Discovering Lingga with the Fellas - Day 1

Since my last trip to the deep south of Riau in Dec 12 with the A Team, there has been a big itch to re-visit. I especially wanted to see the Lingga Island that lies opposite Singkep, as we missed that the last time. Its one of the biggest islands in the Riau, lengthwise at least. What fascinates about Lingga is its history where it once was a significant centre of strategic importance to the Malay Sultanate as well as the Dutch. Ruins of the Sultan's Palace and Dutch 18th century cannons are some of the remnants of its rich heritage and can still be seen in this quiet and unspoiled island that sits just at the equator. The origin of the name Lingga is the Sanskrit word for the male reproductive organ, inspired no doubt by its beautiful peaks particular Gunung Lingga that stands 1163m. With low lying clouds surrounding its majestic mountains, Lingga is a sight to behold especially when seen from its sister island Singkep.

Pic fm KC

Our all fellas team this time consisted of Uncle KC who came with me in Dec, plus Mike Khor of Wheelopher fame and a most seasoned tourer from KL, Malaysia as well as a brand new cyclist from Singapore, my young friend Ravi. The 3 of us met at Tanah Merah at 745am to catch the Indofalcon ferry to Tg Pinang, Bintan. In our first surprise, Indofalcon turned us down because we had bicycles and their excuse was that their ocean crossing ferry was too small to take our bikes! They pointed me to Wavemaster Ferry that welcomed bicycles and thank God that it left 920am, which still meant we could make the 11am (Indo time) connection to Dabo Singkep. And they are normally a bit late...

We arrived at Tg Pinang in just a whisker under 2 hours and as we cleared immigration, Mike was waiting for us at the end of the pier with the brightest of smiles, waiting only for 10mins. The change in ferry proved to be divine indeed. He had flown into Batam 3 days earlier and explored Bintan on his own. It was so good to see this fella and we heard his adventures over a coffee shop lunch of noodles and cold drinks.

Pic fm KC

As this was going to be a long 3 hour boat ride, we brought snacks and drinks. Be warned too that it can be really cold inside as their aircon setting is stuck on one mode - freezing. Fortunately, the irritating singer with the crooked teeth on TV was replaced by a more pleasant lady who could really gelak (gyrate). But I was more intrigue chatting with the legend from KL and the trip seemed so short with great company.

This is a direct ferry with only one stopover at a remote island of Cempah and we arrived at Jago Jetty, Singkep at 3pm. Strangely, the public ferry for Lingga had already left at 230pm so a quick quote with a private operator was made. US$50 was what  he wanted and we decided to ride on to Dabo, 24km away. Just out of the jetty was a steep hill, not exactly a good start for poor Ravi who fortunately was on my very agile Dahon Speed Pro.

Pic fm KC

Climbing on my newly restored Bridgestone MB3 was easy and painless. 4km down the road we arrived at the beautiful and long jetty that overlooked the majestic mountains of Lingga. Our presence attracted the local boys and we asked them if they knew anyone who could take us to Lingga. Divine intervention came when a friendly local guy with a fast boat said he was happy to do so at US$35 one way and it was a sealed deal. We wasted no time to load our bikes onto his blue boat and were soon bouncing on the waves towards Lingga with the highest spirits.

It was sheer magic zipping towards Lingga with the sun fast setting and we each took turns to steer the boat, and that was exhilarating. The feeling of fresh sea breeze and sea sprays on our face just took away any tiredness.

The 30 min ride ended all too soon and we arranged for a 4pm pickup the next day. With our bikes on terra firma once again, we set off to Daik, the main town 5km away and rode on brand new sealed roads.

Traffic was literally zero in most parts and people here are very friendly. For such a remote town, Daik has a very rustic charm and surprisingly, there are quite a few Chinese people here with a Kampong Cina even. The presence of Chinese means decent food and that was helpful as it was Ramadan, the Islamic fasting season and food was not sold, openly at least in the day time.

We checked out Sun Ling Hotel and that was grotty and smelly. Moving on to Hotel Persona along the main street, we were not impressed initially as the front was like a typical old run down shophouse. I reluctantly climbed the old wooden creaking stairs to the reception only to be greeted on TV by an American Evangelist sharing God's love.

The staff were very friendly and showed us this surprisingly impressive hotel with 3 distinct sections. The first was the original old section, the middle an upgraded extension done maybe 10 years ago but last one was all modern and brand new befitting of a hotel in the metropolis of Batam. We settled for mid class and were happy with our aircon rooms at US$16 per night. Pari even led us later for dinner - Ayam Pengyet (fried pressed chicken) which was a simple warung that served the best fiery sambal ever. Mike was in heaven as he slurped down the sambal with raw cabbage, and we asked for seconds.

It was fun riding in pitch darkness, with sparkling stars and fresh kampong air. I was glad I brought along my Lenze headlight that lighted up the road. Looking for dessert, we stumbled upon a stall that sold fresh coconut and that was delightful. It was touching to see the family preparing our drinks together, cutting and scrapping the coconut fruit. We enjoyed this sense of simple life and friendly folks, feeling truly top of the world.

We cannot believe that the fellas were all finally at Lingga after 3 boat rides and traveling nearly the whole day to arrive here. Reflecting upon the day's events, I learned not to be too fussed when things don't go as planned because our lives are held closely in God's good hands. Indeed, all will be well. As in every of our adventures, we slept like babies with great anticipation on the the exciting ride planned for tomorrow.

Pic fm KC

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:26

A great video of touring beautiful Spore on Bromptons

Singapore Cycle Tour from john buno on Vimeo.


This was shared by my friend from Lovecycling Spore Diane F on Facebook. I was most impressed at the skill of John's videography but even more inspired at how a family travels together to see a new country on their bicycles. I admire how they encourage their young son to tag along on his own little bicycle too.

Hope you enjoy the video.

John Buno blogs at www.johnbunoadventures.com   Check it out!

Lowering Cholesterol by Cycling

Pic fm dolomitesport.com

 

In my research on how to lower cholesterol, it seems hard cycling like sprinting or hill climbing for 15 mins 3 times a week brings the best result for HDL. LDL unfortunately is dealt with through careful diet. Anyone keen to join me, for cycling that is?

Useful information from bicycle.com

 

Condition: High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that floats along with other fats in your bloodstream. HDL cholesterol is good; LDL is bad. The American Heart ­Association recommends keeping total cholesterol below 240—less than 200 is ideal—with HDL above 40 and LDL below 130.  
Cycling Rx: Lactate Threshold Intervals 

Though all riding intensities can improve your cholesterol profile, some studies suggest that HDL cholesterol responds best to training in the 75 percent max heart rate range--about a 7 or 8 on an exertion scale of 1 to 10, with 10 the hardest. That's the intensity of classic LT training. Find a ride with two or three 10-to-15-minute climbs. Ride at a heart rate of 60 to 75 percent between hills, then push into the 75 to 85 percent range on climbs. Do this workout two or three times a week.

The bicycle "engine" needs attention too!

Cycling enthusiasts are known to spend a lot of money on making sure their steeds are in tip top shape and constantly upgrading parts. This to ensure they perform better and this pursuit has even become an obsession for some. I was very intrigued to see one enthusiast who had a really upmarket and rare Dahon folding bicycle recently. This Dahon is a limited edition one that was sparkling in its jet black paint and oozing with the latest gizmo and technology.

Pic fm Japanese Blog - http://ptroppongi.exblog.jp/13870792

Just standing still, this bike was a work of art that demanded admiration and respect. Sadly, its owner like many of us, don't quite do justice to the bicycle with our modern city challenged physique and one pack, instead of 6 pack, abs.

As I get older, fighting the battle of the bulge has been a constant challenge. But more importantly, it is important to stay healthy so that we can enjoy cycling more. Hence, we need to pay attention to our "engines" and give them even better attention than our bicycles. This motivated me to go for a routine Health Screening. In Singapore, a comprehensive package can easily cost about US$800 but in Bangkok, the land of smiles, the same treatment can be had for less than half the price.

A quick research led me last Thursday walking into the Health Check clinic of St Louis Hospital in Bangkok. I opted for the Ultimate package that covered everything that is needed all for a very reasonable 9150Baht or US$310. There is a need to fast for 8 hours as a blood test is done. The program included X-Ray, Ultrasound examination of our internal organs, ECG, Stress Test, Urine analysis done by 3 specialist physicians including a radiologist, cardiologist and a GP.

St Louis started as a non profit hospital and is not an upmarket hospital like the more famous Bumrungrad Hospital which is well known for medical tourism and the prices reflect that too. I brought along my little friend Sol Sol to keep me company and he was sufficiently amused too.

Although I was afraid that my lack of Thai was going to be a problem, all the doctors and nurses spoke decent English and the service was very warm, friendly and professional. Hospitals are notorious for making their patients wait on end, but waits were minimal. It helped that I reported at 730am and there was always someone who guided me through one station after another. What really topped the cake was a 100B food voucher included. I was done at 10am and returned at 2pm for my results.

Medical results are something we will all ultimately fail as we get older and that is life. So it is with mild trepidation when I walked into the clinic to have the condition of my health explained. Dr Visannu, an elderly physician with a no nonsense demeanor, presented my findings one by one. I was relieved to know I was given the all clear except for slightly high cholesterol - in which he said, "Must avoid certain fatty foods and exercise more!" No need for any sort of medication for now. Nothing like a medical reason for me to put more miles on the saddle, so that is in effect, great news!

Life is short and we must not take it for granted. We owe it to our love ones and our bicycles to get our engines checked - for better life and for better performance.

He knows us inside and out,

    keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.

Men and women don’t live very long;

    like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,

But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,

    leaving nothing to show they were here.

God’s love, though, is ever and always,

    eternally present to all who fear him

Psalm 104:14-17

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Special thanks to my dear friend and uni classmate Prim for helping make all the necessary arrangements for me. Kup khoon krup Nong!

Pun Pun Bike Share program in Bangkok!

Bike sharing has been around for some time especially in Western countries so I was amazed to see this program in all places - jam packed super polluted Bangkok. It makes such perfect sense as the roads are choc-a-bloc and travelling a mere 5km can take up to 1 hour in peak traffic. A motorcycle taxi will cover this in 10 mins but we got lobbed with a 100B vs a 30B fare on the train fare. 

Tourist price I supposed. I had a chance to talk with the operator and found out that it costs only 320B per year to join (which is US$13) and each ride is a mere 10B (3 cents).

What helps is that you can travel to over 50 stations around the city and just leave the bicycle at any of the 12 BTS stations from - Silom, to MBK all the way to Central World. There is even a Personal Accident Insurance that covers up to 50000B or US$1800 though medical expense claim is a paltry 500B or US$18.

It is also commendable of the Thai City Council to provide bike lanes but I noticed this is also illegally used by the many mopeds, often zipping at pretty high speeds. That said, it is better than no bike lanes.

On my next visit to Bangkok, I certainly must give it to go. I reckon I can do 5km in 15 mins and the challenge is to beat those motorbike taxis. It can be done! Anyone wants to join me in the great Bangkok bicycle race?

Watch out Bike Friday!

Brommie with a Chubby trailer

They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I knew it would be a matter of time before someone comes up with a design that will "improve" on Bike Friday's trailer system. Radical Design from the Nederlands is a specialist soft bag manufacturer, and they have put their know how into making an ingenious traveling system for the ever popular commuter Brompton.

Using soft bags seem to have the advantage of a smaller package and that really appeals for light tourers. I can see this used to tour Japan in conjunction with its excellent train system. It is also easier to tow compared to lugging a huge Samsonite behind and that is very appealing.  The downside though is the limited protection offered to the Brompton when traveling as compared to the hard case style ala Bike Friday. As they say, good things don't come cheap and the trailer/bag setup will cost 490 Euros excluding postage.

I think the poison is seeping in... Help!

The late Bro Paul powering away...

My Bike Friday Tikit trailer set up with a Pacific Carry Me

A crisis of Haze in Singapore

My friend George all ready for Haze weather riding, or not...

I was supposed to lead a group of cyclists to Kundur/Karimun Islands in the Riaus of Indonesia yesterday but that got smoked out literally. Singapore and the surrounding region is presently suffering from a crisis of haze and smog no thanks to intensive slash and burn cultivation clearing from Sumatra. It does not help that the seasonal monsoon winds  are directing all the smoke and pollution to our backyard.

This has happened annually for the past 20 years or so and the record psi reading in 1997 was 226. Yesterday, it hit 401 and that has got the nation choking in every sense of the word. Health experts say that anything above 110 is in the unhealthy level and 300 is hazardous! This has posed a health risk to the elderly, the very young, asthma sufferers as well as people with heart conditions.

Needless to say, all outdoor activities have grinded to a halt except for those who really need to be out there. Donning a N95 mask helps and the great demand for that has depleted stocks overnight. It is said that through crisis character is formed and I am very heartened to read about kind people who volunteer their time and resources to help those in need. SG Haze Rescue is a citizen initiative and kudos to them for their big heartedness.

Meanwhile, cycling paths are deserted and we cyclists are really getting restless. I have another trip to Singkep planned in early July and am hoping and praying that the winds will be in our favour. But I'm not holding my breath... or perhaps I should.

Here is our Singlish Minister reporting on the Haze Crisis...