Pledge Your Support! Charity Bike 'N' Blade 2005

Congratulations to the safe and successful return of the 40 cyclists and 16 skaters from Charity Bike and Blade. On 12 to 15 March, they made a journey of more than 400km journey from Singapore to Desaru and back. Organised by (Organised by the Saint Andrew's Mission Hospital (SAMH) and Avanade, The Charity Bike and Blade (BNB) is in support of the Saint Andrew's Mission Hospital (SAMH).

Below : The expedition was done over 4 days, the first day from SAMH to Mersing (150km), the second from Mersing to Desaru (150 km). After a day of rest at Desaru, the fourth day was the return trip (120km). (Map from event website)

The skate team was made up of 16 skaters, including skaters from 3 local teams (Team Hvper, Team Speed Virus(TSV), Team Skateline) and 4 foriegn skaters well known to the skate community here.It is truely a skate of solidarity amongst skaters.

Speed skaters unite! Above: Skaters wearing the yellow expedition jersey
Second Row from left : James (one of the organisers), Kok Peng, Kelvin, Jonathan, Yong Quan, Maxim, Sandy
First Row from left : Jenn, Ethel, Judy (skater's liason), Law, Kim, June, Justin, Daryl (not in picture, Kimberly)

The 400 km journey was divided into 3 legs, one leg per day. Each leg, between 120 to 150 km, was divided into 4 relays, each relay skated by one group. The 16 skaters divided themselves into 4 groups, namely the foriegn skater group, Team Speed Virus, Team Hvper and the 'junior' group, a mixture of the younger skaters from different teams. Each group will skate one relay each day, between 30 to 40 km. Due to the natural difference in average speed, skaters and cyclists moved in seperate convoys, each escorted by a front and back vehicle. The vehicles carried the team which was going to skate next and the team which had finished their leg.

The route was known to be hot, hilly, rough and busy at times. Skaters endured the full extent of the day's heat, often radiated off the sun-baked tarmac. Most skaters carried water in back-pouches and drank continuously to stay hydrated. The route snaked through forest and plantations, with continuous hills of varying gradient. Long climbs rewarded with long rolls only into another climb again. Some stretches saw heavy over-taking traffic. Often, cars and trucks horned in support, drivers waved, the mood of the motorists were generally positive. Once in a while, the skaters tore through teeth-chattering rough surfaces. The old tarmac had been weathered by rain and battered by heavy traffic. The road got progressively more difficult as the days went on,with tougher climbs and rougher roads.

Above : Skaters and riders share a light moment before a start. Riders included Class 95 DJ Rod Monteiro (first from left) and Sidney Lim (3rd from left with red gloves), S.E.Asia GM Avanade.

Above : riders standing-by for the start of a leg. The journey was accompanied by crew, including a doctor, and family of the participants. There were some accidents but injuries were quickly attended to by the doctor. Overall, the organisation was safe and well thought.

Above : the 'junior'group triumphant on the completion of their leg.
The final skate leg was completed by the 'foriegn group' (Maxim, Sandy and Jonathan). This leg was shorter and somewhat flatter because the convoy has left the hills behind and was nearing the coast. Sandy Snakenberg (Team Skateline) recalls a memorable moment during the four day journey. "We just finished our skate and arrived at the end point, everyone was sweating and absolutely thirsty. Then these children, from the families of the participants, brought glasses of ice-cold water and started giving them out to everyone......Thats sweet.". [Ed]

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Although the Charity Bike and Blade is completed, you can continue to support this expedition, as donations are open until May 31. All pledges will go to the SAMH.

For donations, please :

make your cheques payable to "Saint Andrew's Mission Hospital",
behind the cheque, please indicate "Charity Bike 'n' Blade",

and send it to:

Skateline Pte Ltd
Unit 02-01 Hudson Technocentre
16 New Industrial Road
Singapore 534204

For more details, visit the official website at http://www.charitybnb05.net