A dissatisfaction with my sedentary lifestyle compelled me to hit the park connector at East Coast with my bike last Monday, during a rare, consecutive four days off from work. I was prepared to go as far as my legs would take me, but since I was never very good at estimating, I ended up struggling on my return journey and am just getting over my soreness two days after the ride. MJ scoffed at my lack of a proper 'easing in' regimen and said that I tend to do things in excess, which I'm inclined to agree. But once I'm in the mood for something, I just want to do it and not ponder over it too much. The grand distance covered: 29 km but over 3 hours. Rather pathetic I feel, but I stopped several times to take some happy snaps, check sms-es and calls on my phone, and also to rest. My spirit was definitely willing, but the body was just out of shape, literally.
I enjoy my rides alone, although I welcome anyone who wants to join me. But a solitary disposition every once in awhile is always a good opportunity for reflection.
Here's an example of what I think about, see and do when I cycle.
- Start off pumped up, on an adrenalin high, eager to set off without doing a decent warm up. Mistake No. 1.
- Try to get up to a decent speed, making sure my odometer has been reset and is functioning properly.
- Deeply inhale the fresh crisp air of the seaside.
- Phone rings.
- MJ asking for directions to a cake shop at Robertson Quay, breaks my rhythm.
- Saddle has slid too low, I stop again to raise it.
- Bite and suck water from the tube of my new hydration pack.
- Am back on my way, trying to remember which gears give more resistance and which less.
- Start thinking about the things that preoccupy my mind while trying to keep the pace.
- Take a quick glance at fellow cyclists who pass me by in the opposite direction and wonder if I have too much garb on, with my half gloves, helmet and hydration pack. I'd hate to be one of those who has lots of gear but can't 'perform'.
- Hit the airport runway, the longest straightest road in Singapore. This stretch is a killer with no end in sight.
- Ride beyond my previous distances and come to Changi Beach Park, a lovely, quiet place, quite scenic. (see pix)
- Stop to take some snaps. Waste too much time. The dark clouds roll in, I might get caught in a downpour.
- Set off again, determined to make it as near to Changi Village as possible. Mistake No. 2.
- Ride past Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and the SAF ferry terminal.
- Get sidetracked again when I see planes flying pretty low, directly overhead. Makes a nice pix. Stop again. Mistake No. 3.
- Rain comes.
- Head back on an arduous long ride ahead.
- Make it back to my car, 3 hours after setting off. M dead beat. I think I just tortured my body. I'm going to have to pay for it.
