.... the jackal rides and run....

So the crazy guys are up to it again this year, driving 500km+ up north for a bike ride and back again! This year we stayed at the same hotel (still looks to be one of the better ones in town...) but explored a bit more by patronizing a different massage shop and eating area. The ride this year is FLAT. I do distinctly remember one slope though, where I raced up with Ben hot on my rear wheels (I got a shock when I saw him right behind.....he's sprinting up slopes now!). Other than that it was very nice, well controlled ride. I was mostly in the front group (trying not to get dropped ala last year) and the speed was regulated by a Police Proton Saga and a couple of Honda VFRs and Cubs. Speed was at a good pace, mostly about 35-37km/h. I got some really good training in peloton riding from this ride! We did not go as a group but Ben and me were mostly together while BP and Mark as another another pair. The ride started, as last year, at the Stesen Janakuasa Sultan Azlan Shah. Weathe...

Did the same 115km route on Saturday. Luckily no dramas. Started out with no pressure, just to be "back by 9am"....actually that is quite a pressure in itself already! This ride had particularly more headwind and neutral conditions that previous rides. Felt ok at Punggol but can feel steadily draining out at Pasir Ris. At coastal I caught up with a joyrider tri-bike equipped with powertap. He saw me sticking to his wheel and steadily increase his speed to about 40km/h at the straight until he motioned me to pass and I did, but I signal to him stick to my wheel as well. Led at 40-42km/h, slight headwind then he took over again. All in all, pretty decent speedy run at the straight considering I've already gone through 100+km solo. On this ride, I wore my new Mavic shorts (a bit too large at XL but works ok) and had one new GU Vanilla Bean flavour. The shorts are very good, and Vanilla taste is not bad as well! Thank goodness, no drama on this ride (no punctures!). Had a nic...