Singapore

Today is the 12th June 2005. The day that many cyclists and skaters have been waiting a long time for - a military runway would be closed, only to be invaded by cyclists and inline skaters alike. It's also a day of bonding not just with active Viruses but also with supporters and friends. However, this year's event would be a slightly different experience for Team Speed Virus as we were going to take part in the 24-hour skate Charity Event (www.24skate.net), where funds were being raised for UNICEF.

Travelling to Paya Lebar Airbase was a breeze, considering that Vice Captain and I decided to share a cab together. Upon arrival at the car park outside the airbase, we noticed a flurry of activities Ð Viruses fooling around in one corner and team Hyper in their interesting new uniform, all busy gearing up.

As Viruses arrived at the designated car park, the adrenaline could only rise even higher, as Lady Speedster briefed us on the order of skaters, so that any break off would not be too difficult for anyone. We were also briefed on the contingency plans if we were to get detached from our allocated groupings. We were grouped according to our teams and off we went, making our grand entrance into the Airbase.

As per usual practise, the half hour or so after entrance into the Airbase was reserved for team photo taking - mad Viruses' annual practice. We took our time to pose in front of the main stage, as well as at the starting line. THEN, we began the annual agonising wait for the flag off. We took the opportunity to catch up with friends on the past year's happenings, as well as opportunities to pose for photographers from the Straits Times, SportsMag and other independent photographers. What can I say; Viruses always look good in photographs (Ok, maybe I don't, half the time).



As we looked up in the sky at the helicopter that hovered above, we could not fail to notice our fate that was to come. SKATING IN THE RAIN. The skies were dark and seemed to spell imminent "disaster" for many cyclists and skaters. Being faith warriors of God, we went about in a flurry of prayers for a turn of weather, or at least to grant us a safe skate.

Almost as soon as we were flagged off, the rain started pouring down, reminding me of the wet floors that I had to race on in Seoul. Nonetheless, it was refreshing and something that was enjoyed immensely by the Viruses. As our Captain, Lady Speedster anticipated, it would be another day of wet weather training. As the Viruses skated, pushed, pulled, slipped (but did not fall), chionged our way along the route, I was reminded of my first Runway Skate with TSV. How far I have come, under the guidance of Jenn and the other senior Viruses.

By God's grace, everyone returned back, safe and sound, some completing 6km, some 15km, some 27km, six completing 45km and yet others that turned back as soon as the rain started.

I truly thank God for the safe skate that He blessed us with, despite the showers of blessing that He rained upon us. I believe this rain skate allowed some of the Viruses to improve tremendously, pushing their limits in a new way. I am proud to be a Virus for I dare say that we share the same heartbeat (tested with Polar Heart Rate Monitor :P), have an incredible bond with each other and most importantly, share a wonderful Captain who has worked her heart out for the team.

For the record, TSV managed to skate 24km in the hour that was allocated to us, which I see as noteworthy, considering the wet and sometimes oily conditions that we were made to skate on.

By God's grace, GO VIRUS GO GO GO!!


Daryl Chan
Secretary, Team Speed Virus (website: http://www.teamspeedvirus.com)


History of this page:
13th of July 2005: Photo added
10th of July 2005: Long report
19th of June 2005: First version
14th of June 2005: Almost empty page