SNS November 2008 Report - Park Connector Nightskate II
Report by Jon Wong
Skateline Instructor
On the 29th of November, we conducted the 11th nightskate of the year, along one of the park connectors in the Western region - The Ulu Pandan Park Connector. Though the weather was forecasted to be rainy, but we were blessed with fine cooling weather, perfect for skating.
Group Photo
We were overwhelmed to receive many skaters, closed to 60 of them. We all gathered at Buono Vista MRT station from 7.30pm onwards, and as the skaters piled up, the atmosphere was also escalated as the skaters look forward to the nightskate, much to the dismay of the MRT staff, who was worried that we may damage the surroundings of the station.
We kicked off the skate at about 8pm, and everyone moved to an open carpark where I conducted the route brief. The main concern on everyone's mind was one of the major obstacles along the PCN - an old railway track that spans across a huge canal. There were mixed feelings from the crowd when I annouced that we will bypass the railway track, and will take an alternate route through a private housing area in Faber estates instead. Though some of the skaters was hoping to experience the thrill of crossing the railway on skates, but after much considerations, we deemed that it is unsafe to do that.
We were greeted by the first obstacle after a short skate from the carpark to the PCN entrance - a long steep slope that brings us onto the PCN proper. There were other park users as well, and we had to pay attention to direct traffic and guide some of the less confident skaters down the slope. What followed was a relaxing cruise along the PCN, which resides beside the Ulu Pandan Canal.
We continued on until we reach an opening, just metres before we reach the railway track. The opening leads us into our next challenge of the night, skating through the Faber estates, a private housing area. There were many slopes of different gradients to tackle in this area, coupled with the difficulties of small one-way roads and narrow pavements. Everyone had to stay almost in a single file and close to the side of the road.
The major obstacle in this area is a very steep unhill climb, and then a equally steep downhill ride until we reach a branch road that brought us onto Commonwealth Ave West, where we skated on the pavement and hence bypassed the railway track. The SAVs were on hand to marshal carefully, while our safety van ferried some of the skaters across this area.
After some distance, we reached a rest point where a coffeeshop resides. After a quick break, we were on our way again and soon we entered the PCN again. From then on it was an cruising skate again until we reach the PIE flyover. Along the way, we met many foreign workers and soon realized that the PCN is also a favourite place to gather for them.
Taking a break at coffeeshop
We find ourselves reaching Bukit Batok very soon, shortly after we crossed the flyover. It didn't take us long to reach the central, where we had a break outside one of the convenient stores. We eventually ended our nightskate at the area between the MRT station and West Mall shopping centre, much to the delight of everyone.
Another satisfying SNS completed, and many thanks to all the skaters who have supported our SNS all these while. We would also like to thank the following SAVs on duty: David Lim, David Ng, Phillip, Eng Keong, Mike, Susanna, Xinyi, Edmund, Jack, Timothy and Junior SAVs Eric, Tjin Teik and Shane. We also welcome back Sean, Terance, Zach and John who were away previously due to exams.
Check out the pictures of this SNS here. Photos courtesy of David Lim and Terance.