Feature “Conceptualized in 2003, Ketam was designed with IMBA standards in mind, with trails rated green circle, blue square, black diamond and double black diamond to reflect varying technical difficulty to better guide and challenge cyclists.” 64
Pulau Ubin Ketam <strong>MTB</strong> Trail Ketam Mountain Bike Park, located in Pulau Ubin, is the first in Singapore to meet international standards for mountain biking competitions. The 45-ha park features 10km of mountain bike trails catering to both leisure cycling as well as international competitions. The construction of the cycling tracks was based on International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) standards and there are five ratings of difficulty, namely, White Circle, Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond and Double Black Diamond. White Circle is the easiest and Double Black Diamond is the most difficult track to engage. The design of the mountain bike tracks had been carefully chosen and constructed with regards to the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) standards. The Singapore Amateur Cycling Association (SACA) was roped in as well, to provide consultation and expertise. The mountain bike trail at the park is designed such that it can be enjoyed by leisure cyclists and competitive cyclists alike. The trails at Ketam Mountain Bike Park include the following IMBA ratings: • Blue Square – Trails with a combination of some steep slopes, narrow track with poor traction. • Black Diamond – Trails with a combination of long step climbs, drop-offs and tricky obstacles Double Black Diamond – Trails with a combination of very steep climbs and drop-offs, sharp corners and tricky obstacles Access to the trail requires a short boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal along Lorong Bekukung which will cost you SGD$4.50 (one way) and then another 15mins ride from the access road in Pulau Ubin Jetty straight into the trailhead. Shelters are strategically located along the tracks. These shelters double as resting points for tired cyclists. They are also good spots where one can capture a good view of the surrounding landscape around Ketam Quarry. To guide cyclists around the island, signs are positioned at the key locations such as the intersection points. The Ketam trail is Singapore’s first purpose built mountain biking trail, located on an offshore island around a disused quarry. One would need to hop on a bumboat at Changi Point Ferry Terminal, and pay $4.50 for a one-way trip to Pulau Ubin jetty, and ride for about 15 min Westwards to reach Ketam bike park (follow the road signs). This is probably the best mountain biking trail in all of Singapore, and going to Ketam is always an adventure. Conceptualized in 2003, Ketam was designed with IMBA standards in mind, with trails rated green circle, blue square, black diamond and double black diamond to reflect varying technical difficulty to better guide and challenge cyclists. The bike park was built at a cost of $1m, and consisted of 10km of <strong>MTB</strong> trails of varying difficulty, with the main 5km <strong>plus</strong> loop being extremely nice and flowy, with some lungbusting climbs such as ‘lactate’ and rewarding downs such as ‘china bowl’ as well as ‘Black cobra drop’. There is also a skills park, which sadly, is little used these days. Ketam bike park is a glowing example of how a proper <strong>MTB</strong> trail should be done, with proper riding flow and sustainability in mind. Located at Pulau Ubin. To access Pulau Ubin, you will need to reach Changi Ferry Terminal. Carparks are available there so driving is not an issue. The ferry ride over to Pulau Ubin is $4.50 ( $2.50 for a person and $2.00 for the bike ). The return ride will also cost the same amount. 65
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