OCBC Cafe Bike Crawl 18th April 2015

Hi-res photos of the event here 
We got invited by the nice folks from OCBC to attend the first BikeCafeCrawl. The general idea is to visit some cafe and learn about coffee, bike fit and bike history.  

Julian giving a safety briefing before the ride.

Actually for the ride, we were not told of the location. In a way its a mystery ride of sorts. Together with me were the nice LCSG angels George Kee and Brenda. 

LCSG angels, Berenda and George Kee

Rolling slowly towards first point of interest. 

Slow and steady we ride as a group

We met at East Coast park Carpark C4. There were about 20 people for this ride. All not the usual pro riders but just normal folks who might like to do some riding. Ok, the lead rider, Julian was looking abit too pro with the aero bar and helmet. Amazingly he kept the pace at a leisurely 18km per hr max! Thats some feat! 

Slight technical problem with the crank arm. Lucky we had tools but we chose to walk to Coast cycles to get it fixed as it was quite near

Crossing the bridge

We first visited Coast cycles where we had a short demonstration on getting a proper seat height and bike fit. It wasn't a full on lesson but sharing how a proper fitted bike can reduce fatigue and tiredness. They also shared a bit on how they started and it being a lifestyle cafe and bikeshop. The breakfast was really quite nice and coffee great!

Coffee and bikes 

Mark and Tony sharing about the optimal seat height through a demonstration

Have a break, a chat, with team Nparks!

Yum!

Next stop was Shimano cycling world via the new "fort road bridge PCN". We had ice cream which was much appreciated in the hot weather. After cooling off, we attended the Shimano cycling world presentation on the bicycle history and also how they aim to make it a gathering place for cyclist. The thing to note is that Shimano will have some event of sorts every end of the month. Their bicycle workshop is very popular with the local riders. So watch their FB page closely! https://www.facebook.com/shimanosingapore?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

Terry of Shimano sharing the concept and details of Shimano Cycling World

Lovely co-branding

Keeping fit and performance using tech. Terry explains what the machine can measure to help increase rider performance

A very rare 3Rensho track bike... shaft drive

short break to gather the riders 

Its not a toy shop. Its a good cafe!

3rd place was from Sports hub to Loysel Toy. This is a small designer cafe at a kallang river. We were given a presentation on coffee. 

Listen har... later got exam!

Now I know this kind of coffee is called "3rd wave". 1st being the local kopi tiam, 2nd being the star bucks and third is the what we call "atas" kopi. 

What is 3rd Wave coffee?

Summary. To be "qualified" as "3rd wave", the shop will need to identify and share information on where its grown, the farm and when the coffee is harvested and roasted. It supposedly improves quality. Some coffee of different types were provided to let us sample. So floral and some nutty.... I am a bit embarrassed as I am not a coffee gourmet.  I still like my First wave "Kopitiam kopi". But I enjoyed the presentation very much. 
All in all, I think the ride format is pretty creative and pleasant. It took us from 8am to 3pm to complete the journey and all the eating. What I like was that they did not try to sell any bikes, nor stuff. It was simply to introduce the cafe to folks who would normally not go there.
Also very nice thing is that we got to chat with many of the folks from the media. Straits Times, Mediacorp, many online media on the cycling culture in Singapore. Many are interested and want to join Loveyclingsg sunday ride as well.

all kinds of bike rolling together

We talked as we cycled on many things. One was how we can work together and help shift cycling mindsets. From a confrontational approach to a more emcompassing and inclusive one. Also sharing stories about the man on the street and how cycling can open ur eyes to the small, beautiful things in life.
Thank you OCBC for a nice ride!
For more details and if u like to do this, there are 2 more session. Go check out this link from OCBC.
http://ocbccycle.com/About/cafe-bike-crawl/

LCSG Sunday ride 12th April 2015

The LCSG sunday ride has been continuing for over 5 years. The objective is to spend a nice sunday morning exploring  a different part of Singapore via  the bicycle. Its relaxed and no at all intimidating for new riders. And its really fun to ride with common minded folks of all sizes, age and places. This video by a rider Terence shows the recent sunday ride to see the newly built jubilee bridge. 

Cycling in Singapore film by Thailand PBS

Its always good to see our efforts being recognized to make Singapore a more livable and  bike friendly place. Check out the video 

LCSG and Nparks Bike workshop @ Jurong 28th Feb 2015

When a community comes together to do help and make a difference, its always inspiring and delightful to see. Thats what happened on the 28th Feb 2015 when Lovecyclingsg did the cycling workshop at Jurong for the public.  We were supported by Nparks who kindly provided the venue and light refreshments for the attendees. 

About 40 attended the workshop lead ably by LCSG Angels Pierre Chew, Tiger Wan Gracie Koh, Cha Cha Ray, Seng tat, nixs and afew more.  

The workshop was a hands-on approach, in LCSG style.  

I see, I forget, I do and get my hands dirty I remember for life :) 

It was pared down to the basic essentials to make it easier to remember. Learning to change out the tubes(which happens) and checking the brakes and general parts are in a working condition(for safety).  

I am especially happy when I see newbies trying to out to fix their issues with the help of the more experienced riders. This is really an expression of a communal help. Kampong spirit!  Well done. 

Thank you LCSG Angels and Nparks for the great workshop. You folks rock! 

getting into it

young participant learning from uncle Pierre

live demo 

Oh gossip.. we have to do this??? yes. 

sweat.... slowy ok!

Milestone for Momo

22nd Feb 2015. Sunday. 

This is the section that runs parallel to Coney Island. Nicest stretch!

We went for a ride around the North Eastern Riverine PCN Loop. 

Taken from Npark website 

That's very near where we live at Punggol Fields. It's a nice ride and a special one. Because she did it all under her own power and completed the whole route. 

Rolling 

Pungol waterway. My neighbourhood! 

I really like the part nearer to the Punggol Jetty where Nparks kept a small path of dirt. This made it bit more challenging for Momo but not impossible for her to ride.  It was nice also to see a lone kite circling around the sky near Coney Island. That's not too often a sight in our urbanised country. 

bumpity bumpity 

Its fun 

That's Coney Island. I remember doing army beach head exercises here. Before the wall was made. 

The path was more crowded when we were at Punggol End. We saw many families and people. Some were cycling, some sitting at the steps facing the sea, enjoying the sea breeze. Its a nice lepak feeling.  

Sitting at the steps and enjoying the sea breeze 

Couples on a tandem 

Momo keeping left, watching out for traffic as we neared the Punggol end. 

Boats at Punggol Marina 

New bike rental @ Punggol Marina

We carried on towards Punggol Marina and it was here, Momo complained that her butt hurts bit . I told her it was around 1/3 of the journey and lets do it slowly together. With plenty of stops, chats and encouragement, we eventually managed to complete the journey. It was a 20km ride and while its not in any way Epic distance. I am really proud of her. For her persistence and determination to continue the ride. I could see she was also very pleased with herself to have done it. She told me" very tired but fun. And jelly legs" haha..:) 
Do try out this route with your child some day. Its really fun! 

All you need to know about Thumbshifter or Thumbies

This is an excellent collection by Rafael of Spain on  how thumbies/thumbshifters can be used on bicycles.  With Google instant translate, I am able to make up what he wrote.  You got to see this if you are looking to try a new/older way of shifting.  

Screen grab from http://aventurasenunabiciplegable.blogspot.com.es

I suppose these are not for every one in an era of Brifters... why would you even bother doing it the "Old" way?  I thought so initially as well until I got to try thumbies on my old Trek 930 
Its like driving a manual car, you need finese and once u get it, the drive train sound so sweet!

Pasir Ris to get a complete network of cycling paths

Slowly and surely. The wheels of change will turn. :) Will you help to make it turn faster and happier? I know we as Loveyclingsg will!
More at Chanelnewasia 

Photo by Greg Choong @ LCSG FB

Simple life simple pleasures

I had a nice morning with my little girl, Momo. She asked if we could have Mac Donald's for Breakfast. Yes sir, they are not exactly the breakfast of champions nor the most healthy choice. But when I see her doey eyes, the answer was clear. We will have Mac Donalds! 

Welfie using the HTC RE camera 

Check out the wide pavement @ Punggol. This is prime potential for a cycling path! 

It was about 3 km away and we took the bicycle. The morning air was cooling and nice for a ride.  On a sat morning, there was also less frantic traffic which was good for riding. 

Rolling slowly and feeling a cool breeze brushing on my face

Momo says Yummy!!!

The journey was 95% on Pavement and we took special care to slow down when pedestrians were near by. No fuss no funny look. Just plenty of smile when they see my little gal with her Mega smile and pink bike. 

Let's go explore a different path home.... 

We found a nice playground! 

Let's pump it up 

Life is simple. Lets not complicate things. The best things in life are just around you. Treasure them, Love them. 

Momo: "Daddy, i like it very much.. can we do it again?" Me:"  hahah of course!"