Yesterday Once More

Last Sunday, my sister, my friends and I made our way to Pulau Ubin, a small island off the northern coast of Singapore in search of some adventure.

Charming villages - known as kampongs by the locals, dispersed over the island was a pleasant sight to urban dwellers like I.

If you ask the remnants of the island, the best way to see Pulau Ubin is on bicycle. Hence, we approached one of shops renting out bicycles. For a group of four, we managed to rent some mountain bikes at pretty economical prices by the jetty.

There are lots of forests, plantations and abandoned orchards one can explore. Visit old houses built on stilts or look for fascinating range of plants, birds and small animals. With a stroke of luck, we even crossed the path of the Wild Pig, which is usually difficult to see as it hides in the forest. Totally speechless!

Before we set off for our biking trail, my foreign friend volunteered to be the guide for the group as the rest (all Singaporeans including I) have not set foot on the island before. Still better late than never:P

Armed with bicycles brakes, we took off happily heading towards the northern side of the island, Chek Jawa. It is a natural beach teeming with marine wildlife, boasts a collection of distinct habitats like mangroves, sandy beaches, and mudflats.

We were enjoying the ride on flat roads in the beginning. Soon, the journey took toll on us when we were treated to up slopes and down slopes unexpectedly. For the former, I learnt that I needed to adjust the gear to a lower level, so as not to put in unnecessary efforts.

To manage the fast downturn (literally), I was advised by my sister to squeeze the brakes gently in order to reduce the speed brought about from higher points on a slope. Not pedalling on the bike is the other way to enjoy the free ride on a down slope.

Adrenaline pumping!! Wohoooooooo..I did it.... as this was my first biking ride out of Singapore.. and I was still in excitement..having endless talks with my friends...

Don't Dream It's Over (Part 2)

On our way to the next bike shop down the road, we spotted another one in sight. The name of the shop is monotine(R)bikes. We went in and found an array of folding bikes economically priced. Upon query, we learnt that the bikes are designed locally but manufactured in Shanghai.

I tested out one of these folding bikes at the back lane. Given that this is not a household name, I have found the entire ride unsteadily. Remembering what my friend told me previously, that is, to get enough time test riding in all situations in the bike as follow:

* Ride in a straight line
* Make sudden sharp turns
* Ride out of the saddle
* Try climbing a hill
* Going downhill
* Try to ride in small circles
* Wobble the handlebar to see if the bike remains stable
* Try a sudden stop
* Try riding with one hand

So I decided to take a sudden sharp turn at the end of the lane to put my ride to a real test! Unfortunately, my lack of experience led me to the "downfall". Without having enough space for my bike to turn around, I lost the balance of the bike and landed heavily on left side of my body. Luckily, I was quick to use my elbow to support myself to avoid further injury.

Guess that was the last straw for me! So we thanked the shop owner and moved on to the third bike shop without hesitation.

Don't Dream It's Over (Part 1)

As some may know, I have the intention of buying a folding bike as an alternative sports.

After benefiting from the exclusive buying guide by my friend, I decided the next step is to test drive the bikes to ascertain the one that best suits my needs within my budget.

So last Saturday, I cajoled the same friend to join me on a biking spree. First, we went to Song Seng Chan at Joo Chiat Road, one of the authorized dealers for Dahon bikes. Wasting no time, I tested Speed TR24, which was highly recommended by my friend. It was a wobbling ride along the narrow corridor of the shop house. After hearing the feedback from the bike salesman and my friend, then it dawned on me that that I had not adjust it to the optimum gear speed. After adjusting the gear speed, my second attempt was more stable and enjoyable.

More importantly, this new Dahon model speed TR24 is equipped with many useful accessories including:

- Factory fitted fenders
- Front and rear racks (suspect it can take full size ortlieb’s bags)
- Kick stand to facilitate folding process/stationary position
- Front and rear lights that comes with dynamo

The drawback is that price is a bit steep inclining towards the higher end of my budget, albeit it makes a perfect package for a good utility bike.

Unsettled, I decided to keep this option in mind and checked out more bike shops for other options before I make a conclusion.

Against All Odds

For health reasons, I booked an appointment with my dad for tai chi chuan at a park near our place yesterday.

According to Wikipedia, Tai chi chuan is defined as:

(Traditional Chinese: 太極拳; simplified Chinese: 太极拳; pinyin: tài jí quán; Wade-Giles: t'ai4 ci2 ch'üan2) is classified as Wudangquan or an internal Chinese martial art. Tai chi is typically practiced for a variety of reasons: its soft martial techniques, demonstration competitions, health and longevity.

My dad is a stocky man. Coupled with his wobbly knees issue due to his diabetes condition, it was an uphill task to walk my dad to the garden, where the class commenced. Luckily, my sister joined me for tai chi with dad.

The tai chi master welcomed my dad to the group warmly. After hearing his condition, he adviced my dad to do some light exercise using his legs before he gets off the bed every morning. In his opinion, this would help to channel blood to all over the body before one starts his day.

As my sister and I have not experience such training, we decided to join in and have fun. As the class progressed, it dawned on me that these seemingly slow motion movements could be so daunting.

Here, we were put to a test through tai ji training using chinese fans. According to another site*, Tai Chi Single Fan routine incorporates movements from the Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun styles of tai chi chuan. This routine combines the characteristics of tai chi chuan with the artistic and martial functions of the fan. Practicing the tai chi single fan can help develop one's flexibility, strength, balance, health, and further the tai chi training.

I have always think of tai chi as a mundane exercise intended for elderly folks. At the end of the day, I actually derived enjoyment and pleasure from tai chi single fan, a wonderful addition to the overall tai chi regimen. This despite the odds that we need to surmount including balancing, co-ordination of the limbs, in particular the handling the fan in the correct manner. For example, you need to hold the fan on the left side of the handle when one executes an upward movement.

Guess I am hooked now!

*Source: http://www.taichichuan.org.uk/yangfan.htm