“We’re about to finish bro!” I was glad to hear those words. My friend Tobi was leading me on a tour around Singapore by bike. We were biking for about five hours at that time, and I admit was exhausted on that bright Saturday morning. Sun is up and embraces us with its scorching heat. Legs feels tired and smooth road home is the consoling thought on my mind. My breathing eased up after hours of pedalling torture. When I thought all is fine on the remaining route to take, I was horrified to see a gruesome sight as we take a quick turn on the road. Lo and behold, an over bridge is up ahead, like a formidable mountain blocking my path.
My friend excitedly sped up, climbed the over bridge and out of sight. I was thinking of stopping for a while but decided to face the monstrosity up ahead. I sighed a prayer as I shifted gears. Initial climb looked good, just need to pedal more. The path became steeper, need more power. My breathing became heavy as I continue to pedal. Sweat began to flow more, my bike climbed slowly yet consistently. Thank God, I survived and am alive to tell the tale. This is how the story of my first RTI (round the island) biking experience begun.
A month ago, I invited my friends to go cycling on the RTI route. Cycling was our hobby, perhaps a challenge would open doors for an exciting adventure. I had this sudden inspiration after reading in a book about the author’s adventure-seeking brothers and how they come to know the power of prayers. I was excited on the proposition, although I admit it was only half meant. So, what if we could not finish it? We can take a cab back home, at least we tried. But Tobi took my request seriously and started giving recommendations on how the trip must be done. He is an experienced cyclist and fitness enthusiast, he has been through the RTI route probably a dozen times, probably more. He warned me it would be very hard as he relentlessly gives ideas on how I can improve and prepare for the ride. I listened carefully and take note of what he advised.
It is a good thing we have a weekly exercise session with friends. Tobi introduced us to interval runs and I must say it is very effective in strengthening the muscles used for biking. Aside from that, we also practice long runs and our usual biking trips. One day, I have the chance to test if I would be fit for RTI as Tobi lead me to TMCR (Tanah Merah Coastal Road), a long stretch of straight highway, with a biking lane designed for cyclists. I must say that I struggled hard at that time. My endurance began to fail after minutes of cycling, and I saw cyclists with road bikes (I am using a mountain bike) zooming pass me with great speed. I know that I had to increase my speed so as not to drag the time spent circling the island.
“Bro, I’m planning to buy a road bike so I can increase my speed. I’m not sure if my budget allows me to have carbon frame or fork,” I told Tobi out of my frustration. He chuckled and retorted, “It’s not about the bike bro. It is the pedalling power that makes the speed.” “Gee, any special advice to take note when I go through RTI?” “You just need to keep pedalling more and more.” It dawned on me that RTI is an endurance test, a challenge that seems beyond me. Should I still do it? I can only imagine how this ride will turn out, but I set on to use my low-cost mountain bike with aluminum frame, and with my rubber shoes on.
I continued with my weekly exercise activities and noticed a change. My fitness tracker reports increased speed on my jogging. I can go further distances on the same time spent before. I feel my heart can sustain continuous running for longer periods of time than before. My fitness monitor indicates increased heart peak levels, so I must remember to slow down when already so tired. I believe my endurance will increase gradually, that there is still improvement on the next run.
It come to mind what Saint Paul wrote, “Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus, I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) I admit that many times I have been disheartened by the many things that happened lately, especially during this pandemic. I began to understand what Saint Paul is pointing out and the value of training my body. If I have the mindset of an athlete, striving to reach a coveted prize, the same truth applies to spiritual life. I must train my body to endure suffering, follow the way of the cross, to love God and others wholeheartedly, for the greatest reward of eternal life. As more challenges come to test my faith, my capacity to endure increases, my spiritual muscle grows. There is no time to be complacent, I must move and act! Life is beautiful despite the many challenges or setbacks! Life is like RTI after all, an endurance test to the finish, but gloriously rewarding in the end.
Back to my story. Yes, I have survived the last over bridge and we managed to finish RTI before our target time. I feel amazed that I was able to finish it, a thing I only dreamed of previously. I feel my faith beating passionately once again, I feel hopeful and refreshed. Tobi posed a question, “What’s your next plan?” I smiled and answered, “Let’s keep doing this!”