Runway Cycling 2002, one of the largest events in Singapore's Skating calendar, and unlike what the event name suggests, inline skaters are allowed in this annual event organized by the Singapore Armed Forces Recreation Association(SAFRA).

So at 7:30am, as TSV members and frens gathered within the compounds of the Paya Lebar Airbase, a sense of anticipation grips all present. As we skated around, getting ourselves warmed up, and soaking in the atmosphere amidst the festivities, we could see many people, mostly cyclists, also gathering in groups all over the large staging area. After ensuring that all viruses are present, we rolled to the form-up area where we were subsequently dispatched to the starting line about 300 meters away.

It was a sense of excitement and thrill that hit as I weaved through the many cyclists that were around me. As there was still about 20mins before the flag off, we proceeded with our warm-up around the starting area and as more and more batches were sent to the starting line, we started seeing other members of the local skating fraternity. TSV sure attracted lotsa shutter attention as media photographers and videographers kept snapping away. Soon the Guest of Honour arrives and it was time for the flag off!

Off we go!!! And almost immediately, TSV formed a display peloton of speedsters flanked by our two coaches and cyclist frens. Cadence came quickly and soon we were cruising at about 28km/h met with the constant awe of the cyclist who never expects inliners to travel as speeds equal or higher to theirs. The first few kilometers passed very quickly and we were soon confronted with the first turn of the course - a sharp left into the service road. The service road was anything but a perfect ride for anyone on wheels, much less inliners. But we survive it, and began the uphill trunch up "Radio Hill" and I started feeling myself getting tired, and began losing the main group.

Persevering and passing the finish line gave me a great sense of acomplishment, as this was the first time I had done the Runway on skates. It was truly a much greater feeling than doing it on a bicycle. So, remember, you are only as fast as you think you are. Think faster, skate faster. Looking forward to Runway 2003!!!