News & Events

Saturday Night Skate 26 February 2011 - Endurance Night Skate, Expo MRT Station to War Memorial

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Edmund Vong

 

Lady Luck was on our side on the Saturday evening on February 26, when our Night skate went underway. Rain was falling on the Northern and Western area of Singapore, but fortunately the skies were clear at the Eastern area and at EXPO MRT Station, the starting point of this Endurance Night Skate.

More than 50 skaters turned up to join this relatively easy but long journey towards the Civilian War Memorial at City Hall. After a short travel along Upper Changi Road East, we soon entered Bedok Park Connector. It didn't take us long to reach Bedok Food Court for our short break for sugar cane water.

Kids get a quick drink
 
We continued and cruised along the connector while enjoying the sea breeze blowing from East Coast Park as we head towards the underpass at East Coast Park Expressway. The underpass now is much user friendly after renovations, with a ramp included for bicycles.
 
Emerging from the underpass
 
The route at East Coast Park was no stranger to everyone, and we continued our skate to reach the Food Centre located next to East Coast Lagoon for a longer break. As usual, the place was bustling with patrons.
 
That was the last pit stop for us, as we head towards Fort Road and then to Tanjong Rhu, aiming to complete the rest of the journey without stopping.

At Ford Road
 
However, we had to make a big detour after crossing the bridge at the Singapore Indoor Stadium area due to the construction works of the new National Stadium, and many of the roads were closed. The only available alternative was to travel to Mountbatten Road and proceed onto Nicoll Highway.
 Crossing the bridge
 
As always, skating on the footpath of Nicoll Highway proved to be a challenge for our legs, due to the uneven concrete slabs which makes up the entire stretch of pathway.
 
Finally, we reached Suntec Conventional Centre, and the Memorial was within out sights. Due to the huge detour, we took about 3 hours to complete the journey, and we travelled an extra 3km in the process, clocking a distance of 22km on the GPS.
 
But it was a memorable event, especially for the many new faces that graced the event this year. Amongst them were skaters from India, Indonesia and Germany who learned about the event from the internet. For the faithful Night Skaters, it was a great skate after missing out on the January Night Skate due to rain.

Exhausted but satisfied
 
Credits
Safety Van
Albert 
 
Photo
David
 
SAVs
Ruth
Merv
Chong Boon
Simon

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 25 December 2010 - Inline Amazing Race

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
SAV Advisor


The Skate Assist Volunteers concluded 2010 on a high, with a huge success in the Inline Amazing Race event, which attracted more than 50 participants, on the 18th of December at the Cenotaph Memorial at Esplanade Park.

10 teams of 6 skaters each zipped from various checkpoints, alike the popular TV game show from the US - The Amazing Race, to solve clues and complete tasks, on wheels that is. Points are awarded for the timings they clocked and the accuracy of their answers and tasks completed.

 


Completing tasks

 

 
Solving clues

 
The event kicked off at noon, and ended promptly 6 hours later, and the participants were ferried to Skateline Bishan Park, where another ceremony and celebration was awaiting. It was the 10th anniversary for the SAVs, and a Barbeque buffet dinner was set up to commemorate the occasion.
 

 
Getting busy with the Barbeque



Before the winning teams received their prizes, we were very honoured to invite our guest-of-honour, Mr Felix Yeo, founder and current advisor to the SAVs to present a speech.

  

Mr Felix Yeo delivering the opening speech



Mr Ong Chong Boon, an avid volunteer with us, also received the 'SAV of the year' award from Mr Felix Yeo for his contributions and performances, most notably, being the trustworthy 'Last Man' during the Night Skating events, ensuring that no skater is left behind.

  

Mr Ong receiving his award



In the end, the top 3 teams - Team TSV, The Old Speed, and the Champions, Team TMGC received prizes from Mr Felix Yeo and Operations Director, Mr Xavier Chang, representing Skateline, sponsor for the prizes.

  

2nd Runner-up - Team TSV



Champions - TMGC

 

The night was still young, with activities buzzling from Barbequing, inline hockey at the rink and movie screening while participants enjoyed the sumptous food and drinks.

  

Toasting the success of the event


For some of the participants, it was their 1st attempt at a game of this nature, and working with other members in the team to complete tasks gave them a sense of satisfaction and confidence in their skating skills.

Skateline wish to thank all the volunteers that were involved to make the event a success, as well Mr Felix Yeo for sponsoring the F&B.

 

Credits

Photos
Faussi, David

Organising Committee
David, Chun Yang, Siew Ying, Timothy, Jack, Eugene, Philip, Ivan, Lay Suan

Logistics
Zong Yang

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 25 September 2010 - Park Connector Nightskate III, East Coast Park to Changi Village

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Edmund Vong

 

More than 50 skaters gathered at Burger King for our recent Nightskate on the evening of September 25th, which takes us on a 18km route along the Coastal Park Connector...

Continue Reading →

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 28 August 2010 - Mystery Nightskate, Bishan Park to Esplanade

Posted on August 28, 2010 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong

SNS Captain

 

Fine weather greeted us throughout the day on the Saturday evening on 28 August, where we embarked on our 2nd Mystery Nightskate of the year. About 40 skaters gathered at the skating rink at Bishan Park, a relatively small turn-out, probably due to the Lunar Hungry Ghost Festival stigma. Suspense was in the air, as the route remained anonymous as skaters arrived.

The participants beared witness a simple ceremony where one of our Skate Assist Volunteer, Mr Ong Chong Boon was presented with a voucher as reward for his emmense contributions to the Nightskating activity. Mr Ong, a father of two, has committed himself for marshalling duty for every Night Skating activity since the start of the year, and has been a strong and effective Rear Scout, staying at the back of the pack and ensuring that no one gets left behind.

 


SAV Chong Boon receiving his voucher

 

We started off from Bishan Park at 8pm sharp, travelling along the pavement at Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 instead, as majority of the park has been closed for upgrading works. Shortly after, we entered Kallang Park Connector and was having a smooth ride along Sungei Kallang, opposite the SMRT Depot.

Apart from a few minor roadworks along the connector network, the route was relatively easy. The main obstacles along the journey were the overhead bridges that we have to cross over Braddell Road, Pan Island Expressway and Bendemeer Road.

It took us about 2 hours to reach Republic Boulevard, and we had to skate on the side of the road, as the area was heavily cordoned off with concrete slabs and barricades for the upcoming Formula 1 race in September.

Before we proceeded to the Esplanade Park, we had a short break at the Singapore Flyer, for some photo moments too.

It was a great skate, with no casualties reported. And the night scenery from the Singapore Flyer to Marina Bay Sands and The Esplanade were magnificent to behold as we roll along.

 


Marina Bay Sands

 


Group Photo at the Cenotaph Memorial, Esplanade Park

 

It was even more satisfying for one of the participants, Lionel, who is a student from our Learn To Skate Programme, on his first ever urban skating attempt. And to complete the entire was an achievement for him to savour in many days to come. Quoted from him, 'I will definitely join the future Night Skate activities!'
 

Lionel, happy to complete the journey
 

Credits

Safety Vehicle
Zong Yang

Photos
Agnes Faussi
Chloe Chai
David Lim

SAVs
Seah Siew Ying
Ong Chong Boon
Eric Tan

Steven Chong

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 31 July 2010 - Waterfront Nightskate, Yishun MRT to Woodlands Waterfront

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
SNS Captain

The weather was kind on our skaters on the July 31 evening, as we embarked on our Nightskate route yet again, from Yishun MRT Station to visiting Woodlands Waterfront, one of the newest night attraction in Singapore.

Located at the Northern most tip of Singapore, with Woodlands Checkpoint within its sights, it has soon become a popular recreational facility, complete with a park, playground & fitness corner.

The response was overwhelming, as more than 60 skaters joined us, including some who were on their maiden urban skate in such a huge entourage.

This route is easy as we travelled mainly on pavements and the new park connector network in the north. Soon after departing from Yishun, we reached Sembawang Station for a short break, before heading towards Woodlands Ave 12.

A quick turn there into Woodlands Drive 17 and we arrived at a large kite flying area near Christ Church Secondary School, with a huge roundabout track, which was new to many of the participants. Though the track was poorly lit at night, the smooth surface finishing made speeding through the course an easy task.

From then on we continued along Woodlands Ave 4 and arrived at Vista Point - a neighbourhood mall for a longer break. And we were lucky to find that a bazaar, better known as 'Pasam Malam' was going on there, and a wide variety of F&B were available.

After turning a few junctions, Woodlands Causeway Point Mall and the MRT station were within our sights. We were not far from the end point.

Unfortunately, an incident happened involving a teenage boy getting a cut above his left eyebrow when he lost control of his speed and knocked his head onto a railing. Luckily, prompt first aid was administered to him, and he was later evacuated to a medical facility by his father.

Finally, after bypassing Republic Polytechnic and Admiralty Park, we arrived at the Waterfront. The scenery was spectacular, with nice cool sea breeze greeting us. The mobile Icecream vendor was thrilled to see us arriving, which meant an instant business boom. The skyline of Johor Bahru was clearly visible from the jetty, which stretches out to the waters.

 


At the Waterfront
 

Scenery from the jetty

 

Many participants were ecstatic to visit the waterfront, as they were unaware of its existence, due to its recent completion and opening not long ago. It has since become a heaven for fishing and gatherings, as demonstrated by the public visitors who were there.

 

We would like to thank all the partipants for their support.

Credits

Safety Vehicle
Zong Yang

Camera Men
David Lim

SAVs
Jia Yi
Chong Boon
Sanjee
Jack
Timothy
Nicholas

 


SAVs

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 26 June 2010 - Park Connector Nightskate II, Buona Vista MRT to Bukit Batok MRT

Posted on June 26, 2010 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
Instructor/SNS Leader

 

The month June was wrecked with bad weather, as reports of flash floods surfaced throughout the island. But our group of skaters were blessed with perfect weather as our nightskate commenced on a cool Saturday night on the 26th.

It was the 2nd Park connector trip of the year, which saw us skating from Buona Vista MRT Station to Bukit Batok MRT Station via the Ulu Pandan Park Connector (PCN).

Around 50 skating ethusiasts showed up for the event, both young and old. It was our pleasure to also have a corporate group of skaters who came from the same company, coming for their maiden attempt at urban skating, some of which are students from our Learn-To-Skate programme.

 


Colleagues on wheels

 

We proceeded to the nearby carpark for a short brief, before embarking on our journey. First obstacle to hit us was a steep slope littered with twigs and pebbles at the entry to the connector. The SAVs were on hand to assist skaters down and direct the public as well.

 


SAV lends a hand

 

From then on it was smooth sailing along the nice path beside the canal, until a traffic junction along Clementi Road where a few more skaters join in the fun.

Soon after we had to detour into Faber Crest estates, due to a railway track along the PCN that is impassable for skaters. The steep and long slope along Faber Drive proved to be one of the major challenges of the route, and we had to proceed down cautiously. It brought us out to Commonwealth Ave West and we travelled to our resting point - Macdonald's Restaurant at Tradehub 21.

 


Enjoying Macdonald's

 

After the short break, we were on the move again, returning into the connector shortly. The main challenge from there on was to avoid the scores of foreign workers that were sitting along the PCN. And our presence drew quite an attention from them.

The last highlight of the night was the crossing of the flyover that overlooks the Pan Island Expressway. The steep zigzag paths going up and down were quite a challenge, especially with its hairpin turns at every end.

 


At the foot of the flyover

 

That was the last hurdle, as the route from then on was relatively easy and relaxing, and it didn't take us long to arrive at our destination at Bukit Batok MRT.

It was a rewarding experience completing the journey, and more so for the amateur group of skaters that were with us. We were also pleased that there were no casualty reported, and all completed the nightskate safely.


Credits

Safety Van
Zong Yang

Skate Assist Volunteers
Chong Boon
Eric Tay
Siew Ying
Steven
Jing Yi
Hui Yi
Jiayi
Jack
Sanjee


Pictures
Faussi
David

SAVs

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 29 May 2010 - Speedy Nightskate, Bishan Park to Night Safari

Posted on May 29, 2010 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
Instructor/Leader

Adrenalin was pumping high on our latest Nightskate in May, when we travelled from Bishan Park to The Night Safari in Mandai. This 16km long gruelling trip saw about 20 enthusiasts taking up the challenge.

We kicked off the skate at 8pm, travelling along Ang Mo Kio Ave 1. Immediately, we have to deal with the uneven terrain that greeted us along the way till we arrive at Upper Thomson Road.

It was a gradual uphill route and our first climb of the evening. After a short water break at the nearby coffeeshop, we entered the dreaded Old Upper Thomson Road.

 


On Old Upper Thomson Road

 

The route was tough with its array of rough ground finishing and the constant passing by of vehicles. But all these pale in comparison to the real challenge at the end of the route - a long downhill slope which leads to Upper Thomson Road. And true enough, it gave a couple skaters some bruises and cuts, when they failed to control their speed. Fortunately, there were no serious casualties, although those affected skaters needed some medical attention.

 


Receiving First Aid

 

From then on, we travelled to the last hydration point - a coffeeshop along Sembawang Road. Thereafter, we had to travel climb uphill again by side of the road, as no path was available along this route. Thankfully, Mandai Ave was just metres away.

Upon arriving onto Mandai Ave, we heaved a huge sigh of relief. There was a nice concrete path throughout the route, although it is paved with tons of twigs and branches which posed a hazard of tripping us.

 


On the nice concrete path

 

We continued onto Mandai Road, as more uphill climbs and downhill rides greeted us. The main highlight of the route came as we neared The Singapore Zoological Gardens. The downhill slope leading down to the entry was perhaps the steepest of the evening. It was maximum adrenalin rush as we rode down, almost akin to a roller coaster ride, but we had to be careful as any mistake could sent us flying and get seriously hurt. Skaters who had their brush with pain earlier on were careful to slow down here.

 


Adrenalin rush
 

Being careful

What stood between us and the Night Safari was the Mandai Lake Road, which was not easy too. The uphill climbs on the road coupled with speed limiting strips really push our stamina and thigh muscles to the brink.

It was so satisfying to complete the journey, knowing how tough it was for all of us. We proudly took our group photo, oblivious to the interested looks from the visitors to the Safari.

 


Gladiators united

 

It was a tough skate, probably ranked top 3 in all the routes in our nightskate history. Thumbs up to all the participants who completed it, to add to their memories.

Credits

Safety Van
Zong Yang

SAVs
Chong Boon
Eric Tay
Josephine
Simon
Ruth

Pictures
Leonard
David

Posted in Event