Earth Hour (28 March 2009)

I went back to AJC this morning for the anniversary run brief at 11am. Checking out the school organization chart, I realized that all the teachers that had taught me, apart from Mr Ng (physics) and some of the PE teachers, had left the school. In a "short" 2 years, things had changed, perhaps for the better. After the brief, I went for lunch with Gordon before heading for home, clocking a distance of 22km.

In the evening, I met Shao Hong at Khatib, before linking up with William outside AJC, and finally Gordon at Bishan MRT. William's new GT Avalanche 1.0 was simply a stunner. It was around 7.50pm and we dashed down to the Esplanade, reaching it ten minutes before the WWF's panda mascot activated Earth Hour.

The Singapore skyline lit up the night and people were rather excited to see an occasion in which the exterior lights of major buildings were switched off. At precisely 8.30pm, the exterior lights of major landmarks such as Maybank, the Fullerton and the Singapore Flyer were shut down, to the delight and cheers of the crowd that had gathered for the event. Candles were lit and a concert, a collaboration between WWF and Mediacorp Radio, continued in the darkness.

We had quite a time chilling out, talking and trying to get our camera phones to work in the dark! Before the hour was up, we left for Mount Faber. According to Gordon, we were hitting speeds of 35km/h on certain stretches and even went up to 39km/h on one occasion. We were definitely going much faster at night. The climb up Faber was taxing, as usual, but we relaxed for quite a while at the highest point.

Speeding down was part of the fun; William and I overtook a lorry and a car on the way down. I took one of the turns too fast and found myself almost scrapping the sides of a corner. I clamped down on the brakes and leaned into the turn, and in that agonisingly slow moment, my front tyre missed the kerb by inches. Apparently, William was following right behind, hence if I had crashed, it would be a disaster =P

We rode to Selegie Road via the ever busy Orchard for some snacks at the "dao hui" stall. I was quite thirsty, hence I ordered "dao hui", a cup of glass jelly drink and a butterfly bun. The task of extricating our bikes soon followed after we were done and in no time, we were on Upper Serangoon Road.

Gordon broke off first, followed by William. Shao Hong and I took the Jalan Kayu route and we broke up after Seletar Dam. It was a good ride and I am looking forward to the next one =)

Route taken: Earth Hour ride (67.4km)

Total Distance: 89.4km
Money spent: $2.50
Participants: LSH, Gordon, Shao Hong, Chua William

A plan: Cycle Genting

050509 (Tue), meeting time tentatively @ 6pm
- Ride over to Larkin Bas Steysen in JB; catch an overnight coach to Puduraya, KL

060509 (Wed)
- Reach KL in the wee hours of the morning, prep and start ride to Genting (50+km)
- Reach Genting. Lunch and a few hours to chill out before heading back to Puduraya (Alternatively, stay a night at Genting provided our bikes can be secured, but this means a significantly longer distance to cover the following day)
- Dinner, shopping in KL

070509 (Thu)
- Set off early for Melaka via Lebuhraya Cheras - Kajang and Lebuhraya Kajang - Seremban (Federal Road 1, approx 150km)
- Reach Melaka at dusk, stay a night over

080509 (Fri)
- Ride to Melaka Sentral, book tickets back to Larkin
- Shopping in Melaka
- Arrive back home in the evening

Packlist
- Bike
- Front and rear lights with extra batteries (essential!)
- Helmet, gloves, shades (essential!)
- Covered shoes (essential!)
- Slippers
- At least 2 spare inner tubes especially for your 700cc road bikes (essential!)
- Patch kit (Sher Hern will bring)
- Spare tools (Sher Hern will bring)
- Pump (good to have)
- Passport
- Money in ringgit
- Water, at least 2l
- 2 extra sets of clothes
- Towel
- Windbreaker/jacket (essential)
- Camera
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries
- Map, compass, GPS (Sher Hern will bring)

Planning the route up Genting

Probable date of trip: 4 - 8 May 2009

I have researched viable routes on my Navigator, but decided to plot one out on Google Maps. The distance of this particular route from Puduraya (KL) to Genting Highlands is approximately 50.1km.

Route to Genting Highlands from Puduraya

Sunday leisure spin

After attending church and accompanying Mum to do some shopping, I decided to take a leisure ride around Sembawang to catch a breather as well as take in the usual Sunday crowd at the beach and park connectors.

When I returned to Wellington Circle / Montreal Drive, the urge to hit the steep grassy slopes behind my block was overwhelming. I decided to use the opportunity to test my full range of gears and as expected, it was tough to scale the incline. In fact, after quite a few attempts, I only managed to go about three-quarter the full distance before I start to lose traction. Hence, I took the chance to push the bike up and had a exhilarating but incredibly quick time rolling / sliding off the hill. The foot of the hill was nothing but the width of a small pavement and grass patch before the road, thus I had to stop the bike before I hit the road.

I realised that as much as I tried to apply braking pressure (to the point before I start tipping over), the bike locked up and continued to slide due to the incredibly steep gradient. Apparently, the public have not really seen such stuff and quite a number of people stopped and directed their attention to me. They must be thinking along the lines of: What in the world is that crazy idiot up to? Does he know that he can end up with a broken bone or two?

Then again, practice makes perfect. It is precisely because we live such protected lives that we do not take the necessary risks in life that allow us to attain a higher level of competency. In the bible of mountain biking: if you have not attempted to jump off a height even once in your "career" and experience the landing, what will you do if you encounter a sudden drop-off? Most people will brake instinctively. They will crash and injuries are probable.

I am no expert. I just hope I have the guts and the determination to carry on trying.

Total Distance: 16km
Money spent: $0
Participants: LSH

"Smileride's Backroads" ride

As suggested by the name, the ride will take us through the less "seen" roads and trails in Singapore. The below extract was written by smileride on SMBF.

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* Meeting point :

Macritchie Reservoir's bus stop that is opposite Mount Alvernia Hospital.


* What is it about :

Riding backroads is about enjoying the peace and serenity of small quiet backroads. There is much beauty around us that is just waiting to be discovered. If we keep taking the well worn routes, we will miss many scenic places.

The majority of this route involves riding on little known roads inside residential estates and also involves riding on several obscure trails. Be prepared to carry your bicycle over certain obstacles. Part of it even requires you to ride alongside a railway track.

As far as possible, the objective is to avoid riding on any main road. Hence, we may need to take a slightly longer route to get to our destination, but we'll definitely see more beautiful sights that 90% of S'poreans would have never seen before. On smaller roads, we will not have the usual problems associated with riding on major arterial roads (eg. buses or lorries overtaking within inches of you). As backroads are seldom flattened like the main roads, expect to encounter many hilly climbs. Do remember to grease your granny gears.

I've spent several months exploring secondary roads and connecting unmarked trails to design this route. I'm sharing it because some parts of this route will be redeveloped soon and the breathtaking views will be soon be gone forever. Enjoy it while it is still around.

* Who should come:

1. Those who'd like a SLOW and relaxing Sat ride, especially those who are bored of just speeding along main roads.

2. Those who want to see a different side to Sg. It will be like being a tourist again in your own country.

3. Those who want to admire the opulent houses of Sg's rich and famous.

4. Bicycle commuters who intend to ride from AMK/Bishan/TP to institutes of higher learning like NUS, NYP or SP.


* Where:

- Macritchie Reservoir's bus stop [Start]
- Flying Snake Way (runs parallel to Lornie Road)
- Adam Road Hawker Centre (break)
- Millionaires' Way (runs parallel to Dunearn Road)
- Turf City (+ secret shortcut to see handsome stallions grazing on open fields.)
- Climb of Pain (many of us will have to push our bicycles up this ultra steep hill)
- Railway track ride (a km or two of rocky path that runs beside a railway track and it is parallel to Clementi Road)
- Holland Drive Hawker Centre (break)
- Imperial Way (runs parallel to Holland Road and Farrer Road)
- Adam Road Hawker Centre
- Flying Snake Way
- Macritchie Reservoir's bus stop [End]
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I left home around 6.20am and headed for the rendezvous point. Along Sembawang road, I overtook a couple of "slow-moving" vehicles but apparently they became extremely fast after that =P Learning from Zi Kai in the art of leeching off others, I drafted behind till the long down slopes of Thomson Road allowed them to pull away =P

You should have seen Long House. There was a congregation of more than a hundred roadies today! Business would have been brisk for those stall-owners who opened early.

Meeting up with James, we waited for the others but none turned up so we proceeded. I would say it was an eye-opener to cycle leisurely through the lesser known roads, trails and private estates with "glass houses" and swimming pools.

Sadly, some of the places we passed, such as the cemetery, will be gone in the near future. Developments had already sprung up around the area and it was only time before the graves get exhumed and that plot of land turned into some multi-million dollar property.

It was refreshing to see the abundance of greenery in land scarce Singapore. Cycling beside a horse is not something you do everyday, nor is crossing a railway bridge. The latter reminded me of Thailand.

I had good old carrot cake at the Holland Drive hawker centre; and I have to thank James for the drink. He has certainly travelled many parts of the world and every country in the region.

On the way back, we encountered a flat, but somehow couldn't identify the leak. We pumped it up and it was enough to last him home.

The sun was already high in the sky. I put on my sunglasses and headed for home.

Myself (left) and smileride (right)

Total Distance: 64km
Money spent: $2
Participants: LSH, James (smileride)

Converting Dad's MTB into a hybrid (19 March 2009)

I left for home as quickly as I could possibly drop off from work and we went to Orane Concept before its closing time of 8pm to have Dad's bike fixed.

Here's a list of components which we upgraded to:
1. FIRST bottom bracket
2. Shimano HG73 9-speed chain
3. Shimano MegaRange cassette 11-34T
4. 26" x 1.25 Kenda Kwick Roller Sport
5. 1.25 CST inner tubes
6. Rear brake pads

Other items we bought included:
1. 2 spare 1.25 CST inner tubes
2. CR2032 batteries for my Topeak RedLite
3. Bike service / park stand

Dad's Polygon after modifications (left) and in comparison with my bike (right).

Total Distance: 5.4km
Money spent: $200
Participants: LSH, Dad

Wasted trip to BikeLink

Went down to BikeLink today with Dad to get his bike serviced but they had run out of spare parts. Just too bad for us.

Total Distance: 8km
Money spent: $0
Participants: LSH, Dad

NTU Bike Rally 2009

A tiring day no doubt, I can barely concentrate now. From 4.30am this morning to 8.15pm, I have been on my bike. It was a good ride, though bad weather added a slight twist to it.

I reached East Coast Park slightly after 5.30am this morning, about an hour's fast ride from home. The rest of the gang arrived shortly and we made preparations for the 128km ride. It was flagged off on time and the whole lot of cyclists moved off to the first checkpoint at Labrador Park. The second checkpoint was NTU, the third was Kranji Dam, fourth Yishun Stadium, fifth Serangoon Stadium, sixth Changi Beach Park and lastly East Coast Park.

I think the most eventful incident was Zi Kai leaving his bag behind! Haha...always out to torture me. By then, Alfred and his two friends were way ahead, hence after Kranji, I cycled with Yiyu and her friend Xiao Xuan (hope this not mis-spelt) when I lost sight of Zi Kai and Jin Kai.

At Khatib, the five of us set off together but halfway through Seletar, it rained heavily so Yiyu and her friend sought shelter. Apparently, all riders were supposed to find shelter at that point in time, but as THREE people had AGREED in UNISON, we decided to move on. I wonder who said "chiong ah" the loudest =P

The cold was almost unbearable. I was shivering, especially when we set off after a meal at the Kovan hawker centre. We managed to complete the full 128km, but not before a spectacular crash while drafting. Actually, it's my fault. A woman suddenly stopped in my path and stood rooted, forcing me to brake. Since Zi Kai and Jin Kai was no more than a wheel behind, it became a chain collision.

I felt that our drafting was very well executed. We were almost invincible, overtaking like free =P

After Yiyu and her friend pulled in at around 6.30pm, I left for my final 30km home =)

Total distance: 200km
Money spent: $3.30
Participants: LSH, Zi Kai, Jin Kai, Yiyu, Xiao Xuan, Alfred and his two friends

T15 - Bukit Timah Spin

I felt quite lethargic today. It was a miracle that I got on my bike and headed for T15. Someone had moved the boulder to block the "entrance" beside the gate. It do not deter me. I hoist the bike over onto the boulder, climbed up and jumped off from the ledge together with the bike.

I met quite a number of people on the trails today, so I had a lot of smiling and waving to do =P I spotted a slow moving bike ahead, hence I moved aside to overtake the rider. He waved me down and shouted something. I could not hear so I pulled over. It was a Caucasian. He had a flat and needed a pump. I was about to offer to mend his inner tube when he realized that the valve had broken off too. Hobson's choice, he had to find a way to get back to Orchard. I suggested a cab and he readily took up the idea when I told him he could strip the wheels and put the bike into the boot. He decided to move in the direction of BT but since his position was closer to Mandai Lake Road, I suggested he take the other way, reassuring him that he would not be shot when he raised his doubts about going over the "gate" =P

We parted and only when I gave the incident deeper thought did I realise I could have just changed the whole inner tube for him and saved him the cost of taking a cab back. Not that he couldn't afford the ride anyway if he lives in the Orchard area.

Anyway, I completed T-15 and went on to Bukit Timah. The wetter conditions were not to my advantage since my tyres lacked grip and since it was meant to be a relaxed ride, I tried to slow my pace and stay out of trouble. Some of the lines I took today were pretty poor and my bike shook, shuddered and nearly tore itself apart when I hit the obstacles.

After a break at the Visitors' Centre, I tackled the entrance of the trail. My tyres slipped as usual but this time I managed to down-gear in time and just made it in getting the bike up. Any wetter, I am going to slide back down.

The weather was burning as I rode home, unlike the overcast skies now. I hope it does not rain tomorrow.

Total distance: 32km (on-road), 15km (off-road)
Money spent: $0
Participants: LSH

NTU Bike Rally 09 Brief

I headed down to NTU today for the Bike Rally brief, with Dad in tow. We planned to look for Mum at The Heeren after the brief. I estimate we took about an hour and ten minutes to get to NTU, which means I may be able to do better if I cycle to school instead of taking the public transport.

I met up with Zi Kai, Alfred and Jin Kai; and we headed for the briefing room. The brief did not take very long and was rather simple. As usual, we tend to complain but we need to understand that the organising committee have to put in a lot of effort to organise such events. I am sure none of them would want to come back on a Sunday if possible hence we should show our appreciation.

We spent some time chatting after lunch before Dad and I left for Orchard Road. A mug of sugar cane juice at Seah Im was a much welcomed delight. The weather was terribly hot today. Thereafter, we continued to The Heeren, found Mum and hung around for a while before heading for home.

I felt today's ride was a bit harsh due to the tremendously hot sun sapping away our energy!

Total distance: 78.5km
Money spent: $3.10
Participants: LSH, Dad

Milo Youth Tryathlon (7 March 2009)

Bro took part in the Milo Youth Tryathlon on Saturday morning, hence we set off before 6am, intending to reach Sentosa by 7am. I stopped at the market below the block where Grand-uncle used to stay a long time ago and "da-bao" a packet of noodles, a fried egg and fish cake.

Unfortunately, we ran into a CAT 1 storm as we were about to enter the Sentosa bridge. Seeking shelter with a couple of Caucasian kids and their Dad who were also on the way to take part in the triathlon, we waited for the worse to pass before continuing our journey.

The organization of the event at Tanjong Beach was a mess, perhaps and largely due to space constraint. Due to CAT 1 weather conditions, the race was postponed to about an hour later. The cycling stage was very poorly staged as the roads were too narrow to overtake safely and the wet weather only made matters worse. Quite a few accidents took place and the kids were braking all over the place, causing the participants behind them to jam their brakes too, and it was amazing none of the spectacular pile-ups I imagined would happen actually took place. Nonetheless, it was interesting to see some of them, especially the Caucasians, brave enough to overtake in particularly dangerous sections. I guess kids are more daring and they tend to lose their bravado as they grow up.

At the end of the event, we left for Palawan Beach hoping to catch some beach volleyball action. I was disappointed to see none going on, weird, I thought the papers said the competition was on Sat and Sun from 10am onwards. Hence, we left for lunch at Seah Im, before heading to Elken at AMK to get some stuff for Mum.

Bro broke off at Khatib to look for a friend and attend a birthday party while I continued home.

Total distance: 61km
Money spent: $4.30
Participants: LSH, Bro

Itching for the off-roads

The last ride with the SMBF bikers was fun. I am definitely looking forward to future rides. In fact, I am itching to get on a bike right now and tackle the trails.

I wonder if I have a chance to ride Ketam MTB Park any time soon. It has been a few months since I rode the Blue Square and Black Diamond, and I am quite sure the trails will have changed somewhat due to the rain, erosion and frequent use. Anyone care to ride with me?

The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has five ratings of difficulty, namely, White Circle, Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond. White Circle is the easiest and Double Black Diamond is the most difficult track to engage. The trails at Ketam MTB Park are rated as:

1. Blue Square - Trails with a combination of some steep slopes, narrow track with poor traction.

2. Black Diamond - Trails with a combination of long step climbs, drop-offs and tricky obstacles

3. Double Black Diamond - Trails with a combination of very steep climbs and drop-offs, sharp corners and tricky obstacles

To people who are unaware of the full set of ratings IMBA has for trails, they will probably be mistaken to think Blue Square is the easiest and can be easily engaged by beginners. They will be proven so wrong. Nonetheless, I believe the Blue Square provides a good experience for beginners. Just remember to put on your helmet and make sure your bike is functioning properly!

List of segments and obstacles (above)

The Blue Square is a pleasant trail for a fast ride; probably slightly tougher than the Tampines trail, which means more fun =) Black Diamond, on the other hand, is definitely more challenging than Bukit Timah and has long, steep, lung-busting climbs! The difference between the Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond are the obstacles that lie along the way and riders have the option of passing through Black Diamond challenges such as China Bowl and Black Cobra or attempt the extremely technical Double Black Diamond segments such as the infamous 4-storey high GraveDrop!

I had a hell of a time with the Black Diamond and every climb up the treacherous slopes felt as if I just sprinted 2.4km while my heart nearly leapt out of my ribcage as I navigated across each obstacle.

Obviously I chose the Black Cobra over the GraveDrop at the end of the trail =P

I have this sudden urge to ride GraveDrop now, right now! Haha...wonder if I am up to the job.

The Freeride Skills and Dirt Skills Park are worth checking out. But please do not attempt the stunts along if your bike trial skills are not up to mark =P

It feels good to be on the trails. I feel every part of me alive and my senses responding to every movement needed to keep the bike under control. Time to hit the trails.

Asrama - T15 - Butterfly - Scorpion

My handphone alarmed jolted me awake. It was 7am, a mere 4 hours of sleep. I was feeling a bit reluctant to go for a challenging ride off-road but I had made a promise that I could make it. I cooked a packet of instant noodles and tried to pack the necessary gear which had been soaked in the rain a few hours ago. I was already running a little late. The feeling of putting a pair of wet gloves, damp helmet and soaked shoes did not do any good to my morale.

I guess the riders at the 100km MTB Marathon (Great Singapore MTB Carnival) last night (5pm - 1am) had it bad. A night race made things difficult, wet trails increased the risk and the incessant downpour would really chill the riders to the bone. Anyway, it was only later that I read the race was stopped at around 8.45pm. I wonder if the riders were relieved or disappointed.

I rode fast from home to the 7-11 at Sun Plaza, only realising Brandon meant the 7-11 at the MRT when he called me. Meeting him and Wilson, we headed for Asrama and waited for Jasper (coming from AMK) at the entrance of T15. When Jasper arrived, we started our off-road ride and it was a rather smooth and fast ride down T15.

We then entered Butterfly, which was strewn with slippery roots and obstacles such as logs which we could do a simple wheelie over. I found the roots a little irritating especially if there were just too many to ride through without slipping. A full-sus would ride better on this trail as a hardtail's momentum tends to be broken by the many obstacles. Still, it was an interesting ride and I realised many bikers actually frequented the trail.

After a rest, it was a ride through the faster Scorpion trail. Wilson's chain broke and my Topeak Survival Gearbox saw "live" action for the first time. We successfully re-connected chain by removing one link and continued on the ride. Getting back to T15, we proceeded out and to the Zoo where it was a KFC meal for snack/lunch.

Recharged, we headed back via Mandai and Sembawang Road. Jasper broke off at Old Thomson Road while we continued down to Brandon's place where he so kindly lent us the use of his hose to wash the mud off our rides. That done, Wilson and myself left for home.

I cleaned and serviced the bike before taking a shower and having lunch. My brake pads are super worn out =P; I have to change them soon.

Total distance: 30km approx (off-road), 19.3km (on-road)
Money spent: $3.30
Participants: LSH, Brandon, Jasper and Wilson

Tackling Mount Faber in the rain (28 February 2009)

We welcomed the new month in a befitting way - by riding a half-island loop from 8.30pm on Saturday night to 2am on Sunday morning in the rain =) Wet and cold and in darkness, it really felt like I was back in the army, trudging through some trail on some "mission", all soaked in the rain.

And riding in the dead of the night required also stretched our mental strength - to stay alert at all times. All in all, it was good training, both physical and mentally. When Shao Hong and I started off for Mount Faber, it was already raining rather heavily and within moments, my lower half was soaked from the puddles. The rain did lighten a little when we ascended Mt Faber but when we rolled down, it started again.

This time, it was a much heavier downpour. After a pit-stop at Habourfront, we started for home via Clementi Road, Upper Bukit Timah and Woodlands Road. Splashing through the puddles could be fun but it also flooded my shoes.

We pulled into Teck Whye to have supper with Shao Hong's friend. A bowl of minced meat noodles warmed me up but when we prepared to leave and I put my wet helmet and gloves on, I couldn't help but shiver! As I increased speed, the wind didn't help either. It was only when my body warmed up did I feel better.

I hit home slightly past 2am. Because I had to wake up early in a few hours for an off-road ride, I only oiled the drivetrain and left the bike in the living room. After a good shower, I retired to bed for a much needed rest.

Total distance: 67km
Money spent: $7.00
Participants: LSH, Shao Hong