Lovecyclingsg Treasure 22nd July 2012

The treasure hunt was led ably by Encik George Lim with LCSG angels Andy Yap, Boo, Christine Gan, Clarence, Diane, Steven Tang, Tiffany, Vince and myself. Weeks before, information and misinformation was sent out to LCSG family around the Treasure hunt area. Kranji Countryside. The day finally came and 14 Teams rolled into the Kranji Dam start point at 0730am, a time where most of the people would be sleeping. 

Encik George briefing the ICs... 

Team Camo - CarryME L-R, Hardy, Tiger Wan, Eddie Lim, Ro, Joe, Ming Tian

Queen Boo, in a cute mood..haha sorry Boo!

It was quite a sight to see all the teams in their coordinated gear, like team Carryme with their Camo-ed face and blue tees, Team 7-11 with their custom printed Tees, RWS Team in all red National colors.  As the teams bustled around the start point, Encik George briefed the Check point ICs of their locations and task... for the "Tekan" - he just say.. just dont whack to hard.. leave it to u... " haha.. Based on the last year Treasure hunt, I know that would not be a problem.

Petia was really serious... he DREW this MAP!!! 

Clarence at Kranji War Memorial doing the Check Point.. and giving them some fun time

The idea is to go to the 3 Checkpoint ICs and once there, they will need to do some task. If they succeed, they will be given more information on the other landmarks to photograph. At around 815 and the safety briefing,  the teams set off. I drove around with Encik carrying a big ice box of 100plus. As we drove past the riders pedalling furiously, I saw smiles and laughter. The most common refrain and "curse word" was WAH LAU... .esp after going the wrong way down the slope and up another slope.
I also saw lots of teamwork amongst the team. Punggol Night Riders was one of them. They called for backup as two of their riders fell on the sandy, rocky path to Saribum Scout Camp. They administered quickly first aid to Wilson and Jenny. And didn't leave them until we came to the scene. I was glad to help to ferry them to the nearest clinic/mrt so that they can get better treatment.
The Checkpoints were also big source of laughter and humor. I saw frustrated folks at Steven Tang spot, trying to throw in 20 tennis ball into a pail. Seems like a simple task but it took donkey time for some. Many took it out on Steven Tang by throwing directly at him haha.
The heat was a real killer for this event, and Kudos to our Muslim cycling friends. I don't know how they did it but they soldiered on with no complain. I am very impressed.

Throw 20 ball into the basket.. how difficult it can be right... until u tried... 

Pedal and pedal.. 

Later on we gave away the Prizes for the fastest team. To all our surprise, it was the "Dark Horse" - The Incredibles aka International riders who took the first spot They have not really been at Kranji before but according to Karen Chin..."We just gamely pedalled... Led by Noel and heckled to keep cycling by Gibson...."
2nd was DayTime Riders aka "Uncle Team" showing age is not a problem:) 3rd Place went to Team Camo Carryme with 3 team members on Puasa(Fasting). Team Carryme also took the top honors for Best Dressed with their Watermelon inspired Camo and awesome team spirit.
All in all, it was a awesome show of Team spirit and fun.
Thank you also to our Sponsors Axis Cycles(for the Rear seat pouches, Iphone holders), E-Walker for the cash voucher(Best Dressed award), Life Cycle (Cycling Caps and Super Stylo Water bottle) 
Thank you to Encik George and all LCSG Angels who helped to mann the Checkpoint, Tekan sessions and also the Roving Photographers Francis Chu and Darren Siow for the awesome photos.
Till the next year.. it will be more fun... and dare I say... more siong... :) Let's keep rocking LCSG!

All were winners!! Yeah! Taken at Kranji dam 

More photos here for ur download 

Kranji ride - 27th March 2011- Photo account

Good morning Kranji!

I am 4 and I ride!

This is 2nd time visiting Kranji. The first being 17th Oct 2010 which we had quite a heavy rain at the start. My prayers were answered...maybe too much.. It didn't rain and was extremely sunny for the whole ride. Andy also brought bean curd for the riders at the start point. which was really nice of him!

spoke cards anyone?

We got new folks joining us like Kenneth who rides solely a roadie but bought a 2nd hand Dahon for Sunday rides.  Teo KL who rode his Raw Brompton M equipped with Carandice bags and Andrew loh riding with us - finally. I am also glad to see Bay, Eddie showing that cycling can be a great way of family bonding.  Impressive!

Bay Jr leading the pack

Riding to Kranji war memorial was easy... just 1km from the Kranji MRT. The hairy part of the ride for me was old Kranji road towards the Reservoir. There was so many cars and trucks on a Sunday morning!  Despite of the challenging road conditions, regulars like Andy, David, Clarence, Francis, Andrew help to create a buffer zone so that newbies and younger rides can feel more comfortable. I find that also riding as a group helps to create a bigger road "signature" which means cars are more conscious of our presence and give us more space. 

Bollywood veggies was the stop point for breakfast and I had their signature Curry and prata. This time the food wasn't as good, but the environment and friendliness of staff more than made up for it. Ivy also popped by to meet the group and very graciously gave our riders a free tour of the farm. After the meal,  Dillion,our farm guide gave an extensive explanation of the farm and plants. Really worth another visit again.
Hay Daries was the next stop follow by Lim chu kang jetty and then Armour camp tank. By then, the weather was heating up and together with the slopes, it was quite challenging for some... tongues sticking out...complaining and groaning.... Slowly, surely we made it back to Kranji MRT. Lovely ulu Kranji ride! Let's go there sometime again?

More pics here
Taiwoon photos
Francis photos
Eddie videos

City dwellers getting Kampong tour at Bollywood veggies

Hot and Sweaty, but loving it!

Andrew and his beloved Tank...once an Armour, always Armour!

Kranji ride - 27th March 2011- This coming Sunday

Missed the last ride to Kranji?  I got alot of feedback that many want to ride this route...so I am bringing them there again.. More details and register here!
http://lovecyclingsg.niceboard.com/t180-kranji-we-are-back-wowowow27th-march-2011-sunday

Kranji ride with friends - 17th Oct 2010

Riding is fun, I get to meet different friends. This time man... was there many friends! 20 riders came! Hello! I have problems remembering all but it was a great pleasure to meet and ride alongside u!  Lets see if I got it correct..... Francis, Wai Thong, Gim yeow, Mac, Mr Teo, GL, Matt, Clarence, Daniel, Badul, Zul, Hamid, Eric, Tommy, Eddie, Wife, Marcus and Kenneth and of course Zul!  Special mention:  Marcus is in Pri 4 and Kenneth in Pri3 and they rode very well and took on the slopes with nary a sweat... and mummy needs more training.. still, we all made it! Well done!

To the heros who braved the rain together, well done!

Ok, write-up proper..
Meeting location was at Kranji MRT. This ride should be special, I felt...as I was driving around the locality.. and it was! As we approached the start off time, one by one came... then to make it more interesting, the heaven thundered and roar. Black skies.. oh oh.. no good.. and then it came.. first drizzle and then it poured..lots of it. As the rain slowed down some what, we left the station and headed to towards the Kranji war memorial.  The place was sombre, yet dignified.  I could feel the quiet presence and also the sadness.

Me and Chris wrote our personal comments in the visitor log. With the rain pelting down, I tried to feel how it was like under trying conditions with bullets and nasty things coming towards u. For the country, our country. Thank you all for your sacrifice, you will not be forgotten!

Kranji War memorial

Eddy, Sandy, Marcus(blue) and Kenneth - Riding as a family, in the rain! Thumbsup!

Pouring rain... I could literally take a shower..

Oh..when will it stop.. 

Next stop was the Kranji dam, by then rain stopped somewhat and it was really nice and cooling. The traffic at the Kranji junction was abit busy and please be careful if u do decide to visit this area.  Rolling pass an old army camp, it brought back memories. This was the place where we all got our uniforms and boots. Now the place has been partially torn, awaiting to be rebuilt to some fancy condo or shopping centers. A shame I cant stop and visit due to the traffic and the place being locked up...

Old Army barracks at Kranji road

Kranji road.. waiting for red light.. checkout  rider lines

Stopping by Kranji dam car park, we stopped for a break and snapped away. It was quite a scene, 20+ riders talking and taking pics of themselves, their friends, their friends bikes. Trying out other bicycles and chatting. This is nice... that's how riding should be, not by brands or what model of bike you ride, but just ride because you like it and because you do! 

taking shots, sharing thoughts

The route to Bollywood veggies was abit hilly but we got their eventually. Ivy was really gracious when she saw our group of "cham par lan" bicycles trying to find parking at the front.  Holding her coffee, she ushered us in and chatted. She even took us personally around her fabulous farm, explaining the plants and type. More interestly, was that she talked about her family, her past and made the visit very engaging. I was also very touched when I saw she was giving many of the lesser privileged folks a place to work and show their stuff.  I bought a book from Shery Oh Siew May at the stall. The first page reads like this.. "love can bring light to darkness and create a miracle." indeed, that is so! Siew May even signed my copy for me. That's very nice of u. Siew May, Rock on! 

For those who want to know about the cool Bollywood and the wonderful pple, details are here.. and pls tell Ivy I sent you!

http://www.bollywoodveggies.com/

The Author herself!

No problems for our bicycles... 

water pond at Bollywood

real good herbs!

This is baluku... 

enuff said...now fill in yours 

Nasi lemak at Bollywood veggies, nice

Ivy Singh, an inspirational lady!

Riding towards Lim chu kang jetty

Hay daries followed which some how lost its initial soul..can't describe it.. perhaps it is because u can't pet the goat or that it felt too "factory like" 

Last stop was to be a special jetty at end of Lim Chu Kang. Zul who works around there, showed the way...and it was beautiful. Further proof, there is beauty everywhere. If u look hard enough. That's all folks and have a nice day!  

More pics here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/taiwoon/sets/72157625181417874/

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