Ketam Practice #1

A welcome surprise at the end of Blue Trail.
Filipina Mountain Bikers are almost extinct but these two look
like they are enjoying the trail.

The madness started today. It was decided that today's

group ride will be in Pulau Ubin in preparation for the

4 hour enduro on May.

The general consensus is that every one will run according

to their own pace. Ketam is mostly singletrack anyway and

you can't get lost. As and when any one thinks he's had enough

then he could just go to the coconut drink stall and wait for

the remainder of the group there.

I am one of those guys who find doing laps boring. Ever

since I have known how to cycle at Ketam, I have always

done only 1 lap and go to the other fireroads in the island.

But for today, I did three laps!

After doing my second lap, I decided I have had enough

of this self-inflicted punishment and went to the coconut drink

stall only for the auntie to tell me she doesn't have any

coconuts today! Ok, settled for 100+ instead :-)

I haven't finished my 100+ yet when Bal, Roadie Rio

and StairRider came to announce that they did 3 laps in

2 hours! So, that's the magic number.

After everybody has had their drink, they all prodded

me to do 1 last lap....and so I did a total of three laps.

Quote for the day should most probably belong to me:

"I could have easily done 5 laps straight, but I'm

already exhausted"

Also, I realised that this kind of long ride brings out

the worst in our equipment. Example ?

1. I was on a hardtail. I forgot to stand-up on one

part of the the trail... my saddle proceeded to rotate up

 thereby making me sit on my rear tire! Ouch!

2. Tubeless tires with sealant are not puncture proof!

Just ask Sherwin and Ibis Chris.

3. When you're tired, you begin to have brain fade and

 you do things like trying to run over a perfectly sturdy

tree hehehe.

4. Long climbs overstrain your chain and it's best to

bring spare links.