The Actual Climb and End

Alright! So, it is D-Day today! I woke up feeling slight fatigue with only five to six hours of sleep. Probably due to the excitement of the race.

Before breakfast, the team and I conducted a check on our bikes, and I realise my bike had a mechanical issue, worst thing that can happen on race day! Seems that on the previous day I pumped the inner tube up with a CO2 cartridge and since CO2 is less dense than oxygen, it tends to leak easily. With the help of my teammate, we took turn to quickly pump the tube up with a hand pump. Saved by teamwork!

After that we went on with breakfast in which I took carbohydrates such as oatmeal and cereal and two shots of espresso. Caffeine is almost every athlete’s secret formula!

Moving forward, at the starting point. It was so intense there, everyone checking their bikes and chatting about how they are going to plan out their climb later on. Meanwhile, I have so much on my mind, “What if I have a puncture during the climb, what if I gets tired easily…” 

“Phew!” The sound of the horn going off, combined with the rush of adrenaline and the intense atmosphere, I was subconsciously drawn into it. Unfortunately, that also meant cycling faster than what my body was comfortable with and I blew out 20KM into the race. 

At some point of the climb,  soreness and lack of breath crept in as I was pushing too hard at the start of the race. Unfortunately the rest of the climb was filled with pain and misery, but of course, the beautiful views and scenery made up for it. 

Approaching the finish line, the weather got colder till around 9 degrees with light rain! I would be lying if I said it did not made things worst for me. I was wearing a thin layer of lycra jersey, a wet body and with the cold temperature did not helped me. However, the finish line came into my view and I was delighted to see it. Of all a sudden, it did not feel as cold as before. 

The smiles of everyone completing the race was such a proud moment of my life and a joy to witness. Everyone taking photos with one another and strangers just click with each other without fail, this was because all of us went through a tough climb and was proud of one another. From the ride up the mountain to the cooling weather to the friendship that we had forged. Summing it up, my race timing was not ideal, but I have truly enjoyed the experience which we will not get, anywhere near Singapore. 

​Not forgetting to mention the durian… 😊