Impromptu Ride

We began the Dragon year in an impromptu fashion. Free from house visiting, we hit the roads with our first ride of the new Dragon year.

Left home at half past 5 and it was still very sunny. Gwyn all decked out, ready for the ride.

The ride was smooth until we got stopped in our tracks...

Exploring the city, via duck or bike.

We reached the River Hongbao along the floating platform. The exhibit is quite different from previous years. More emphasis on the food stalls this time round.

Initially, we had some doubts over bringing our bikes through. Then, we realized we do get away with quite a bit on our Bromptons - just fold and push!

From Marina, we made our way to Chinatown. Many stalls were closed though there were still quite a few that were open for business. We grabbed a bite at Da Dong Dian Xin.

Came across the dragon along Eu Tong Sen. Interesting eyes.

Made our way to Rochor Beancurd @ Selegie. Very surprised that it was open. Grabbed a quick bite and we were on our way home.

It was a simple but very nice impromptu ride. Great way to kickstart the new year! Huat ah!

Biking Errands

When you're hooked to something, you usually find all sort of reasons to do that thing.

Eh, it's time to pay our bills, let's ride to the AXS machine.

Eh, it's time to buy 4d, let's ride to Singapore Pools.

Eh, it's time to redeem Challenger membership points, let's ride to Funan. And so I did.

15km and 1.5 hours later along the Bishan - Kallang Park Disconnector, I finally got myself to Funan.

The Bishan Kallang PCN is not the quickest way to get to town from Bishan, and I lost count of the number of times I had to dismount and carry my bike up a bridge or down a flight of stairs. I must have done it at least 6 times.

Nevertheless, while it may have been a longer ride, it was definitely a safer one compared to the quicker route down Thomson > Balestier Road.

The skies were clear and the weather was cool. It was a nice night for riding. :)

Today, I realized that Challenger @ Funan DigitalMall is open 24hrs and they have no issues with a Brommie on their premise.

Errands done, Buck and I leave as satisfied customers. Gwyn was out at Dempsey for a business dinner. I took the opportunity to maintain tonight's PCN streak, connecting from Clarke Quay to Alexandra PCN before hitting Tanglin Road and then Dempsey to meet her.

When was the last time you conjured yourself a reason to go riding?

The Orchard Road Christmas Light Up Ride

Gwyn and I rode down Orchard Road last friday night, admiring the Christmas Light Up along Orchard Road.

In previous years, we've done it via car or walking. This was actually our first time witnessing the light up on our bikes. I must say that it was quite an experience!

Orchard Road on a Friday night was not the most conducive time for riding.

At quarter to 11, it was still noticeably crowded. Even at that hour, the streets were filled with streams of shoppers.

We had to go slow, real slow and it was at times almost like a bike handling course,manoevring past the busy streets.

We started off the night at the Singapore Botanic Gardens where the Christmas mood was evident near the Visitor Centre.

There was this huge violin playing grasshopper, next to a Christmas tree.

All was well worth the effort though as we embraced the festive spirit along Orchard Road. This stunning tree outside ION, the shopping mall caught our attention. Beautiful gold lights.

There were a few smaller spherical exhibits outside ION. They've certainly got one of the more elaborate decorations this year.

The night was beautiful with the cool weather and clear skies. Orchard Road itself was too short a ride to do the night justice.

We rolled down towards the Marina Bay Sands area where the night view rarely disappoints.

Here's the Merlion in it's full night glory.

A beautiful shot of Marina Bay Sands with the moon in the backdrop.

Wider night view of the Marina landscape with the flyer in the background as well.

Many may be up in arms against the idea of the casino, but few will deny its architectural brilliance. It's no doubt an iconic postcard representation of modern day Singapore around the world.

The Elephant Parade is currently on in Singapore. Creates awareness and contributes to the conservation of elephants in Asia.

There are tons of artistically decorated elephants deployed all around the Marina area.

This was another spot for a group shot, along the Shoppes@ Marina Bay Sands

This is the season to be jolly! Now, get on your bikes and ride!

beautiful shots credited to Steven Tang and Roland.

Bike and the City

The only thing predictable about the weather these days is that it's so unpredictable. It can be raining in the wee hours and the nation wakes up to news of a flash flood, get really hot near noon and then showers again in the late afternoon.

The unpredictable weather pattern can really be a nightmare for cyclists out there. Should we go riding today, should we not? Yesterday, we faced the same dilemma but thankfully, we made the right choice!

They say that luck favors the brave. Over at LCSG, they top it up with a lovely customized hand sewn key ring!

About 20 riders gathered at Lavender MRT, which would be the start and end point for the day's city sightseeing ride.

Cycling brings together people from all walks of life! Now, strangers no more!

From Lavender, we were led entirely on pavement to Kallang Riverside and the F1 pit building. The beauty about exploring the city on bikes is really the ability to go into places where motor cars can't and cover distances which our legs don't.

If you ask me, riding must be the penultimate way of exploring and experiencing our city!

The weather was perfect as Heaven's gate held up for us. Those present can testify how cool a ride it was!

The area between the F1 pit building and Singapore Flyer is like a gold mine for photography. On one side you have the splendid Flyer.

On the other you've got the view of the Marina.

From the Flyer, we proceeded on past the Floating Platform, Esplanade park and down Robertson Quay. All of it entirely on pavement. It's perfectly safe and ideal for riders not the most comfortable riding on the road. Definitely also one for the family!

We stopped at Zion Road hawker centre for breakfast. The centre has got one of the more bike friendly designs around. Look at the amount of space!

Unfortunately, Zion Road hawker centre is more of a night market. At 10 ish, most of the stalls were closed. If you do happen to be in the area in the evening, you have to check out Adam Road Big Prawn Noodles, one of the best prawn noodles we've tried to date. It's located near the extreme end, on the side of the washrooms.

From Zion Road, we continued along the Alexandra PCN.

It brought us to Dawson estate, where some of our members found their younger side!

I must say that Dawson estate is looking pretty good at the moment. It seems like a really peaceful estate. Situated just off Tanglin Road, it's near town and has a PCN that runs through it.

Currently, there are a couple of BTO flats in the building process. In a couple of years time, the Dawson area should be some sight.

From Dawson, we were merely about 1 km away from the Old Queenstown cinema. Not too sure how long this building will be around. The old hawker centre nearby is already gone.

We took every opportunity for a picturesque group shot.

We live in a beautiful city and more often than not take our city landscape for granted. It was a great experience slowing down and embracing the beauty of our City on a cool Sunday morning.

The City ride has always been one of my favorites and very much still is.

amazing pictures credited to Taiwoon

Chill Ride down Joo Chiat and Gardens by the Bay

For us, riding is not always about the destination. It's not about how far you travel. It's not about how fast you can go. It's really about the journey.

Last Sunday's ride exemplified our school of thought. It didn't cover the furthest distance nor was it the fastest ride but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves zipping down and embracing the heart and soul of Joo Chiat and stumbling upon the route to the gorgeous Gardens by the Bay.

With no particular route in mind, we basically went with the flow. Ran into a couple of dead ends and got lost along the way. But it was all part of the fun in riding. Simultaneously, we were admiring and appreciating the unique and rich heritage of the area which can be easily found embedded amongst the many conserved architecture from the pre-war era.

On a Sunday morning, the streets along Joo Chiat are quiet and conducive for cycling.

We rode down Ceylon Road, one of the few streets in Singapore where you can find three temples of different religious denominations on the same stretch of road. There was a Christian church, a Chinese temple and this beautiful Indian temple.

Enroute to Old Airport Road from Ceylon Road, we passed by this row of interesting looking white apartments along Tanjong Katong.

At Dakota, we rode by some of the oldest housing blocks in Singapore's history...

...while at the other end were some of the newest apartments...

Aligned with the impromptu spirit of the day's ride, we decided on the spot to explore the newly completed Gardens by the Bay via the PCN from Dakota all the way to the Gardens, heading past Tanjong Rhu.

And it proved to be quite a scenic ride. It was really nice to see cycling paths along Gardens by the Bay. Over there, it offers a view of the Marina skyline from an angle never seen before. Now we know where to catch fireworks the next time round!

Chill ride, embrace and get to know your surroundings!

We ended the slow and easy ride at Old Airport Road hawker centre for lunch, after which we decided to take full advantage of our foldies by hopping onto the train, in an attempt to stay away from the scorching mid day sun.

It was a chill ride down Joo Chiat and Gardens by the Bay. Slow in speed but highly satisfying!

amazing pictures credited to Andrias and Francis