Bollywood & Poison Ivy

Today was our off-day from ICT (In-Camp Training) and it certainly was a blessing as I needed to do a long ride before I begin a 7-day outfield exercise. Meaning, no training. I got ready my gear, bought some gels and a CO2 cannister and headed off to do my usual 160km ride to NTU and back. I always enjoy this route as it takes me into the lesser known places in Singapore. My route goes something like this:

The 160km Killer-Mama Route (not for the faint-hearted)
Start/End Point: East Coast Hawker Centre

Changi Coastal Route - Loyang Ave - Pasir Ris Ave 3 - Old Tampines Rd - Tampines Rd - Hougang Ave 10 - Hougang Ave 6 - Sengkang East Ave - Sengkang West Ave - Jalan Kayu - Seletar Camp (in direction of Seletar Country Club) - Yishun Ave 1 - Mandai Rd - Woodlands Rd - Kranji Rd - Neo Tiew Rd - Lim Chu Kang Rd- Jalan Bahar - NTU (5km loop). Retrace route

I was feeling good so I decided to go a little further and when I finished, my cyclometer recorded a distance of 175km. It took me 6hr 10mins. Not too bad considering I had a 30km run on Monday.

Back to today's route. My favourite part of the journey takes me past 2 places that I have fallen so much in love with.

1) Seletar Camp
2) Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (the Neo Tiew Rd segment)

Seletar Camp has a sort of idyllic setting which immediately puts me into a state of peace and quiet serenity. I like the wide expense of space and the rustic character of Seletar makes me wanna stop, munch on a sandwhich and reflect on life. Definetly a place to go to if you badly need a sanity break. You reach the end of the road where it connects to a bund in the middle of the resevoir which links to Yishun. A popular hangout place in the late evenings. You should check it out.

Nature has its soft and alluring way of drawing me into God's presence and both these 2 places do that perfectly. Neo Tiew has a couple of farms and one of those that caught my eye had a nicely decorated entrance with two signboards, "Bollywood" & "Posion Ivy" lining the entire length of the perimeter fence. Today I decided to make a quick pit stop at the farm to check it out. I heard about it from a friend and she told me they have a bistro which serves great banana cakes. Just what I needed after 90km of riding. I was excited to check out the place. (below: a shot from their website)

I immediatedly fell in love with the farm upon entering the gate. I found out that the signboard, "Bollywood" ("Bollywood Veggies" in full) refers to the name of the farm and "Poison Ivy", the name of the Bistro. And guess who I saw? Ivy Singh-Lim, the former president of Netball Singapore and one of our country's most vocal and controversial personalities. She and her husband set up the farm about 2 years back. The waitress, Irene was amazingly friendly and we striked up a light banter easily.

I was told that the farm grows purely organic fruit vegetables which means - no chemicals, no pesticides, no fertilizers and no growth hormones. The grow a wide range of vegetables on their farm which includes 20 different species of bananas (!), ladies fingers, cucumbers, corn, kangkong, wintermelon, papayas, pumpkins, guava, bringal, bittergourd and even medicinal trees and herbs!

Wow.

Irene went on to tell me about how they make their famous banana cakes using organic bananas grown on their farm and many of the items on the menu are made using ingredients taken directly from their farm. Which means... they're organic and they're healthy! Prices are reasonable too. (right: The Entrance)

I had two slices of banana cake and an aloe vera drink to wash it all down. $5 in all. Good decent carbo snack to last me for the rest of the ride. I found out they do have farm tours too.

(left: banana cake + some other kuehs) Each person is charged $2 and it is free entry for children under 12 and for the elderly above 60 years. They have organised tours too. I saw a group of school children from The American School excitedly making their way down the rows of plants while gobbling down my cakes. It was tempting to go in and 'kua-kua' but I had to continue with my ride back home. I told Irene I will surely return and bring along my mum. And some friends to chill out.

She showed me the different bananas displayed in the Bistro, long ones, short ones, green ones, dark yellow ones... then plucked out one for me to try. It tasted so good I tell you. I wanted to grab the whole bunch and stuff it into my cycling jersey when she turned around for a brief moment. =)

The Bistro is airconditioned and can seat up to 70 pax with an attached Al Fresco dining area. Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm (Wed - Sun and public hols).

Yes, when I love something, I sell it.

So if you're reading this, you must GO LOOK SEE, LOOK SEE. A definite must. I will surely be back!

If you're interested to find out more, go visit their website -
Bollywood Veggies

And so, a great ride with a little adventure along the way. That's what I like about cycling (or simply, exploring). You go to new places, you see new things, you gain new experiences. I have a love for the countryside. Can find one in S'pore?

A worthwhile try - Neo Tiew

Time to sleep and prepare for battle tomorrow!


Fishmonger