Skating is always a joy, and being able to put our skill to a good cause is a true comfort.

We looked forward to this annual event as it is a time to put our skating to the test, get to know our cyclists friends from Singapore and enjoy team bonding. This year, 8 skaters from our team joined the event with 5 doing it for the first time.

We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are proud to be a part of this event.
Thank you God for watching over the cyclists, skaters and volunteers during the entire performance.

Beneficiaries:
Salvation Army Youth Centre
Pertapis Youth Centre
Ling Kwang Youth Centre

Event Date:
7-9 September 2007, (Fri - Sun)

Route:
Tanjung Belungkor - Penggarang - Dessaru - Mersing.
Changi Ferry Terminal - ECP - Sentosa
Total of 400km over 3 days.

Skaters:
14 competent speed skaters from Singapore for Malaysia leg.
17 skaters for Singapore leg.

Terrain:
Rough, Hilly, Challenging, Long…..

Weather:
Wonderfully hot, sunny, breezy...

This may be the last time we get to take part in this annual event and we would certainly miss it. We understand the need for the organizers to take a well-deserved break after 3 years, as organizing such events are a test of grit (thankfully, the participants are made up of very appreciative bunch which are blessings to the volunteers).

On behalf of Team SpeedVirus / Team Bont Singapore - Thank you to Avanade and all the volunteers for their contribution, sacrifices and fantastic efforts. Kudos!!

Ring…!!!! Wooohh… Wakey wakey, it's time to get ready for B&B once again!

This year is the final year we're dong this charity event. We ought to thank the organizers for this well planned event. You know what I remember most about B&B? It's the hills and the unbearable rough roads but of course I love the widespread of greenery along the way that is scarce in our little concrete island. It is really exciting to see the bikers and bladers working together to raise funds for charity. There was so much fun especially for the guys that are doing it for the first time. Bikers trying to overtake bladers and bladers trying to overtake bikers, it was as though there was a mini race but it was so much fun as we cheered each other on to complete the distance.

Our photo session by the beach is another fun affair as we "caught" our good friend James (who has crossed over to the dark side) to be our photographer. This year, he is not a skater but a biker you see :P Viruses were so busy fooling around that we almost forgot dinner!

I am so glad that I'm part of this event, to be able to do my part for the society. Apart from that I would like to thank God for looking after each and every participant that there are no injuries and everybody completed the event.

"Are you crazy?" Was the first response I received from my fellow mates, when I told them of my intentions to skate in Malaysia for Charity Bike 'n' Blade. Maybe I was, but I was not going to let that get the better of me.

It was not difficult to make a decision. This trip was a once in a lifetime event, where skaters could traverse on Malaysia's beaten paths whilst escorted by safety vehicles, and furthermore, help do their part for charity at the same time! No one and nothing, not even my piling school work, the minimum donation sums or the daunting idea of skating with speeding vehicles, could stop me from conquering the slopes.

There were close shaves a many - zooming downhill to find yourself reaching a busy intersection, having lorries and trucks come less than half a meter away from your skates, roads rough enough to throw you off if you're distracted, were just a few. However, the excitement of being able to speed down the hills, bask in the mid day sun and chatter thru the grainy roads and finally, complete your leg to switch over was good enough reason to push on. (A nice warm bath at the end helped too)

Unfortunately, this would most probably be my last time participating in B'n'B, and if I had the chance, I would definitely do it again.

To Avanade team and all the volunteers who helped out throughout this event, well done & thank you!

Any close shave?
I would like to Thank GOD and the organizers for not only my safety but also ensuring the safety of all skaters and bikers throughout the duration of this road trip.

Your favourite stretch of the journey and why
When skating up towards Mersing. My pack of guys skated past some cyclists where we motivated each other on.

The worst stretch
Personally the last stretch of the second day - 8 Sept. Going towards Desaru where the uphill climb on rough roads combined with the steep downhill were the worst stretch for the entire trip.

The highlight of each day for the skaters
The highlight for me as a skater is the simplicity of enjoying each day's sunset together with my team mates. The wonderful, delicious, local food after a long day's skating, as well as the physiotherapists who gave the best massages ensuring that I would be able to continue the next day's journey.

Top speed reached? how did it feel? was it scary?
The steep uphill and downhill challenge where I could have easily hit 50+kph on the downhill. Being on those rough road conditions caused my leg muscles to become numb. Of course, there might have been some fear and initial hesitation especially since skater s like me are unable to stop at those downhill top speeds. But we still got through it!

Reason for taking part:
To raise funds for the youths and families in need for the three beneficiaries of the event. To challenge myself on different road condition as to complete another goal set for my year 2007.

Best of BnB:
The slight seeing of the area on the trip, skating over the hills, passing the small towns where kids and adults waves to you, vehicle horning to give their support.

Worst of BnB:
Throughout the journey, the worst part was the challenge of overcoming the tough and rough conditions towards Desaru for a stretch of about 5km. That caused my legs to feel numb and tired, especially my shin muscles all the way towards my knee joints.

One thing I remember:
Getting to a fast workout where I hit my heart rate of 85 to 95%, under the rough road condition, the noon sun. With two others of my skating partners we conquered the long flat stretch of roads and up hills.

Number of times taking part:
My first time for Charity Bike 'n' Blade, I sincerely hope the event will continue, where I will definitely participate again in 2008.

Velocity with wheels to Riding & Blade!

BnB is a fruitful experience.
Though we got the hot sun and the mental challenge, nothing could stop us.

We managed to have fun under all circumstances. Even while skating - had a game of Scissors, Paper, Stone with Kim; we sang songs to motivate ourselves; danced and even applied sun block at the same time.

At the end of each day, we were given great physiotherapy for recovery and relaxing - did I say "relaxing?!" Guess what, such pains are good pain.. Haha...

Charity Bike and Blade 2007 was a great and valuable experience to me. I am glad that we were able do our bit for charity.

On the seemingly endless road in Malaysia leg, we fought hard and the only things on our mind were the road, the wheels and our teammates. This experience definitely strengthened our bond as team and clarify our goal for speed.