Bye bye old Queens town Cinema

Gone  Photo Credits by Ramesh Williams

Earlier this year we went there... to get lost 

This was where I spend my "poly days" and it is gone. Goodbye my friend and we will always remember you. Also glad I had a chance to share this place with lovecyclingsg folks. No, it is not a historical significant for the county but it remains a special place in my heart.
If I may suggest. Please go out and look at the places you grew up. Better still bring your kids, share with them how things used to be and not just air conditioned shopping centers, Ipad games. So they are also able to see another part of the Singapore landscape.

LCSG Bukit Brown ride 12Feb 2012

LCSG Bukit Brown ride 12Feb 2012,  << Full set of photos here for your download

Kevin and Gwyn led this wonderfully ride to Bukit brown Cemetery. It was a massive crowd of more than 70 folks but we manage admirably.  LCSG swamped Shun fu Food market with many residents looking attentively at all the variety of bicycles.  Later on we rode mainly along the pavement to Bukit Brown via Farrer road. Why pavement? Because the car speed was obviously way over the speed limit and we were not comfortable risking it with children around. Anyway, no drama and injuries - thanks to the diligence safety sweeping by Andy, Diane, Clarence, Steven Tang,  Tiger Emman and many others.

Meeting at the Bukit Brown front gate , we linked up with Claire, Catherine and Peter who broke the group into 2 and proceed to show us the place. It was obvious that they feel alot for the place and their passion to retain the history is infectious. We trekked more than we cycled and the weather was very hot. Felt like Army training at sometimes...haha.  Yes, Singapore has unique places. They however will not be served to you on a silver places. Gems like the Bukit Brown Cemetery is a ecology by itself.  I had went before on a bicycle but this time decided to walk and tune in to the informative story by Clarie and her team.  Tiring but totally worth it.

Thanks, Claire, Catherine, Peter and team. I wish you well and that the authorities will do as much as they can to preserved the place. To those who haven't gone... Please do visit it before it all goes into an expressway.
Lastlty you can Read more here on the amazing efforts by Clarie, Catherine, Peter and friends. This is Bukit Brown Cemetery!

How things used to be...

Images and words  from Gordon Claughton

I love the internet and this is why. I can "travel" back in time to see how things were... Can u believe this is Singapore?.. and there were already cycling activities then! Read on 

A bit of Singapore Cycling history

amazing tenacity and passion for cycling, Mr Ariff  

Some really cool stuff      Photo credits Geylang Cycling Team Singapore

I just got back to cycling a few years ago and while I am seen as a "retro" guy. What really drives me are the history and stories behind the bike and personalities. A recent Facebook chatter about old cycling stuff which was mainly from Europe made me wonder... Ok, they are cool.. and how was Cycling like in Singapore, last time?  This is where google really shines... and I found this gem.  Geylang Cycling Team Singapore 

Best of all, apparently they are still at it. Road racing I mean, not my cup of team but I truly respect what they are doing.  Thought this is something cool to share.  Does anyone know more about our Singapore Cycling legends? Drop me a line, I like to know and blog about it ..:) 

 

Brompton @ Pertain road

Supposed to spend a day to ride along the Train tracks but life is always present in different manner. My gal was sick and sniffling.. so mission abort and went to see Doc. After that,  I went to Diginexx to have my Brompton checked by the man himself, Steven Lim,  SG Brompton guru. My Brompton headset was abit loose, he helped tighten it in a jffy and gave my bike a look over.... good to roll!  The next appointment was like an hour away.... no problem. i am on a bike! Pottering around little india , waiting for my wife. Found this nice spots of old SG which I like to share. Lovely is it?  More photos here 
Yes, the railway tracks and train station will be gone... you know, but there are still many old spots in Singapore. Like ur very own kopi-tiam and aunty who sell poh piah... go lah kopi and savour the feeling.  Chat a little to the aunty and remember their stories, cuz this are the most difficult history to keep. ... ..........

Old building meets old bike... just like old friends

Retro design... they don't make them like this anymore

Traditional 5 footway

Crumbling buildings.. wonder how have lived in here? 

Why is fort road called fort road?

I passed by Fort road many times and sometimes wondered why was it called Fort road. Me and Matt went early and rode around... and found this interesting fact....
Apparently long long time ago there was a fort built around the area(Katong park). The fort is no longer around but u can still 2 loyal soldiers doing guard duty at Katong Park.  Explore around the Katong park just off Fort road and you will see some signage containing more information on the fort. What a nice surprise!

Standing guard, day and night

check out the lucky number on the railing 

Direction towards Fort road

Fort information and history...in a park!

A game of Cricket...at the former Fort compound