NTU Bike Rally 2017

NTU Bike Rally has always been a hot local cycling event; sell out within hours after opening for registration. The ride comes in 2 categories; 108km and 168km. After last year's 168km attempt, I told myself I will not do that again. Weather was scorching hot. I was slow like snail. I finished the ride feeling absolutely fatigued. Legs were cramping and woke up with aches the following day. Well, like what people say... We always forget the pain :p

When registration open early this year, I took the plunged again... "Once bitten, twice shy"? Not really... So with a group of about 20 friends, we decided to sign up for 168km AGAIN! 4 weeks before the event, we joined NTU for its 108km dry ride for the safety cyclists. I found myself struggling through the ride; often being dropped by the group during climbs. After the ride, I embarked on a #lose5kgprogram :) which I only managed to shed 3kg. A little encouragement to prepare me for the ride.

Without being too ambitious, I planned to cycle at an average pace of 25km/h; hoping to complete 100km before noon. I planned to make short breaks for bottle refills and sunblock re-application only :) Food was 1 bottle of electrolyte, 4 energy gels, 2 energy waffles, 1 chocolate and 6 salt tablets. 

March 5, 2017 (Sunday). Weather forecast was cloudy; projected showers in the afternoon. Flagged off at 6am with a cool breeze. I could not have asked for a better weather. For 80% of the ride, the cloud provided the shade for me. Only for a short ride along Lim Chu Kang and Neo Tiew where we were heated up. Mandai and Sembawang was not as torturous as I had imagined it to be. After Yishun, all the way from Tampines-Pasir Ris to Changi, there was a light drizzle to cool me off. The floor was wet from ECP to Flyer because a heavy downpour went before us. But the rain kept the temperature down; so the last 10km ride was very cooling. On my way home, met with a heavy downpour! However, it was perfect because my bicycle, which was hanging outside the car, enjoyed a much-needed wash down :)

Only 2 minor incidents happened along my ride. First, I stopped to help a friend who had a minor bike accident. Second, I could not uncleat in time when I stopped to help a friend fix a tyre puncture. I fell unto the grass patch :)

While I took longer than 7 hours to complete the ride. Overall, it was an enjoyable 168km ride. No hunger - I ate 2 gels and 2 energy waffles. No cramps - I ate all 6 salt tablets and probably drank 4-5 bottles of electrolyte. No sunburnt - I applied sunblock on my face and wore arm sleeves. The best part was I woke up with no soreness and aches the following day. I think the plan to keep a consistent pace and to eat and drink on the ride works for me. Of course, together with the power of praying for the perfect weather and the company of great friends who cycled together.

NTU Bike Rally has one of the fullest goodie bag I've ever seen. Finisher tee, coffee and tea - a whole packet of it; not just a sample sachet, biscuits, muscle rub and many, many more samples and vouchers... 

Ample volunteers and hydration support at the checkpoints. Overall, a well-organized event.

NTU Bike Rally 2018. Anyone?