How to Keep Your Wheels Turning (Without Turning into a Roadside Hamster)
Published on: July 16, 2018, 6:58 PM
Twenty–minutes on a bike can feel like a heart‑pumping, sweat‑dripping rollercoaster — and the good news is, it’s also great for your body. But when you’re rolling through streets or winding trails, the same speed that thrills can lead to a surprise crash if you’re not careful. Below is a quick rundown of the most common cycling mishaps and the smart ways to dodge them.
1⃣ The “I‑just‑woke‑up‑and‑the‑pedals” Slip‑Up
- Shift your focus back to the road. A quick glance over your shoulder can save you a bike‑lifting disaster.
- Hydrate! Dehydration can swerve your concentration faster than a pothole.
2⃣ Braking Faster Than a Speed‑Limit Sign
- Use both brakes simultaneously — it’s cooler and safer.
- Check the pad wear. Worn‑out brakes are like wearing sandals on a cliff.
3⃣ Pedal‑Noise Phobia
- Inspect your chain and cassette for rust or missing teeth.
- Lubricate every two weeks or after a mud ride.
4⃣ The “So‑I’ll‑sprint‑into‑the‑intersection” Mistake
- Decide before you sprint. Cars don’t always give right‑of‑way, and your gear’s your whole world.
- Keep a safe tail‑gap. A good rule: leave at least a 3‑second chase distance.
5⃣ Headlight Hiccups at Night
- Check that your lights are bright, clean, and not pointing too far north.
- When riding through tunnels, treat the lights as your short‑distance flying LEDs.
Final Word: Keep the Fun, Drop the Risk
No cyclist becomes an instant broadcaster in a few seconds; it takes a little preparation. Keep your gear in top shape, stay alert, and remember: the best part of cycling is the freedom it gives you — not the frustration of a jammed pedal after a 10‑minute ride!
Peloton crash
How to Stay Safe When You’re Out in the Pack
Why We All Love the Peloton
Every Sunday morning the tight crew hits the dust‑bunnies of Singapore before the sun is even on the horizon. Riding side‑by‑side feels like a secret society of sweepers, all chugging through traffic in a single, sleek line.
The perks are real:
- Wind‑cutting glory. Drafting keeps your sweat low and your muscles running.
- Time‑saving frenzy. Covering a distance that’s nearly double when you move in a group.
- United power. The whole pack pulls together, turning a solo sprint into a collective powerhouse.
The Dark Side: Peloton Crash Risks
Unfortunately, the closer you are, the higher the probability that a sudden stumble will trigger a domino nightmare. A single fall can turn into a chain reaction, leaving riders with broken collar bones, fractured hips, and brain‑cream headaches. Eyes on the road and full‑body awareness are no longer optional—they’re survival skill requirements.
How to Dodge the “Peloton Fall” Policy
- Master the art of drafting. Before you join the pack, practice riding behind a leader in a single line, keeping 1–2 metres between you. Think of it as a linear dance, not a crowded parade.
- Slow‑poke to the front. The strongest among the group should slot into the lead role so they can handle the extra drag while the weaker folks stay lower in the pile.
- Coordinate position swaps. Pre‑plan who takes turns at the front. This keeps everyone happy and eliminates surprise overtakes that could lead to chaos.
- Communicate loudly. A high‑volume “Hey, watch me!” can save you from an unwanted bump over the left side lane.
- Back‑to‑back checks. Keep a quick glance at the rider behind you to avoid “action‑movie” look‑alikes.
A Quick Checklist Before You Ride Out
- Warm up—stretch, sprint, repeat.
- Check your gear—helmets, lights, chain.
- Mark your crew’s structure—front, middle, back.
- Practice your hand signals—remain approachable and ready.
- Keep the humor low but the spirits high—“let’s roll, not roll over!”
Wrap‑Up
Choosing to ride in a peloton is like stepping onto a finely tuned treadmill that demands focus and teamwork. When you play the game right, you get speed, style, and a steely sense of camaraderie. If you suspect a little humility in riding technique, remember: the safest riders are those who anticipate, communicate, and keep a calm front. Happy cycling—stay safe, stay slick, stay laughing!
Skids and falls on slopes
Boost Your Biking Game: Conquer Hills While Staying Safe
Why Hills Are a Vibe
Riding up steep slopes pulls your heart rate into its peak zone. That rush of adrenaline makes you feel alive, like you’re flying on two wheels – and who doesn’t want that? As a favourite pastime, looping around Mount Faber keeps the adventure fresh and mental fatigue at bay.
Keep an Eye on the Chill
Even the best rides can turn disastrous if you’re not careful. A fleeting distraction, a sudden wet patch, or a slip‑candy descent can lead to a swing of skidding and a nasty tumble, leaving you with deep cuts and scrapes. The trick isn’t to skip the hills but to gear up for them.
Step‑by‑Step Muscle‑Building Right on Your Seat
- For most of the climb, stay seated – it keeps your bike tight, lets you lock onto a steady rhythm, and trains your legs for endurance.
- When the gradient hits its peak, picture the attack position: hands on hoods, body tucked low, attacks the slope like a semi‑A‑aa‑f. That stance delivers pure power for the toughest bits.
- Slide back inside the saddle for a leg‑extension advantage. You’ll leverage every drop in the climb.
- If you’re burning out, shift to a lower gear but maintain your cadence. No sudden slumps in speed.
Approach Downhill With Your Gear in the Drops
- Drop down to the lower handlebars; this lowers your centre of gravity, keeping you stable even when the roads are slick.
- Weight distribution becomes your ally – the front and rear wheels get the balance needed for traction.
- Always keep an eye out: scan ahead, anticipate turns, rock‑soft bumps, or anything that might trip you.
- By looking forward, you avoid abrupt braking. Sudden stops can send you tumbling forward—no fun there.
Wrap‑up: Ride Smart, Ride Fearless
Remember: the key to doing hillwork is managing your energy and keeping control. Feed your muscles with the right gear choices, scan the road like a seasoned scout, and create a rhythm that lets you glide down safely. The next time you chase those steep turns, you’ll have the confidence to push the limit without risking the worst.
Hitting a pothole
Potholes: The Silent Menace on Two Wheels
Why Cyclists Hate Them
In the UK, a study revealed that more than half of Britons would pedal a bit more if roads were tidy. Even on the island of Singapore, where potholes are rarer, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled.
What Happens When You Hit One
- Dislocated shoulders or elbows – the natural reflex is to grab your hands to cushion a fall.
- Unexpected bruises or sprains from a sudden jolt.
- Sometimes, a burst of adrenaline that turns your ride into a comedy of errors.
Prevention Hacks
Don’t stare at the horizon with your mind elsewhere. Scan the road for those dark patches and sidestep them. A wandering mind = a wild ride.
When You Cannot Dodge
- Lighten your grip on the handlebars and shift weight right off the saddle.
- Let the bike bounce over the depression while remaining relaxed.
- If the hole is deep and you’re clipped to the pedals, try a quick bunny hop: pull the bars up and the pedals down simultaneously.
Remember, hop practices help, so you’ll have a smooth glide over any “oops” spots. Stay alert, stay safe, and keep cycling!
Attacked by wildlife
Unexpected Wildlife Surprises on Singapore’s MTB Trails
Picture this: you’re tearing down a trail in lush Singapore, and suddenly a cheeky monkey, a curious wild boar, or maybe a stealthy pangolin decides to join your ride. Reports of these animal encounters—sometimes even a few mild scuffles—are on the rise, and honestly, it’s not entirely shocking given that most MTB paths wind through untamed greenery.
What Happens When Animals Mingle With Cyclists?
- Monkeys usually keep their distance but can nudge a rider when they’re bored.
- Wild boars are shy by nature; a bite or scratch typically happens only if the animal feels threatened.
- Pangolins are the quiet protesters—they rarely interact, but getting too close might provoke a defensive reaction.
Even though most of these critters aren’t on a dining table, you can still end up with a few nimble bites or scratches if you’re not careful.
Safety Tips From the Agri‑Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA)
When you spot wildlife, the golden rule is simple: do not approach. If you can’t avoid a face‑to‑face encounter, walk away slowly and keep your distance—don’t make any loud noises or sudden moves that could rile them up.
Prep Before You Pedal
Before hitting the trails, spend a few minutes on the AVA website to get familiar with the local fauna. Knowing who lives where—and how each species behaves—can help you stay safe, and perhaps you’ll even spot a friendly armadillo that’s willing to trade a high‑five for a trail ride.
Recovering from an injury
Quick Fixes for Bumpy Cycling Rides
If you twist a muscle or get a bruise while pedaling, treat it with RICE: rest, cold ice, compression, and keeping the area elevated. It’s like a superhero cape for your injury—less swelling, less pain, and a better chance it heals faster. Tackle small bruises the same way.
When a Cut Pops Up
- Most nail‑banging cuts stop bleeding on their own. If not, grab a clean cloth or gauze and press hard—no holding back.
- Flush the wound under cool running water to zap away dirt and germs.
- Treat with a thin coat of antibiotic ointment, then slap a sterile dressing over it.
Serious Crashes? Get Specialists on Speed Dial
If you’re shaking but still conscious and can get to a hospital, call these 24‑hour helplines:
- Mount Elizabeth Orchard A&E: +65 6731 2218
- Mount Elizabeth Novena A&E: +65 6933 0100
Expert Note
Reviewed by Dr. Othello Dave, Deputy Medical Director at Parkway Hospitals.
References & Resources
Brady, P. (n.d.). Group riding skills – Peloton Magazine.
Brady, P. (2011). The no‑drop zone – Menasha Ridge Press.
Cyclists’ guide to dealing with potholes – Cycling Weekly, 2017.
Lindsey, J. (2011). Cycling skills: Climb smarter – Bicycling.
Lorries and potholes put people off cycling – BBC, 2018.
Stieda, A. (2010). Cycling tips: Descending hills – Bicycling.
Tatarsky, D. (2017). The splendid book of the bicycle – Portico.
Yang, C. (2017). Monkey attacks in Segar area – The Straits Times.
Yeager, S. (2017). 7 reasons why cycling is better than running – Bicycling.
