Monday, June 29, 2009

Heineken

(Courtesy of Shilpa)

Check out this Heineken Commercial.

KL Marathon (photos later)

I woke up at 3a.m. got myself together and then went to face the coffee machine. It had broken two days earlier and the day before I hoped I'd found the problem and expoxyed up a small component and left it to dry overnight. I reassembled the machine and turned it on - to my delight out came the freshly ground, liquefied black elixir.

Panic over, four strong cups of coffee and I was ready for anything (believe me coffee works, if you don't drink it before an endurance event YOU ARE LEAVING TIME ON THE COURSE, blah blah blah, I shan't bore you [until the next time]).

My buddy Ian picked me up at 3:45 and we drove to Merdeka Square and parked in the underground car park, right underneath the start area. SORTED.

Drank water, found the loos, warmed up for a couple of K, lined up for the start, said hi to loads of buddies, it started to rain AWESOME, the gun went and we were off.

I'd squeezed my way to the front as today was intended to be a fast (painful) one. I got into a solid rhythm straightaway although my right foot was clearly injured and would need to be nursed through this one.

After about 5k Angus came storming by said hi and asked if I wanted to run with him. "No thanks dude, I've got my pace, have a good one" was my reply (or words to that effect). Off he went and was out of sight within minutes.

I'd memorised the route reasonably well so knew roughly what to expect. I'd also got my pacing wristband see previous post. I was enthused about it before the race and quite frankly I'm now convinced that this is an ESSENTIAL tool for anyone doing a marathon. At 9k it was clear that I was going too slow so I picked up the pace and started reeling people in.

I guess it was around 13k that I came across Wei, I'd heard he's just become a father so I congratulated him and we chatted for a few seconds before I carried on my way. Before I did though he confirmed that he'd soon be making a tri come back!

By 14k the pace timing was back on track although the pain was starting to mount. Especially in my left leg and left knee. I never have knee problems so I had little doubt that this was because I was overcompensating for my right foot.

At about 20k I came across Angus at the side of the road, to far away to chat with him but afterwards he told me he'd already thrown up at the 15k mark. He still put in a good time which is amazing considering.

I ran past my office and then down into Chinatown only to be greeted by some mad western women. Hang on a minute they're cheering my name, they seem to know me! It was Hayley and Julie going bonkers - what a huge pick me up that was. It's a tad quiet running around the dark streets of KL at 5a.m. in the morning believe me - you don't do the KL Marathon for the crowd support.

Hayley shouted "You're looking so smooth", I thought to myself wow, she's like the smoothest runner of them all, what a huge compliment. but then she followed it up by "You're obviously not trying hard enough, get a move on".

Half a k later and I was 2/3rd of the way round at 28K. Tim was good I was a few seconds ahead of the pace I needed to be (you've got to love the pace wristband). Grabbed a gel from the Powerbar boys (thanks Powerbar). Then round the corner and a short little hill. That's probably the time that the hips ankles, feet and hamstrings started screaming "STOOOOOOP". The pain was really setting in now.

Never mind, send the pain away on a little holiday and keep on going. Then I came upon the half marathoners and a little later the 10k runners (or should I say walkers), there were thousands of them and literally it was a case of either taking the long way around the bends or weaving amongst them - very frustrating.

Then the road narrowed and there was no choice but to play weaving, barging and dodging the walkers/slow runners. I picked up a couple of marathoners who were lagging a bit and they stuck to me like glue. One of them even apologised for pacing off me. "No problem" I replied, "We are almost there, we'll motivate each other".

Hayley and Julie appeared again screaming their heads off - what great supporters - thanks guys you were awesome. Although I'm surprised that you didn't get carted off under the ISA (internal security act, google it if you're not sure what I'm on about).

At last the 1/2 marathoners turned right, then the 10kers which was a bit of an unpleasant surprise, when were we going to u-turn to the finish. It came soon enough although it felt like an eternity. Then just 1K to the finish, we had to dodge traffic and work our way around the back of a bus. Then there it was the finishing chute. At last finished 3hrs24mins9secs official time.

I'd missed out on qualifying for Boston Marathon by 3minutes+, but wasn't in the slightest but unhappy about that. The crowds of runners/walkers had slowed me down but probably not by that much so I was very philosophical about that.

I'd missed out on beating Chris Wayman's recent personal best at the London Marathon by 2 seconds, bit miffed about losing the bragging rights on that one but never mind, I'm gonna kick his butt at Alpe d'Huez.

I did however achieve the real goal that I'd coveted for the past 28 years and that was achieving a sub 3hr30min marathon and somehow I'd achieved it in a hot and humid climate so I was absolutely stoked.

Of course I can barely walk from my desk to the bathroom now but hopefully that will pass sooner rather than later.

Shilpa ran the half marathon and with barely any running in the last couple of months she still finished in a credible 2hrs17mins. She could be amazing, if only I had her natural talent!!!!

My buddy Ian had a tough day and finished in 5hrs20ish but was totally delighted with his race. And let me tell you, he is in a far better state than me this morning.

A great race, a great day, pity about the merging of the finishing of the 1/2 marathon and the 10k runs so far out from the finish and I hear that some runners were without water from the 21k point onwards - there's no excuse if you're reading this organisers - get that right next years otherwise this race will have a tarnished reputation for many years to come.

Friday, June 26, 2009

KL Marathon - Pace Wristband

My buddy Ian just put me onto this. It's a pacing wristband that you wear for marathon pacing. I was told recently that for every minute you're ahead of schedule at the halfway mark you'll give up 4 minutes by the finish.

Go to www.marathonguide.com/fitnesscalcs/PaceBandCreator.cfm.

We all know that a negative split is the fastest way to run a marathon but I bet less than 1% of runners achieve that - me included. When you're fresh and the excitement of the race is upon you it's almost impossible to hold back enough. Having said that, if you hold back too much then there's no way you'll hit your desired time anyway.

Therefore, here's the solution, when your brain is muddled and your body exhausted - you're on a sugar low and oxygen doesn't seem to be reaching the grey matter, then it's time to look at the predetermined times on the DIY wristband. You type in your own target time and then print out the page. Cut the wristband to size, cover it in clear tape to protect it from sweat and there you have it. See mine below.

Ian then announced that he wasn't going to bother but I've staggered around the second half of enough marathons to know that I will need it. I'm not sure it's going to work for me on Sunday but at least it's one less thing to have to think about and one less excuse.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE

(Previous image showed a 2:21 projected time - hahaha, I wish)

Not a good day

Both Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett passed away yesterday.

I can't say I was ever a fan of MJ and was really saddened by his antics in recent years, not to mention the awful self-inflicted disfigurement of his face. That said, it is still tragic news, he was a huge influence on the world when I was growing up. More so, his recent past makes his death at such a young age even sadder. RIP Michael.





As for Farrah, what to say, most teenager's dream pin-up when I was growing up (not mine though, I liked Kate Jackson, the dark haired Charlie's Angel), however she married Lee Majors of "The Six Million Dollar Man", which gave her cult status for life in any one's book at the time. RIP Farah.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Great Tattoo

If you're daft enough to get a big obnoxious tattoo then you might as well get one done that'll bring a smile to people's faces even when you're 70 years old.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The Sis sizzles again

From my big sister...

Hi guys,

did a half marathon on Sunday, this was me crossing the finishing line – 2hrs 2mins my personal best for this race. Last time I did it was in 2hrs 14. Quite pleased although I would have liked to have stayed under 2 hrs. Still can’t have everything can you?

Lots of love

Angie

I believe I can fly...

Get a load of this, my 76 year old dad showing us "youngsters" how to live life. I was very surprised and quite shocked when I saw these photos of my dad's latest exploits, so you might imagine what I thought when my mum said "Oh don't be silly he's done it before". What a daredevil ay?!!!

I asked Mum if she went up to, she said "Not likely"!!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Ngae - A call to arms!

Simon says: - This is typical of Ngae and most people associated with a healthy lifestyle, they put effort into ensuring a quality life for themselves but also go out of their way to help others. Read what Ngae has to say and then in particularly what Jenny is doing for Hospis Malaysia. I'll pledge RM50 to Jenny if she completes the marathon and another RM50 to Dr. Tan for his magnificent achievement in the Gobi March.

Please consider yourselves whether you'd like to contribute to this very worthy cause and if so then add a comment and make a pledge below to Jenny on behalf of Hospis Malaysia. Even a token amount will be greatly appreciated.


Ngae say: - "Due to my surgeon's advice not to push myself too hard this year, I will be doing my first post op marathon on 28.6.2009 in rather relaxed pace. I can use the opportunity to accompany three ladies to run and finish their first marathon in the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2009 on 28.6.2009. From their training record, they are expected to take 7 hours to finish the marathon. We will all be nicely toasted :) The three ladies I will have to drag through the marathon this Sunday are:

- Dr.Jenny Goon. Wife of Dr. Tan Tah Ming, the regular ironman triathlete and the Sahara and Gobi Desert Ultra Marathoner. Aged over 50, she has been a regular runner, having completed many runs, including half marathons. Hey she even beaten the husband in one half marathon before.

- Ms. Jenny Lee. She is a lawyer aged over 40 and is running her first marathon in aid of Hospis Malaysia. When her lawyer friend heard about her interest to run her first marathon, she was challenged by him to finish the marathon and win RM10.00 per km or RM420.00 from him. She told the friend concerned to give the money to Hospis Malaysia because she knew her trainer Ngae did Sahara Ultramarathon 2007 in aid of Hospis Malaysia. She finds the uniqueness of the philosophy of hospice and palliative care for terminally ill patients. She has since went on with the mission and has procured commitment from her contacts for more than RM10,000.00 for Hospis Malaysia PROVIDED she can finish the marathon on 28 June. For a first time marathon runner, it must be noted that this is significant thinking and achievement on her part. What a motivation for her to finish the marathon. She must show the finisher medal to collect the donation cheques to Hospis Malaysia.

- Ms. Jaime See. This is a female entrepreneur aged over 30 in the kitchen design and furnishing business in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and a badminton player. She is registered to do the full marathon on 28.6.2009 even though she has not entered any running races before. Jenny Lee got her in to train together with her and I over the last two months. Initially she had difficult with her knee because of the running shoes she wore. On suggestion of Ngae, she tried her Crocs sandals in training 30km run. She found it so suitable for long run. She will wear them in the marathon.

Buddy, I am proud of my trainees' effort this coming Sunday and in particular Jenny Lee's fund raising effort for Hospis Malaysia, I request your help to post it on your popular blog with the hope that she will be able to raise more fund for Hospis Malaysia. She will be doing a poolside hat collection on 29.6.2009 at Lee Villas in addition to the pretty good commitment of more than RM10,000.00 from her friends so far. I enclose Jenny's message below."

Message from Jenny Lee: -

"Dear friends:

I am attempting my first marathon on this 28th June, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009, which incidentally is the 1st year Standard Chartered is hosting it. it will be a very promising start as over 12,000 people have registered and the route runs through all the small streets of Kuala Lumpur; video link of the route: www.kl-marathon.com

What i want to share with you is that I am raising fund for Hospis Malaysia, the principal organisation providing hospice care in Malaysia. You may not know of Hospis Malaysia. It has very low profile and in need of funds as it has no political backing.

This kinda started out as a joke. Paul, a close friend of mine who did not believe I can run a marathon made a sarcastic comment. So, I challenged him to pay me rm10/- for each kilometre I complete. However, the condition is that I will have to complete the 42k marathon. This would mean 42km x rm10 = RM420.00.

When other friends found out about this, they wanted to contribute too. So, I've decided to invite you to join in this good cause.

What is hospice care? It is care designed to give supportive care to people in the final phase of a terminal illness and focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than cure. The goal is to enable patients to be comfortable and free of pain, so that they live each day as fully as possible. Aggressive methods of pain control may be used. The philosophy of hospice is to provide support for the patient's emotional, social, and spiritual needs as well as medical symptoms as part of treating the whole person.

You may read more of Hospis Malaysia in the attached file here, an extract from Hospis Malaysia’s website or visit
http://www.hospismalaysia.org/

I will show you proof of my run (my friend Paul would certainly require me show him I completed my 42km run), in the form of a finisher medal via email, after my run. Then, you may write a cheque direct to Hospis Malaysia and hand it to me or give me cash to pass on to Hospis Malaysia. However, i can only give you an official receipt (which you will require for tax purposes) later as I have to get it from Hospis Malaysia. Ngae has informed Hospis Malaysia about my mission.

Cheers,

Jenny Lee of M/s Hazidin Chan

leejxin@gmail.com

Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day

What a wonderful day. I woke up to ride at 6a.m. but just couldn't get motivated this morning. I was supposed to be doing a Team Time Trial but that was cancelled at the last minute and a longish ride by myself was not appealing today for some reason.

So I went back to bed and waited for the inevitable attack by the monsters, Sid and Seb. They came running in with gorgeous hand made cards that they'd done at school complete with picture of me.

The I got my present, arm warmers for the bike - very nice. Not much use in Malaysia of course but with the rides in France approaching not to mention the Alpe d'Huez Long course triathlon they will come in very useful - I'm not very clever in the cold it has to be said.

For lunch we went out for a lovely Thai meal and then on to Camp 5 on One Utama for indoor climbing. Neither the boys nor Shilpa had done this before and they all loved it. Shilpa was a natural of course and the boys amazed us for their first attempt - they're only 3 1/2!!! Cool or what?

Back home and the boys were fast asleep in the car so daddy had to watch the F1 all by himself.

What a wonderful day.





Daddy be careful

A really long ladder

"If a man got a really long ladder and climbed up to the sun then he could throw it in the rubbish bin and it would be night all day long." Siddhart Cross












"Yes, and then, because it would be night all day then it would be really hard to wake up and you would sleep for a long long time." Sebastian Cross

"Boys, boys, the sun is really hot, don't you think it would burn the man's hands?" Daddy Cross

"He would use the big white gloves like Mummy has for the oven" Siddhart Cross

Simon says: - "I drive the boys to school in the mornings now, I love it, we have a great laugh and some wonderful conversations like this one.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Dr. Tan the UltramarathonMan

I spoke to Dr. Tan in the middle of the Gobi Desert last night. Signal was rubbish so we agreed to talk when he's back in Malaysia on Tuesday. What a hero though, he finished the Gobi March and was as cheerful as ever.

Looking at the web site they haven't given him a finishing time yet for yesterday's final stage - I hope that's nothing ominous related to his hitchhiking a ride on a camel (only 3k) at the end of the long stage.

I can't wait to hear all the stories and adventures that he had - Dr. Tan is without doubt one of my sporting heroes, an icon, a legend! I'm not going to need much more material before I will be able to write a book on him.

Dr. Tan, I salute you, Malaysia salutes you, we all salute you.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Dr. Tan the invinsible man

Yesterday's stage seems like it was an epic. Dr. Tan took some 27+hours to complete the stage, was out on the course over night and suffered from asthma attacks. He needed assistance for 3k by a camel but it seems that this did not result in disqualification and he lives to fight another day. The wonderful thing is that today is the last day and is a mere 10k so it looks like our intrepid hero has don't it again.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Sid and Seb THE VIDEOS



Sid & Seb School Open Day

Shilpa and I went to see Sebastian and Siddhart perform in their school open day this morning. The theme was biology of the human body. It was a very cool morning and Sebastian really surprised us as he was really into it - he's the one that normally gets shy. Sid on the otherhand equally surprised us as he wasn't happy at all.

They were both gorgeous and we're proud as punch - check out the pictures (videos later).










Dr. Tan Latest

The results page on the website state that Dr. Tan is still out in the field but I have just received an SMS from Sofian saying that he has completed the stage albeit with a 3k jaunt on a Donkey!!!

I'm not sure what that will mean in terms of penalties or even a DSQ but let's hope all is OK - this race is tough and real HARD CORE.

We're with you Dr. Tan in mind and soul if not in body.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Jellyfish Crop Circles in Oxfordshire Field

(Courtesy of the Telegraph)

Simon says: - Old news I know but amazing nonetheless - who does this stuff - not aliens for sure but it just boggles my mind.

Dr. Tan fights on

OUCH - 16+ hours yesterday and the big day today.

Tan Tah Ming 53 Stg1 10:20:24, Stg2 10:23:30, Stg3 10:55:40, Stg4 16:03:00

Today's Stage - Stage 5 (The Long March, Camp Kongsu to Camp Kashgary): From Camp Kongsu, competitors will set out on the infamous "Long March," a nearly 80 kilometer stage that will take most competitors through the night. Competitors will begin with a gradual ascent in a canyon, up a pass, followed by a deep descent into a riverbed. The early section is rated difficult, but followed by a moderate terrain. There will be spectacular views of snow-capped mountains to the east. Distance: 78.7 kilometers (49.4 miles).

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Dr Tan surviving Gobi March

He's completed Day Three now as people are dropping out daily. Dr. Tan really is hard as nails, one of the mentally toughest people I know.

Tan Tah Ming 53 Stg1 10:20:24 Stg2 10:23:30 Stg3 10:55:40







Yesterday ended at 3000+ metres above sea level, tough - up to Shipton's Arch otherwise know as "Heaven's Gate" (The largest natural arch in the world).

Today is a "Marathon" Stage (almost) 41.2k and tomorrow 78.7k (that will be a long day).

Go Dr. Tan Go.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Qualified for Xterra Worlds in Maui

I shan't go on much more about Xterra as I'm sure that by now some are probably getting a little tired of my enthusiasm for the Xterra Malaysia event and this type of race in general.

However, I got an email the other day which really surprised me and I was dead chuffed about. Having finished 2nd in my age-group I got automatic qualification for the Xterra Worlds in Maui which will be held at the end of October.

I don't really feel like I've earned it and it's a long way to go for a relatively short race together with the fact that Shilpa and the boys can't make those dates either - plus I'd need a new bike (is this point a negative or a positive?).

So in a nutshell I turned down the invitation today - I may live to regret it but if it becomes harder to qualify in years to come then the achievement will be all the more sweeter.

At last I've found some photos (mainly courtesy of Shazly, thanks dude) of the day itself.

At the briefing with Jack.

















Coming out of the swim Jellyfish stings and all.

















There were only two expressions I had on my face during the bike - 1) Exhausted 2) Terrified - this was the exhausted look.






















Stomping out of the jungle like an elephant with a hangover.

After the finish with Cecil.

Bala Middle Distance Triathlon - Chris Wayman

Chris Wayman did the Bala Middle Distance Triathlon on Sunday (Swim 2k, Bike 81K, Run 20K). He will be racing the Alpe d'Huez Longcourse triathlon with Sam and I at the end of July too.

Chris writes: -


"Simon

A stunning, but challenging course, in the Bala lake and the surrounding mountains of North Wales. Would really recommend that if you are ever over in UK at time of year….this is a race to do. I was last there 15 years ago, sailing at Easter with Uni mates and remember it being cold, wet and windy.

Surprise…weekend was perfect racing conditions - hot (23oC), sunny and a gentle breeze (although for you it was probably "blowing olde boots"). As I went up on my own I camped by the lake about a mile from the start and the village - site was a mixture of triathletes and drinking-overweight Northern folk….so a strange mix. Was funny seeing all those grumpy/hung-over faces as the tri-camp packed up in the early morning sun in order to get to the start, their beauty sleep had been disrupted!

Race morning, my cold had subsided considerably which was good, and best of all I was ready for a leisurely start 9:40am. Quite a sight, 600 bikes racked on the edge of the lake, possible the most scenic transion in the world (amazing seeing that day there where 1500 racing at Windsor Tri and 500+ at HIUK too). The prize money, and the status as GB Age Group Long Course Championships had pulled in some very fast folk…see times of leaders…..sub 4!

Swim was a straight out and back down the lake, it was pretty chilly 15oC and I was in wave 2…male vets!! (surely I'm not that old)…..the breeze had blown up quite a chop and on the way out I managed to get 3 or 4 decent lungfuls before I picked up a good pack, found some feet before exiting the water straight into transition.

Onto the bike, I was deaf thanks to water in my ears and my cold, and the first 11 miles we up - we climbed (8%) for 3 miles till we reached a reservoir, then it undulated (5%up/5%down) for 7-8miles but still generally up (5% up average), and then over the pass before a very fast decent into Trwnsfynydd (10%)…onto the main road and a steady fast 4-5% descent for 6miles…was great was you got to see the leaders coming back up…and it then dawned on me that at the turnaround that this was going to be a big old grind back to Trwnsfynydd….and at the end of that slog there was a mile plus of 10% up….it was hard going but felt like I was going well...over the pass again, before the undulating section, and boy another quick descent back into Bala. Managed to overtake a car/caravan…Sunday drivers! My average speed was 18mph (20mph based on the chip…but don't believe that) with a max of 49mph (and I kept my eyes open, and used the tri-bars)! Also made the right call re gearing having used a 12-23 although a couple of times I wished I could have sat and spun on the steeper climbs…but hey getting out of the saddle get the blood going..and allows you to stretch. Lost quite a few places on the bike but this was to my advantage as I found out when I got on the run…they were "bonking" left right and centre.

Back into the lovely grassed transition, and onto the run…first mile was off-road till we reached the sailing club and then what I can only call the toughest tri-run I've ever done….the profile showed a steady climb to the turnaround….should have learn from the bike that the average tells you nothing….it was steep up, and down, gentle ascent, steep down and then miles 4-6 we up big time…..never been so pleased to see the turnaround (a fluffy red dragon in middle of road)! Was running passed 10+ folk a mile, which made me feel good, despite by now everything was hurting. Don't really remember much else apart from telling myself….gels….drink….stride out….and then saw the other Deal tri bod on the way up as I pounded down towards finish (more a reflection of my heavy footedness than speed!!) …and then all was forgotten with the noise and encouragement of hundreds of supporters as you came into the finish….well chuffed with my time

Swim - 36:30; Bike - 2:47:49 & Run - 1:40:29 = Total 5:08:09

Have realised a number of things from this race…...the importance of pacing the bike for Alpe d'Huez, it's as important to work down the hills as up…and in fact spinning up is the preferred option esp if there's a hard run afterwards (so it's 12-27 for me!). Onl and finally…...that course average profiles tell you f'k all!!

A truly enjoyable race, really well organised, and possibly the prettiest/most scenic I have ever done (See pickies)

Chris"

Monday, June 15, 2009

Dr. Tan begins Gobi March

123 116 Tan Tah Ming 53 M Hospice Malaysia 10:20:24

Dr. Tan completed Day 1 of the Gobi March in 10hs20mins24secs. Looks like it was a tough day but he made it. What a inspiration. He did suggest that I might like to join him but having suffered the Marathon Des Sables and then tried to talk him and Ngae out of going I think he quickly realised that he was not going to get very far with me.

Here's some quick facts from the Gobi March website: -


- The Gobi March is part of the 4 Deserts, named by TIME magazine as one of the Top - 10 Endurance Competitions in the World.
The Gobi Desert is the great stony desert of North-Central Asian. It comprises more than 500,000 miles2 or 1,295,000 km2.
- The Gobi has cold winters and short, hot summers.
- Xinjiang Province, where the Gobi March takes place, contains the China's lowest depression, the hottest place in China and the most distant point from an ocean in the world.
- This year's Gobi March will be located around Kashgar in an area called Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture.
- The Gobi March (China) 2009 will be the sixth event located along the ancient Silk Road - past locations included Dunhuang, Turpan, Hami, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, and Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture.
- The majority of the area where the Gobi March will be held is closed to non-Chinese, requiring special permits.
- The Gobi desert is north of the Himalayas, which blocks most of the rain-carrying clouds from ever reaching the Gobi, thus it only barely averages 8 inches of rain per year.
- The course is expected to reach an altitude of about 3,000 meters / 9,800 feet.
- The Gobi March (China) 2009 will pass by Heaven's Gate / Shipton's Arch, said to be the largest natural arch in the world.
- Four individuals in the Gobi March (China) 2009 have summitted Mt. Everest, the world's tallest mountain.
- 101 individuals are first time 4 Deserts competitors.
- The youngest competitor is 19 years old (from the United States).
- Twenty percent are female with 80 percent male.
- The largest contingent of competitors is from the United Kingdom with 28 followed by the United States with 27.
- There is largest number of mainland China residents ever with 13.
- Thirty-seven competitors list Hong Kong as their primary residence.
- The average age of competitors is roughly 35 years of age, the youngest field ever in a 4 Deserts event.
- A donation of sports equipment and a computer by RacingThePlanet will be made to local schools around Kashgar.

Ultramarathoner

(Courtesy of Chantal Wayman)

Dedicated to all you crazies that just did the Singapore Sundown Ultra 84k.

Friday, June 12, 2009

OMG - The New Trek TTX

The new Trek TTX is full colour with none other than the 2007 Tour de France Champion putting it through its paces. [Note: Did say "reigning" TdF Champion, don't know where my mind was but obviously I was too excited about the new TTX to think straight]

This is certainly not the prettiest bike that you'll ever see but as all you Cervelo and Scott riders will attest it is likely to be the fastest thing around for some years to come.

Please don't tell Black Beauty (my current TTX SSL) but I want one!!!! NOW! And as you will note, Velonews are speculating that "Speed Concept" may be the new brand name that Trek might use - "Speed Concept" = "SC" = "Simon Cross" ... poetic license or DESTINY?

(Photos courtesy of Velonews and Graham Watson and commentary on the photos by Velonews)

The Speed Concept decal on the chainstay could suggest a new model name?

2009 Dauphiné, Contador's TT bike.

At the opening time trial, Contador had no problem making the bike move fast.

We would guess that's a BB30 crankset.

The brake arms and pad fixing bolts are barely visible, and appear painted to match.

A gap at the leading edge of the fork crown seems to mark where the brake arms begin.

The brake pivots appear to integrate with the fork. Also note the wide fork blades.

It appears the frame has vertical drop outs.

A closer look reveals the front and rear brakes are nearly invisible.

The paint is eyecatching and disguises the frame features.

Simon says: - Sorry Alberto, I don't care how good you are, don't be a numpty, WEAR A HELMET, if for nothing else be a good example.

No extended seat mast, just a long aero post.

The major tube sections are similar to the current TTX.

The stem in profile isn't in line with the top tube, but does blend seamlessly.

The new bike has a unified stem and fork, in front of the actual head tube.