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.
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...
Seems like there's an increase in the announcement of new bikes recently.
On a side note, the Evil Undead Carbon featured here the last time was actually ridden by Cam Zink in Chatel Mountain Style (just realised it after watching Mountain Bike Chronicles again).
Ok back to the topic where there are several new bikes on the rising, 2 of em that caught my attention will definitely be the new Santa Cruz V10c and Banshee Rune.
The new banshee rune looks pretty sweet, with a rear travel of 160mm, is more than what you will need to ride any terrain available in Singapore. It also has a version for the 650B wheels, seems like those wheels are gaining popularity, however I've never had the chance to try them yet, and on magazines the review states that there isn't a noticeable difference from the usual 26" wheels that we're used to.
Another bike that really caught my attention would definitely be the Santa Cruz V10 Carbon. There are much criticism about its frame looking retro, ugly and stuff, but hey! Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, to me it's pretty damn chio (gorgeous in the Hokkien dialect).
2013 Santa Cruz V10c
And here's a video introduction of it.
God, I've been a good boy this year, and I'll be stoked if Santa Claus hook me up with the Santa Cruz this X'mas :p
After reading an article published yesterday by New York Times, regarding 5 deaths related to the consumption of Monster Energy, I can't help but think twice while buying my next can of Monster.
However, to be fair to Monster, the 5 deaths had "possible links" to the energy drink, it did not directly caused their death. There are no other dis-closed details on other affecting factors, such as drugs and alcohol.
To be honest, anyone in the right mind, and not doing any vigorous exercise for the day, should not be drinking more then 1 can of Monster (even if you like the taste). It isn't your regular soft drink. And FYI, gaming is NOT A SPORT, don't drink that much high caffeine energy drinks just because your doing e-sports, you will be the 6th. None the less if you have heart disorders, stay away from high caffeine products.
Snap back to happy stuff, Aaron Gwin's race-worn, signed and framed jersey is up for grab on Pink Bike.
In case you don't know who he is, he is the Elite Men's Overall Title winner for 2 consecutive years (2011 & 2012). More details about Aaron Gwin.
Red Bull Rampage is hitting in this weekend, make sure to catch it Live at Redbull TV.
A few things to really look out for at this year's Rampage. Brandon Semenuk and Martin Soderstrom will have their showdown and determine which one of them would claim the 2012 FMB World Tour Overall title.
After 2 disappointing runs in the Red Bull Joyride (crashing both), Semenuk will be on fire for Rampage, he has to, in order to secure himself the Overall title for 2 consecutive years.
Soderstrom has been consistent this season, and will stand a chance to contend for the overall title if he manages to hold it up for Rampage, which looks pretty sweet now looking at how he preps his Status for it.
Riders to watch will be Cam Zink, the defending champion, Darren Berrecloth, Cam Mccaul and Thomas Genon, the winner for 2012 Red Bull Joy ride.
