Yesterday, my mom, my step-dad Tim, my dear hubby Phil and I took part in the OCBC Cycle Singapore. I had just learnt how to cycle 6 months ago and it was our first time taking part in such an event. We did the 40km category, and finished strong and upbeat. At the end of it, all four of us felt that it was a good race which was generally well organized. We even talked about joining the 59km race next year.
We witnessed a few accidents along the way with other bikers falling over each other and hurting themselves. The evacuation vehicle and ambulance were mobilized on a few instances too, which I thought was not out of the ordinary and happens even during marathon events.
Each time I saw an accident I prayed God would see to those hurt and thanked God that four of us would finish without any incidents. However, when Phil went online last night, we read that there were a lot more accidents than we realized and also many complaints from unhappy/angry participants. This morning, I read a few more pieces of negative reports about the organisers and have yet to come across much positive feedback about the event.
The thought that us four rookies were so oblivious to all these bad stuff during and after the event, was like we were surrounded with a protective hedge and cut off from all the inconveniences and danger and which allowed us to enjoy our little ride. God shielded us, kept us safe and gave us a fun time together. We were clueless about many of the crashes and close calls. I feel very loved by His protection over us throughout.
I enjoyed the ride and the family time. Also, I did see four of the accidents myself—not as they happened, but before the people and equipment had been cleared from the road. My heart went out to them, and was grateful it wasn’t me on the ground.
I read one report that mentioned the problems of slower bikers failing to keep left, and the different levels of biking proficiency mixed together on the road. I noticed those myself during the race.
I’m sorry there were so many who had unpleasant experiences and injuries. May God bless them all!
But my observation by participation leads me to believe there were far, far, more people who enjoyed the race, and in safety, than those who did not.