Cycling Addicts

A group of roadies on Sungai Long

The Mantin Mission, though not as smooth as expected, is technically a success. Long distance ride is both challenging, and rewarding. That feeling of satisfaction of setting yourself a goal that seems difficult, if not impossible and reaching it, exhausted, battered, tired, but full of pride. This sense of accomplishment usually kicks in a few days after the ride itself, depending on individual recovery period.

Going into the red zone and pressing on when your body is screaming at you to stop is just part of riding, whether you are tackling a hill or trying to keep up with posse on a long distance ride. Not only you have endure burning legs, it comes with a buffet of other discomfort such as numb crotch , sun burn and body aches. But that's what I love about cycling, to thrive on pain and use it to spur and push myself to the limit. There were times when I went bonked, zilt, nothing left in the tank to finish the ride. I keep saying to myself if i stay positive, these experiences will make me stronger, mentally and physically.

A day after the Mantin Mission, which was last Sunday, I thought of resting my tired pair of legs. But it was a perfect morning for a good short ride. Checked if the posse are riding and it was On-On. I joined the ride but I mostly cycled on my own pace to avoid over exerting myself. Kept the HR at Zone 3 and 2 most of the time even during climbing.

Today I did another short ride. Felt good, the spin and cadence were better especially during climbing. Clocked 27Km with improved average speed. I reckon it will take at least a couple more rides before going for another “century” ride.

The thing is pro riders can spend 5-7 hours on their bike, but they’re getting paid to suffer like that. For weekend-amateur cyclist, we can have different program to cater to different fitness level within the group. The strong helps support the not so strong cyclists through the ride. It’s neither a race nor a place for show off. Long distance ride can be fun by making sure the we take plenty of stops to stand up, get off the bike, walk around a bit, and stretch. This will help restore blood flow, stop muscles from cramping, and help us feel better no matter how challenging the route is. Break the route into check-points to make the ride more manageable.

Take it easy, spin in an easier gear than normal, and really take the time to enjoy the sights and company. It is more about the ability to endure than to go fast. Hammering all morning with lung busting pace is the fastest route to going bonk.

It’s important to be mentally prepared. Things are going to get sore, muscles are going to cramp up, riding into a bad headwind under searing hot sun and it feels like eternity before you reach your check point. You may even get chased by a couple of dogs. These will only make the urges to quit stronger and you could just give up especially if you slip at the back of your group, riding alone without support. Regardless of how strong you are, we all have defeatist thoughts in us. It's how you dial it down.

Human being are much more resilient mentally and physically that we thought. Most often than not our life experiences created the limitation in out minds. Riding through those aches and pains and low morale moments are part of what makes riding long distances so fulfilling and rewarding. Overcoming our own perceived limitations and doing things we thought were impossible.

Next mission - Bagan Lalang... Let’s go!