Report by Jon Wong
Night Skate Captain

More than 40 skating enthusiasts participated in our first Night Skate in 2013, from Pasir Ris Sports and Recreational Centre to East Coast Park. The entire route, spanning a distance of about 15km, brought us along Tampines Park Connector and Bedok Park Connector.

The weather was great and cooling and it was a breathe of fresh air, as the Night Skates during the final two months in 2012 were forced to be cancelled due to bad weather.



Some of the participants arrived earlier and were treated to special offers on milkshakes and ice-cream from our neighbour at the centre, Once Upon a Milkshake. It was refreshing to see new faces joining this activity and we welcomed Miss Helen Yeo, with her two sons, Vernon and Hayden on their maiden attempt at urban Night Skating.

We set off at about 8pm, heading south into Pasir Ris Town Park and along Tampines PCN, and arrived at the first obstacle of the night - an overhead bridge across the Tampines Expressway (TPE). This was one of the 2 overhead bridges we had to cross for the journey and it proved to be a challenge for some to ascend up the steep slope.

  


Skating up the bridge


After the bridge, we travelled along Sungei Tampines briefly and continued south in Sunplaza Park before the PCN brought us into civilisation and to Tampines MRT Station and Tampines Mall.

We headed Southeast under the MRT train track and turned Southwest at Tampines Ave 2, bypassing Safra Tampines. There were some works on this part of the PCN and we had to detour, and took the chance to have a break at a mini-store at the void deck of Blk 935.




Taking a break

The PCN continued along Bedok Reservoir Road briefly and we turned east along Sungei Bedok. That brought us to the next overhead bridge across the Pan Island Expressway (PIE). This bridge was slightly more challenging, not only for its steep uphill climbs and downhill rides, but also for its sharp and tight hairpin corners.

That was the last major obstacle of the night, and we cruised comfortably along the PCN until Laguna Country Club. We exited the PCN at Upper East Coast Road and had a longer break at Bedok Food Court opposite Bedok Army Camp. This Food Court is famous for its wide variety of delicacies. The participants took little time to find their seats and indulge in the cool drinks and light snacks that the stalls have to offer.

  


Enjoying the drinks

We got on the way after the long break and continued along the PCN which took us around Bedok Camp and Camp 2. We were travelling along the side of East Coast Parkway and reached an underpass which led us across to East Coast Park near the National Sailing Centre.

  


Albert lending a hand

The route was smooth sailing from then on and the participants cruised in the cool sea breeze towards East Coast Park Lagoon Food Village.

  


First few to reach the end point

It was satisfying to complete the journey and joy was written on the participants faces. And for Ms Helen Yeo, it was even more memorable. I was nervous when going down the steep slopes at the bridges and underpass, but Im thankful to the Marshals for assisting me and helping me through. My boys and I couldnt have done it without them, quoted Ms Yeo after the activity.

A great start to the new year for the Night Skaters, and many more to come in 2013!

Credits
Safety Van
Gordon

Photo
Jon

SAVs
Timothy
Jack
Jonathan
Vincent
Gabriel
Chong Boon
Albert
Edmund

Up next, SNS February 2013