Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Verbal Butt Kicking Begins....

An extract from Aswar's Blog "Pipot.com": - "...Good to know I was faster than Simon in the water yday hehehhe. Plus I beat him in GE (30k run). So I'm sending a message to the Englishman : I'm marking you mate..."

Simon Says: - "Your swimming is good and if your cycling and running is half as good as your chirping then I'm indeed in big trouble"





Also check out Aswar's training schedule for the next few days - is this insane or what?

Thursday (Today)
-Morning 20K run (Dah buat)
-Petang run-RPM-run-RPM

Friday (Cuti Wilayah ... sori Selangor suckers) [Translation - If you work in the city a holiday, if you don't tough!]
-Morning 180K ride
-Petang swim 4K

Saturday
-Morning 180K ride + 10K run
-Petang swim ez

Sunday
-Morning 42K run
-Petang swim 4K

Cecil Cheong turns Pro

First it was Khairul "the Fish" Aswar tunring pro and today it's just been announced in the Star Newspaper that Cecil Cheong has also joined the professional ranks of Malaysian Pro Triathletes.

Swimming on the spot: Professional triathlete Cecil Cheong demonstrating how the SmartPool works during the launching ceremony recently (The Star, 31st Jan 2008).









Here is a picture of Cecil undergoing training with his latest sponsors from SmartPool. Already sponsored by Powerbar and Brooks there are rumours that both Aswar and Cecil are being courted by Nike and Coca Cola for multi million dollar contracts. (It's also rumoured that Aswar is sponsored by Gucci Sunglasses - see earlier post).

I understand from a source close to both companies that the deals are already drafted but are subject to both athletes beating Simon Cross in the forthcoming Malaysian Ironman in Langkawi.

Pool pushers: (From right) SmartPools Sdn Bhd executive director Zeeshan Khan, sales manager Eddie Kamarul Yahya and executive director Faizan Khan join professional triathlete Cecil Cheong as he takes a breather after exercising in the SmartPool (The Star, 31st Jan 2008).

See the full article in the Star Metro Section today or CLICK HERE

Bike Boutique - Newsletter and Opening

CLICK HERE FOR FULL NEWSLETTER




Dear Simon,

We all wish you an amazing 2008 and of course Gong Xi Fa Cai for all those waiting for the upcoming Chinese New Year!

If 2007 was indication of what The Bike Boutique and teamTBB have in store for you, then 2008 will become an amazing year for all of us.

teamTBB not only produced the Ironman Hawaii World Champion (Chrissie Wellington) but also won 5 Ironman races, 4 Ironman 70.3 races and an ITU world cup to deliver the following staggering full-year statistics:

in 80% of all races, a teamTBB male or female athlete finished on the podium.
in nearly 1 in every 2 races, a teamTBB athlete won the race!!
More importantly The Bike Boutique franchise growth has picked up momentum and our latest addition and our largest store so far is our Malaysia, KL store. Our Malaysia, KL store is holding its Grand Opening next week, Sunday the 3rd of February 2008. Finally, all our friends and customers in Malaysia can enjoy Asia's Sexiest Bike Store in their own Kuala Lumpur!

We are now working on the expansion of The Bike Boutique across Asia. Interested to join us as a franchisee? Check this link.

We are looking forward to serve you at our stores, at races and online in 2008!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Carmen in today's Star Newspaper (Metro Section)

Triathlete not setting targets for her Ironman debut there
By NG WEI LOON

IT TOOK six weeks for triathlete Carmen Leong to recuperate from her debut at the Ironman Western Australia Triathlon held in Busselton, Australia in December.

The gutsy 38-year-old nurse said she felt really exhausted after her outing.

“I was physically drained after the race and my muscles were sore. But, following the event, we had a good time with a week's vacation in Australia. Apart from accomplishing a respectable result in the race, the wine tasting at the renowned vineyard at Margaret River was the defining moment of the Down Under trip,” said Leong, who went there with five other triahletes from Malaysia.

In Australia, Leong clocked a creditable 12'30 on the gruelling course comprising a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.

Training partners: Pritchard (left) encouraging Leong to do well.

She finished 21st in the women's 35 to 39 years age-group and 99th in the overall women's standings.

“Honestly, I was surprised with my own performance because I was only hoping to cross the finish line in 13 hours. I felt strong after the cycling leg and was all pumped up to take on the marathon distance in the run,” said Leong, who was the winner in the women's above 35 years category at the Desaru Half Ironman last year.

After having taken part in shorter-distance triathlon events such as the Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run) and Half Ironman (1.6km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run) routes since 2004, Leong was persuaded by her training partner Sam Pritchard to take up the challenge and feature in the Ironman distance.

“Initially, she was unsure of her condition and readiness to step up to the challenge and only wanted to go as a spectator. But, I managed to convince her to sign up and train for the event.

“It was a serious decision to graduate from Half Ironman to the Ironman event. She displayed very strong character and tough mental strength to achieve a fantastic result at Busselton,” said Pritchard, who has been residing here for the past eight years.

According to Pritchard, they trained for three and a half months, chalking up between 12 and 15 hours of training in a week when they were gearing up for the event in Australia.

Gutsy nurse: Leong stretching before her workout.

“Training with a group of friends who share the same interest has been a great way to stay focused on the task ahead because we encourage each other to achieve our individual goals,” said Leong, who finds time to work out in between her work commitments.

In fact, Pritchard, a 57-year-old retired Englishman, spurred Leong to do well when he supplied her with a Cervelo P2 Carbon bicycle specially designed for triathlon, worth RM14,000.

“I realised she needed proper equipment to achieve good results. I wanted her to feel good about her chances of doing well,” said Pritchard.

Come Feb 23, Leong will be eyeing another good run in her first appearance at the Langkawi Ironman.

“I have been there three times as a spectator. I have not set any specific target – I am aiming only to finish the race. The hot and humid weather has always been a major concern for the competitors. In addition, the cycling leg is also very demanding because of the hilly terrain,” Leong said, adding that she pocketed RM7,000 in prize money in her best season racing on the triathlon circuit.

Ahead of the race in Langkawi, Pritchard and Leong are planning to cycle to Port Dickson to join Leong's family for the Chinese New Year celebration in her hometown of Lukut before tapering down in their training regime.

“It is important that we get to the starting line injury-free and in good condition to endure the full distance,” said Pritchard, who will be competing in the men's 55 to 59 years section.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

RIDE & RUN ALERT - Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd Feb 2008

Sam the Man says: -

"Folks

The ride on Saturday is to PD again. The distance is between 190k and 200k for those coming from PJ. For those wishing to log some extra k’s, the option exists to ride further to Admiral Marina before returning to the coffee shop. This will add an extra 25-30k to the ride.

Meet at Mega Mall exit off the Federal Highway at 0600, at Cheras 2nd toll at 0640 or Shell station opposite Country Heights at 0700. Please let me know if you plan to come along and at what point you will join the ride.

Drink stops will be at Salak on the way out and on the return. Breakfast stop will be in PD at the coffee shop opposite Costa Rica.

Sam"

Simon says: - "I will definitely be doing the extra bit to Admiral Marina for a round trip of 208k - I've had enough of these short cuts

Also for anyone interested there will be a 42k run on Sunday morning starting a 5:30 - Check this post again for any updates just in case we make it a little earlier"

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Periodisation Training

(Simon finishing GE Pacesetters 30k run. Photo by Jason Lee/Hon You)

A few years ago I used to ride with a guy called Reuben. Reuben was into his Lance Armstrong training schedules, Joe Friel, Chris Carmichael etc... he kept harping on about Periodisation Training! I just didn't get it - when I felt good I went long and I went hard, when I didn't feel so great I still went long and as hard as I could. If I was ever in doubt the answer was harder, faster and more! Mmmmmm!

Last year I eventually "got the idea" and decided to get into this Periodisation malarkey. I altered my schedules to do 4 week intervals - Easy, Medium, Hard and Very Hard. It took me about a year to work out that this was still too much as I struggled to get through the Very Hard week and never completed two rotations of this plan.

Before Bussleton Ironman I reduced it to Easy, Medium and Hard and that seems to work. I am now training for the Langkawi Ironman which is just 4 short weeks away. Today I completed another Easy week. Quite honestly I've felt knackered and beaten up all week and arriving for a 21k run this morning I felt similarly fatigued.

HOWEVER, I was feeling positive (a good sign no doubt brought on by the reduced training volumes this week). I decided that it was only 21k so I'd be very positive and be "in control of the run" rather than be "a victim of the run". Anyway, the long and short of it was I completed the run in my second fastest time ever without really over-exerting myself. (You may be interested to know that my fastest time was during another "Easy Week" in periodisation training).

Sorry to my running buddies and they were none too impressed by my antisocial behaviour; but when things come together you just gotta do what you gotta do! The fact that I felt rubbish all week was a clear sign of the previous two weeks build up and demonstrated that I needed an "Easy Week" to recover. I feel great now, remotivated for the next two tough weeks and then I have a two week taper.

So if you've been interested enough to read this far I strongly recommend to read up on Periodisation Training and embrace it. Abandon "perceived effort" and "ad-hoc" training, log your distances and then follow the numbers - IT WORKS.

If anyone is interested, for Ironman training my numbers are: -
Easy Week - Swim 10k, Bike 200km, Run 40k
Medium Week - Swim 15k, Bike 300k, Run 60k
Hard Week - Swim 20k, Bike 400k, Run 80k

I get one long swim, one long run and one long bike in each week and I also try to get one high intensity swim, one high intensity bike and I try to do a brick run after most bike sessions.

I stay away from running speed work for Ironman training, solely for the reason that I usually end up injured as my ego always ends up coming to the track with me - especially if Kevin Chan and his ego is there too.

So there you go Periodisation Training (thanks Reuben) - believe your numbers, follow the plan and not only does it work physically but you will find that you don't get mentally burnt out or fatigued either, which I think is a huge and often overlooked factor.

Friday, January 25, 2008

In Case of Emergency (ICE)

Simon says: - I got this as an email recently and I don't forward emails that smack of chain letters, EVER! However, this seems to make a lot of sense and I have added 3 ICE contacts to my phone. I still didn't forward the email but I thought I'd post the concept here for you to do with as you will!"

"We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE'.

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Please pass this on. It won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.

ICE will speak for you when

you are not able to."

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Bike Boutique opens in KL

Sam says: - "As some of you may be aware, The Bike Boutique (TBB) is opening its first shop in Malaysia very soon. In celebration of this event, TBB are hosting an open-day on the 3rd Feb at the new shop in Damansara Perdana from 1100 to 1800 and the Manager, Benny asked if I could pass on an invitation to you.

The shop is easy to find. Take the Damansara Perdana exit from the LDP (after passing 1 Utama and IKEA). Go up a steep hill and at the top; look for new offices and shops on the right side of the road. Look for Citibank and TBB is virtually next door.

If you have got a spare half and hour on the 3rd, please go along and check it out. The shop and TBB is certainly a different concept to what we are accustomed to in KL and arguably it is a refreshing change. Anyway, you can judge it for yourself. Cheers,

Sam"

Simon says: - TBB have a very active Pro-athlete sponsorship programme and recently scored a coup with Chrissie Wellengton winning the Ironman Worlds, Kona, Hawaii, in October. I'm personally looking forward to visiting the shop (even if it is the back of beyond for me to get to). I've heard it said that this is going to be a "proper" bike shop but does that mean they'll charge "proper" prices? It's certainly a welcome addition to the KL bike and tri scene - assuming you're not an exisitng bike shop owner of course - but hey competition is good, yes?

The Bik Boutique Website is http://www.thebikeboutique.com/index.php - Click Here

RIDE & RUN ALERT - Sat 26th & Sun 27th January

Sam the Man says: -

"Folks

The ride on Saturday is to Hulu Langat and the Dam.

The route will include Peres Hill where we U turn and go back down the hill and then go to the Dam (by the waterfall) for some breakfast or refreshment. We will then return the same way (minus the hill). The distance for those coming from PJ will be around 140k. Fyi next week, we’ll be going back to PD.

Meet at Mega Mall exit at 0610 or at traffic lights next to police station in Hulu Langat at 0650.

Please let me know if you plan to come along at what point you will join the ride. Cheers.

Sam"

Simon says: - "Blimey, a bit of an early start for a medium distance ride! Oh well ay, what to do! I'll be there! As for Sunday's run I'm on an easy week this week so it'll be a 21k only for me starting from Bukit Aman carpark at 6:30 to (and around) the petrol station in Sri Hartamas and back. The following two Sundays though will be 42k runs i.e. two laps of the above".

Monday, January 21, 2008

See all new posts below the Jason MacIntyre Appeal

Jason MacIntyre - Let's Help

I received this message on my the blog in relation to the death of Jason MacIntyre (see "Cycling mourns the loss of Jason MacIntyre"): -

"The fact that he leaves behind a wife and two young daughters - one of whom needed full-time care due to a serious medical condition - makes it even more tragic.

Jason was his daughter Megan’s full-time carer. His family will now need to find money to pay for a carer for Megan.

You can help to support his family by donating to the Jason MacIntyre Memorial Fund here: http://www.braveheartcyclingfund.com/home.asp"


Simon says: - If you ride a bike and/or have a spouse and kids then this should really strike a chord with you. I fulfil both criteria and have the added accreditation of having been hit by a van too. I have made a modest donation and would encourage everyone else that reads this to do likewise.

In the end it won't bring Jason back but if enough of us try to help in this small way then perhaps we can at least lessen the burden for his wife, twin girls and the rest of his family.

Brilliant - Carlsberg Sport



Probably the best sports drink in the world (other than 100Plus)

[Courtesy of Chris Wayman]

Great Eastern Pacesetters 30k

A big weekend this weekend! Managed to hack through a 210k fast ride with Sam and the gang on Saturday and then straight into the GE Pacesetters 30k run on Sunday morning (not to mention we had a birthday party for Sid and Seb to attend later that day)

It was all training as far as I was concerned - and definitely not a race. I was very concerned about my right foot which has been in considerable pain since I started training again after the WA IM in December but fortunately it held up.

I did the first 19k with Adrian, who was great company although he had to suffer me doing most of the talking (sorry about that Adrian), having said that we kept declaring a talking embargo/truce going up hills and I had to do a hell of a lot of work to catch him after each drink station as I was determined not to get too dehydrated.

With 11k to go I put the hammer down and started knocking out some fast k's. The intent was to catch Aswar and Freddie (as I did last year). I saw them coming back after the turnaround and left them in no uncertain terms that they were marked men.

I caught Freddie with a couple of k to go but Aswar was not playing by the script and he either kicked my butt or he saw me coming and hid behind a bush until I went back. Either way, both tactics were sneaky but admirable whichever it was. The real fight will come in IM Langkawi next month.

I finished in a time of 2:58:03 and was very very pleased with that - my fastest ever for this run and the first time I've subbed 3 hours - although I wasn't racing the fact that I got under 3 hours and feel pretty good the day afterwards tells me that training for the Ironman is progressing well.

After the race I collected my medal and was shocked to see Gan from my office had already crossed the finish line just a couple of minutes behind me - AWESOME job dude!
















Joey also from my office did a magnificent effort to finish the race having just got off a plane from her Philippine holiday - second year in a row - well done Joey.
















As you can see by the photos after the race we were all looking pretty happy and Gan even caught some candid pictures of me! What was he thinking? What was I thinking for that matter.

India Anne Wayman - triathlon's best kept secret!



India Wayman on the turbo trainer. She's the only one in the house doing anything at the moment as everyone else is ill. Get well soon guys otherwise Indie is going to be kicking you butts on the bike.

(Mind you she probably can anyway!)

Aquathon Fun Race 2nd Feb, 2008

The 1st Aquathlon FUN race at The JSKL, Japanese
School of Kuala Lumpur, at Saujana

1) Date: 2nd Feb 2008 (Saturday)
2) Entry close date: 25th Jan 2008 (Friday)
3) Entry Fee: FOC (Free of charge)
4) Prizes: No Prizes, medals, certificates since this is just Fun race of Swim & Run
5) Venue: The west Pool and track at The JSKL at Saujana
6) Schedule: 2nd Feb 2008 (Saturday) 8:00

Registration start 9:15
16Yrs & above Men & Women start 10:00 (Distances: 400m swim, 3000m run)
Primary School (Standard 1 & 2) Men & Women start 10:20 (Distances: 50m swim, 500m run)
Primary School (Standard 3 & 4) Men & Women start 10:45 (Distances: 100m swim, 1000m run)
Primary School (Standard 5 & 6) Men & Women start 11:10 (Distances: 200m swim, 1500m run)
Junior High School (Form 1, 2 & 3) Men & Women start 11:45 (Distances: 300m swim, 2000m run)

please support the next race after finishing your category race)

7) Organizers: The Executive of Aquathon Fun Race

The Chairman; Mr. Iwata Takatoshi (Panasonic)
The Vice-chairman; Mr. Inoue Tomoo (JSKL), Fukunaga Tooru (JSKL)

8) Entry way :
Write your information 1) to 6) and send Email to inouetomoo@jskl.edu.my by 25th
Feb.

a) Name
b) Sex (Male or Female)
c) Age
d) Your Form ( if you are PS or JHS students )
e) Category
f) Telephone No.

9) Note:

a) The primary and Junior high school participants come with parent or
guardian, mandatory.
b) We need parent and guardian’s help to make the race successfully.
c) Please contact Mr. Iwata(012-2184130) or Mr. Inoue(017-6943980), if you have
any question.

RIDE ALERT - Wednesday 23rd Jan, 2008

Sam the Man says: -

"Folks

Since it is a holiday in Selangor on Wed, there is an extra mid-week ride to Puncak Alam courtesy of Daniel (he knows the way). The distance is around 80k and Daniel tells me there are hills.

So if you plan to come along, please let me know.

Meet at the Sungai Buloh toll (the toll after 1 Utama and IKEA) at 0600. Please wait on the left side after the barrier. Cheers.

Sam"

Thursday, January 17, 2008

A message from Tey (our very own sports photgrapher)

Hi,all runners and friends:

I am trying to do some contribution for our running club pacesetters for GE 30k, will selling race photos on the same day at Lake Garden, 50% of the selling will donate to Pacesetters.

Each photo price is RM1 for soft copy,sorry for no hard copy service.There will selling in two ways,one is burn in cd which will charge RM 3 per cd.And I will encourage for runners who have email address,buy as email photo,I will email them the original size photos before 6pm on the same day,this is for save time and help volunteers to less their burden.

You just need to refer the photos number which volunteers will write on the board and fill in the order form,please write it clear and correctly.And you can check with volunteers in the photo album,see how is the quality of the photos.Please queue up for check photos session as time is limit.

The soft coy photos can print out for 4R size.

Only for the photos which sold out will upload in to my album for this GE 30K event.

Last,as I want make it clear as this is service for runners and friends who support for Pacesetters organise event.Thanks for their support.No provide at other race event.

Oh ya,please get ready the small change to save time and reduce the volunteers's work.Thanks for your all cooperation.

After the race day,no accept further order.

Thanks and appreciate for your all support.

Simon says: - "Check out Tey's Site CLICK HERE"

Cycling mourns loss of Jason MacIntyre

Tributes have been paid to British cycling champion Jason MacIntyre, who was killed in a road accident near his home.

MacIntyre, a road and time trial cyclist, was hit by a van on the A82 near Fort William in the Highlands, where he lived with his wife, Caroline, and eight-year-old twin daughters.

Champion: Jason MacIntyre broke the 10-mile time trial record
The 34-year-old was taken to Belford Hospital where he later died.

MacIntyre broke Scots cyclist Graham Obree's 10-mile time trial record last year.

He began professional cycling at the age of 18 and went on to win the Tour of the North in Ireland at 23.

MacIntyre was selected to represent Scotland in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and won the British 25-mile Time Trial twice.

He had been preparing for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The cyclist was also the first Scot to win the British Circuit race Time Trial Championship.

RIDE & RUN ALERT - Sat 19th & Sun 20th

Sam the Man says: -

"Folks

I know it’s the Great Eastern 30k run on Sunday but we still need to do a long ride on Saturday (only 4 long rides left excluding CNY).

The ride will be to Banting, Morib, Sepang, Salak and return. For those coming from PJ/Mont Kiara, the distance is around 200k. If some of you prefer a slightly shorter ride, you can turn back at Banting.

The first drink stop will be at the Petronas station 9k before Banting and the breakfast stop will be in Sepang. This is after 2/3rd of the distance so please make sure you have some early breakfast or have some energy bars (or 5 banana muffins!) to keep you going.

Meet at Mega Mall exit on the Federal Highway at 0600, Cheras 2nd toll at 0640 or at Shell station opposite Country Heights at 0700. Please let me know if you plan to join the ride and at which meeting point. Cheers.

Sam

PS If you know of other riders who are planning to join us, please let me know."

Simon Says: -
"In fact it's a 210k ride to be specific. I'll meet you at Mega Mall at 6:00"

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Videos of the boys party





More Party Photos

Waiting for the show

Mummy having fun and Judy looking relaxed

Ready for the cake

Check out the Barney Cake - the boys just LOVE Barney (Daddy is a bit fed up with him to be honest but Mark tells me that Teletubbies is his punishment so I guess I can live with Barney)

Ready steady GO!

Chocolate nightmare for the furniture

More bouncy castle

And more

Monday, January 14, 2008

The 2nd Birthday Party

Sid and Seb were two years old on New Year's Eve but due to many people being away over the festive period or understandably "otherwise engaged" on New Year's Eve, we held Sid and Seb's second birthday party on the 12th of January 2008.

It was huge fun, with copious amounts of food, drink, balloons, a show put on by some of the kids, a Barney Birthday Cake and not to mention a bouncy castle. The weather wasn't great but it cleared up later and so some of the dad's were even persuaded to take their charges into the pool (including me and the boys).








Here's the bouncy castle which sadly I didn't get around to having a go in - oh well I'll just have to wait until my birthday.











Here's the in-house entertainment in full flight.















We even has celebrities with a future Leeds United player turning up.

Sid and Seb were a bit bemused and overwhelmed to start with.














But they soon got into the swing of things.














One final note of appreciation must go to Mummy. Shilpa organised everything single-handedly and did an amazing job of making the boys special day just about as perfect as it could be. They are very lucky boys.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Inside of me there's thin person just screaming to get out



Absolutely Fabulous! A Classic British comedy.

As I'm trying to drop some weight at the moment (yet again), I was reminded of this clip. Check out what Edina says at 2 mins 32 secs. Mum's retort is just wicked!

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Fashion Victim or Pro Athlete?

Powerman Photo

I just received this picture of the squad at Lumut for Powerman. It's clearly before the race as a) I am standing up b)I am still smiling.

From left to right: - Randy, KK, Simon, Sam, Carmen, Emma, Chris, Lesley, Don, Cecil.

Note Aswar in the background looking far too cool and professional to be photo'd with the likes of us. I heard a rumour that he's turning pro - anyone else heard anything?

Monday, January 07, 2008

RIDE & RUN ALERT - Thurs 10th, Sat 12th & Sun 13th

Sam the Man Says: -

"Hi Folks

Thursday
It’s a holiday on Thurs so there is an extra mid-week ride. Destination will be the T junction just beyond Ijok (on the road to Kuala Selangor via Sungai Buloh). The turning point will be at the junction with the road from Klang (Route 5). It’s a fairly flat road so it will be good aero-bar practice for those doing Langkawi. The distance will be around 100k-120k depending on your starting point. There will only be a drink stop at Petronas Ijok after the U turn. Breakfast for those who want can be back in Taman Tun or Damansara.

Meet at Kota Damansara toll (after the barrier) at 0645.

Saturday
The ride will be to PD (circa 200k) with the usual meeting points and times.

Mega Mall exit off Federal Highway at 0600, Cheras 2nd toll at 0640 and Shell station opposite Country Heights at 0700.

For both rides, please let me know if you plan to come along at what point you intend to join the ride. Cheers.

Sam"

Simon Says: -

Thursday Bike
The wrong side of town for me so I'll probably do the Hulu Langat, Seminyih, Kajang loop with a bit extra thrown in - probably the Perez Hill and then an out and back from Seminyih to Broga. Maximum 120k. Timing will be 7:15 at the Hulu Langat traffic lights by the police station. If you're planning to come let me know and I'll look out for you.

Saturday Bike
I'll be riding with Sam as above and will meet him at Mega Mall at 6:00.

Sunday Run
Route: Bukit Aman to Sri Hartamas and back (including loop round the petrol station)
Distance: 21k.
Start Time: 6:15 a.m.
Meeting point: Bukit Aman carpark, Lake Gardens.
Extras: Additional 4-5k at the end if anyone is up for it.

Why Golf is better than Sex

Another Golf ditty courtesy of Bella and Mike.

#10... A below par performance is considered damn good.

#9... You can stop in the middle and have a sandwich and a couple of beers.

#8... It's much easier to find the sweet spot.

#7... Foursomes are encouraged.

#6.. You can still make money doing it as a senior.

#5... Three times a day is possible.

#4... Your partner doesn't hire a lawyer if you play with someone else.

#3... If you live in Malaysia, you can do it every day.

#2... You don't have to cuddle with your partner when you're finished.

And the NUMBER ONE reason why golf is better than sex....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#1... When your equipment gets old you can replace it!

Simon Says: - All said and done however, getting it in the wrong hole is still frowned upon by most partners although some partners may find it funny.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Nicely Putt









If you play you will have a very deep understanding and feel a great oneness with this cartoon.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Sid and Seb - 2 Years Old

Siddhart and Sebastian became two years old on the 31st December 2007. Having received more Christmas presents than they could break they were a bit bewildered when they started getting even more gifts.

By far their favourite was this sand table although they did get a bit fed up because Dad seemed to want to play with it more than they would have liked.





Sid and Seb have to be the most gorgeous chaps in the world (open to debate I accept) but that's what Shilpa and I think anyway and we couldn't be more proud of them.

England, Oh Beautiful England

Here's a picture from a close family friend, Dave Clenton that he sent of his back garden in the Midlands, England. Absolutely gorgeous but just imagine scraping the ice and frost off your car windscreen every morning before you can use it - then getting into a freezing cold car before the heater starts having any effect - Brrrrrrrrr. I love England but I don't miss the cold, not one little bit.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Ride and Run Alert - Sat 5th & Sun 6th

Sam the Man says: -

"Hi Folks

The Saturday ride this week is to Bentong. We will then we go a bit further to a junction about 7k beyond Bentong where we will U-turn and return to Bentong for breakfast. This will be a circa 160-170k ride for those starting in PJ.

Meet at Sri Hartamas (opposite True Fitness) at 0600, at the Mobil station on Jalan Kuching (just before the turn-off to Batu Caves) at 0620 and at the lights (at the beginning of the road to Genting Sempang) at 0645. Please let me know if you plan to join the ride and at which point you intend to join.

For those running on Sunday, I am aiming to do 25k (Sri Hartamas plus one loop of the park) leaving at 0615. Cheers.

Sam"

Simon says: - I will probably be starting from Joo Ngan's in Ampang at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday for the ride if anyone wants to join in there.

As for the run I'll be there but won't do more than 21k and maybe less depending on my poor old foot.