part 1 (WOMEN AND CYCLING)

​Having a bike never really crossed my mind until I met Sam. He was always cycling everywhere, which made me feel a bit left out when he went off for his rides. I didn’t own a bike, and there was no OFO or any of those rental bikes back then (which people don’t appreciate the accessibility of it).  FOMO quickly made me realise that I needed my own bike!
 
Sam gave me clear instructions not to buy a bike for its colour, so I bought I bought the prettiest pink bike that I could find. In bike spec terms it was like a tank, but I loved it. My first long bike ride was with a bunch of boys who clearly knew what they were doing. I was behind the pack the whole time, having no idea how to use my gears (which weren’t the best anyway), being scared for my life from all the traffic and having rubbish endurance in my legs. I was fit back then but clearly this bike ride put me to shame.

 The first 6 months I rode almost every day to work. Constantly sweating and in fear for my life with all the crazy traffic and impatient drivers. I had to learn the roads, increase my awareness and make sure other drivers always saw me on my massive pink bike. Some days I hated cycling to work because I had to shower again, but most of the time I was glad I rode to work because I don’t really enjoy public transport during peak hours.  I had my fair share of falls, near misses and an expensive injury to my private parts, but will save that for another blog! As a result I always made sure that I was 100 perfect focused every time I got on my saddle.
 
After a couple of months I’d saved some cash and also really wanted to upgrade to a racing bike. Some people looked really cool with them so I wanted to join the club. So I upgraded my bike, but this meant learning all over again with drop handlebars and newly found speed. My back, neck and hands always hurt from holding on to the bike for my dear life. My legs on the other hand had gotten stronger with the miles I’d already put in.
 

Adding long bike rides to my new weekend routine both by myself and with friends has made me embrace cycling even more. Here I am 2 years later and now with an even better bike! Having a deeper understanding about bike components and set up (with the help of Sam, my local bike shop and reading online) has increased my confidence and cycling ability even more. It’s taken me 5 years to get here. Hill climbs are still my nemesis and I still want to get better in all other areas, but I’m still working on all. 
 
Anyway, enough about my cycling journey….here's three amazing women, who know about cycling, bikes and racing more than I do! 

joanna mak (IronMum to 2 daughters)

​When was the first time you started cycling?
At 38 years old, I had to lay off running due to plantar fasciitis and picked up cycling. That was when I realised my triathlon dream, which I harbored since I was 19 could become a reality!

Any races you have take part? And how did that go?
Completed my first Ironman at 40 years old in under 13 hours and my second 2 years later in under 12 hours, which I did not expect. I'm also qualified for the IM 70.3 World Championships in 2019 & 2020.
 
Now that you have been cycling for a while, what are some of your guidelines when purchasing a new bike?
The right size, a bike fit to be comfortable for those long rides is important.
 
What’s your favorite cycling apparel brand? From jersey to helmet?
Betty Designs & Purpose.
 
What do people not tell you about cycling?
That falling is part and parcel of cycling, even when  you’re a seasoned cyclist. Be prepared to wake up at ungodly hours of 430am to cycle while the traffic is light and while u may earn the respect from fellow cyclists due to your discipline, work ethic and results. 

claire jedrek(Go-kart track owner/mom/fitness enthusiast)

When was the first time you started cycling?
Probably back in 2013 , I had a Trek MTB that was a wee bit too heavy but I wasn’t doing the Bukit Timah trails or competitions back then.
Road cycling I picked up perhaps 2015?
 
Any races you have take part? And how did that go?
My first road bike races were part of a duathlon and triathlon back in 2015, placed 2nd and 4th I believed, and then in New Zealand I completed the off-road 60km Lake Taupo.
 
Now that you have been cycling for a while, what are some of your guideline when purchasing a new bike?

• Depending on level of as a cyclist and what you would like to spend , you have to plan a little ahead of you, as you will get more serious to upgrade parts in the future.
• I’d look always at second hand bikes, there are so many on the market in fabulous condition.
• Make sure you have a bike that has parts on the market .

 
What’s your favorite cycling apparel brand? From jersey to helmet?
I wear Odlo as it was sponsored previously , but I like some of the Swiss made  items called Assos,
My gloves are Assos I picked up at East Coast.
Road Helmet Giro and Kask
MTB helmet -Troy Lee
Mountain bike shoes - five ten

What do people not tell you about cycling?
That you should go through a basic course and get to know your bike.  You should also get it fitted, as positioning is important so you don’t get injuries .
 
What’s your advice on women taking up cycling?
It burns so many calories,if that’s what you are looking for. It’s Low impact on the knees, it’s fantastic cardio and it’s as hard as you want to push .
 On a mountain bike,you learn so  many skill sets , it feels like real racing and keeps you on your feet and sharpen your decision making on the course.
Road biking for me is training my mental grit when I am alone and on longer more monotonous rides .I love cycling because you can be alone or In a group.

chuling lee (HOTELIER/ SPORT ENTHUSIAST)

When was the first you started cycling?
I joined the RCC(Ralpha Cycling Club) in November 2016, but started cycling and exploring the roads and PCNs (Park connectors) since July the same year.

Any race you have take part? And how did that go?
The most memorable was the 100km race in Batam, ridden with one of our club cyclist, Jessica. It was painful, but fun to do it together with a friend. We suffered together and helped each other to finish the race. We were in so much pain, not knowing what we were in for, and physically my feet was hurting from ill-fitted shoes!

Now that you have been Cycling for a while, what are some of your guidelines when purchasing a new bike?
Get yourself an appointment with a professional bike fitter before making that (expensive) purchase! 

What’s your favourite cycling apparel brand from jersey to helmet?
I am privileged to be a Rapha ambassador, and I wear Rapha products - ranging from bibs, to baselayer, jerseys and socks. My shoes are the Rapha Pro Team shoes and they fit my feet like a glove. As for the helmet, I love the KASK Protone. I only own this model, but in several colours.

What do people not tell you about Cycling?
That cycling does show people’s true colours! When we are riding up mountains, racing on flat roads, your riding etiquette, how you react and behave when you are “suffering”, is a reflection of who you are personally. That being said, no one said cycling was easy! But the suffering brings joy, and the exploration on the bike with friends and loved ones brings unforgettable memories, that we all continue to speak fondly of, in years to come.

What’s your advice on women taking up Cycling?
Start easy, and if you have a friend who is into the sport, do it together, build confidence, support each other. When you are confident enough, join a group, ride together. You’ll realize that some of your lifetime friendships will be made within this community. And most importantly, have fun!