Report by Jon Wong
Night Skate Captain

Despite a rainy season during the Lunar Chinese New Year period, fine weather greeted us for our latest Night Skate in February in town. We had the pleasure to collaborate with skaters from Singapore Management University (SMU) who gave a presentation on their skating expedition back in December 2012, named Zero Limits, prior to the event at the School of Business.

At their seminar room, they shared about the challenges and difficulties faced while skating in European countries under harsh weather conditions, and showcased a video on some of their defining moments, with the aim of inspiring people to take on challenges and overcome them with determination and team spirit. And some of the members joined in our Night Skate too.




Team Zero Limits


More than 60 skating enthusiasts showed up for our little escapade through one of the bustling areas in town - the Marina Bay area. We set of from SMU and headed towards the Esplanade, passing by Peninsula Shopping Centre and the Padang.

The night was pumped up with the Chingay 2013 performance happening nearby at the Formula One hangar beside the Singapore Flyer. We crossed the Helix Bridge over to Marina Bay Sands and headed along the Lower Boardwalk.


Chingay 2013 underway
We passed by the magnificent Flower Dome and Cloud Forest green houses of the Gardens by the Bay and continued to make our way towards Marina Barrage. This section has proven to be a hit with people not only visiting the garden but also exercise enthusiasts as joggers and cyclists were spotted frequently too.




Passing by the Flower Dome


Crossing the Marina Bridge was a fantastic feeling, as we were not only enjoying the wind from our speeding but also the strong sea breeze from sea. So after we were on the promenade on Gardens by the Bay East, which is situated opposite the Formula One hangar. This part of the garden is next to Marina Bay Golf Range and featured beautiful garden landscapes.

  



Splendid view from Gardens by the Bay East


We transited from the promenade onto Geylang Park Connector which was linked under Shears Bridge. This connector is relatively shorter and runs along the Kallang River and Singapore Indoor Stadium. This foolproof path led us onto Tanjong Rhu Bridge where we transited over to Stadium Crescent and headed to the pit stop that we have been yearning for - the 7-11 convenient store located at Kallang Leisure Park.




Going under Tanjong Rhu Bridge


After the rest and hydration, we embarked on the final phase of the route, via Stadium Boulevard and onto Mountbatten Road. This part is more challenging due to the various construction works in the vicinity, and we had to cross roads and an overhead bridge to get to Nicoll Highway.

Our legs were up for good massage as we skated onto the path on Nicoll Highway, made up of interlocking concrete slabs. Ascending and descending this mighty highway proved to be a challenge to both skill and endurance for the participants as they had to endure the constant vibrations and focus on not getting their skates caught in between the gaps which may result in a bad fall.




Taking a break at Nicoll Highway


After the strenuous highway, it was smooth skating from then on along Suntec City. Soon we were on Bras Basah Road and travelling along Raffles Hotel and Carlton Hotel, and SMU was in sight within minutes. We took about 2.5 hours to complete this 13km journey.

James, an expatriate, who joined us for his maiden Night Skate recounted, I work here and my office is around Boat Quay area, but it sure is a fantastic to view the Marina Bay area on skates than from my building! Another first-timer, Priscilla, mentioned,I didnt expect this (the Night Skate) to be so tiring and physically challenging, but I like it!




James, who joined the SNS for the 1st time



Priscilla, taking a break at Nicoll Highway

We thank Singapore Management University for their presentation and sharing their experiences as well as support and participation in the event.

Credits
Safety Vehicle
Gordon Lim

Photo
David Lim

SAVs
Mike Tang
Lee Chun Yang
Gabriel Koh
Shanjeevi