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.
It seems like I've been buying way too much stuff this few months that is regarded to cycling. Time to cut down my spending (well I have a housing loan to pay FYI). But whatever, bought this new Fox Oasis Hydration bag yesterday.
On a side note, the 2013 pre calendar for the 2013 FMB World Tour events has been released.
I know its lame, and its gonna be a hella short post, but still, my first Atherton Racing product had arrived! I was so stoked that the L size fitted perfectly.
Anyway's, to not let this post be so damn short, and if you'll wondering how the TBP YOG Track looked like, here's a video of it. I'm riding slow as I just passed the test and my left crank arm bolt is missing FFS.
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...
Haven't been riding, don't have the time. Was hogged with exams and important stuff such as selecting and buying my future home!
Hopefully I'll be able to put my wheels into the dirt this weekend. There's a new episode (second last sadly) of Life Behind Bars. There's also a new episode of Mountain Bike Chronicles and I'm glad they changed the irritating commentator.
Watch the new episodes here:
Life Behind Bars Episode 17
Mountain Bike Chronicles Season 2 Episode 10
Here's another spectacular 1 minute of riding for your aesthetic enjoyment
