Super Hero in Training?

I had a busy evening on Friday filled with back to back adrenalin pumping activities, a speedball game and go kart race with colleague.  I went home exhausted, flat and even missed dinner. I had no idea that waking up on Saturday morning would require an effort. Nonetheless I got to make time for my morning ride.

Saturday route will almost always be the CA Arena. I started late again. Yes, I almost overslept but manage to bring myself out of the bed.  There was nobody there at the 1st RV point so I'd figure the train would have left the station. I continued cycling and true enough I saw two riders about one Km infront of me. At this point I couldn't possibly know who they were so I pressed on but couldn't quite catch them as they consistently rode through hilly roads from the Sungai Chua's cloverleaf all the way to Bukit Kajang.

So You Want To Start Cycling?

Which is one is for you MTB or road bike?

From time to time, I have friends, acquaintances and neighbours asking question on what to buy if they wanted to start cycling. Over the years I've developed a keen smell for small talks, serious talks or just trying to start a conversations kind of discussion about cycling.  I'll always try to give the simplest answer to that question but there's no one answer that fits all circumstances.

There are different kind of circumstances that drove them to think that cycling is something that they believe might work for them.  Some people wanted to just exercise or workout. Some wanted to loose some pounds, trimming down the spare tires or ABS wrapped around the waist. Some thought cycling looks cool especially with the team jerseys,  cool shades, weird but funky helmets, clipped shoes and branded bikes.  Some used to do cycling during their younger years and some who cannot run or swim if its to save their life. The worst kind would be the one that don't really know what they want but wanted to give it a try but with high hopes that it might suit them by clinging on somebody who would share their ideas.

Sunday Ride: June 12th 2011

Zaha has been one resourceful ride organizer and since he’s out of range this week, the schedule was slightly a mess. Everybody was wondering what’s the ride plan. It’s even tougher especially during school breaks due to “domestic responsibilities”.

The guessing game is counter productive and I believe nobody likes to wait. So lets make it a rule that starting next week, all ride plan will be posted on the blog’s chat-box every Friday. We only save the text message for last minute changes.

This morning was my 2nd ride since the last hiatus. I felt better during the climbs even though my left thigh was strained. It was fun playing the attack game with Syamsul during the climbs. I’ve lost count how many warning beeps from the Sigma HRM every time the session reached the power zone.

There were only four of us at the 1st RV point, Najib, Zam Besar, Syamsul and me. Other than Zaha, the rest fell below the radar except for Saipol who seemed to retire from road cycling this year.

Saturday Ride June 4th 2011

Its June now and we are halfway through the year in a blink of an eye, literally.  I have to admit that my cycling calendar isn't looking very good. To many "short stint hiatus" in between the days and the things happening around the office is not helping at all.  Advice? Well, I've heard it all. Striking balance and yada yada yada are easier said than done.  Balance finds its own way, the more natural it is, the more sustainable it will be for a period of time until your boss comes out with more new "bright ideas".

On another note, we're looking at a pretty tight schedule ahead. There's no need to remind you guys that pretty soon we're gonna have to start thinking about doing night ride.  Let's not get too anxious about it now. For the time being I'm more focus on the ride opportunity the lies ahead. 

Back on the Bike

Sunny Saturday Morning

It has been a while since the last blog entry with ride photos. To be honest I feel really awkward writing the blog without them. Maybe I'll snap something just to add some juice so that the entry is not too dry if you know what't I'm saying.

I've been on cycling hiatus mode again these few weeks and only started riding my bike again last Saturday. Its hard to keep up with domestic challenges but at the same time it got me worried as I realized my body started to feel very comfortable with the situation. Weekends without workout starting to feel really good.

Last Saturday I decided to ride my bike via what used to be our routine route, the dragon backs of Kajang Perdana via Saujana Impian.  The traffic was rather busy but I really enjoyed the ride. The only setback was the road conditions after Kajang Prima heading towards Semenyih, dusty and loads of sands on the road edges.  And yes, not to mention, loads of sand trucks too.

For me the toughest hill was the last point before the Sungai Long Exit near the Kajang Perdana clover leaf. I really enjoyed the climb at the spot that used to be one of the route's worst point. As I was descending via the Sungai Long exit, I saw Zaha and the rest waiting at our usual spot near the clover leaf. They were surprised to see me coming from the end of the road. After a brief break we continued out ride through the CA arena.

The 4 weeks hiatus period has taken its toll on me. I struggled to climb the hills. So it's back to rebuilding cadence and endurance again. It's a good start nonetheless.

Abayo.