Biking
The journey started on July 2023
"AURORA"
Some of my longest and exciting rides are listed below.
If you are interested in reading some of my reviews or recommendation about cycling gears, please scroll below!
Gran Fondo 2024
Length: 121 km, Elevation: 2094 m, Fastest 100 km in less than 4 hours, and no stopping for 5h 4 min 🥇🎖️
Golden ears, Allouette lake tour!
Length: 145.9 km, Elevation: 1168 m, Longest ever ride 🥇
Touring the commonly trained zones, solo Endurance
Length: 131.7 km, Elevation: 721 m, Long ride with just 20 min break!
Tour de West stretch
Length: 134.6 km, Elevation: 1,047 m, Longest ever ride🎖️
Mt. Seymour, Stanley park and UBC loop
Length: 100.1 km, Elevation: 1,602 m, Highest continuous elevation gain🎖️
Cypress and HSB loop
Length: 106 km, Elevation: 1,730 m, PR'ed Cypress mountain 🎖️
Iona and Richmond tour, 2 loops
Length: 102.1 km, Elevation: 191 m, Fastest 100 K in 4h 10 min! 🎖️
The first ever 100 km ride to kick of the biking season, 2024.
Gran Fondo Whistler- 2023
Length: 127.24 km, Elevation: 2,120 m
The journey started in the morning around 7 am in the morning from Stanley park. With two months of biking, this was an incredible acheivement for me. Never give up!
Cypress, Horse Shoe Bay, and UBC loop
Length: 127.6 km, Elevation: 1,943 m
The training for Fondo. The Cypress climb before attempting HSB and UBC. Biking teaches patience and perseverance. This ride with similar distance and elevation had 1 hour and 40 min longer than the Gran Fondo, which was a significant improvement in 2 week timeframe.
The Ribble Ultra SL is an exceptional aero road bike, weighing around 9 kg. Designed for optimal aerodynamic performance, it’s an excellent choice for both training and casual riding. If you live in North America, you’ll likely need to have it shipped, so be sure to update your location for an accurate shipping estimate. I paid about $550 for shipping, which is on the higher side—especially when compared to Canyon, which charges roughly half that. However, considering that similar aero bikes in North America can cost between $8,000 and $10,000, the Ribble Ultra SL offers fantastic value for the price. It’s well worth the investment!
I highly recommend you to check the gears below!
Bike: Ribble Ultra SL
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Review: Aero bikes are known for their sleek design, speed, and impressive performance across various terrains. They tend to be slightly heavier than lightweight bikes but excel in flat and downhill sections due to their aerodynamic frame. While they perform well on mixed terrain, their weight can make them slower on steep climbs. For a first-time bike owner, however, a lightweight bike might be a better option. Lightweight bikes typically offer more flexibility, as they often come with adjustable stems and handlebars, allowing for a more personalized fit. In contrast, aero bikes usually feature integrated, non-adjustable handlebars, limiting customization. If you're considering an aero bike, it's essential to test ride it to ensure it meets your comfort and performance needs.
BIB/Shorts: Decathalon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Review: This is hands down one of the best bib shorts I own. They offer exceptional comfort, especially for rides lasting over 5 hours. The addition of two pockets is a practical feature, making them perfect for long-distance rides. While Rapha also offers bibs with pockets, I find the cushioning on Decathlon’s bibs superior. Given that Decathlon bibs cost about a third of the price of their competitors, they provide outstanding value without compromising on performance. I highly recommend them for any cyclist looking for comfort and affordability in one package!
Biking gloves: Amazon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Review: These cycling gloves have been a game-changer for me. I used to experience numbness in my fingers after long hours on the saddle, but after researching ways to reduce discomfort, I discovered that quality gloves can make a significant difference. These gloves provide additional comfort by absorbing vibrations from the terrain, which greatly reduces strain on my hands. Since wearing them, I’ve noticed an immediate reduction in discomfort, and I no longer suffer from numb fingers during rides. They’ve truly enhanced my cycling experience, allowing me to enjoy longer rides pain-free.
Powemeter: Assioma DUO
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
Review: The Assioma DUO powermeter is an incredible device that has significantly improved my training by providing precise power data. Unlike training by speed, which can be influenced by factors like wind, drag, and gear weight, or by heart rate, which can vary due to sleep, caffeine, and other factors, a powermeter offers an accurate measure of the effort you’re putting in. It also calculates the exact number of calories burned during your ride, helping you fine-tune your nutrition and fueling strategies.While the DUO model provides detailed data on power balance between both legs, it’s not always necessary, especially considering the higher price point. The Assioma UNO still delivers excellent performance and reliability, though it won’t track power imbalances between legs. For most riders, this information isn't critical, making the UNO a great, more affordable option.