By Sri Raman Swamy
To commemorate Singapore’s 61st National Day, the NAMA/SRS Cyclists organised a cycling adventure that brought together national pride, fellowship, physical activity and visits to important Vaishnavaite shrines along the route. Planned by Desikan Swami, the 61-kilometre route included visits to Sri Changi Ramar Temple, Sri Perumal Temple and Ramar Sannidhi on Serangoon Road.
Planning Is One Thing; the Ride Is Another
No amount of planning can fully prepare you for the actual ride. Something or other is bound to be different when the day finally arrives.
A preparatory ride of 18 kilometres in an hour, when riding alone, does not necessarily mean that 61 kilometres will be completed in three-plus hours. There is always a need to stop for photographs, drinks, snacks, rest-room breaks—and, of course, conversations. These breaks have a way of stretching longer than planned because the conversations are simply too interesting to end!
While it is important to have a schedule, one must be generous with the time allocated, especially for snack breaks. These conversations provided a welcome distraction, allowing tired muscles and minds to relax and recover.
And the conversations were not restricted to the breaks. They continued even while cycling, with discussions ranging across an astonishing variety of topics—from bicycles and endurance riding to the dos and don’ts of long-distance cycling, the UK NHS, life as a medical student in the UK, and much more. Each subject was discussed with considerable enthusiasm and, at times, remarkable detail!
The Spirit of Support
Sudharsan’s passion for cycling was evident throughout the ride. He would repeatedly cycle back and forth among the group to ensure that everyone was together. In effect, he was riding his own additional route while simultaneously acting as a family escort and a mobile support vehicle!
Around the halfway point, however, his bicycle suffered a flat tyre. The repair shop was a few kilometres away, and Sudharsan was understandably disappointed that he could not continue immediately. For a passionate cyclist, a flat tyre is not merely a mechanical problem; it is a temporary betrayal by a trusted companion.
The bicycle may have betrayed him, but the trusted SRS support group certainly did not.
Narasimhan Swamy was ready to drop whatever personal errands he was attending to and come to his assistance. Ravi Swamy, who had already completed his own 36-kilometre ride and returned home, was also willing to drive back and help transport the bicycle. It was a wonderful reminder that while bicycles may occasionally let us down, friends and fellow cyclists do not.
When 61 Kilometres Became a Night Expedition
A ride planned to celebrate Singapore’s 61st National Day unexpectedly crossed into the next calendar day. What had originally been planned as an evening cycling event had transformed into a full-fledged night expedition!
As one approaches the fag end of a long ride, mobile and other device batteries begin to deplete, individual energy levels fall and the pain seems to be the only thing steadily ticking upwards. At that stage, everyone’s mind is occupied by one question: How many more kilometres are left?
So, when the familiar signs of Simei finally appeared, they were greeted with considerable relief. Those signs were more than just road markers—they were reassuring evidence that the end was finally within reach.
The Achievement
Nevertheless, the ride was successfully completed, leaving everyone with a memorable experience. The route allowed the group to combine religious fellowship, physical activity and the celebration of Singapore’s National Day.
More importantly, the ride demonstrated that group cycling requires patience, coordination and mutual support. The official distance of 61 kilometres was only one measure of the achievement. The greater accomplishment was that everyone continued together despite fatigue, unexpected delays, a flat tyre and the inevitable challenges of a long-distance ride.
The Best Reward
The best reward came at the end, when Anusha Ji prepared a wonderful dinner for everyone. Mahesh Ji and Sudharsan also thoughtfully brought the packed food boxes down to where the group had gathered.
After several hours on the road, that dinner was much more than just a meal. It was a recovery system, a moment of relaxation and, most importantly, a fitting celebration of a ride completed together.
More Than Just 61 Kilometres
The NAMA/SRS Cyclists’ National Day ride was a meaningful and enjoyable way to celebrate Singapore. It brought together national pride, Vaishnavaite heritage, exercise, friendship and fellowship.
The unexpected events—the extended breaks, endless conversations, flat tyre, fatigue and late-night finish—only made the journey more memorable. After all, the success of a group adventure is measured not merely by the number of kilometres completed, but by the fellowship, humour, support and shared memories created along the way.
One response
Excellent write up with almost every moments, which brings us the amazing collective experience once again in front of our eyes.
Thanks to everyone who is a part of this.