Skaters takes on challenging 18km route at July SNS

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Jonathan Wong

Report by Jon Wong
Night Skate Captain

It was a night skate event unlike other as adrenalin was pumping high. This journey from Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park to Woodlands, spanning across a distance of about 18km, is one of the most challenging and physically demanding route.

More than 40 skaters attended the event armed with lights and torches. Some grabbed the opportunity to try on their illuminated wheels, available for sale prior to the event.

We started off from the skating rink at the park and headed towards Upper Thomson Road to face the first challenge - Old Upper Thomson Road.

Located next to Lower Pierce Reservoir Park, this meandering road is a combination of winding paths and slopes of various gradients, which is also famous to the locals for spotting monkeys during the day.

Skaters awaiting to descend the slope

The critical spot was a long and gradual steep slope towards the end of the road which branches out to the main Upper Thomsom Road. Skaters had to control their descending speed.

We transited onto Sembawang Road and had to deal with the uneven terrain due to the construction works of the new SMRT Thomson Line. A short break was available at one of the food joints.

Having a break along Sembawang Road

Ground conditions improved at Mandai Park Connector and we were greeted by uphill climbs and downhill rides. We had to stay vigilant against floral debris on the path too.

Crossing the Flyover along Mandai Road

The greatest challenge of the night came in the form of Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, which runs through the thick Mandai vegetation and links to Ulu Sembawang Flyover and Woodlands Ave 12.

For the first time in Night Skate history, we travelled on a pitch dark route. No form of illumination can be seen on this track. The slopes were steep and ground was littered with twigs and branches.

Nonetheless, the participants savoured every moment of it as their own lights shone brightly like stars. It was also their maiden voyage skating on this park connector under such dark conditions and it hyped them up.
 
The trek over the connector ended at the flyover and brought us onto Woodlands Park Connector for the final challenge, which started with a very steep uphill climb and ended with an equally steep downhill charge towards the Singapore Sports School.

We ended up at Causeway Point Mall via the park connectors on Woodlands Ave 2 and 5 for a well deserved rest and refreshments before ending the night, satisfied.

Credits
Safety Vehicle
Xavier

Photo
Faussi
Jon

Marshals
Shannon
Ada

Check out the video and photos from our Facebook page! 

Posted in july, night, report, saturday, skate

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