Report for SNS September 09 - Mystery Nightskate
A whopping number of close to 60 skaters joined us for our Mystery Nightskate in September, creating quite a spectacle at Orchard Rd, on a night when the Formula 1 qualifying race went underway at the Padang.
Group Photo
The route remained a mystery & left many speculating as we meet for the 2nd time in two months outside ION Shopping Mall at Orchard Road, until the moment when I briefed the participants and the SAVs.
Briefing the SAVs
Our presence created such an impact outside the mall, that the security called in the police. But after talking to the officers we were relieved that our activity is legal.
Police Officer checking us out
It was great to see many new faces, including a couple from Poland who got to know about our SNS via our website. Instead of heading towards town, where we know will be crowded, we headed the other way towards Holland Road and Queensway.
Friends from Poland
This route was selected for intermediate/expert skaters, mainly due to the challenging downhill rides which really puts their skills to the test. There were about 4 to 5 steep downhills along Napier Road, Holland Road, Queensway, Commonwealth Ave and our very own favourite along Penang Road. It was heart-pumping and adrenalin rushing as we ride down the long steep slopes with obstacles along the way. A slight mistake or lost of control can send anyone sprawling to the ground.
Downhill ride on Napier Road
As we entered into Commonwealth Ave, we transited into Alexandra Canal Park Connector, which was smooth and much easier to skate on. This PCN goes along the the canal until it connects to the Singapore River. We had time to stop over at Zion Food Centre for a quick snack, before we continued towards Zouk and to the Singapore River located right behind.
Alexandra PCN
Zion Food Centre
Grid Girl outside Zouk
The blistering noise from the engines of the Formula 1 race became louder as we neared Clarke Quay and Robertson Walk. The last obstacle to conquer was yet again the steep slope after the zebra crossing along Clemenceau Ave, and some skaters fell over there unfortunately. Luckilly there were no serious injuries, and the Safety Vehicle was always nearby.
We promptly reached Orchard Road at around 10.30pm, exhuasted but satisfied that we have completed the journey. Though it seemed the journey was a short one, about 10km on map, but the actual distance on ground was slightly longer, clocking at 14km from the GPS.
There was a heartwarming scene when all the skaters joined me to sing a birthday song for one of our regular skaters, Zhi Wei, who have been joining our SNS with his friends from university. The night was still young, and we had a good supper at Newton Circus Food Centre to end the night.
Shawn enjoying his supper
Once again, we would like to thank the following volunteers on duty:
David, Chun Yang, Mike, Eric Tan, Eric Tay, Wai Meng, Keng Wee, Issac, Timothy & Jack.
We would like to congratulate Wai Meng, Issac and Keng Wee on receiving their official SAV shirt and performing their 1st official duty, and also Eunice and Kwong Yuen for completing their 2nd attachment duty, hence earning their status as official SAVs.
One Jedi & all Siths
Click here to view the pictures of this SNS. Courtesy of our SAV Photographer, Mr David Lim & our friend from Korea, Mr Moon Ji Wook.
Don't forget to join us for the Halloween Nightskate in October!