Group Training 1 : Guthrie Corridor Expressway

November 22nd, 2009. 1st training by the RFC2009 Team. Excited!

The week before when the email was sent out regarding the training, my blood was boiling already. Legs were itching to get it on. There was a slight worry about whether I could make it or not. Was hoping that the RPM classes in gym would finally pay off.

The meeting point was a mamak behind the Petronas in Bukit Jelutong at 7am. Yes you got it right. 7 freaking am. Had to wake up at 6 to get the business all done and speed all the way there following the google map on my black berry. Teh and Ian reached about the same time that I did. Nobody was there yet so we decided to have breakfast at the mamak. I ate bread at home already before leaving. Ian had Roti Telur with plenty of sambal and curry.

Then 2 vehicles parked and out came 2 stern looking cyclist in cycling jerseys. I was thinking "need or not?" and then they approached us. They were Adam and Yong. Later another girl came as well.. Mei San. Introductions were made and then off we went.

Comparing our rides with theirs.. well there was no comparing at all. They were on Road Bikes which looked damn expensive while we were on MTBs.

The early morning excitement immediately turned to despair as it was tough. For having not riden in more than 10 years, this was tough!! The small climbs seemed like Genting Highlands!!

Finally we reached our 1st rest stop. I was already gasping for air. Mental note to self.. QUIT SMOKING!! Me and Teh reached 1st. Yong was already waiting there for us. I quickly dismounted and gulped down my water. 2nd Mental note to self.. GET ANOTHER BOTTLE CAGE!! We waited there for quite a while and started to get worried cos Ian was nowhere to be seen. Finally a call came from Adam who was the sweeper, saying that Ian fell down and had a cramp but was on the way already... I was surprised at that time cos Ian looked hell a lot healthier and thinner than I was.

Finally Ian reached and it was mainly due to his using Pedal Clips. He forgot he was on them and when decided to stop, couldn't unclip and fell.

After a few minutes of rest more, we continued on with the journey. The 2nd rest stop was at the R&R and we waited for Ian to arrive then we continued on and U turned at the Sg Buloh Exit.

The way back was much worst!! There was 1 heck of a hill to climb and it took like forever to reach... there was no more stop until we were back at the car park once again. We had lunch there and chit chatted with the senior cyclist about what we should do and stuff. They were very friendly and after lunch, Teh and I went for a round in the housing area wherelse Ian loaded up his car.

It was a fun day.. though tiring.. but we all knew that there was more hell to come..

Ride For The Children Charity Challenge 2010 : How To Participate

November 12 2010, the email on how to participate in the Charity Ride was out. I was taken a back slightly cos we were mulling over how was the registration going to be like... and here it was :

Team Dura - 400

Raise minimum of RM2000 and be part of Team Dura-400 to ride down to Singapore over 4D3N with accommodation and return transport from Singapore fully paid. You even get marshal support en-route, free exclusive rider jersey, entry fee into OCBC Cycle Singapore 2010 and certificate of achievement signed by CEO among others. The first 24 riders to raise RM2000 will secure a guaranteed place. You read right... your accommodation en route and transport back frm Singapore are fully paid. If a nagging voice in you says it doesn't seem right to get a free holiday out of charity, no worries. While you will receive above goodies worth close to RM1000, every MYR you raise will go towards the charity cause...Guaranteed!

Team Record - 80

Raise at least RM300 and join Team Dura-400 for the first 80km of the journey from OCBC Puchong to Port Dickson (50miles or half century). You (and your bike's) return transport will be covered. Raise RM500 (or more) and we will also throw in a certificate of achievement signed by CEO for you to brag to your friends. Receive goodies, benefits and services worth over RM150 back.

Then we had a discussion amongst ourselves about which one we should join and it was decided that it would be the Team Dura - 400... all the way down to Singapore... Something to brag about for ages and also to my son who is due in another 1 month plus.

Now the only problem was how to raise the funds... ideas were pouring into my head about having a Paintball Charity event at Canyon Paintball, emailing friend's companies for corporate sponsorship and etc... Time was of the essence!!