Bidadari, Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh Ride

Sunday mornings are probably one of the best times during the week to go cycling. It's a non-working day for most and as such, the streets/roads are typically clear of traffic, ideal for road cycling.

Unfortunately, today was a working day for Gwyn and she couldn't join in for the relaxed ride this morning. We started off at Potong Pasir, spiritual home of the opposition party.

We detoured off Potong Pasir, across the traffic junction towards Bidadari Cementary, or rather ex-cementary. This used to be a cementary before it was recently exhumed for urban redevelopment purposes. I always knew it as a popular spot for Gurkha runners. Today, I discovered how nice it was a place to ride as well.

The area was clear of buildings and coupled with the cooling morning weather, it made the ride truly enjoyable.

It gets off-road on certain parts of the trail though. Roadies beware.

Trailers were out in force. At least 3 trailers were spotted today.

Everyone zipped along, embracing the cool and relaxed ride.

It might be worth noting that there is one stretch that was slightly inclined. No worries though, if you can't make it, just dismount and push!

After Bidadari, we headed back towards the void deck of Potong Pasir Block 108. This is also where veteran opposition leader Mr Chiam See Tong used to conduct his Meet the People's sessions for the past 27 years.

There is nothing remarkable about the office, just a simple table, partition...

...and some chairs, but this is also exactly why it is so remarkable.

Afterwhich, we rolled down along the Bishan Kallang PCN towards Toa Payoh, where we came across some very retro playgrounds. How fitting it was for them to be found in the oldest housing estate in Singapore.

These are really old, but famous ducks, saved from a certain politician from the ruling party during this year's election campaign...it was nice to finally meet them in person...

I can't describe how this dragon-like playground structure brings back childhood memories. This was exactly the kind of playground where I used to grow up with and it was virtually found in almost every estate in Singapore.

Sadly, these are near extinct specimens, dying breeds of playgrounds these days. Now, you'll just find more fitness corners. Wonder where the kids play nowadays?

The next pit stop was Shuang Lin Cheng Huang temple and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastry.

So, we zipped down an ex-cementary, visited an iconic office and met some famous ducks. It's quite amazing what you can find in a neighbourhood.

Maybe it's time for all of us to get our bikes out, hit the road and explore our own neighbourhood! Perhaps we might just uncover a gem or two to share!