Cycling to explore the playgrounds by Daniel Seah and her princess

Saw this posting by Daniel at Lovecyclingsg Facebook some days back. Daniel daughter was trying ride but she doesn't want to do PCN anymore. Unless its a LCSG ride.. (wahhh I feel so happy!) So Daddy Daniel had to think quickly on his feet and suggested to go explore the neighbourhood in search of all the playground. 
Cycling makes easy work of the distance and not so tiring. From the photos, it must be really a good time and they even did a map to show how each play ground looks!  Wonderful sharing Daniel! This is how memories are made! 
Photo credits - Daniel Seah 

Now thats a happy look!

Visit to Rebound Centre

Visit to Rebound Centre 15^th June 15, 2013 , Saturday  (more photos here)

This is really a cool place! 

Always heard about this mysterious place. Where old bicycles get reborn and they work better than they were new.  Such a place is Rebound Centre, located at Geylang East industrial estate.
Rebound Centre address :
Block 1013 Geylang East Industrial Park, Singapore 389725. Tel:67439474

in the heart of an old industrial estate

dusty and utility

This was my lucky day as Gary offered to help introduce me to the men who were known that magical touch. Sulaiman and John Chan.  Actually I reached early and wandered along the industrial estate.  It gave away nothing about this gem of a shop.  Pressed the elevator and it rumbled slowly to the 5^th floor… stomach with butterflies as it was very exciting to meet a legend.

At the entrance, I could see action unfolding. I was really lucky as a gentleman came and collected a spanking “new” Raleigh chopper. Hovering like a proud father was Sulaiman relating to him how each bit was restored and how bad the rust was. It was a beautiful sight and the bike simply sparkled. 

Taufik with his yellow Raleigh Chopper 

oh wow.. oh wow... oh wow

When he wipes the greasy finger prints.. he also wipe it so gently with love. 

Handing over the bike to the owner!

We engaged in friendly banter about bikes and he started to share more about himself and Rebound Centre. "It started around 1994 where he went to the states to do a course on bike fabrication.  And later on, came back and started shop to repair bikes. There were so many bicycles waiting to be worked on…  everyone with a particular issue or problem. There were no "direct-plugin solution" a part and get the problem solved..." Related Sulaiman.

“People come to me when they want to restore their bikes. For some it may cost more than the bicycle. They tell me it is for memories and they want to remember the good times they had, with friends and the bike.”  To reiterate the point he went into a room and grabbed one, explaining me the finer details of the wear and tear.  I see the deep intensity and passion of a person who clearly believes in what he does. It’s a good feeling.

Things progressively got more interesting. He showed us the “engine room” where the magic happens.  My jaw dropped. There was a Milling machine, 2 lathes and all adjustable brazing fixtures and lots of old bikes lying around.  

Lathe and many old bikes waiting to be worked on

Miill and a well used one. 

Projects he and his partner are working on

He explained this is a room, which he shared with an engineering company, and the person also happens to love working on bicycles.  The conversation rambled on and he also shared that he can conduct bicycle building classes. Ok, when he meant that, he means BUILDING/DESIGNING the bike from scratch. Not our google for a frame, parts and “building in up”. That’s a whole totally cool thing! 

Doing it the old skool way. One at a time. 

Lug for steel tubes

For the brave and someone who wants to learn and have your very own bike. It will take 80 man hour(min) and $2500(materials all in) to get ur bike frame done. Sulaiman will personally go through the design process (drawing a 1:1 layout), geometry and tube selection, milling, mitering and brazing.  Oh wow… I am very very tempted. Haha.

Its also a museum... George and Gary ooohhing and ahhing

Another very under-looked area is the bike painting room, many out sourced it out but over at Rebound Centre, the painting is done in house.  I saw lots of bicycles in the stages of paint removal, primer and some just gleaming after the paint job, drying it out before the final stage of polishing. 

Check out the paint work. Even the decals are made by them!

Messy but this is custom paint work

It looks messy but I could see the passion for the craft and the pride that is obvious in the paint work. Sulaiman attention to detail went even to retracing the old decal and making new  ones . It was amazing to see this actually happening in Singapore. 

Mr Sulaiman

John Chan

Azmi  

In Summary, if u have an old bike which you love and want to give it a “over haul”,I think it would be worth a visit to come to ReboundCentre.  It will not be quick but I think it will be worth your time. They certainly have the skill and machinery to do the modification and repairs. Most importantly, they have an listening ear(even if u are just an amateur) to hear what you are looking for, the passion to do things right, do things well. Ok, It's not in a fancy air-con place but it sure is a place where bikes get reborn and rebound! 

Thank you Mr Sulaiman and John Chan for explaining,guiding and showing me around the really cool shop.
I really love what you do. Please continue the awesome work! 

Thank you Mr Bicycle uncle - written by Wu JinFeng

身材瘦削的他习惯蹲在店前埋头修理脚踏车，或许是他的姿式吧，总让人把他想像成很矮小。他蓄着小胡子，头发有点凌乱，手因为一直在认真劳作所以有点脏。地上散放的一两件工具就像他双臂的延生，能供他随时轮替使用。身后的店面如个巨大的洞穴吞噬着各种型号的脚踏车和零件，只吐出一条窄窄的通道让他可以进出。他是老板，唯一的助手是妻子，顾客都是邻里的大叔、大婶、少年和小孩。我们几乎从没交谈过，偶儿经过时，他总会抬起头和善地微笑，他知道我是他邻居书店老板的女儿。爸爸说那盘生意是他老爸留下的。我记得曾经有个行动不便的老人家，天天就坐在矮几上看着他转动着车轮，日子在一次次熟悉的转动中无阻地前行。去年初，老公突然对旧款的脚踏车车铃感兴趣，我在探访老爸时就顺便向他询问。他终于站了起来（原来他不算矮！）热心地往店里淘宝。我后来跟他买了两个已经停止生产的老牌车铃，叮叮叮，声音清脆响亮极，爸爸兴奋地说很像他年轻时用的款型。他说如果找到更旧的会帮我留住并请我爸爸转告我。回家后，老公如获至宝地将车铃装上然后愉快地骑着去兜风。过了这些时日，我已经忘了寻找旧款车铃一事。老爸昨晚回来见到了我有点沮丧地说：脚车店的老板走了，才五十多岁的人，患癌症。他走了？我甚至不知道他姓什么，我只是清楚地记得他亲切的笑容和卖力工作的样子。叮叮叮，Momo正开心地玩弄脚踏车的车铃，一岁的小表弟坐在娃娃车里听得出神，伸手想要来抓。谢谢你，脚踏车店老板
By Wu JinFeng 
In English :) 
The skinny gentleman used to squat and work daily with bicycles beside my dad bookshop at Bedok. Perhaps it was his posture, my impression of him is thats he was very short, alway fussing with some stuff in his shop. Sporting a long mustache, the hair a bit messy, the hand worn with the manual labour, stained with dirt and grease. Twelve tools on the ground and his fluid arm movements dancing a lonely tango of bicycle wheels and parts. Behind him is the Store, like a huge cave that swallows various types of bicycle and parts, only to spit out a narrow channel so that he can enter and leave. 
He is the boss, the only assistant is his wife, and customers are the neighbourhood Uncle, Aunt, adolescents and children. We almost never talked... when children came near, he always raised his head and a kindly smile. He knew I was a book store owner's daughter of his neighbor. The father said that he took on the bicycle business started by his father. I remembered the scene of the elderly folks, sitting everyday idly looking at him turn the wheel, day one familiar rotating unimpeded.. the shop closed last year. ..
Early last year, my husband (that's me:)) suddenly shared with me his interest in the old bicycle bell, when I visited Dad on the way to ask him. He finally stood up (He is not short!) Enthusiastically, he went to the store and showed me so old stuff. I later told him that I will  buy two old bells which is not longer produced. "Ding Ding Ding..", the sound is crisp loud and very, Dad excitedly said it reminded him of his youth when he listened to the bell ring.  The gentleman said that if finds older bell, he will help me to retain and tell my dad. After some months, he really passed me an old bell to me. We returned home and my husband happily the bell fitted and went riding.  After such time, we kind of forgotten about the uncle....and his shop.

Bell gift 

Dad came back last night, a bit frustrated... and he said..." the bicycle shop owner, and only 50-year-old man suffering from cancer. He is gone.."  And I do not even know his last name, I just clearly remember his warm smile and hard workong ethics "Ding Ding Ding"... Momo is happily playing with a bicycle bell, one-year-old cousin sitting in the baby in the car to hear wonderful ringing...wanting to ring the bell too. Thank you, Mr bicycle shop owner for a wonderful gift. We will always remember you!

"Soon they will be big and u will miss them...."

Daddy as pillow  -19th April 2009 @ Pasir Ris park

Ting Ting with Momo @ Beach practising dance moves..haha 19th June 2010...see the change! 

"Soon they will be big and u will miss them", this are words of wisdom from many of my senior friends. And I am truly grateful and know how precious spending time with my little one and wife of course!
Today, after celebrating Kim birthday with the favorite Prawn noodle, later evening had super old style steam boat at Golden mile... and scolding Momo for making a mess of the table...
I found another gem of an article which is about the same topic. This gentleman recounts on his time with his boy and girl... and how they dont want to ride with him anymore. The boy is 10... so if I should have another 5 more years before Momo will also dun want to ride with his old man too.
This is ah mo learning to ride...

Momo strawberry bike - August 2011

Momo loves to draw and she know Daddy like bicycle... that her master piece! - 22nd August 2011 

Momo with first bike and LCSG pose - 25th August, her 4th Birthday

This makes me think on memories. How do I give my girl a wonderful childhood...  going to the beach(tick), riding together(tick), learning to ride(tick), riding with mummy and her(going to do), enjoying a sunset( hmmm! idea) and watching a sun rise(oh... this gonna be hard for mummy and momo)...  We will try... 

Treasure the time, they grow up real quick.  Best of all, get on a bike together and just roll along ur neighbourhood. Just you and your little one. This will be your best memories ever!

30th Oct 2011 Monster gun ride

Another awesome ride with friends....  more then 60 came! Henry, this is for u!

LCSG @ Old changi hospital

Israwi with his handbuilt cargo bike. And it can be detached!! Awesome

LCSG @ Monster guns

Queen Hong!

Surf's up... let go!

Full set of photos here 
http://pedalinn.blogspot.com/2011/10/our-big-bang-theory.html  << Here is also write up by Kevin Wu

11th Sept 2011 - A visit to Potong Pasir, Bidarri park and Toa payoh

@ Biddari park

45 friends met at Potong Pasir MRT early Sunday. Many came with their princes and princess using trailers or children rack. In a typical LCSG style, it was noisy, funny and full of laughter. We had also a few more new friends joining us - Grace Wee, TJ, Claudia, Andrias, Han Boon and Yvette. Steven Tang even "conducted" a LCSG pose training before the ride which was hilarious. Papa mike princess needs more training though.

LCSG pose training for the newbies..by Steven Tang... lol...

Bay and family showing how it is done

Desmond Chia and her princess

After the safety briefing, we rode very slowly to Bidarri park. I have never been there before and simply drove past in many times. So glad to be there. The air was good and all it now remains are the grass patches and old gravelly tarmac of the cemetery. I would suggest that u visit this place soon because this is prime land and will not be looking that this for too long.

Nice and quiet... 

Zack leading the way                           photo credits Francis Chu

Papa mike and her princess

George giving up his energy boosting jelly beans

Block 108 Void Deck, Mr Chiam's office of 20 over years. 

The next stop was Potong Pasir and to Block 108. The place of Mr Chiam office(table). I was not too sure if it was there still and very grateful that it was. Left on the table was just a simple thank you note to Mr Chiam from a lady. The long procession of cyclists created quite a buzz along the PCN. Some asked if there was a event or are we doing TV program filming haha... We just said... "we doing our Sunday ride. Every Sunday 0730.. join us leh"

Wheels of all sizes, all welcome

Old book shop at Kim keat

At Block 1 where my old playground was located. We spend some time there for people to take photos, soak into the ambience. I was really glad that many brought their children and play with my old friends. Looking at them, it reminded myself of the good times and when I was young. And happy to have given them nice memories and fun. By then we were abit hungry and pitstop at Kim Keat hawker centre. Having breakfast with friends is indeed a nice...even more nice when the topic involves wheels... haha .

Cycling kakis becoming friends! 

Here are some of the photos taken by myself, Francis, Steven Tang and more. Overall and nice ride on a Sunday with friends!

We going Ulu Kranji!

Kranji Dam sun rise taken by Oooooze76, Clubsnap

Kranji War Memorial with storm clouds

The Kranji route we riding...

Yes, it is out of the beaten path and to somewhere ulu this coming weekend. No shopping centres, no Starbucks, Mac donalds...  just the fresh crisp air of sleepy ulu Kranji!
We will meet at Kranji MRT at 0730. Place of interest are Kranji war memorial, Railway tracks, Kranji Dam where u can see JB, nice BBC radio tower, Bollywood veggies, maybe Hay dairies if our legs can cope... oh of course there will be lots of greenery and maybe mossies too!  I would strongly suggest u bring more water as I have no clue where I can find water points along the way:)
No lah.. there will be food/drinks stop... at Bollywood. :) Again, no discrimination to wheel size, gear and brands.. all are welcome. All I ask is that u come with an open mind, ride as a group and plenty of smiles.... It should all end by 11ish... if i don't get lost :)

Interested to join us for a ride?  sms me, Taiwoon at 96204559 or email at twwoon@singnet.com.sg

National Stadium, MBS and Marina barrage ride -19th Sept 2010

Sunday again and time to ride! Joining us for the first time is GL on a Flamingo London and Boo on her Trek MTB.  Kudos to GL, who is from Woodlands and made the trip to national stadium. He was the first one there... and early he was.. 7am to be exact. Boo on the other hand rode all the way from Bedok.. and make me embarrassed. Me and Sitoh took the easy way there.. by MRT. If u haven't tried taking ur foldie to the MRT, u are really missing out a great deal. Anyway...

We had a quick breakfast at Kallang Mac Donald's and headed to the first place of interest. The great Kallang stadium.  As we closed in to the place, u can feel the "presence"... I remembered the crowds lining to go into the stadium and the bustling of activities. But today there was just Francis, Tah ching, Amy, Adrian, Sitoh , Boo , GL and Myself.  We loiter at the steps not know if we should go in... then GL just bumbled along and found a gate unlocked and we were in!  We rode around full perimeter and absorbed in all the details. Most of the stuff are already gone but the memories are still there,  triggered by the pillars, walls and big seiko clock. Inside the stadium, overlooking the soccer field, the wooden benches are stripped and piled in nicely on the ground( what was formerly the track) It was a sad sight seeing the great stadium being tear down. Well, I suppose everything changes and when it is time to go.. it is time to go.  Bye bye National stadium, Thanks for all the memories..  I will remember u! 

The next spot is the MBS. We snaked along the river and made abit of detour as the SG F1 race is happening and there are big fences around the town... this is not good for bicycles... but we will find a way.  At the helical bridge, it was another photo opportunity and we snapped away. I still can't understand the design rational of the helical bridge. To me it is a royal waste of steel and just horrible demonstration of design for design sake..  From the bridge, we could see MBS almost completed and rode towards the wooden broad walk. MBS shops are mostly open but it was more quiet as it was still early in the morning.  I am guessing that this place would look magical at nite... maybe another ride to see this. 

From MBS, the route to Marina barrage was uneventful. Not a nice ride here as there was quite a lot of trucks shuffling dirt...Add the sun to the equation.. we just hit it and reached the barrage quickly.  No one knew if we could cycle to the "top" floor garden.. but we all wanted to..  So we snaked in casually to the the quite corner and just rode up. The view was lovely and many kites in the sky. Sitoh was telling us that this is now the place for students to fly kite and eat home made bee hoon..  Well, if i can do this over again, I will time my ride to reach just before sunset... I think the city lights would look really nice from here.  It was getting around to noon and very hot.. we headed back by crossing the barrage and doing some MTB terrain riding.. and exited at Fort road junction. Then it was a quite zip to Kallang indoor stadium bridge and ended at old airport road food market.  Francis and I had the  superb Wanton mee, while Boo had carrot cake.. the rest just drink sugarcane as it was just too hot. 

Ok, think I must be boring everyone with the details..   Pictures of the ride and look forward to more friends joining! 

Live to ride, ride to eat! 

from Left, GL, Alvin, Boo,TC, Adrian,Amy and Francis

Got tickets? 

turnstile stopped turning

bye bye National stadium, "referee Kayu" will never be the same again! 

Bicycle rules!

Clock still works though

wahhhh...

GL and his Flamingo

a lap for all the memories!

GL doing a lap too.

Alvin in Hero Stance

inside the stadium, sans planks

Track is gone too

left this lonely piece.. what should I do? :)

Adrian and Fixie VS TC with MTB..see Fixies and MTB can co-exist!

Amy at MBS broadwalk

Boo with her Trek

the helix bridge I cant understand..

al fresco haircut

beautiful view at Marina barrage

Francis and Adrian at the 2nd level

kites in the sky

Francis and his Zen look

Roarrr!

yeah.. like army man..this is fun!

my motivation for the ride.. old airport road wanton noodles

I prefer carrot cake!

Chee cheong fun and sugar cane juice!

cheng teng for me!