Poll Result - How many km/week do you ride on average?

How many km/week do you ride on average?

Less than 100k = 8 (44%)
100k to 200k = 6 (33%)
200k to 300k = 2 (11%)
More than 300k = 2 (11%)

18 People voted

[Simon Says: In case your interested I voted 200k to 300k which is my weekly average over 52 weeks]

Family on holiday in Australia for a week and a half when husband, wife
and their 15 year old son decided to go scuba diving. The husband is in
the navy and has had some scuba experience.

His son wanted a pic of his mum and dad in all their gear so got the
underwater camera on the go. When it came to taking the pic the dad
realized that the son look like he was panicking as he took it and gave
the "OK" hand sign to see if he was alright.

The son took the pic and swam to the surface and back to the boat as
quick as he could so the mum and dad followed to see if he was OK.
When they got back to him he was scrambling onto the boat and absolutely
shitting himself.

When the parents asked why he said "there was a shark behind you" and
the dad thought he was joking but the skipper of the boat said it was
true and that they wouldn't believe him if he told them what it was.
As soon as they got back to the hotel they put the pic onto the laptop
and this is what they saw.

Try and tell me you wouldn't have emptied your entire digestive system
right at the point you saw it) and would you have stayed to take the
picture??

Dino's other daughter, Lina aged 3

It just goes to show they're never too young to start rock climbing. Dino says that they started Mona climbing at 2 1/2 years old. BLIMEY!

Mr & Mrs Half Ironman

Chris and Chantal dropped their kids off at various locations around the country with friends and then went off to do the New Forest Half Ironman together. This is the first Half Ironman they've done together - romantic or what?!!

Click here to read Chantal's take on the day.

RIDE ALERT - Saturday Ride 29th Spetmeber 2007

Sam Says: -

"Folks

This Saturday we are off to Port Dickson for what should be a circa 200k ride. Start times are:

0610 at Mega Mall exit on the Federal Highway

0650 at the second toll on the Cheras/Kajang highway

0720 at Shell petrol station opposite Country Heights rear exit (Simon: will sms you when we leave second toll unless you join us at the second toll)

See you Saturday.

Sam"

Mona on her bike - look no pedals!

Check this out. This is Mona, Dino Alfare's daughter. Dino used to be based here in Malaysia before going home to Switzerland.

These bikes are what the Europeans teach their kids to ride on now. They don't have pedals or the dreaded (and dangerous) training wheels. Kids learn to balance straightaway and the transition to pedal bikes is so much easier.

Sid and Seb, it looks like we know what Santa's getting you for Christmas.

India beat Pakistan in World Twenty20 Final

India beat Pakistan in the World Twenty20 final by five runs to clinch their first major trophy since 1983. (Click here for full report)

Nice one India! Pity both India and Pakistan couldn't have done a bit better in the One Day World Cup for our Honeymoon (see here)! We ended up watching Ireland vs Bangladesh!

The Boys in Gorgeous Mode

Here are a few pictures of the boys off to the park and Lake Gardens the weekend before they went Bangkok.

Come on Dad can I drive?


















Aha a camera - I'd better put my "Gosh I'm cute" look on!














Wow, look Mum, boats!


















How weird is this - they've made us hold hands - do you think people will stare?
Come on Mummy, I'll cheer you up.












Blimey Sid, these steps are a bit steep! Me little legs can hardly get up em!

















Waiting for Dad to help me up didn't work then did it. That father of ours has no heart.

Various - Quick Update

1. Boys are in Bangkok with Shilpa and their Nana and Nani (Maternal Grandparents). I'm missing them terribly but got to video Skype with them on Saturday night - did I ever mention how gorgeous they are?

Seb tried to give me bits of paper through the screen before he reverted to his favorite pass time of hitting as many keys on the keyboard as he can.

Sid on the other hand had a grin from ear to ear and kept saying "Daddy Daddy" and blowing me flying kisses - It's soooo cool being a Dad, especially with those two.

2. Nice ride on Saturday to Bentong. A bit of an accident coming back as Lisa took a tumble when she touched wheels with the rider in front. Gane, tried out his BMX skills and road over the top of her bike - blimey, it could have been nasty but besides a bit of road rash and slightly bent bike bits everyone was OK.

3. Patrick was seen careering down the other side of the road towards Bentong and later caught up (I assume once he's refueled at the petrol station).

4. I carried on at the final drink stop as I wanted to get a 5k run in after the ride - I did this although it wasn't much fun, too hot, too tired and too much traffic - I then went home and slept for three hours.

5. England beat Samoa in the Rugby World Cup. Although they put on a good performance against Samoa, if they get through to the next round then they play Australia and the Ozzies are just waiting to rub our noses in it after the last World Cup (in case you don't know we beat them in the final).

6. 21k run early Sunday morning - golly that was tough although there were periods where I had a second wind. Fitness is coming back though.

7. Played golf with Henry Tan, John Penver and John Roberstson. I actually played reasonably well (first time this year) with a score of 90 .

8. Stayed up too late and watched the All Blacks dominate poor old Scotland. Scotland battled well but it was all on their 5 Yard line - ended up 40-0. Scotland must have been happy with that all things considered. Can't imagine what the score might have been has the Kiwi's not kept dropping the ball!

Pipot.com back online

Great news folks (for the Malaysian based tri community at least) - www.Pipot.com is back online. Not sure whether this is permanent - let's hope so.

Green Day - Walking Contradiction

Continuing the Punk theme, this should liven up your morning.

RIDE ALERT - Saturday Ride 22nd Spetmeber 2007

Sam writes: -

"Folks

Come and join the Busselton Buddies

The ride on Saturday is to Bentong (between 150k and 160k round trip). KK, Cris, Gane, Lisa and Sam are leaving Mont Kiara at 0600 from opposite True Fitness gym. The route will go via Jalan Kuching and Batu Caves before taking the old road to Genting Simpah.

Tom: the group will pick you up at the Mobil petrol station immediately prior to the Batu Caves exit on Jalan Kuching at around 0620. Simon: The group can pick you up at the lights and T junction in the village after passing the toll at around 0645.

If anyone else is interested to join, please give Sam a call on 017 322 6935. Cheers.

Sam"

Alternatively leave a comment to say you're coming and where we should look out for you.

SEX PISTOLS - God Save the Queen

Sex Pistols to make live comeback

The Sex Pistols first reformed for their Filthy Lucre tour in 1996

Punk legends The Sex Pistols have announced a concert to mark the 30th anniversary of the release of their seminal album Never Mind the Bollocks.
Original members John Lydon, Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock will play at the Brixton Academy in London on 8 November.

[Simon says: Wicked, inspirational, you don't have to like them but you've got to admit - THESE GUYS HAVE ATTITUDE!]

Lots of Terrible News I'm Afraid!

Benny Vansteelant (R) after winning Powerman Malaysia 2006.

Benny passed away on Friday morning after a siezure caused by a recent training accident (hit by a car). Click here for a more detailed overview on Adrian's Blog.

This is terribly sad, I met this guy when he first came to Malaysia just before the Powerman race. He asked to borrow my track pump. He talked a lot with great enthusiasm about the race and Malaysia. Asked about me and how I was feeling for the race etc... A totally unassuming, humble and lovely guy. I thought he was just an enthusiastic age-grouper, I thought it a bit strange for him to come all the way from Belgium just for the race.

I warned him to take it easy because of the heat; he was very appreciative and then went on and won the race - What a guy and what a terrible loss.

It's been an awful weekend all in all with Colin MaCrae and his 5 year-old son dying in a helicoptor crash.






All this topped off with the Phuket plane crash.

Pipot.com - taking a break

A message from Aswar at www.pipot.com

"This site will be temporarily closed until further notice.
Thank you for visiting and your cooperation is much appreciated.

~ Azwar ~"












Simon says - not sure if this is just a fasting month break or due to the increasing pressure Azwar is under. We all love reading Pipot.com and I've offered my support as have many others have too, Azwar knows that he has no end of friends, so for the time being I'd suggest some patience and understanding and give Azwar a bit of space.

Having said that you have my total permission and even encouragement to give him as much grief as you like to get his ass up the hill a bit quicker when you see him next.

Where's Sid and Seb?

Tired of reading about running? Tired of endless pictures of bicycles. Longing for pictures of Sid and Seb? Well, the good news is here they are - the bad news is we've bought them their first bicycles (tricycles actually).

Poor old Siddhart and Sebastian have spent the last few days being sick as dogs. They managed to pick up a tummy bug and have been throwing up from both ends ever since - poor little darlings.










Sid doesn't deal with illness too well although Seb manages to take it in his stride. Having said that, BOTH of the little tykes decided to wake Mummy and Daddy up at 4 a.m. this morning and that was the end of any chance of sleep.















They're getting a little better each day and taking on loads of fluids which is a relief at least. Hopefully they'll be back to full fetal by the weekend.

RIDE ALERT - Planned Saturday Rides (Saturday 15th of September)

OK this is the new format. I used to send out an email for planned Saturday rides but barely ever heard back from anyone; except Chris that is and since he lives in the UK his reply was always that he couldn't make it! Funny that!

So from now on I'll post what the plan is at some stage during the week and if you intend to join then click onto "comments" at the bottom of the post and let us know you're coming and where we should look out for you. (If you don't then don't blame us if we don't notice you getting the bike out of the car and whizz past).

Saturday 15th September - Port Dickson
Sam has clearly stated what the plan is in an email so I'll just cut and paste that here. Any Kajang/Bangi based riders, I'll be joining at the Shell petrol station opposite side of the road from the Country Heights back entrance and I intend to do 140k or less as I'm still recovering. So if 180-200k as stated seems a little much then feel free to join me.

Sam wrote: -
"Folks

The ride on Saturday will be to PD via Dengkil and Morib. This is a new route for some of us and according to Uncle Don; the section from Dengkil, Banting, Morib to Sepang is fairly flat and similar to what we can expect in Busselton. We will check on distance when we get to Sepang but the aim is to do between 180 and 200k. The target time to return in PJ/Mont Kiara is 2pm.

For those coming from Mont Kiara/PJ, meet at the Kerinchi Link exit onto the Federal Highway (just before the exit to Mega Mall) at 0615. For those coming from KL/Cheras/Kajang, meet at the second toll (the one after the Hulu Langat exit) at 0650. Simon: will you join us at the second toll or at the Country Heights exit?

The route will take us along the Silk Highway passing Kajang and Country Heights to Putrajaya before we take the exit to Dengkil. From there, we follow the signs to Banting, Morib and Sepang where we will stop for some makan! The aim is to have a quick food stop and drink stops in the interest of getting back on time.

Confirmed riders are KK, Cris, Carmen, Gane, Lisa, Tom, Cecil, Simon and me. Uncle Don may join us too. KK: please forward this message to Gane and Lisa. I assume you have their e mail address, thanks).

Sam"

Mizuno 10k Run - 9th September 2007

The Mizuno 10K is always a good race to do as the T-shirt is always a Mizuno hi-tech running shirt. I used one from a couple of years ago to do the Marathon Des Sables last year. A slight complaint this year though, the neck had almost no elasticity and so it's almost impossible to get it on and off. Oh well ay, must be my big head.

As for the race, Sam, Carmen and KK turned up an hour early and did the course in reverse prior to the race and then did the race proper. As this is still part of my rehabilitation programme I chose to spend the extra time in bed and turn up just before the gun went off.

I decided that running with Sam would be a good solid pace, faster than Subang but not too mad as he'd already done 10K. My aim was 50 minutes (the course is about 10.8K). It was soon clear that I was definitely out of shape and the few kilos I've put on certainly told going up the hills (Sam was seen waiting for me at the top of some of the longer ones).

All went well and Sam and I finished together in a time of 53 minutes which although was slower than the target time was pretty acceptable considering the hilly nature of the course and the 10.8k distance.

A big shout out to both Julie and Mariana. Julie was second woman overall and winner of her age-group. Not sure about the headphones though Julie, maybe you should share your sounds and run with a boom box on your shoulder next time?















Mariana was first woman overall and winner of the Women's Open. Great job Mariana. She is aiming to represent Malaysia at the SEA games in Duathlon. A very good medal prospect let me tell you.
















Somehow I managed to miss all of the ProMark Pacers from my office, the biggest turnout so far with Joey, Hashella, Sashvin, Foong Ling and Gan all taking part. Joey of course is a regular, Sashvin did his first race at Subang Jaya and I'm told won a digital camera in the lucky draw. Hashella always enters but is never able to make it because of her Saturday night partying commitments - but there's a first time for everything.

As far as I know this was Foong Ling and Gan's first race too.


They all finished and as you can see got their medals - great effort guys, I'm so impressed and proud of you all. Joey called me when I was half way home but I wasn't going to miss the photo opportunity with these new up and coming running stars so I headed back for the photo shoot.


Without doubt Hashella gets the prize for the best dressed runner.

KL - JB The Long Ride...last photos

Sam of the Rising Sun!


















The finish - well done guys, you've just made history in Malaysia.

Vitruvian Half Ironman 2007

Hi my name is Chris, I enjoy crochet, knitting, poetry and going to the ballet. Also I enjoy standing around in knee deep water wearing a rubber suit, (hands on hips) with other like minded chaps.















I can only assume Chris' wife Chantal posted this particular "manly" picture with a wry and mischievous smile on her face!

The Race
Chris completed the Vitruvian Half Ironman in the UK on Saturday in the excellent time of 5:02:56 (35.21 Swim, 2.42.33 Bike, 1.41.40 Run) .

Chris was very keen to hear that I was recovering from my recent bout of pneumonia as he will be racing with us in Australia for the WA Ironman on the second of December. To quote him he said, "I'm pleased that you'll be on the start line with me so I can kick your butt!".

I issued similar retorts of bravado but having seen his Half Ironman result I realise just how much work is a head of me to even be on the same page of results let alone compete with him. I can only hope he's peaking too early.

See the full write up and photos by clicking here.

KL to JB - The Long ride

Shen has sent me some great pictures of the ride - ENJOY!
(They are all high-definition so click on the picture to enlarge)

Great picture of the Chin Woo Team at the beginning












I was back in bed and sound asleep by the time this shot was taken.

At the Doctors Again

I had to go and see the doctor again today.
.
.
.
I had a steering wheel down the front of my trousers
.
.
.
The doctor asked, "What's that?"
.
.
.
I said, "I don't know but it's driving me nuts!"

VICTORY! (or not, Oops!)

What Adrian wrote - Singapore 70.3 Half Ironman

"Just a quick one, as I go online to check results on my way to the Awards Dinner...

Thanks to a decent 47m+ swim and a good bike ride (2h40m+), a horrendous first 11km of the run didn't stop me from finishing in under 6:09:00, 6mins inside my target."

Official Result: Click here (Position 145, Bib 849)

[Simon says: Adrian reliably informs us that this picture is of him - I wished he'd have smiled]

See Adrian's full race report by Clicking here

Tom conquers Singapore 70.3 Half Ironman

Got a text from Tom Vigors today. He just nailed the inaugural Singapore 70.3 half Ironman.

Tom's a bit of a useful swimmer and even though the water was rough and choppy he knocked out 1.9k in 37 minutes - nice one Tom.

Bike course was on the whole flat and fast although quite technical in places. Especially in the city, it must have been wicked storming around the Singapore CBD on a bike at 40kph.

Tom ran a solid half marathon without walking and finished with a very credible 5:30.

Official Result: Click here (Position 65, Bib 931)

The Singapore OSIM Olympic distance triathlon is a copy book example of how a triathlon should be organised and executed (one of my favorites). Sadly the same wasn't rue of Singapore 70.3. Tom reports that it was a shambles with queues forming in both the transitions! Can you imagine that? I would assume some choice words were used by some of the more vocal competitors. Apparently the bag distribution got a bit screwed up! Mmmmmm!

However, he did mention that all of the organisers and helpers were extremely nice and helpful - although they needed to be considering.

Tom is one of the politest people I know so it'll be interesting to see what others had to say about the race and the organisation.

What Chantal wrote - South Coast Olympic Triathlon - Seaford, East Sussex

Chris, the kids and I set off just before 6am this morning to meet Dom and Rob at Seaford sea front for our inaugural Olympic distance tri.

After a quick photoshoot with the mayor, the small wave of women set off, followed 10 minutes later by a much larger bloke group (who we had to swim through/over on the second lap!). The sea was a bit wavy and choppy, with a reasonable tide which meant one leg took ages and one whizzed by. Two laps of the triangle were duly completed and we headed out on the bikes, only separated by a minute or two.












The bike was 12 laps of an out and back, one way into an increasing headwind and the other a lovely speedy dash back to the turnaround. Saw Chris and the kids every lap which was cool. I really tried to keep good speed up the whole way and was pleased to have averaged 18mph by the end of the 40km.














Out onto the run, now about 4 minutes ahead of Dom and it was head down for 4 laps along the seafront. I must have worked on the bike, my legs were shot away for the first few km's but gradually eased up and I had enough left to speed up for the last couple of km's. Was pretty chuffed with my time (I'd hoped to finish in anything under 3 hours) and Dom came in about 15 mins later to our huge cheers.

She really did brilliantly for a first ever triathlon and we were all so proud of her.

[Simon Wrote: This is what everyone should look like when they finish a triathlon - in fact it is what everyone should look like when they get out of bed in the morning! Awesome job Dom - as they say a photo says a thousand words and this photo epitomises what it's all about - triathlon, health, fitness, life, the universe, EVERYTHING!]

Sasha and Tim came along a bit later and we all had a post race pub lunch near Brighton before heading our separate ways.

Chantal 2hrs 46mins
Dom 2hrs 59mins 39secs!!