Bike Nirvana
Yet another cycling blog
Alaska Cycle Philippines 2016
May 14, 2016
I was offered a complementary ride in this popular cycling event and having no such experience in any related public event, I took the offer. I opted for the "Folding Bike" category and told myself I can do it because the route is within my reach at 20 km and I am quite confident of finishing.
Two days before the event, I was told that the complementary ride is only for the "Challenge" category which is 40 km. I panicked because I haven't done 40 km since I was a kid. But I have supportive friends who gave me the confidence I can finish this category. Which bike to use now is a no brainer, I will be taking my "grocery bike" with me.
With the recent "accident" I had at Timberland with my Shimano cleats, I decided to change the SM-SH51 to SM-SH56 to be sure. Comparing the two though keeps me wondering if it is a placebo effect.
I decided to equip myself with a cycle computer and I took the plunge and purchased a Garmin Edge 25 bundle with cadence and speed sensors plus heart rate monitor chest strap. The Edge 25 review is here. The heart reate monitor is out of stock and will be shipped a week after, so I will miss using it in the event.
Early at the venue
As we were sent out in waves, I readied my Edge 25 for the ride only to forget to start it as shown in Strava which is integrated to Garmin Connect.
I don't want to be left behind along the Buendia route so I tried to keep a good pace. When I was half-way completing the first of three loops along Roxas Boulevard, I suffered cramps on my left leg which I was able to shrug off by resting the leg and cruising on gravity until I got up to the EDSA flyover and my right leg suffered from cramps. I had to dismount, drink Pocari Sweat and do some leg stretching. When I felt the cramps subsided, I continued pedalling.
Well, I made it.
My grocery bike is a finisher