Riding Passion Continues to – Desaru, 27-28 Sep 08

Date : 27-28 Sep 08

  1. Time : 0730hrs
  2. Meeting place: Changi Village
  3. Bike rental : $18 (2days)
  4. Boat ride : $11/12 – one way
  5. Hotel at Golden Sand – Desaru: $45-50 per person
  6. Valid Passport for 6 months.

    7. Closing date : 20 Sep 08

    Max. people : 20

    Please registered and indicate if you required rental bike

    Day 1

    • 0700 – breakfast at bk 5, Changi Village
    • 0730 –  collection of bikes
    • 0800 – boat ride to Pengerang
    • 0915 – cycling starts to Sg Rengit
    • 1030 – light lunch at Sg Rengit
    • 1100 – cycling starts to Desaru
    • 1500 – arrived in Desaru
    • 1830 – buffet dinner PYO (MYR50)

      • Day 2

    • 0700 –  complimentary breakfast
    • 0900 – check out and cycle to Pengerang and boat ride to Singapore.

    Above ride is a continuation from Tg Pengelih to Sg Rengit.that was done in April 08.

    The distance from Tg Pengelih jetty to Desaru and back is about 100 km. Towards the end and reaching Desaru, the road turns roller coaster with spectacular up hills and down hills with no houses in sight for 15km. One way, from jetty to Desaru, is about 50km.

    Happy Biking

    douglas

    Members going on this Trip –

    1. Douglas Chan – own bike
    2. Boon Liang – own bike
    3. Lawrence Lau – own bike
    4. Freddie Tan – own bike
    5. Gladys – own bike
    6. Frankie Ng – own bike
    7. Joyce Tan – own bike
    8. Patsy Lim – own bike
    9. Alicia Soh – own bike
    10. Mike Tan – own bike
    11. Molly Tan
    12. Steven Chan
    13. John Seah
    14. Eunice Seah
    15. Maggie Teo
    16. Albert Tan
    17. Grace Kok
    18. Eileen Kang
    19. Ronald Wei – rollerblade
    20. Kathryn Lee – rollerblade
    21. Guest – Nico
    22. Guest – Bryan – own bike

    Members joining Training session –

    1. Andrew Thio
    2. Charles Chua

    Click here for photos

Author: Doug CHAN (Cycling group leader)

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59 thoughts on “Riding Passion Continues to – Desaru, 27-28 Sep 08”

  2. Hi Douglas,

    Guess you have to start the training soon, will join you if you do, starting 6th Sept as there are not many weeks left.

    Dont want to have to go through the same situation I did the last time. Cheers

  3. Hi Douglas,
    I would love to go. Unfortunately, I need to visit my Dad 2nd & 4th Sun of the month so I’ll join you some other time. Dont mind joining you on your training sessions, though. Will you be posting about these?

    You have fun!

  4. Douglas,
    Sorry but dont have your contact. I just bought a 2nd hand mt bike fr Sungei Rd. Works fine but is squeaking. It seems to be coming from the shock absorber assy @ cross bar area. Do you know a web link that I can check on how to service it? i tried greasing the joints but doesnt seem to work. I think I need to unscrew it but am not sure I’ll be able to get the big spring back in. Appreciate any advice on this.

    thanks

  5. Douglas..
    Saya juga love to join the gang..alamak apa macam?…saya tak boleh ikut..fasting month lah..hhmm..kesian, very thirsty leh & hungry leh…pengsan oooiii!…hahaha

  9. Hi Douglas,

    Thanks again for initiating snother EXCITING and THRILLING cycling Adventure of a life time to Desaru and back.

    I will join in.

    DESARU , here I come! Rental bicycle required ( 1 )

    How to made my electronic payment pls ?
    Your POSB account number ps.

  11. Hi Douglas

    I am keen to join the trip but need some training. The last time I ride was about 20 years ago. I gave up because of buttock pains.

    I heard the seats are better now. My muscles and heart can take the trip but I am not sure my buttock can.

    Let me know if anyone trains during weekdays. I am afraid of the crowd at East Coast on weekends. My friend just broke a couple of ribs after he collide with a kid at East Coast Park.

  12. Hi All Passionate Riders

    Due to feedback from riders, our night stop will now be in Desaru instead of Sg.Rengit.

    Hotel charges in Desaru will be less than SGD49 per person and includes breakfast.

    This challenging ride to Desaru has now been downgraded to ‘leisure’ and we are expected to reach Desaru before 1500hrs.

    happy biking

  13. Hi passionate riders

    Training starts this Saturday at 9am and Sunday 3pm.

    Starting point McDonald ECP.

    Those going, please register your name here.

    We will ride the eastern coastal park connector.

    happy biking

  15. Hi Douglas,
    I won’t be joining you for the 2 day Desaru trip but if it’s alright, I would like to join you for the training sessions this Sat at 9am or Sun at 3pm.
    Btw, how long in hours and kilometres is this ecp connector?
    Thanks.

  17. Hi Douglas

    Pls count Albert and I in for this trip. By the way, there is no list of names of the people going, so not sure how many have already signed up as there is a cap of 24..

    Need to ask a very impt question since both of us are so unfit…what if we cannot keep up with you guys?

    Thanks !

  18. “……what if we (Maggie & Albert) cannot keep up with you guys?”

    That isnt a problem since you both are always together, and together in desaru in desaru without us is still happily together.

    But the problem comes if Albert becomes fit if he spots a sexy to chase, leaving you behind with this tim the limp…….and then tim gets excited, then he starts to jump and then……………..

  20. Hi Douglas

    Sorry I don’t know any Albert Seah, it should be Albert Tan.

    Tim, you limp or wimp ? “Tim gets excited then he starts to jump and then……………swing from tree to tree” ???

    Cheers

  21. Hi Maggie and all passionate riders

    Please meet 9am this Sat at McDonald EcP for the trial run.

    We will cycle to Changi Village, Loyang, Pasir ris downtown, Tampiness, Bedok and back to McDonald, an estimated distance of 40km.

    All keen riders and those not going to Desaru are also welcome to join this ride

    See you and happy biking

  22. Hi Maggie #17

    I don’t have the answer to your very important question at this moment.

    I would like to suggest that you attend our trial run this Sat. and test youself

    regards

  23. Hi Douglas,

    May I know how many hours it takes to cover this 40km route? If the hours are not too long, I may join the training sessions on Saturdays’ morning. However, do not own a bike, need to rent one.

    Warm regards
    Stella

  24. Hi Stella #23

    It depends on individual riding skill, 40Km average : 3-4 hrs.

    Most of us will be at McDonald before 9am as cycling proper starts from 9am. Rental bikes are available nearby.

    Do join us if you are keen.

    rdgs

  27. Hi Ronald,

    Initially I have the impression that both you and Kat are going on bikes. Its alright with me, skates or bikes will do. I will see Kat at 7.30 am at Mac for ‘big’ breakfast. You may join us if you can make it. We will proceed to skates from there. Hmmm weather these days not too kind to us skaters… lets see how it goes…

    Am looking forward to meet you and other fellow skaters…please join us…

    Good day!
    Stella

  28. “……..Hmmm weather these days not too kind to us skaters….” Heard of rain coats so where is the problem? But of cos there’s a a problem and a very big one. Attired suitably, skaters have so much to flaunt but every goes to waste if she’s wrapped up in a rain coat. So happy skating under an umbrella………………..

  29. Maggie, that thing is limp but no harm if you think tim shd be a wimp too.

    Albert Seah? Heee, without yr stout defence of his family name, the next guess cd be a “Lim” or worst. Obviously, you wont be too happy to see an Albert Limp playing with tim wimp………….

  31. Before asking my mom for permission to accept yr suggestive suggestion, may I ask who will carry that umbrella? The honour & gallantry of that effort shd not rest in my hands (I am a limp hor).

    Btw, it’s cold skating in the rain so skating in a raincoat may be a lot warmer and closer…………

  34. “Limp??… in this case……….definitely out for you even if you can find a raincoat big enough for two…”

    Wait a minute, what do you expect me to do in that raincoat for 2? Heee, if what I have in mind isnt what you hv in mind then fact that it’s limp is no matter…….

  35. Douglas,
    My apologies. Heard from Ronald that you were looking for me this AM. Hadnt logged in to this post & hadnt realised that you were expecting me this Sat. (I use a backdoor method to navigate the site & saw that we were supposed to sign up 4 this weekend.)
    I wont be able to join tmr either.

  36. Hi Douglas,

    Despite you being not feeling well, you still came to lead us for the test run from Mac Don to ECP connector Park. Appreciated your kindness and gung ho spirit but actually you should be resting at home and assigned one of your cycvling kakis who is familar with the route to lead us instead.

    It was a tiring but FUN ride and I slept like a log almost the whole morning the next day.

    Never know it could be so tiring although we had a “LEISURE” ride.

    Now at least I know what I will expect when I cycle to Desaru via Sg.Rengit from Pengarang.

    For those who are beginners or have not been cycling for long distances ,it is STRONGLY advised that you should attempt at least 1 test run for warm ups before deciding to cycle to Desaru or not.

  37. Hi SHAG and all passionate riders

    Trail run continues this Sat from MdDonald at 3pm.

    Joyce will lead in this trial run as I would not be able to attend due to family matters.

    Please registered so that she can look out for you.

    Thanks

  38. Hi Douglas

    Sorry, have to back out from this ride to Desaru.

    I practised twice on my bike and added extra cushion from the bicycle shop but my butt can only last about 2 hours maximum on the bike.

    I’ll keep practising and hope to reduce some body weight so that my butt don’t get squashed too hard.

  40. Hi SHAG and all passionate riders

    Trial run continues this Sat 20 Sep for those going to Desaru.

    We will use the Eastern Coastal Park Connector as our training route.

    The routes will be: ECP McDonald-Changi Village-Loyang-Pasir Ris-Tampines-and Siglap Park Connector.

    Please meet before 3pm at ECP McDonald, ride starts at 3pm sharp.

    Please show your hand if you are coming.

    Non Desaru bound cyclists are also welcome to join.

    Happy biking

  41. Hi Tian Soo #38

    Sorry to hear that you are withdrawing from our cycling trip to Desaru. Do not be discouraged because of the pains, with regular cycling practices, you will be able to overcome this normal problem that we all cyclists had gone through.

    We are having a trial run this sat, do come and join us for the fun.

    Regards

  45. Hi Douglas

    The Desaru trip being a cycling event – my apologies that I have not “officially” seek your consent to rollerblade instead of cycling.

    As you and group have made a cycling trip to Desaru previously, please as the EO, do let me know if it is felt not appropriate or safe to rollerblade.

    Thank you
    Kathryn

  46. Hi Kathryn

    I am a lover for cycling and a weekend warrior.

    Ronald W had cycled with us to Desaru. He now prefers to rollerblade than cycle.

    You have a partner and I understand from him that you are a better skater as well as his mentor.

    Since there is no restriction, permission is granted and you may rollerblade all the way to Desaru :)

    See you at Golden Sand Resort

  47. Hello Everyone who participated in the Desaru Cycling Event over the weekend of 27/28 September 2008.

    I would like to thank Douglas for his encouragement to go with my heart….that is to rollerblade which is my 2nd passion (my 1st being ice skating). I enjoyed myself very much blading all the way from Pengarang to Desaru.

    I would also like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and assistance all way to Desaru and back.

    Heartfelt thanks to Boon Liang,Frankie and Eileen who helped carried my bag and rollerblades (brand new wheels almost half gone – guess 50km on rough road surface is too much for them).

    And not forgetting Patsy who did all the coordination work and a great “bargainer” Imagine 200 ringgit to 100 ringgit!

    This event (personal feat) will be one that I will remember for a long long time (probably never forget until I become senile ;-) ) Without you folks and this event….I am unlikely to get the opportunity try such a feat. Thanks.

    By the way, there was another group of cyclists on the same weekend, and they were much younger. They left Singapore in the morning too, but arrived Desaru around 5pm staying at the 1st hotel near the roundabout. A few of us would remember the “Roundabout” that our EO said only 5mins to the hotel??? ;-) Point here is: We completed the route in a much shorter time!!

    Once again thank you everyone for your company and patience!

    Warmest regards
    Kathryn

  48. 1) Hi Douglas, Patsy /others,

    Thanks v. much to Douglas and Patsy for making this tiring yet “thrilling” cycling activity a GREAT SUCCESS.

    2) Hi Tim Liu,
    ..Btw, Steven-C is unseen for ages. Really ????

    No, he is still alive and kicking and has just returned from maiden cycling trip to and from Desaru with other SHCian cyclists.

    Thought it was something like Sungei Renggit where it is smooth and flat but not really the long winding road goes high up and down the hills esp.the road leading to Desaru that stretches our tiring leg muscles to the ultimate limit.

    To made matters worse, we were almost being “cooked” by the hot noon sun but were compensated by swimming in the open sea , swimming pool and slept like a log in our aircond seaside view villa.

    Oh boy! How cooling and refreshing indeed after 5hrs. of grilling heat.

    Dare to ask for more ?

  49. Hi Kathyrn and Ronald Wie,

    Both of you were just FANTASTIC rollerblading almost all the way to Desaru.

    I find it difficult to believe at 1st. but when both of you
    Zoooooom past us, it was really a wonder and a great achievement.

  50. Hi Steven and all

    Yes the passion was really there for all of us, and at times was almost boiling when the temperature hit almost 35C. Steven almost felt he went through hell and back.

    The whole team was also in F1 fever spirit, pushing individual limits, and our John S was clearly the Alfonso of the team in matching gear returning the best lap time. ( Wait to see the pictures).
    I too achieved what I had wanted to do and never thought would happen, thanks to Kathyrn for having the same dream.

    So thanks to Douglas, Patsy, Joyce and team that helped to make this a success.

    I ended up the evening in F1 fever style having dinner by the riverside watching the F1 race, with real racing sound and nice company. A way to celebrate one success. What is next, Kat, Douglas, Alicia ?? Cheers

  51. Steven-C, I am pleased that you’re well; in fact, so well that you could ride 50 km up to the rolling hills to greet tarzan for his hands to jane.

    See you 2nite.

  52. Hi SHAG and all Passionate riders

    Thank you for the wonderful fellowship and the thrilling weekend cycling trip to Desaru.

    The weather was real hot for us cyclists, we had the feeling of being ‘cooked’ but the rollercoaster uphills and downhills were just beautiful.

    At journey’s end, we had a dip in the sea and a swim at the pool. It was real refreshing after a long ride.
    At night, we gazed at the stars.

    It is one of the most fun fulfilling cycling trip for us SHCians, during our first cycling trip to Sg Rengit, most of us feel that the distance was too far but now that we had cycled to Desaru, Sg.Rengit seem such a short distance.

    Patsy- thanks for assisting and making this trip a success

    Joyce and Molly – thanks for being the leader and showing us the way, unfortunately our rest stop for ice-kachang was unsuccessful as the stall was closed due to fasting month.

    Kathryn and Ronald Wei- both of you were great rollerbladers

    Grace – Its just unbelievable but you make it to Desaru. That was a great achievement compared to our last cycling trip to Sg Rengit.

    Regards
    douglas

  53. Hi All who cycle/blade to Desaru,

    Indeed it was a great experience for us all!

    You were a wonderful bunch of nice people for company and you made my job very easy. Every one chipped in to help and took care of one another.

    Douglas was a wonderful ‘sweeper’; ready to assist, support and encourage those at the back … going and coming back from Desaru. What’s heart warming is that he supports people to go for their ‘dream’ and their stretch. Kudos to you, Douglas!

    We shall look forward to the next challenge, OK!

    Warmest Regards,
    Patsy

  55. Hi All Riders/Bladers,

    It’s a pity the weather was not on our side this time and I couldn’t share with you what I’ve experienced during my earlier cycling trip to Desaru.

    We’re riding along the coast with South China Sea on one side and abit of Johor’s preservd nature on the other. We shld’ve taken more times to appreciate the surrounding, the scenic view… larang; greeneries; flowers; birds; butterfly; dragonfly; insects… save to mention the sea.

    Have you noticed the road-crossing otter, monitor lizard and snakes and some casualties like frogs and birds too? Of course we came across the herd of cattle resting on the road and some goats feeding in the field. I missed the white-eyed black monkey this time but lots of others are in sight and some active ones even playing on the wires hanging from lamp pole.

    Due to the heat, most of us only concentrate on ‘cheong ing’, wanted to reach our destination as early as can be. Some descript it as gruelling, hehee, try it again…. you’ll find that the ‘hill’ is just a gentle slope. I’m sure all of us enjoys the thrills of going down hill.

    My apologies to those who cycled an extra 4km under the hot sun thinking ice-kacang were awaiting… only to find the ice-shredding machine without any ice. We skipped the ostrich farm too. Also didn’t get to taste the local delights like durian/mangosteen/rambuttan which we got to indulge the earlier trip…. when we’re also treated to cooling cokes under a kampong house…

    Hope everyone recovers well especially K K and Eunice – despite not joining our trial sessions, they still managed to reach Desaru on time. Did you spend sometime gazing at the stars… something we don’t get to do in modern Singapore.

    Yes, kudos to our EO who double up as sweeper, if not for u, i/o changing 6 shirts a day, Steven wld’ve to go with 1 shirt for 2 days…

    See u all again…??

    Thanks & Regards,
    Joyce

  57. Dear Douglas, Riders and Bladers,

    Your “5 mins to hotel” sure kept me going!
    Indeed it’s was unbelievable and I was very happy after I braked at the hotel porch.

    The ride was thrilling, the company was great and the stars were beautiful.

    Thank you for making a dream come true!

    Best regards,
    Grace Kok

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