As we drove in towards the airport for the Runway Cycling 2003 event, we could see many cyclists making their way towards the airport, too. It was a bright and sunny Sunday morning. The feeling of skating on the runway was great. It is only once a year that the Paya Lebar runway is closed for cyclist and skaters.

We were warned in advanced that there will be additional procedures in placed on top of the security measures that are already present. This is due to the recent SARS outbreak. We arrived early to ensure a parking slot and to avoid queues entering the airport.

At the car park, we geared up with our skates and headed towards the airport entrance. Everyone was very excited. There were families with kids. Some were there to cycle, some to skate, and some just to watch and join in the fun. There were stalls for drinks and food, and displays of sporting equipments.

Viruses found a spot to do our warm-ups and stretches, while waiting for other team members and friends to arrive. At about 9.20 am, everyone managed to clear the many 'obstacles' and arrived at the meeting place. There were a total of six thousand attendees. What a huge crowd!

The starting line, which was in the middle of the runway, was quite a distance away from where we were gathering. The crowd of cyclist started moving towards the starting line shortly before 8.30 am followed by the skaters. At the starting line, we took the opportunity to take more photos. There was an exchange of photo shooting among teams. The media crew was there too to provide coverage for the event. Hovering above us was also a military helicopter. It seems like they were filming us from above.

Everyone was playing, chatting, socializing and having fun while waiting for the arrival of the guest of honor and thereafter the flag-off. The flag-off caught us somewhat by surprise, but we took it in our stride and tried to achieve pack cadence as soon as possible.

We divided ourselves in two peletons. Both took the 15km route. I was in the first peleton, headed by Ethel who was cycling and Terence leading us. Thanks to Ethel and Terence for taking the head wind. I was wondering why she was cycling so slowly, but it was after completing the second and third lap on my own without anyone to draft behind, that I realized what a great job she had done. Well done, Ethel and Terence!

The runway was one of the best surfaces for skating. It was smooth and wide giving lots of traction to our skate wheels. Except for a stretch of rough and narrow service road with many humps, we were able to stay closely packed in cadence. Our average speed was as between 32 to 35 km per hour and reached a maximum of 40 km per hour as indicated on the speedometer on the bicycle.

Nearing to the finishing line of the first lap, I went for my second lap as other viruses broke away. My feet started to feel numb as I continued. Crossovers became painful to execute, and the rough surfaces at the service road did not help to say the least. When I ended my second lap, I was very tempted to stop and not complete the third lap, thereby giving up on my initial plan to complete the Shimano Endurance Challenge. However, I told myself that I would have to wait at least an entire year before I would have another chance to skate at the runway again. So I grabbed the opportunity and went on my third lap.

My mental plan for the third lap was to draft a cyclist as far as possible and that was exactly what I did. I managed to find a kind cyclist who did not mind me drafting him and even kept a constant pace for me. It was great fun chasing all the cyclists throughout the second and third lap, despite the strain in my muscles.

By the time I finally finished my third lap, the only thing I wanted to do was to collect my Shimano goodie bag and get my feet out of their misery. Thanks to Erica who blessed me with the drinks that she had queued & 'fought for'. It was such a refreshing experience to get a cold drink after skating much of the last 1.5 laps with a very dry throat.

Our second peleton was led by Virus 003, which included junior Viruses, family and friends. Many of them completed the 15km route while other recreational skaters going for the 6km route. Baby Viruses and other members broke away from the peleton at about 6km. It was especially challenging for the Junior Viruses and other skater friends to continue on their own. With sheer determination, Baby Virus Sean actually continued to complete the 15km route at his own pace (without pacing) until he past the finishing line. Well done, well done!

At the stall area, away from the runway, were performances on stage. There were dancers and singers to entertain all. There were also demonstrations by the speed team from Skateline.

We sat around drinking and chatting. Some took the opportunity to skate around the huge open space. We were also hoping to win some prizes at the lucky draw. Virus 003 was the lucky Virus that won the third prize.

It was fast approaching noontime and everyone started to move out of the event area toward the exit. We all had fun. It was an exciting morning and we are all looking forward to Runway Cycling 2004.