13/07/2020
βI used to be a swimmer, but eight years ago my dad thought to add biking and running so I could do triathlons. Iβve been a triathlete ever since.
When I moved to Metro Manila from Bacolod, I brought my bike with me. I trained on the weekends but took Angkas to commute. But then COVID happened so I started biking to work in May.
Racing and bike commuting are really different, but both still need you to apply the mindset of race etiquette. Youβre not the only one on the road; you have to share it with cars and motorcycle riders. So donβt just swerve and give way to people who are overtaking.
When youβre racing, you really have to find the right fit for your bike because if not, your back will hurt and it will affect your performance. My bikeβs an extra small because Iβm only five-one. If youβre a commuter and you commute a long distance, find a bike that is perfectly sized for you. Dealing with back pain takes the joy away from the bike ride.
And in terms of safety, I never bike without a helmet.
One time, I was training for a race in Bacolod with other people. We were cycling single-file and the guy behind me, his bike tires got stuck to the bike tires of the guy behind him. That created a domino effect and my tires caught onto his. I got flung off my bike and across the road, cracking my helmet. Thatβs why I always wear a helmet. Itβs cheaper than hospital bills or dying.β
Maggie
Triathlete
Mode of transport: S-Works Amira LTD Road Bike