At work today, and still a long week to go with probable weekend burned. Wanted to ride so much...
However had an awesome ride over the weekend with me buddies Brian and Rupert at Tampines Bike Park.
Here are some vids from the ride.
Brian's virgin jump on the ramp at the entrance.
Me kinda demonstrating an easy way of taking the uber kick-up at the TTFR line.
That'll be all for the little time I have riding over the weekends. And congratulations to Brandon Semenuk for getting Silver at X-Games Munich Slopestyle!
Recently, managed to make a few new friends shredding. Mainly started out with Rupert and myself, got to know Malcolm, and then the guys from TTFR. TTFR is basically a project that aims to build a freeride/DH line at the latter side of Tampines Bike Park which was desolated for quite some time.
Its currently still under construction, but half the line is ready to ride and its super fun.
Here's a video of how its like riding down the new line.
Its been awhile! But I'm back to writing about shredding and stuff. Recently there are huge changes in my MTB life and I've actually got myself a new ride. The Transition Bottlerocket 2012.
Got myself some spank spike pedals that I'm used to on this new ride.
Overall, the bike rode pretty well, its way lighter then my previous bike the Polygon DH 2.0. This is more of a slopestyle bike set up in a freeride manner, hit the trails well as well as freeriding and mild DH. Well after all said, its only my 2nd week with the bike, more comments will surface.
Haven't been riding and writing for quite a bit, as was too busy with work and other major commitments. Here's the update on my life and the MTB scene. In the MTB world, press releases with major impact was everywhere, firstly, Sam Hill went from Specialized to Team Nukeproof/CRC, and Aaron Gwin surprisingly took over the spot as the key rider for Specialized despite the display of intentions previously in continuing with Trek World Racing.
When I wasn't riding, I'm still shopping anyway, hence bought myself several new MTB related products, such as a hope seat clamp, renthal chainring, XT cassette, full face helmet and new knee guards.
Here's some picture of the loots.
Well the knee guards haven't arrived yet, will post pictures once I received it. Oh and the stickers are worn so... Time for new ones!
Finally the trip for the Drak Bike Park had arrived, all of us were so stoked about it and some didn't even manage to get some rest the day before. We met up in the morning at 6am and headed for Harbourfront, to take our ferries to Batam Island. We had much more riders today then usual, which total up to about 16 of us.
Upon arriving at Batam, we were received by Mr Ong from Drak Bike Park, who had all the admin details sorted out for us, and made our procedures across custom a convenient one. We were received by a huge green truck which loaded our bikes and drove them to the bike park, while we took the mini vans there. On arrival at the headquarters of the bike park, our bikes were already unloaded and there are refreshments waiting for us (how nice!). We then readied ourselves for the trails, mounted our bikes and rode out.
The warm up ride was pretty fun, went through a few farms and villages along the way, the natives were friendly and some kid even greeted me when I rode by. The trails was overall tiring, lots of climb, we took a short break after the trails and headed for the dirt jumps. My buddies did a few jumps (well I wasn't skilled enough for some of the jumps so I skipped), and next we headed for the berms trail, which was pretty fast and flowy, which led us into the small village which we will enjoy our lunch in the jungle.
pretty sweet place to enjoy the awesome local food
After we headed for more trail rides and the forest jumps, and then back to the dirt jumps, and after we will start the longest climb of the day, which many of us started to whine due to the fatigue kicking in from the extended period of climbing (this is the only part of the day which isn't fun). We finally reached the top of the hill and just ahead of us is a downhill track, a 2 minute descend which is extremely fun, making the climb worth it after all.
We headed back to the headquarters and had our bikes washed by the people there while we took our much needed shower. Then its time to head back home, almost 7 hours of non-stop riding, but it was totally a different experience from anything in the world, definitely one that will go into my memory bank.
This will possibly be the last post for the year of 2012. Anyway, the world didn't end as the Mayans predicted and the following day, I went shredding with the guys from 5th Avenue Riders. The destination this time is Pulau Ubin, aka the Ketam Bike Park.
unloading our bikes
After unloading, waited for a little and boarded the ferry towards Pulau Ubin! Haven't been there in ages, hence its quite an exciting moment for me.
On the ferry
the waters that separate Singapore from Ubin
The ferry trip was pretty short, only about 15 minutes or so. After arriving at the island, we went for a final break at the toilet and offered some prayers to the local deity before hitting the trails. On the way there are several shop-houses with loads of bicycle rental shops, they seem to have all kinds of bikes available for rental. Further ahead for about 3km will be the entrance to the diamond trails, I strongly urge beginners not to hit those. Alternatively the blue trails are pretty flowy and less technical than the diamonds, which has lots of climbs and technical descends.
As usual I was struggling with the trails and its too tolling for my current state of fitness (need more exercise :/). However I love the sport and will never gonna give it up...
After the tolling trails, it will end at a crossroads with a mobile drinks stall parked there, which sells tasty and sweet coconuts and other assorted beverages.
The 5th Avenue Bikes
After the picture session its time for us to head back, it started pouring heavily and we took shelter at a road side store located on the way to the trails. Took the boat after the rain got lighter back to Singapore, had late lunch and called it a day.
Finally had the chance to shred with my buddies! Woke up at 9am even though I had a late night movie session of The Hobbits. Met my buddies near my place, loaded our bikes and stuff and headed to Tampines Bike Park.
Loading up
Mounts of the 5th Avenue Riders
Guess what, it's Saturday and the instructor is around for us to take the BMX test, took it with 3 of them who had not taken it yet. Was quite nervous as the test sounded hard, but hey, it was ridiculously easy, just keep your foot on the bike and you'll pass.
Tampines YOG BMX Track
After we passed the test, took a short break and headed for the trails. The trail was way gnarlier then I expect it to be, it was raining for the past few days, hence mud is everywhere, and some sections even had ankle deep mud holes. Overall the trail session was destroyed by the humidity (which made me nauseated and my bros had to take care of me at some point :/ ), and the insanely deep and wet mud holes, moreover fallen trees are seemingly everywhere. Tampines Bike Park is definitely not recommended in the raining season, due to its elevation which resulted in the difficulties of the track drying up.
DRY TRAILS! YAY, look ahead and tell me again
Waterfall section
Chilling out after the trails
After TBP, we went on to Vertex which one of my bros had his bike fixed, had lunch and headed to Punggol for some chilling session. Fast forward, we were at my buddy's place, his property is kinda special as his family own all the 3 units in the row. He took out a water hose and started the "Bike Spa" session, I was sceptical at the "spa" initially, but was totally convinced of its name after witnessing how it's done.
Bike Spa
The facial session
Well, after getting my bike washed, witnessed a exchange of bikes, it was time to head home to mend my over-exhausted body, more training and riding for myself is definitely needed...
Was off for awhile, hence no updates. Busy with presentations and of course my birthday weekend!
Not much of a riding this weekend, went to Gardens by the Bay, and it was indeed a astonishing sight (Cloud Forest). The Cloud Forest has a man made waterfall which simulates that of a real mountain landscape, lots of cool flowers and plants growing on the cliffs, was quite a sight. The flower dome was however less impressive.
Did I mentioned that I just got myself a contour camera? So here's a few pictures of the contour and the Gardens by the Bay.
Finally got time for a long distant ride with my girlfriend again.
Rode to Ubi Vertex and she bought me a gift! Was so happy with the gift, a new pair of pants for riding.
After, we decided to ride to Macpherson food market, as it had been awhile since I visited and dined at that location. After some riding we arrived! There's lots of food store to choose from, and we had difficulty deciding on what to have for dinner, resulting in a table full of dishes!
Here are some pictures of the "scenery" around that area.
Rode home afterwards, after a sumptuous dinner, and my crank came off somewhere on the ride. Managed to fix it on the field luckily...
Due to my injury I haven't been riding, its getting bored, but wells, went to the docs, took an x-ray and hey, its only a crack so its fine, and I can be on my bike again like now. Oh and the medical bills wasn't insane either, polyclinic had improved their serving time surprisingly, took me only about 2 hours to get everything done and it cost less than $30.00.
Wanted to hit the trails yesterday, geared up, pumped my bike and upon pedalling out of my block, it started raining. Was a good choice to head back home, cause it started pouring and didn't stop till evening.
Spend my day watching Where the Trail Ends again and Fabien Barel Presents, and of course its the Wednesday where there's a new episode of Life Behind Bars (new episode every 2 weeks on Tuesday/Wednesday if your in SG). You can view it here:
Life Behind Bars - Episode 14
Check out the movie here or download it via iTunes! Its worth the money.
Needed a relaxation ride, so geared up and went out for one.
And shamefully, I just realised how the NE Riverine PCN is connected today. There's actually a way from Seng Kang Riverside Park that brings you to the opposite of Marina Country club. Well about the details you gotta ride yourself to find out.
Went along that trail and ended up along the coast, where I usually fish.
Continued riding down the Punggol Nature Walk which is also a good beginners' XC trail, somewhere to get your wheels dirty in a casual way.
Went cycling with my <3 today and really enjoyed it. Though I'm unable to hit the trails now due to my injury, I'm still glad that I can go on a casual ride with my baby.
Our rides @ Punggol Riverside Walk
We went our usual route to Punggol riverside walk, crossing the bridge to Lorong Halus and to Pasir Ris. Had a few stops for rest and baby changed her pedals from some crappy ones to flats. Moreover, its in pink, hence I guess she's pretty stoked. Had tea break at Mcdonalds after, then continued cycling towards Changi.
Something drastic happened on the way, baby crashed hard and bruised herself all over, the rear rim of her fixie was ruined. Had to patch her up and did some on spot maintenance to the bike. Nevertheless, we continued riding and visited the bike shop at Changi Village, which aligned the rim for her. The bike shop was pretty unique, though not distributing any major brands, they actually had 2 pretty cute cats hanging around in the shop. Now her fixie has free gear, which is in terms safer for herself as her feet is no longer bound by the fixed crank which affected her pedalling. We moved on and finally arrived at the beach!
Riding to the sunset
Sat at some benches and watched the air planes, sun set and view. Was able to see Pulau Tekong from there, hence bringing back lots of memory regarding the days of my National Service (in Singapore, male citizens have to serve 2 years National Service as conscripted soldiers). Headed back and had a sumptuous dinner at Changi Village (Buffet BBQ & Steamboat). After, we headed back home, and the return trip was definitely less dramatic and faster.
That'll be all for the day, sorry for the lovey-dovey post. Not an epic shredding experience, but wells I enjoyed it. It's just fun doing things you like with your love ones.
