The drivetrain was also "grease-free", creaking as I pedaled home to a nightmare of washing up both rider and equipment.

Total distance: 36km (off-road); 23.3km (on-road)
Money spent: $0
Participants: LSH, Jasper, Terence, Eric