Have you ever tried riding a bicycle to work? With more and more loonies driving on our highways, it seems even a lot crazier to bike on the way to the office. However, the thrill of trying something new, the opportunity to bike beyond our village and the recent accomplishment of finishing the Tour of the Fireflies prompted me to do it. So last Saturday, technically there was no work, was the D-day — lesser cars and hopefully lesser pollution. As part of my pre-departure checklist, inspected my bike, my white jersey, the tyres, tools, hydration pack (Camelback 2 liters), sunglasses, helmet, sunblock, gloves, heart rate monitor (Polar S720i), anti-pollution mask — whew I was already perspiring just preparing these things.
As I pedaled out of the village, the first challenge was traversing the road full of tricycles. I started really slow pace and second guessing the next moves of the things around me. From our village to C5-Kalayaan intersection I stayed on the right side very close to the curb. The only time I moved to the left side was when there were vehicles blocking my way. Of course, as I move left, I looked behind first to check if there is any car darting. The next challenge was crossing C5 going to Kalayaan Avenue. Crossing a main road was nerve wracking since I was afraid that some crazy driver might just sideswipe me. Immediately upon seeing the green light, I pedaled fast to reach the other end. I learn that a biker must ensure that he must stay visible by staying ahead of the car when crossing a street. It is a mistake to stay side by side with a car or worst a truck since you will be on the blindspot and might be hit specially if the vehicle turns right. From Kalayaan to Fort Bonifacio was a normal ride except at the slight uphill the first 500 meters after the intersection. During this time, the Camelback came in handy. Hydrating myself was necessary for me to reach my destination. From the Fort to McKinley Road was an easy ride considering the canopy of trees lining the path. Then came the Edsa-Ayala intersection. Thanks to the C5 intersection experience so this time doing it was a breeze. Once reaching Ayala, I took the Apartment Ridge road leading to Makati Avenue. I decided to do this, since there were less cars here and therefore less pressure ;). Few more cadence and then I saw my office. Finally, I made it in one piece ;).
To summarize, here are the things I learn from this first ride:
1. Be prepared not only mentally and physically but ensure as well that all your gears are with you.
2. Stay right most of the time. Start slowly and don’t race.
3. Always think ahead of the moves of other vehicles around you.
4. Stay visible. Avoid wearing dark jerseys even during daytime rides.
5. Study your route. If you can take less busy streets, take those.
Again, if you are forty something here are the stats if you are planning to do the same feat.
Start time: 7:10 in the morning
Distance: 9 kilometers
Speed: 9.4 kms/hr (min) / 17.4 kms/hr (max)
Exercise time in sport zones:
Maximum: 9 mins 45 secs - 26% of the ride
Hard: 21 mins 28 secs - 56% of the ride
Moderate: 5 mins 15 secs - 14% of the ride
Light: 50 secs - 2% of the ride
Very light: 45 secs - 2% of the ride
Heart Rate: 86% (min) / 114% (max)
Energy: 540 kcal
By the way, the entire bike ride took 38 minutes and 3.6 seconds a lot faster compared to my usual motor vehicle commute. Truly an eye opener.
