How to Prepare and What to Expect During a Cycling Event
First Experiences: OCBC Cycle 2019
My first attempt in a mass event — OCBC Cycle 2019.
Many pro riders find it expensive to register for such a short ride. But for me, the full course looked mammoth that I registered only for the 23.3 km ride.
Weeks before the event:
For someone who is not as active as it’s recommended to be, the actual plan was to cycle at least 5km leading up to 15km a week before the event day. Presumably, I thought that the 23.3 km on the day of the event wouldn’t be hard. What really happened? I cycled once — two weeks ahead of the event for 4 km.
The day before the event:
I had a big Friends & Family hosting — made dinner for 12. I had to be at the event venue at 4:15 A.M. & hence leave home at 3:30 A.M. — wake up 3 A.M. And when did I sleep? 1:30. Sigh… Moments of joy were when my mom made my messy bed for me to sleep. When my accomplice checked the bike condition and packed almonds for the ride day. When my husband gave me a stern no when I was looking for ways to elude the ride.
On the day of the event:
I didn’t have a helmet yet. I tried reaching out to other colleagues who are enthusiastic cyclists to see if they had a spare. No good. And Decathlon to rescue. Decathlon was near the vicinity and I booked a cab to Decathlon to buy the headgear. I’m running late and I’m in haste. Finally reached the meeting spot. And know what? I’m misguided. 41km flag off is at 5:15 A.M reporting an hour ahead at 4:15 A.M. 23km is at 6:45 A.M. That’s mini nap time for me. Hungry, I rode my bicycle to McDonald’s to grab a quick breakfast. Just like a withered leaf wandering in air, I fleeted among the enthusiastic cyclists.
Flag off:
I’m standing near the podium with so many enthusiasts so confident of themselves. Or rather that’s how I presumed them in my mind. And me, meh. Let me go as long as I could.
First 5km:
This was easy. Since I’m scared, I’m constantly on the check to see if someone’s behind my back. I don’t want to be the last one to finish.
Next 5km:
I’m quite okay. But I couldn’t keep par with the ones cycling. Cyclists who were along with me, in some time were way past beyond me.
Bridges Up Ride:
I tried my best to ride over the bridges. It was too exerting. I’m looking around to see if it’s okay to dismount and push and there was a bunch of them doing what I was contemplating. And I dismounted and pushed my way. Ashamed of my fitness, and later blamed it on the cycle.
Bridges Down Ride:
Oh wowww! This is the best part of the ride. I do reminisce the way “MBS” landmark slid on top of my head like in a movie. I looked up enjoying the action and when I returned my gaze on to the road I see a volunteer giving a smile for the experience I’m living. I just gave back the widest heartfelt smile back.
Water Point:
I would suggest it’s best to pack up water for the first 15 km of the ride. Because I don’t know at what mark they had the water point but I was already thoroughly dehydrated. Grab a few for the way.
Next 10 km:
My head is pounding. Dehydration. Sleepless night. My brain is shrinking. Although it sounds negative, to be honest, I thought about walking out quite a few times.
Last 3km:
I honestly didn’t know if this is the exact measurement of the distance left to cover but at the last, near the finish zone, I lost all my patience. Finally, I hear the cheers, I see the building with end marker. I’m excited. Cycling to get my milestone done and then there’s a U bend, repeat, U bend, repeat, U bend, I’m super frustrated. It’s like candy you can see but is hard to reach. I thought of walking out here too.
Finish line:
Finally. Finally. And Finally, I’m hitting the finish line with exertion and grabbed the medal. I finally did it. And know what? I didn’t finish last. There were at least 100s behind me. I’m proud of myself. Bananas — Photos — And some rest.
Leaving the scenes:
Skeptical of finding a cab that would accommodate the cycle as well as considering the crowd, glided to a less crowded exit and grabbed a taxi.
Post cycling scenes:
These are the best. I’m so sobbed in sweat and smell pathetic. I reach home, mom’s happy that I finished. Bala wakes up to celebrate this. Once I make myself clean and head to bed,(remember the late-night?), halfway asleep I realize someone’s massaging my legs. Mom. Even during sleep, I’m telling her please don’t do it. And later again. Bala. Lucky should one be to be this pampered?
To summarize:
Why this blog post? When I wanted to learn more about this event, there was hardly any details specific to this. And as a first-timer, there are few takeaways I’d like to leave behind for the upcoming ones to follow.
- Hydrate: Keep yourself well hydrated weeks before the event. The day before is crucial. Else by 10km mark, the head will pound and the brain’s not gonna stop shrinking.
- Keep cycles in gear: Make sure the cycle is in good condition. And have a helmet and any other accessories. I just needed the helmet — It’s a rule.
- Having a good cycle gives you an edge: While doing this event, I observed that although my rpm matched the one before me, they could glide away faster. There is a range of cycles that are bound for long-distance riding. But for a newbie, it’s possible to finish with a basic one too.
- Cycles for rent: Don’t own a bike? No issues. There are rental facilities just at the venue.
- Event pack Collection: There are designated dates when the dispatch happens. Make sure to collect them. Side note — there are cycling accessories along the collection hall and in case you need anything before the event, this might help.
- Do the homework: There’s no good in finishing an event. Make it a habit for a healthier life choice.
- In the end, don’t give up: Push a little harder each time the mind wants to give up.
