There is nothing big scale in Singapore for cyclist. A stretch of 10km of uninterrupted cyclist path is uncommon in a small country. But a gem we have here, a cycling path that stretches more than 10km! Starting from Gerard Drive, you can go all the way to Pasir Ris seaside and beyond. I have learnt to enjoy what is available in its simplest functional form, and its simply joyful to just ride a bicycle and listen to the whistle of the wind. Today, i cycled to Punggol Waterway and to then to PasirRis beach. It was a nice and easy ride from Hougang town, though the sun might flush your face red.
Total of 38km I rode, and the Tern D8 remains steady. However, there comes a time I thought it just cannot go any faster even with gear 7. Perhaps my legs are tired. But I choose to attribute this more to the components of the bicycle. I have been very tempted to upgrade some of the parts. However, I take it that any inefficiency of the bike will make my muscles work harder and burn off more of my calories.
I started off at 5 in the evening because lately the sun has not been very kind. I checked the tyre pressure and its still good. As you might already know, inflating the tyre will make the your bike roll easier. Loaded with some water and some sweets for the sucrose intake, I set off my journey to the east.
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| Riding on the railing?
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| Nice track between the river and greenery
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| My Tern D8 and the waterway
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The track follows sungei punggol and turns right along the waterway. Quite many people along the track once a while so its wise to have a bell, unless if your can imitate the "ring ring" well. I got my Cateye at a old bike shop for $7, which sells for $11 at a high end bike shop.
I took a short break at one of the pavilion to let off some pressure off my butt. The original seat of the D8 causes many sore butt, as seen on the internet. And mine too. I will get a new seat when I visit Taiwan, soon. Of cos, plus lots of other stuffs.
Continuing riding along the track, you will come across a series of twist and turns, good for cyclists who want to flaunt their skills. And do watch out for the small kids are running astray anywhere. One observation i had, people ride expensive bicycles and some ride cheap bicycles. There is recently a hot debate about the Brompton bikes and their exorbitant price. I kinda of think that its all about maintaining the bike and how you use it. I didnt spent little money, for what I consider, on my D8. But I had spent much effort in making adjustment here and there. I still have this problem with gear 7 onwards which I have to optimise.
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| Lor Halus, nothing much here. Proceed onwards to PasirRis
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| You can take a pic with these sign boards
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| Flying mini-planes and kites rule the sky
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Upon crossing the bridge over sungei Serangoon, you will arrive at Lor Halus wetland. I see people staring at the ponds, probably a good time to reflect on things about life. Moving on you will arrive at Pasir Ris Farmway 3 where some ornamental fish farms and pet shops scattered about. The roads are wide and there are lotta open space, so un-Singapore.
To head to the seaside, please take note of the short cut without a sign. I only found out about this when on the return journey. Its about a feet in width so prepare to balance well if there is on-coming bicycles
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| Pasir Ris Farmway 3
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| Short cut to Pasir Ris beach |
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| Feel the breeze at Pasir Ris Park |
I would rate the difficulty level of this trip as 4/10. You would require a well maintained bicycle (fix gear will do), sun block, sun shades, water and a enduring butt. You will be rewarded with occassional moment of solidary and peace, cool and warm breezes, and some nice scenery.
On the way back, the sun set against bridge over sungei Serangoon, and it was spectacular. I am looking forward to my next journey further east...
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| Nice color of dawn at bridge over Punggol river
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| Nope not Marina bay, but Punggol bay |
