77.25km Round-about on 26th May 2007

~~~~GOCC~~~~

Numbers dont mean a thing, until you spend more time on a bicycle than sleeping. Thats roughly how long we sat ourselves pedaling all through the night. A humble invitation was upon us, from a local gym whom were organising a cycling trip around Singapore for their members. So the word and works was pass around by one of the guys, and surpursingly it was a good turn out.

Being not from the gym, we were acting as road marshalls and would guide the main group along because we were deemed the more "experienced" rider. Even without proper preparation, it was just like any road ride we had but just with alot more "friends",alot more "mileage", alot more "saddle" too. The group was at least 30-40 strong mainly guys at an age group of 24-50s, mostly on rental bicycles, that was advertly well used, but in all good working conditions.

~~~~GOCC n Rigs~~~~

The usual starting frenzy and coordinating everyone to get ready was indeed bumpy, but soon after we were hitting the roads and fighting for lanes along traffic. With such numbers, different speeds were claiming groups and without choice many had broke from the main group. Formulation of rest stops were the only way to keep everyone together, and that helped many stretch out to ease crampy situations. One of the nicer spots we stop, was at Yishun Dam which was the longest break time we had, and good for some breading snacks to keep energy levels up.

~~~~Feed me!!~~~~

The route started from JTC at Jurong near the German Centre at 9-10pm and it ended at East Coast Park at about 7am-8am the next morning. We went through Old Woodlands road, Mandai, Old Tampines road, Changi village, the coastal road all the way to end at ECP. All 77.25km of tar crunchy smoothness, with no major accidents or even a flat tyre, that i can recall. Unfortunately, not everyone made it through, the will wasn't there for some, but for many it was a good achievement, at least 80% made it through the night. And what got us there, LEGS!!!!

~~~~Legs_Go!!!~~~~

Pengarang Sunburnt

Pengarang says it all, 55km of onroad and offroad madness was upon us. The annoucement was made, a trip lead by some seasoned bikers at a local forum caught my eye. It's the biking trip, that i have been eyeing to go, for sometime. Because it was said to be average in difficulty, it was overseas (although not very far) and it was a good test to see where we stand, amoung a mass of season riders. But that wasn't much of a worry, the sun was more the enemy of the state. Due to course, only 2 GOCC riders were able to make it, but that wasn't gonna dampen the trip at all.

~~~~Dirt on wheels~~~~

The meeting time was brought forward to 9am, due to the over response of people wanting to attend. From 24 riders, it balloon to 34 riders, and so 3 changi ferry boats, much like the ones we took to Ubin, had to be chartered. A good 40 mins ferry ride with our beloved bikes, on fairly calm seas but only to have the calm before the storm. Off through the Malaysian customs, and somewhat, the sun feels so much stronger on their side. As on a small tar road, we ventured forward to the trails, and soon we were digging dirt up with our tyres. The pace got alittle faster, and the trails was dry, the way i like it. Only 20-30 mins into it, i felt a sudden drag, and soon later, my rear had a pinch flat. And boy does that suck, to start a long day of riding and having a flat so early, really disappoints the use of having a spare tube. Gladly, a few bikers stop and lend a couple of hands, even a good pump that made a whole lot of difference. Tube changed, and psi up to count, i was back on my bike, to the awaiting riders up ahead. Whew!

~~~~Sun Shine break~~~~

The mostly flat trail, finally lead us to a nice steep but short climb, but it was a scenic climb. As on the top we could view the palm plantation, and it was a very nice breather. The sun was really draining our strengths and wearing us down fast. Our camelbaks was the only watery salvation to our throats, but we took little sips to regulate it through the journey. The trail was begining to bite back, as being on a rigid bike, i had to absorb everything my front end took, but it was manageable. As we turn off, there it was, the steep hill, and steep it is so! But we had a choice, a shaded hilly trail through a forest but a longer route, or up the steepest one with the shorter route. I figured, i came all the way here, i might as well take the steepest, even if it meant pushing up it. Dang! it's not as steep as one would view it from the bottom, unfortunately the climb was way too long to push on, and to "save" some legs, pushing it up at the top was more logical than conquering it. But the fruits was the downhill, it was slightly long and rough, but it was worth the climb, because downhills trails are rare to come by, and it was superb!

~~~~100 Plus Degrees~~~~

~~~~Refilled + Rebuild~~~~

Soon later, we were told that town is nearing and all we had to do was to make it to lunch. 100 Plus with ice was endlessly flowing down our throats, finally something to cool down with. A few more pedals to the main town, we reached an overcrowded restuarant, with no patience to join the queue, we hop right on to another less vacant one. The fried rice was paradise, can't say much for the rest of the dishes, but what's important is we rested and we ate. The journey back awaits, camelbaks filled up, with ice some more! Full to the belly, we hop on our bikes for the long journey back to the jetty. This time it was a coastal route back, that tar road seems so straight and endless. But the unthinkable happened again, a flat on my rear, again! Just as in the begining with my first flat, a few riders lend a hand and that trusty pump was put into action. Way ahead, the rest have already put some KMs infront, i was soon trying to catch a glimpse of them, but there wasn't any. The road really didn't want to end, it didn't want where we wanted to go, it was just endless simple minded pedalling on the hot tar road. Finally, we could see the turn off, where the small Malaysia struture of a custom office laid. We made it! Sun burnt, almost too full, but not dehydrated. We got back into the boats the same way we got there, but exhausted and spent! No sooner, the offroad trails were memories, the onroad was still blazing with that image of shimmering tar. It only sank it on the boat ride back, the trip is over, and it was one hell of a ride!

~~~~Ready + Readied~~~~

~~~~SunBurnt Smile~~~~

Bike 2 Work !!!!

~~~Full Riding Gear~~~

It's been awhile since i pen down an entry, and what better way to start the "new year" by Biking 2 Work!!! Yes, i have left my car at home, and my ezlink card with minimum value to decay. No more finding car parks, no more waiting on buses with the torrential commuters. No doubt, i had been tacit with the idea for as long as my company's office moved to Bukit Merah, but the only hurdle was a hot shower. Alas, news came to me that the 4th level toilets had showers, even better a constant stream of bad ass hot water makes a hot difference in the morning!

So the weekend before work week after CNY's holidays, i got around buying my first helmet and Camelbak. Something almost all riders need, biking essentials. In my head, i planned my route, to the obvious avoiding all hills or climbs. 30mins was all it took, the same or faster than stoning on a bus, what better than the solemnness of pedal power. I was getting myself to work on my own power, my own sweat, and it does wonders to starting your day. The first day, was thought to be a tough one to get through, but after having a nice meal at lunch, i did not feel sleepy or lethargic, like i would usually do, biking has made a difference.

~~~Me in da Lift~~~

As the week past, i got more familar with the best route and my timing got better, give or take 20-25mins. Along the way, to and fro, i am able to notice what i normally been missing. Roads that i normally wouldn't travelled, places for breakfast that wouldn't be conceivable, but the Mee Siam this morning was damn good ah!

T@mpines Mud 3rd DEC

~~~~Resto~~~~

T@mpines Offroad MTB trail was offically opened a couple of weeks back since the extension of the trail, esp well after the SACA MTB race which was held there last week. We did visit this trail once before, so this was only my 2nd time there, the first visit didn't really leave wanting more memories. Although not many GOCC members have actually been here, as usual i had hope for more of to turn up, unfortunately today wasn't that day again. But in the end, and like all rides, it was a good day to ride and we did try to enjoy the mud slinging and the ditching.

~~~~Racking the bicycles~~~~

The day started as usual, getting my car strapped up with the bicycle rack, which was so unnerving esp at 90km/hr, i could literally replay the image of my bicycle falling behind my car. But alas, me and my bicycle arrived without any cause of concern, and next was getting ready for the daunting task of riding in mud!!! in MUD in MUD in MUD!!!! EVERYWHERE!!!! Of cause, we didnt like jump right into it, as we started the trail(full of energy), we did try our best to avoid the muddy portions, but as we rode on and grew tired, we just didnt care anymore!!! No later, we could see splatters of mud and spot them all over ourselves, indeed it was incredibily muddy!

Soon we were all exhausted from tackling mud, it was very very difficult to even get our wheels moving, let alone move them in the thick slushy mud! That really sap us of all your energy, a good rest was needed. Which in no doubt, meant filling our tummies, so off we went to a nearby Pasir Ris coffeeshop for some local dessert. Soon we were chatting and losing ourselves in conversations, which always lead to another, till i almost forgot i'm like half the country away from home. Even though the distance, the trail was well worth it, minus the mud, it would be more fun, as i'm slowly getting to know the trail bit by bit. It's really good training for any avid off road MTBiker, and it is a good place to st@rt!

Ro@d Ride 23rd Nov

As usual, a mass sms send out for a humble weekday ride, but was limited to a few who could only make it. But cycling isn't a group sport, but the company does make up for any straining exercise that especially needs motivation. The meeting was at 8pm, and with some delay, everyone got there almost on time, not bad for a start.

Our bicycles seem to attract alot of attention to the elderly folks, as often one would stop and admire our rides, with a casual pick up line "How much ah, got worth $1000?" Not often, they will tell us of their great days when they used to cycle a bicycle, i guess back in their days, it was to some the only mode of transport. I'm sure they have as many pleasant memories riding their then bicycle as we do, or maybe even more.

Deciding a route we chose one that would lead us to Bishan Park and maybe find that said cycling track leading to East Coast Park. Knowingly, we had to go through Lornie Road, a gradual uphill with highly engrossed traffic weaving to get on to the PIE, but we manage to skim by. A group of roadies over took us, those roadies have bigger wheels and lesser contact to the road, which makes them real fast. True to form, we prefered the pavement, it only gave us elbow space but freedom from abiding traffic. On a stretch of descend, the whole pavement was blocked up, apparently a tree fell, and was covering the entire pavement, we had to slam on the brakes at pretty high speed just to avoid visiting that lumberjack.

On to another descend on the pavement, the overgrown bushes was creeping more and more into our path. Being the first one upfront, i could see the pavement shrink right before me, not long after that i was lying on a soft bed of bush, pretty comfortable except for that slight over moisture. YES, i have fallen off my bicycle, and it all happened in slow motion but thankfully i slowed down. The guys were soon peering to see what happened, but i was fine, not a scratch, maybe a tarnished ego but a quick check on my beloved bicycle and we were on our way again.

Tour De Ubin

23rd September, we crossed over the mighty sea to an island called Ubin. Surprisingly, we almost had full strength, but one member wasn't able to make it, it's rare to get GOCC on full attendance, but being 90% is good enough. This wasn't only a GOCC only ride, everyone and anyone amoung our friends were invited. One of them knows Ubin inside out, and he was gladly made our guide, and were in good hands. A total of 9 bicycles was ferried over and another 11 was rental, total head count, 20!!!

Now with 20 of us on 2 wheels, away from civilisation, it was gonna be one hell of a ride. It's been years since i came to Ubin with my own bicycle, and there are too many memories here that being there was a nostalgic flood gate bursting open. Soon we were digging in, getting dirty and smoothening the trails as we pedal along. Ubin has indeed changed alot, since the last i was there, but if anyone managed to keep it as it is, its doing a good job about it.

The off road trail wasn't as tough as i thought they would be, and we all covered the entire island, on 2 wheels of cause. It's probably the most laid back, stress-free environment, but not until you need the toilet urgently. With mozzies bites and sweat stains, the day was coming to an end. No mishap, no major fall, and time well spend, it was an eventful day that got us all home safe.

The Creation!

GOCC was created during our secondary school days, merely the early 90s and the idealism of forming a cycling club was a form of identity and belonging. We even had our own membership card that was signed and endorsed by the original creators, themselves(i still have mine). All we did was cycling, through roads or pavements, we will only get there on 2 wheels, even if we meant bleeding along the way. There were so many unforgettable rides, through rain or the shine, we would make it through together.

The journey was tough but it was always fun, and soon more and more people got into it, but it never did became big, although we did had some riders represent GOCC as a team in a MTB race at the old BB trail, and he won first place. For sure, the memories of our cycling trips will never be forgotten, the time spent on endless nights of pedaling, motivated everyone for that other venture that might come on the next corner.

The only regret, to the establishment of GOCC, is the lack of documentation, and all thats left, are fading memories. Even together, GOCC was left to fall apart, all leaving the biking scene for years and some for good, but as we are back the journey continues. As of any bicycle, that one would own and cherish or that one would bleed to learn to just get on, it will last you a lifetime.