On the subject of bicycles

Well, I don't know if this is 100% true for me because, at this moment, I cannot say that the bicycle is my favourite. The library, without a doubt, ranks high on my list of favourites.

Now that I have my own bicycle, it seems that I do like the speed.  Of course, I'm not cycling as fast as I want to but I definitely can cover more ground with a bicycle.

Stephen and I used to go to Pasir Ris, rent the bicycles and cycle around.  It was something we enjoyed doing whenever we had the time to go there.  It seemed only logical that he would eventually buy one. Then he bought a second one for Jared but now it's mine. Negotiations are ongoing for another 'nicer' bicycle for me.

Recently I followed him for an initiation night ride around our area. We covered about 6 km going from point A to point B and then back.  We cycled and walked some parts of the way. I wouldn't have been able to do this track without the bicycle.

I hope that I will be able to go further.  When alone or with Jared, Stephen can do about 20 km or more. It'll be awhile before I can match him for distance and stamina. Okay, saying 'match him' is being a bit ambitious. Perhaps 'catch up with him" would be closer to accurate. But he's a great inspiration for me to push myself and I can't think of a better coach than him.

One day, I am going to cycle to the library, on my own.  That perfect day is just around the corner.  

Just like in the movies....

Toa Payoh Outdoor Stadium

This is my new playground.  It's only five minutes away by bus from where we stay.  Although it looks empty in this picture, there are many people who find it fun to be here when the gates open at 4.30 am.  

Stephen usually cycles to the stadium and then he walks: starting from Lane 8 and working his way down to Lane 1.  Then he cycles home or he goes for a swim.  

If he had started on this earlier, he could have easily participated in a triathlon.  Who knows?  Maybe he will, one day!

Recently, I followed him to the stadium. Previously, my habit was to stay on the sidewalk and make my way around the block, covering between two to four kilometers. This time, I wanted to see if there was any difference between walking inside the stadium and outside.

The thing is that when we watch movies, we always have the background music and it lends an air of drama to any scene.  In real life, there is no music and often I have wondered about this.  You can walk on the beach with your loved one and everything is perfect but there's no music! You're running around and there should be some lively accompaniment to the dashing all over.  

Anyway, this evening as I was making my way through the lanes, I had my headphones on and it dawned on me that it was like being in the movies.

You walk around, under a clear blue sky and if you have music that soothes your soul, you can get lost in the moment. There are other people around you but every other sound is locked out except for the music and the magical feeling.

I have gone walking with my headphones before but only today I realised that this is how it has always been in the movies, there is music!