A little introduction
Somnath Banerjee is a person who loves to travel. He believes that “Whoever hasn’t seen India hasn’t seen anything”. He says in his bio that he likes outdoor activities and exploring all the parts of India – be it the topography, the local cuisine or the flora and fauna! He prefers to travel by cycle as he is concerned about India’s pollution issue and does not want to contribute to it- thus he explores the world by cycle when possible.
A Tribute at Esplanade Park
Somnath’s journey began before dawn at the INA Historic Marker in Esplanade Park, where the tall skyscrapers suddenly end giving way to the lush green garden. He first paused at the bronze plaque that commemorates Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s proclamation of freedom, reflecting on the INA’s motto “Unity, Faith, Sacrifice” etched into the stone.
Just a few steps away, The Cenotaph, Singapore’s first major war memorial unveiled in 1922 stood in quiet dignity, its marble walls bearing the names of World War I soldiers and later inscribed with World War II sacrifices. Somnath read the words “They died that we might live“, feeling the weight of history which he would carry throught the day’s ride. His Vienna 700c rested at his side, its suspension fork locked for stability, ready to carry him onwards – into the vibrant streets of a city that honors both past and progress.
Island Escapades on Sentosa
Leaving the city skyline behind, Somnath crossed the iconic Sentosa Gateway– The Vienna 700 gliding through sea‑breezed path with ease. Sentosa Island is a paradise for cyclists looking for a blend of scenic beauty, smooth roads, and leisurely exploration. It offers 12 kms of dedicated cycling routes with integration from google maps along with picturesque views of the southern waterfront, which were lined up with food stalls, waiting to be discovered by Somnath. The bike’s endurance geometry kept him upright and stable, whether he was navigating light crowds or stopping to admire the beachfront views while travelling over the wellpaved paths Sentosa had to offer.
Immersed in Mandai’s Wildlife
One of the most unforgettable highlights of Somnath’s ride was his visit to Singapore’s wildlife sanctuaries which were the Bird Paradise and the Singapore Zoo, both located in the Mandai region. Bird Paradise, a recent addition to the city’s famed biodiversity attractions is a sprawling haven for avian life. As Somnath pedaled quietly through shaded paths and wooden boardwalks, he could see what makes Bird Paradise truly special – its open-concept aviaries that mimic natural habitats from around the world.
Just a short distance away lies the world-renowned Singapore Zoo, celebrated for its “open concept” enclosures that bring visitors astonishingly close to the animals while still maintaining a naturalistic environment. Each stop underscored Singapore’s commitment to conservation, experienced best on two eco‑friendly wheels.
Riding Made Easy with the Vienna 700c
Cycling through an entire city demands more than just enthusiasm. That’s where the Vienna 700c stepped in. Somnath’s ride stayed smooth thanks to its light alloy frame and fatigue-reducing geometry. Uphill or down, the 24-speed Shimano gears shifted like a dream, while the hydraulic disc brakes gave him solid control which is especially useful in Singapore’s lively intersections. Plus, the concealed wiring made the bike look just as clean as the city he was exploring. When you have a ride this well-designed, the journey becomes a lot more enjoyable.
This synergy of design and performance would help in any journey you take it.
Read Somnath’s full account https://bikquest.com/expeditions-accomplished/f/singapore-cycle-ride-netaji-ride
Given below are links to his Social Media –
https://www.instagram.com/bikquest/
