Basic Bicycle Maintenance Workshop at Shimano Cycling World

The paddlers who also pedal.

Joined by 2 other paddlers I met at a Level 2 coaching course for kayaking, I went down for the very Basic Bicycle Maintenance Workshop by Shimano Cycling World at the Singapore Sports Hub.

It was really very basic and not really hands on, but would have been very useful if I was a new cyclist.

A very 5S setup.

Some of the topics covered was adjusting brakes (caliper, v-brakes and disc brakes), changing of an inner tube and pre-ride checks.

The good thing was that after the session, the trainer/marketer, Dicky welcomed everyone to come down and play with the DuraAce Di2 equipped sample bicycle. Some participants stayed back to try removing and putting back the rear wheels, I asked some questions on disc brakes and requested for another demo on how to centre the brake pads.

Ultimately, as I've said, it was a basic session and the trainer recommended going to a local bike shop for more advanced stuff. Have to admit it was pretty interesting, but I was disappointed that he did not go on to show how to replace disc brake pads :(

Cycling to Coney Island!

After having cycled past the entrance to Coney Island countless times, I finally went inside for a ride!
I usually ride around the PCN on my roadie commuter setup which unfortunately means it wouldn't be comfortable riding in the "trails" of the Coney Island Park Connector.
I cycled in via the gravel/sandy path next to the Lorong Halus Bridge to reach the East Entrance. I definitely wouldn't advice anyone on a road bike to ride in via this route unless you don't mind the extremely bumpy ride.

Good thing I came on my All Terrain Commuter setup. Riding on this terrain, Riding this trail, I realised I've forgotten how comfortable it was to ride knobbies and front shocks.

 

Came out via the West Entrance 2.4km later. Didn't take much pics because it started to rain shortly after I entered the island :(

Checking out small wheeled bicycles

I have been having thoughts of replacing my road bike with 700cc wheels with a folding bicycle or mini velo with 20inch wheels. I went around the Marina Reservoir area on Saturday using a Giant mini velo and a Strida. I believe the mini velo had 20inch wheels while the Strida had 16inch wheels.

I cycled approximately 11+km on each bicycle to get a feel of the bicycles.

Starting things off with the Giant Escape Mini which was a 7 speed bike, I cycled towards the Gardens by the Bay. The route was mostly flat, but I found myself struggling a little. Perhaps I was too used to having toeclips on my own bike.

Bad, bad year

2010 hasnt been very kind.
I got dengue for the second time earlier this year which meant no sports for 2 months. Dengue is also known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, this means if I were to injure myself, the blood would not clot and I may bleed to death. Also, the doctors kept telling me that the second time is usually worse than the first.
In short, no cycling.

Then I overworked myself and strained my wrist, shoulder and knee. This was made worse when I hit a curb while learning to ride a motorcycle and fell. Stubbornly, I ignored the injuries and carried on coaching kayaking until the pain became unbearable.

Now that Im better, school is taking up most of my time.

Probably wont be posting anything till November, if the desire to ride is still in me...

Detour

Found an alternative route that avoids the ridiculous Bendemeer junction on my commute to Kallang.
From Upper Serangoon Rd, turn into Wan Tho Ave and use these small roads to reach Macpherson Rd where the Royal Sporting House building is. From here, I will still need to go through the construction detour, however, I need not filter lanes and can stay on the left side.
Just need to watch out for the PIE exit when approaching Bendemeer Rd.

On the subject of commuting, anyone noticed that they're paying quite a bit more for the bus fares? My bus fare to school has increased by 25% since SBS changed to the new distance fare rates on 3rd July.
Bastards.

For the handyman commuters

For those of you who unlike me are more technically inclined, here's an interesting project you may be interested in.

How to make your own box bike or "Bakfiets" in Dutch. Saw quite a few of these in Amsterdam.


how to build a cargo bike - More DIY How To Projects

Long time no commute

I havent been commuting for a really long time. I believe it has been 5 weeks.
However, by not cycle commuting, I've actually been able to enjoy the food at my favourite nasi padang stall in the army market after coaching/paddling at Kallang. I also dont have to worry about where I lock my bicycle. Its more sociable this way too since I get to go makan with friends.

Suprisingly, I dont miss cycle commuting all that much. But of course, public transport can still be a pain at times. My interest in cycling seems to be waning.

Its a scary world out there

I've witnessed my 5th accident involving a two-wheeler in 2 months.

One must remember, to actually see the scene of the accident, I've got to be at the right place at the right time. I must be pretty damned lucky, or jinxed. Depending on how you look at it.

Of the 5, 4 of them invovled bicycles and one invovled a motorcycle.
The first incident was the one where Ben Mok was struck near Ngee Ann Poly.
The 2nd one occurred a week after on the opposite side of the road.
The 3rd happened a week later just outside SIM.
The 4th and 5th happened at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 and 6 respectively.

The accident I saw today invovled an old man who was struck by a taxi along AMK Ave 6. His whole face was covered in blood. I know that the head bleeds alot even from a small cut, but still. His WHOLE face was bloody.

Cycling across pedestrain crossings: Is it legal?

Below is an excerpt from a parliamentary debate held on 19-10-2009

WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

TRAFFIC OFFENCES AMONG CYCLISTS

1. Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many cyclists have been booked for traffic offences over the past 12 months; (b) what are the common offences; and (c) what is the rule for vehicular traffic when cyclists ride their bicycles across pedestrian crossings.

Mr Wong Kan Seng:

1,312 summonses were issued to errant cyclists for cycling offences between July 2008 and June 2009. Of these, the largest number of 615 summonses were issued to cyclists for cycling on the footways of roads. Other common infringements include failing to ride in an orderly manner such as not keeping a proper lookout and not giving way to traffic with the right of way, riding on expressways and riding against the flow of traffic.

Cyclists are not prohibited from riding across pedestrian crossings but must do so in a safe and orderly manner. Those who do not and cause danger to others commit an offence under Rule 10 of the Road Traffic (Bicycles) Rules and are liable to pay a composition fine. If they ride in a rash or negligent manner that endangers life, or in a manner that is likely to cause hurt or injury to others, they can be prosecuted under Section 279 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they can be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned up to one year, or both.

When approaching pedestrian crossings, a driver is required to keep a proper lookout for other road users, slow down and proceed at such a speed which will enable him to stop his vehicle before reaching the crossing. Failure to do so may result in the driver being liable for a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment for a term of up to three months under Section 131 of the Road Traffic Act.

Source: http://www.parliament.gov.sg/reports/public/hansard/full/20091019/20091019_HR.html

Now the only problem with this is that its illegal to cycle on the pavement. Sometimes laws can be damn confusing. But then again, this reply is by Wong Kan Seng, you know, the guy with the million dollar salary who wasn't held accountable for Mas Selamat's escape and lost all respect from Singaporeans.

A little too much

Spotted this interesting post on togoparts made by Humongous. He has 3 bike profiles on Togoparts, which I think means he is a paying member.
Its about how he was followed by another cyclist thinking he was a bike thief. The cyclist took it upon himself to interrogate Humongous which included asking why he was not in "proper attire" and why he was not using clipless pedals.

Er.. I've been commuting in sandals and "non-proper attire" for the past 2 years. Oh dear! Would be interesting to meet this guy on the road though. Especially since I usually carry a camera with me :)

"There are also over zealous self thought pseudo "police" scizhophrenic man on the prowl. And i happened to meet one last week.

I was riding my wife 14" XS Kona Kula Primo and stop at the junction of Singapore Expo and ITE college East, and a fellow cyclist riding a Orbea HT with RS SID coupled with CK hub with Mavic 717 pulled up next to me. And start asking where i got the bike, and why am i riding something not fitting to my size. Plus I am not properly attired, how come not wearing clipless, he specifically state that he suspect that the bike might be a stolen bike, and asked me to produce a receipt or proof of purchase.

I replied i got the frame at tay and set it up 3 years ago at L&T, as to why i am not in proper attire, i was delivering some aquatical stuff to my wife who happen to work in Xin Lin . I told him that the bike was fitted with platform pedal how to wear cliplless shoes...

I told him i have the bike in a online webby TGP profile with some upgrade not updated and if he is not satisfied can always call in the men in blue... , he replied maybe the bike profile is alter to suit the loot.. i am bewildered by his condescending tone... and proceeded with my errand, and he tailed me all the way to my wife workplace and threatened to called the cop. I replied why dont you Just Do It?

After which i returned and stop by outside Bedok NPC and asked that stalker whether to go in and lodge a report. i will gladly do so if he was dead sure that i am a bike thief.... if not just leave me alone. He murmured some @#$%^&* and rode off.

It is good to be vigilant but to such extent.... it is over the hill...."

Missing Out

The group I was going on a cycling trip to Malacca with were all using bicycles with 700cc wheels. Being new to long distance cycling I didnt want to slow the group down, so I bought myself a road bike.

The first vid supposedly shows All-Mountain riding and the 2nd one shows Free-riding. My currently in progress XC bike probably wont be able to do the Free-riding, but clearly I have been missing out by riding a road bike.

Obey traffic laws!

Looking at the title and looking at the surroundings, this happened really near my place.
The uncle tried to cycle across the road illegally when the light turned green while he was barely halfway across.
Then he gets almost run over by a Mazda. Real lucky to be alive.

Mermur Bike, another bicycle commuter blog

Another local bicycle commuter's blog!

Mermur Bike

This guy has 4 bicycles in his arsenal one of which is a motorised foldie which he has successfully taken onto the MRT with no interference from MRT staff. During off-peak hours of course.
He also sees local drivers as a considerate bunch and says Singapore bus drivers are very friendly and road concious. Quite a refereshing point of view.
His photo taking style is also quite funky. They've been edited with some vintage effect.

The blog has been added to the list of "Cyclist Blogs" on the right.

Cycling In Switzerland

Long overdue post.

Here's some pics of me cycling around in Kandersteg, Switzerland.

First snowfall!

Heaviest snowfall in Autmun

Transporting bedsheets by bicycle

And here's some pics from a 72km bike ride from Kandersteg to the capital, Bern using the bike paths that connect the entire country! Kinda like our PCN, only better. Imagine if the PCN connects you to Orchard Road from Jurong.

Bikes on a train ride home

Akan Datang

Coming to an offroad trail near you.
Have all the parts except the shifters and brakes. Quite disappointed to know that the Avid BB7 with Speed Dial 7 levers will cost me close to $250 which is out of my budget :(
On the bright side, I'll be getting an XT front shifter from Wei Jie for free! Still have to find one for the rear though.

Strange behaviour

Went to Fernvale LRT to collect some bike stuff from UncleAhPei aka Alex and did some "unplanned exploration" on the way home when I missed a right turn. I finally got myself onto Upp Serangoon Rd and passed a guy on a blue MTB just before Hougang Plaza.
I noticed MTB guy perk up when he saw me and after passing him, he promptly jumped off the curb onto the road, overtook me then went back onto the pavement. I was only cycling at 25km/h. He must be so proud of himself.

I couldnt help but think of the dogs at Lim Chu Kang that chase you when you cycle by. Its not the first time it has happened though.

We lost a good one.

We stand, as it were, on the shore,
and see multitudes of our fellow beings struggling in the water,
stretching forth their arms, sinking, drowning,
and we are powerless to assist them. - Felix Adler

Benjamin Mok avid cyclist and bicycle tourer was hit by a drunk driver while cycling along Clementi Road. It was reported in the Straits Times today that he has passed away.
What saddens me is that the driver who hit him was a doctor, but instead of rendering aid, the good doctor chose to flee the scene. So much for the hippocratic oath.

Here's a scan of the newspaper article.


I may not have known him personally, but anyone who has read his blog would know that the cycling community has lost a good guy. He was even nice enough to leave a short encouragement when I blogged about having doubts on cycling to Malacca.

Rest In Peace.

Damned rain

Grrr.. It had to rain during my Saturday commute when I cleaned my drive train the night before. Now its all dirty and grimy again.

On another note, I've been reading the blog of a fellow bicycle commuter who goes by the name of El Wey. His blog is titled Bike Commuting in SG

He has also been added to my link list of cyclists' blogs on the right for future reference.

Freeloaders

Wheel Power
http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/Motorworld/Story/A1Story20100315-204775.html

Two Singaporean women have a dream: to spend five years cycling around the world. Miss Tan Xin Hui, 25, and Miss Tay Siang Hui, 31, have sold off most of their possessions and ended the lease on their rental flat. They are ready to hit the road but there is just one snag: money. They have raised only $1,905 - from their garage sale last weekend, during which they sold off things such as furniture, clothes and books at their two- bedroom walk-up apartment in Tiong Bahru. That sum is only enough to get them to their starting point of Taiwan. But undeterred, the duo, who are former television producers of independent company Simply Is Productions, are now tapping sponsors for support. So far, they have lined up sponsorship deals with companies such as health club Fitness First and sports label Puma. They are also canvassing the public for cash: They will hold a 24-hour cycling challenge on Thursday, where companies and individuals pay to adopt one minute of the cycling, which will be streamed online. In addition, their website, www.ibelievethatdreamscancometrue.com, asks the public to donate directly. But some people find the push for sponsorship deals and funds a little too freewheeling. "My first thought was, you're asking me to support your lifestyle?," says assistant manager Selena Ang, 51. "But if I had a daughter who wants to do something like this, I would give her a chance to prove herself. "I think people are supporting them because, for the sponsors, it might gel with something that they've always wanted to do, but did not. So it is like supporting them to live through them." The duo plan to cycle across Taiwan, Japan, the Americas and Europe. So adamant are they about going that Miss Tan says: "Even if we have to go on just this amount, we'd still go. We cannot sit and have a discussion to plan the trip - we'd get too scared." It is a determination that has resonated with some firms they have approached for sponsorship. Fitness First, for example, gave them a two-month membership each and personal training sessions. Its marketing manager Sarah See, 34, says: "We are supporting them because it is fitness related. We did tell them at first that we do only charity-related sponsorships but we saw that they needed help and fitness advice in preparing for the journey." She adds: "For us, there is value in these sponsorships because they are doing publicity for us as well." The women have documented their experience with the health club on their website. For sports label Puma, which has given the women a pair of sports shoes each and six sets of Dri-Fit attire costing more than $800, it was the aspect of fulfilling a dream that caught its eye.

So basically these former TV producers want you to fund their round the world cycling holiday. They have only raised $1095 and want you to donate.
I've been following the blog of a relatively lowly educated man compared to these 2 women. This is a man who wears PCK yellow boots for work and had his motorcycle stolen just before he his trip. http://singaporedream-rtw.blogspot.com/

Source: http://singaporedream-rtw.blogspot.com/2007/12/big-mess-giving-away-throwing-away.html

I dont see why two TV producers cant fork out their money but instead get sponsors from Puma, Fitness First and Rodalink. No fucking way they earn less than a guy who plants trees and bushes. Seriously, $1905 is all you two have? Or all that you're willing to part with?

Not that I want to shatter your dreams, but you two seem like spoilt brats looking for a free ride.

All I can say is BALLS TO YOU TWO.

My True Nature

I've come to realise I prefer to ride solo. Why? For a few reasons. Mainly self-preservation. In a group, there is a tendency for people including myself to do stupid things. This might invovle running a red light or squeezing between cars all for the sake of staying with the group.
After commuting for some time, I've come up with my own set of principles. I follow ALL traffic laws. This means I do not run red lights even when there are no cars or pedestrains in sight, I dismount when going on the pavement and when crossing the road. I do not pick and choose what laws are convenient for me.
It really defeats the purpose of cycling with a buddy especially when said buddy runs a red light and there I am waiting for it to turn green. Or when he squeezes between cars to get ahead while I queue patiently behind.

I've also come up with my own set of rules when cycling on the road. For example, I cycle on the double yellow line and move farther out only when there is a slip road ahead. At traffic lights, I take the lane and queue up like any other vehicle instead of squeezing my way to the front. And if there are heavy vehicles like buses or trucks that are unable to pass because of me, I usually move into a bus stop or anywhere safe to let them pass. Its better than having the driver behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle getting impatient.

Maybe Im just too "kiasee", but hey, Im not trying to be badass like fixie riders, weaving in and out of traffic on the road in the city area for god knows what reason. Or like the racer today at the junction of Pasir Ris Drive 3 and Elias Rd. I was waiting at the red light watching this guy stray into the middle of the cross junction. Not wanting to unclip from his SPDs is the only reason I can think of for his stupid act. At least his 2 other friends were sane enough to unclip and wait for the light.