Monthly Cycling – Sat, 15 Sep 2012

Hi All

Douglas is busy most weekend this month, hence our scheduled ‘Ubin Cycling’ is tentatively push back to 29 Sep.  Meanwhile, Ivan will be leading an impromptu cycling this Sat.

Please note details of Impromtu Cycling Event as follows:

  • Date: 15 Sep 2012 (Saturday Afternoon)
  • Place to meet: At Blk 401 Hougang Ave 8, KPT 24 hrs Kopitiam (or at the Bicycle Rental Kiosk) at the stated timings below.

Carparks: For those driving, please park your car at the Ponggol Park itself (limited lots) or at Blk 401 / 452 / 458 HDB Carparks (parking charges applies).

Timings as follows:

  • 04:00pm to 04:10pm – Meet at KPT 24hrs Kopitiam, Blk 401 Hougang Ave 8 for those who wants a quick snack / bite / drink before cycling.
  • 04:10pm to 04:25pm – Proceed with own bike or walk to the Ponggol Park Bicycle Rental Kiosk. Select and rental of bicycles for those who need one (Rental charges to apply).
  • 04:30pm – SHARP!!! Start of cycling event; if not we will not make it back in time to return the rental bikes!!! (Bikes Kiosk closes at 08:00pm sharp!!)
  • 07:45pm to 08:00pm – End of cycling event and return of rental bikes.
  • 08:00pm to 10:00pm – Dinner and Catch-up time….at KPT 24 hrs Kopitiam, Blk 401 Hougang Ave 8…..or go for teochew porridge along Upper Serangoon Road (a short distance from Ponggol Park).

And the route shall be: 

Starting Point – Ponggol Park Bicycle Rental Kiosk – – to Sungei Serangoon PC – – to Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk – – to Lor Halus Wetland – – to Pasir Ris Farmway – – to Pasir Ris Ind Dr 1 – – to Pasir Ris Dr 12/3 – – to Loyang Ave
– – to Changi Village and return via back tracking to the Ponggol Park Bicycle Rental Kiosk.

Terrain: Mainly PCN, Pavements and some parts on roads (cross of Traffic Junctions too) are unavoidable.

Total Distance: About 32 KM (Not for Beginners or Newies).

See route map here: http://sg.mapometer.com/cycling/route_2239679.html

NOTE 1: Since it will be night-fall on our return route, please have functioning front and rear lights (plus Bell) mounted on your bikes (including the rental bikes!!).

NOTE 2: Safety and well-being is your own responsibility and nobody’s else. Ride Safely.

NOTE 3: This ride is a prelude to our Pulau Ubin ride on 29 Sep 2012….. (PG to CV to Pulau Ubin for those who wants to join me to start at PG Park!)

Hope to see you there. Non-SHC Members also welcome.  Thank you.

EC – Ivan Lim

  1. Ivan Lim – leading
  2. Charles Chua
  3. Allan Ang
  4. Lily Ho – part of the route
  5. Malcolm Chen
  6. Lee Ah Nee – part of the route
  7. Lina Ng – part of the route
  8. Chee Lai Fong – lim-kopi at start only
  9. Bira – part of the route
  10. Eileen Ang
  11. Audrey Wong
  12. John Howe – will try to be at Bike kiosk by 4.30pm
  13. Thomas Goh – will wait at Lor Halus Wetland Shelter at 4.45pm
  14. Non-SHCian A – with Mountain Truck
  15. Non-SHCian B – to reconfirm on Sat am
  16. Non-SHCian C – to reconfirm on Sat am
  17. Any more folks riding with us?

Author: Lily Ho Willocq

Divorced - 1 grown daughter - love dancing.

34 thoughts on “Monthly Cycling – Sat, 15 Sep 2012”

  1. Hi EOs,

    I smsd some members and some have apprehensions about the distance. I told them they can easily look for a kopishop and have a drink and some rest and to wait for the group to return.

    Can anyone recommend one or two places which might be a good resting place for these cyclists?

    Also Ivan I think you timing is too fine and that we may not reach our start point by 8pm. You are planning to cycle a total distance of 33kms in 2 hours, without any break, and assuming we start on time, which is like never. Kiasu me would prefer to start earlier, or 2 groups if possible, the rental bikes group starting earlier and the rest later if necessary. At least have a short drink in CV before we make a turnaround.

    If as I think, you could not get the bike rental owner to open an hour later for the return of the bikes, then I suggest you start earlier, or earlier for those renting bikes. BTW who are coming that will be renting? Perhaps we have enough bikes to share around. Unfortunately Hou Chong is not here as he always has extra bikes.

    Only a suggestion. However I will be joining the ride as I think this route is very good, especially for those staying in Hougang/Ponggol.

    BTW AA, ET, CG, JL, AN may come even though they have not replied. Others still considering are TS, JM, EA, LN, JT, SC, SN, JP, PT, MT, EO, ETC.

  2. Wow Pian Bro CharlesC,

    Thank you for helping to spread the riding call.

    In reply to apprehensions raised:

    01. There are two possible stops for those who want to rest and wait for the rest of the riders returning from CV; Elias Mall and NTUC Downtown East but choose one cos they are quite close to each other. IMO, Downtown East will be better but the riders-waiting, have to discipline themselves and be together in a group (not dispersed all over the fook shop) when we connect on the return leg…..Can’t go play “hide and seek” looking for lost fook on the return leg….

    02. The timing is not too fine at all. We have been riding so far easily 12km/hr to date. From 4:30pm to 7:45pm, brother! that’s 3hrs & 15mins lah!! Not 2hrs!! More than enough time even for a piss-pot and roti-prata at CV.

    03. The Bike Rental Kiosk closes at 8:00pm sharp – no choice. If all riders have their own bikes, that will be ideal but we cannot rule out those SHCians who does not own one yet….we hope that they get the itch to cycle too and will catch the fever to buy buy buy spend spend spend on their new 2-wheeler….till then we have to look after them leh!

    04. Some queries, I can’t answer now cos I dun know who are coming and who will require a rental bike…..

    But certainly, if the group is big like above 15 riders, will need a safety rider for every 5TH rider in the pack. And all riders must ride in a single file unless over-taking or need to warn others of dangerous actions/obstacles….

    NOTE: This is a VERY VERY Relax and Leisure Ride.

  3. Hi Ivan
    I will join but rather half hearted to ride with my folding aloca bicycle for such long distance and having to ride to and fro from my house to meeting point……..perhaps will consider renting the bike!!!

  4. Hi Ivan @ #2,

    Sorry, I got F for my maths. We have more than enough time, not 2 hrs like I thot.

    Can ask John Howe, Eileen Ang, Yat Sing and Lawrence Lee? They have new bikes and might have missed this post. I no have their hp nos.

  5. Ivan and Charles….

    You guys are great, thank you for keeping this cycling spirit ALIVE! How can I miss the FUN leh?

    Lina and I will cycle up to Pasir Ris Park and then we will make an U turn back to wait for you all for dinner. Lily and those who wish to U turn back, can join us lah.

    Cheers! Ah Nee

  6. Hi Ivan

    Time is tight but might try joining you guys before the start….”lim kopi”

    The rest of your guys/gals – enjoy your ride as IVAN hor got Eagle eyesssss.

    Cheers!
    Lai Fong

  7. Hi Lai Fong

    You are capable of making the distance. But should you not wish to go that far, we gals can have your company lor.

    Bira is considering joining us, but was apprehensive of the distance. With this arrangement, she can join us limkopi while waiting for the long distance riders to come back. We then go for Teochew muay, ok?

    Since there is such flexible option, I hope more will join us for some exercise, fellowship and a good meal.

  8. Hi Everyone,

    Thank you very much for the support.

    Firmed: Mid-Point/Half-Way Pit-Stop shall be NTUC Downtown East (i.e. Open Space Carpark directly in front of eHub@Downtown East).

    This will be the end-station for the group who are not going towards CV. They will re-group here and ride at snail speed back to Punggol Park and wait for the returning CV group.

    Thereafter, we will proceed to dinner (i.e. Teochew Muay at No 1012 Upper Serangoon Road – Singapore 534750)….at about 8pm.

    Required Volunteers for:
    – Sweeper Role.
    – 1 x Safety Rider(s) for every 4/5 pax (excluding Leader & Sweeper).
    – Co-Leader for return route from CV to PG Park.
    Please raise your hands here asap ….. TQ.

  9. Update 01 on Riders List as at 2300hrs/13Sep2012:

    01. Ivan Lim (Leading for this time)
    02. (Non-SHCian with Mountain Truck)
    03. Charles Chua (SHCian)
    04. Allan Ang (SHCian)
    05. Lily Ho (SHCian – join in the makan and part of the route only)
    06. Malcolm Chen (SHCian)
    07. Lina (SHCian – part of the route only)
    08. Lee Ah Nee (SHCian – part of the route only)
    09. Lai Fong (SHCian – Alamak! Coming to lim-kopi only and not riding! WHY like that one???)
    10. BiraL (SHCian – part of the route only)
    11. (Non-SHCian, to reconfirm Sat AM)
    12. (Chan’s friend Non-SHCian, to reconfirm Sat AM)
    13. Eileen Ang (SHCian)
    14. Audrey Wong (SHCian)
    15. Any more older folks riding?

  10. Hahhahaha….Ah Nee #14,
    Had a mental block lah! Was intending to say…
    Any more guys folks riding? Cos many gals raise their hands…
    But the guys… MMMmmmmmm, wonder where are they???

  11. Update 02 on Riders List as at 1400hrs/14Sep2012:

    01. Ivan Lim (Leading for this time)
    02. (Non-SHCian A with Mountain Truck)
    03. Charles Chua (SHCian)
    04. Allan Ang (SHCian)
    05. Lily Ho (SHCian – join in the makan and part of the route only)
    06. Malcolm Chen (SHCian)
    07. Lina (SHCian – part of the route only)
    08. Lee Ah Nee (SHCian – part of the route only)
    09. Lai Fong (SHCian – Alamak! Coming to lim-kopi only and not riding! WHY like that one??? Hope you change your mind!)
    10. BiraL (SHCian – part of the route only)
    11. (Non-SHCian B, to reconfirm Sat AM)
    12. (Non-SHCian C, to reconfirm Sat AM)
    13. Eileen Ang (SHCian)
    14. Audrey Wong (SHCian)
    15. John Howe (SHCian – will do his utmost to be at Bike Kiosk by 4:30pm! Huh?? TQ!!)
    16. Any more folks riding?

  12. Hi Ivan,

    Thank you for making the conscious effort not to list non-
    SHC members on this forum.

    I am seeing you getting more active in cycling.

    If got time, come in tonight to say hello to William.

    Terence Seah

  13. Hello Terence,

    Hahaha…no lah. Just trying to help out only.

    Ya, I did downloaded the Skype software etc. Then when trying to register, I can’t think of an appropriate Nick for the Skype address…..after a while I also realised that I don’t have a “Mic” for my PC, only have Speakers.

    So, even if I register, have a Skype Nick name etc…can only join in and listen….can’t converse…hahahaha.

    Ya, I know – then you say; WHY not use your smartphone, iPhone etc??? Cos me still a newbie to Skype and want to know what they do with my data/contacts or addresses once I run the Skype software…security is a conscious issue for me leh!

  14. Update 03 on Riders List as at 1000hrs/15Sep2012:

    01. Ivan Lim (Leading for this time)
    02. (Non-SHCian A with Mountain Truck)
    03. Charles Chua (SHCian)
    04. Allan Ang (SHCian)
    05. Lily Ho (SHCian – join in the makan and part of the route only)
    06. Malcolm Chen (SHCian)
    07. Lina (SHCian – part of the route only)
    08. Lee Ah Nee (SHCian – part of the route only)
    09. Lai Fong (SHCian – Alamak! Coming to lim-kopi only and not riding! WHY like that one??? Hope you change your mind!)
    10. BiraL (SHCian – part of the route only)
    11. (Non-SHCian B, to reconfirm Sat AM)
    12. (Non-SHCian C, to reconfirm Sat AM)
    13. Eileen Ang (SHCian)
    14. Audrey Wong (SHCian)
    15. John Howe (SHCian – will do his utmost to be at Bike Kiosk by 4:30pm! Huh?? TQ!!)
    16. Thomas Goh (SHCian – will wait for us at Los Halus Wetland Shelter at 4:45pm!)
    17. Any more folks riding?

  15. Hi EOs,

    Thanks for organising this ride. Enjoyed it despite the sky threatening to rain. In fact the slight drizzle cooled the ride to a very enjoyable temperature.

    Thanks to all the others too for being so fun and helpful. Look forward to the next ride but cannot go to Ubin as I have a wedding to witness.

    Cheers

  16. Hhhmmmm …. anyone giving/writing this ride’s report??

    We should have one always leh ….. to add some juice and comical twist to the cycling event …. and to get more folks interested lah!!!

    Lastly, thank you veri muc to all who turned up. See you at our next ride at Pulau Ubin….post is up liao!!

  17. About 12 SHC members braved the light drizzle and pedaled off from Ponggol Park at 4.50pm. We had the first break at the Lorong Halus Wetland shelter after 20 min where Santa Claus Allan Ang went round distributing Coke, cold Beer and ponchos. 6 guys and a very rugged lady, Audrey Wong pushed off soon after. I believe the rest decided to turn back to give the heavens the benefit of the doubt? At Downtown East Audrey and Malcolm decided not to proceed to CV. So 5 of us powered on. Ivan was up in front and it was with great relief when I finally caught sight of him at the end of that gruelling climb up Pasir Ris Dr 3. But where were the other 3? Clever Charles, Allan and Julian took the flatter ride through Loyang Estate. After a quick drink at CV we rode non-stop (7.10pm – 8.10pm) all the way back to Hougang Blk 401. Julian, with his super-bright light, was most efficient in leading us. At the tail-end was Charles with his equally super-bright light. We were really in safe hands. How caring fellow members can be! At Blk 401 we had our rewarding feast with Ah Nee, Lina, Audrey and Malcolm. And oh, what a feast it was! Maybe Ah Nee can write about the feast? We finally broke up at 9.30pm and I made my way to take care of some other business. That’s another story.

    Concluding, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our leader, Ivan, for initiating this activity and looking after us so well. To Julian and Charles…thanks for “let there be light”. To Allan…thanks for all those goodies. And by no means least…thanks to one and all for the great camaraderie and the noise. To all those who have not joined us before…come and experience it the next time round.

    Cheers!

  18. HI John,

    There is a reason why I have a kiasu light. Just the night before I was in Lor Halus and missed the turn because my pin-prick torch is hopeless. Result was that I went down 2 steps on my bike. That caused a puncture on my fragile roadie. As this was in the night, dracula time, no taxi. Since my bike was new, I did not want to risk locking it up on the road and making my way back home. So had to call my missus and arrange to pick me up in a more civilised section of Pasir Ris.

    Actually I met some cyclists and a security guard who all offered to loan me their pump to use. Unfortunately I did not have the converter and could not use the pumps. You should also know that the petrol station pumps cannot be used on some bikes, especially for the roadies. But it was very refreshing to know that Singaporeans can be very helpful even today.

    So in the morning, had to go to the bike shop to repair my bike. My tube cost $16/-, luckily my rims still intact. So I reckoned it is cheaper to buy a good torch than to have my rims damaged, hence my super-kiasu torch.

    I think it is a good lesson for all too, especially for those dracula riders who can’t see ‘f-a’ in the night.

  19. Hehehe…John Howe, felt so guilty already…want me to write some more??? At Lorong Halus wetland, we ladies decided to u turn back because the sky is threatening a heavy shower. So this time round never cycle that long distance, only makan the “kampong” Chicken, “ter kah” Pork, Oyster omelette, stewed duck, popiah, sambal tapioca vege, egg tou foo…aiyo so much food! Next time must exercise then eat lah :(

    Ah Nee

  20. Charles#23,
    Sorry to hear your incident. Thank you for sharing.
    And ya, before I forget again, I think you should just check your bike again.
    Especially check for all bolts and nuts that might become loose since riding your new bike, re-tighten them as and where required.
    Also the “magnetic clicks” for folding. These usually becomes loose after riding xxx KM.

  21. Charles

    Sorry to learn of your unplesant incident. I would like to share info not just wif u but all other cyclists here.

    1. For $12, u can get a torch like front light running on 3 AAA battery complete wif a holder (easily mounted)from Mustafa at its bike light section. Many of us not just me n my fellow riders but other riders too are using it.
    2. For $80, I bought a chargeable light wif high n low beam option for use when I ride on long trips.
    3. For $15, u can get a equally good hand pump that works for both heads (sharp or flat types) coupled wif a telescopic handle for easy pumping from Hup Leong. U just need to flip the adapter at the nozzle.
    4. You too need a set (2 or 3 pieces) tire lever for plying open your tire to remove inner tubes. Remember do not save $3 to $5 n use screw driver or something sharp to do that. You may damage your tube n in the end spend more $ changing them.

    If you want to learn how to change inner tube, you can google on youtube for video. Quick easy to learn n pick up. Just some practice will make perfect.

  22. Hi Ivan,

    Thanks for your comments. I will check after I clean my bike.

    The magnet for the foldie is quite superfluous. Better to have a bike stand.

    Yew Kwong,

    Nice to hear from you. How come you never join us for our rides? With your standard, you can join us at any stage of our ride, not forgetting the company at the end of every ride. Plus I am sure you can do with some sustenance after the ride. We provide 2 kinds, liquid and solid sustenance, yin and yang, like what your Chinese TCM will prescribe.

    If you want round 2, must ask J Howe.

    I will try Mustapha one day. Where is the bike section? Which floor?

    I don’t want to carry a hand-pump because I am weight sensitive. My plan is to use the ‘converter’ and look for a petrol station or some kind-hearted cyclists. But I still cannot find one so far. Where is Hup Leong? Maybe I can find a small bag to carry my lock and rain-coat also.

    Cheers and hope to see you soon.

    Ah Nee, you forgot the cod fish and brinjals, you no like fish ah?

  23. Goodness…I missed all the fun and excitement. I must apologise for my no-show as I was disallowed to ride using my ebike. I don’t think that I can ever participate in future rides if this ruling is imposed by the EC.

  24. Hi Thomas#29,
    Thank you very much for your interests.
    YES! I have to disallowed eBike (aka motorised bike).
    And I do not have to give anyone a reason why.
    It is my sole discretion as the EC to disallow it.
    The solution is simple: get a bicycle or rent one or borrow one etc…
    Once again, thank you for the interests shown.
    p/s: Or you can EO or EC an eBike Event…. :))

  25. Charles

    I would very much like to join but just that times are not right to do so as I work on alternate Sat.

    That section is in the basement after the electronic stuff. Just ask for direction to torch light section. The hand pump is quite light n fit into even your cargo pant pocket. Perhaps it’s now time to think of wearing cycling jersey where u keep everything in the pockets (3) instead. Besides, it makes one looks stylo n nice.

    If the pockets are insufficient, u can get the top tube bag (mounts on the top tube) to put your stuff. Maybe the saddle bag too.

    If you don’t wish to carry the hand pump, u can get the adapter (or convertor) from Clement’s shop at CV. Make sure u get the right one.

  26. Hi Thomas Goh @ #29,

    Your ebike (motorised bike) is not allowed on PCNs la. Because the speed is faster and while you may not ride as fast, these bikes can go up tom 30-50kmh which would be very fast in a PCN setting.

    Also if you ride a pedal bike, you get to exercise those toxins out of your body, so think win-win.

    You are always welcomed.

    Hi Yew Kwong,

    Our ride is on Sun night la.

    Also have not visited Mustafa yet but will do so soon.

    About your suggestion of getting a bike jersey, it only looks good on slim people like you. I will look like a pregnant duck with my physique.

    To other cyclists,

    I had a ride this morning from somewhere in the Stadium to Tanjong Rhu to Marina Barrage to Marina Bay. I also took some time to explore “Gardens by the Bay” on a bike. I would recommend this mode as it is more enjoyable than walking through it. Cycling is not allowed in the Visitor’s Centre and some boardwalks.

    After that to avoid the heat I took the mrt back from Bayfront Mrt station home. It was the first time I tried bringing in a foldie through the mrt. Quite good, most people were curious and polite, and I was not stopped by the staff when I unfolded the bike to push it along, instead of carrying it through the mrt. Use the handicap gate to check out of the mrt as it allows you to exit comfortably. The distance for such a ride, excluding the detour to “Gardens by the Bay” is only 12 km for those who are parking, ie a round trip from Jalan Benaan Kapal to MBS and back. Add anything from 15mins to 1 hour for the section on “Gardens by the Bay”.

    Food is all over, cheap and expensive, from the kopitiam in the starting point to the cafes and restaurants in MBS. Take your pick. I don’t think your dress code will be a problem in the cafes.

    I should thank SYT, ths morning’s EO for introducing me the route.

    Cheers,

  27. Charles

    Jerseys are for everyone. Options are opened. U can choose a bigger size to hide your pregnancy or the right size to look good. I always remind myself to keep trim n check my weight regularly. When I become weighty I will trim the excess by riding more else exercise more.

    Give yourself a try n get one. Sure it works well for you.

  28. Hi Ivan#30,

    Noted, with thanks. Already, from our SMS chats, you would have noticed that I didn’t ask you for any reason. I just accepted & repsected your decision then.

    Hi Charles#32,

    I had to pedal my legal ebike too to get it going. There’s no tnrottle. Its max speed is 25km/h. If you cycle faster than that, I wouldn’t be able to catch up.

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