Powerbar Triathletes of the Year (Malaysia) 2007

Huge congratulations to Razani and Stephanie, the Powerbar Triathletes of the Year 2007.

RIDE ALERT - Saturday Ride 6th October 2007

I have been told by Sam the Man that the ride is going to be a flat one to PD again. Details as follows: -

"Port Dickson for what should be a circa 200k ride. Start times are:

06:00 at Mega Mall exit on the Federal Highway

06:40 at the second toll on the Cheras/Kajang highway

07:05 at Shell petrol station opposite Country Heights rear exit

See you Saturday."

The Boys take on Thailand

Shilpa and the boys recently spent a couple of weeks chilling out with their Nana and Nani in Bangkok.

















Daddy was left to go to work and focus on his training. Bye Bye boys have fun. Don't miss me too much.











Looks like the boys aren't happy about leaving Dad - little darlings! Actually I think they were just a bit bit fazed at what was going on.

















As you can see, by the time they got to Nana and Nani's Condo, life was all OK again.

















Who is this Daddy guy people keep going on about?


















Shilpa, the boys and Rohana at the Aquarium

The boys with their Nana













Siddhart looking gorgeous


















Sebastian looking gorgeous

Myanmar - the forgotten Iraq

Dear Mr. Bush,

I have to say you've done a wonderful job of messing up in Iraq. Although one could argue that you finished the work that your dad started and failed to finish himself. Oh the benefit of hindsight - I guess we all make mistakes but when you're the so called "Leader of the Free World" even small mistakes can have catastrophic consequences! Iraq sadly cannot be described as a small mistake.

I've long since abandoned any passionate views on day to day politics and politicians - sadly the people that lead our countries are the people that want to lead not the people that should lead!

But this very point brings me nicely to Myanmar where I do have some passionate views as should we all. If there was ever a genuine case for an invasion to oust a sinister and evil military dictatorship this is it and has been for as long as I can remember. This particular leadership cannot even claim that there is no viable alternative as the people of the country have already voted overwhelmingly for a democratic party to take power. This vote of the people was then viciously suppressed and the people of Burma have been brutally oppressed ever since.

Aung San Suu Kyi has to be one of the most capable and credible leaders the world has ever seen. She is Asia's Nelson Mandela (although unlike Mr. Mandela has never supported or been actively involved in violent means to bring about change). The closest I can come as a comparison of her ideals and purity is Mahatma Gandhi.

Come on Mr. Bush, you're a good honest warmongering Texan, you may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer and I know that Myanmar doesn't have the same natural resources as Iraq but invading Myanmar might be your saving grace, a legacy you can actually be proud of; it certainly won't damage your reputation any more than it already is.

Yours gratefully,

Simon Cross

PS If you do invade I suggest you delegate the speech making to someone else - know your strengths and stick to them - i.e. keep up the mountain biking.

Oo Err! - Ironman Western Australia Looms!

The stark realisation that there is an Ironman approaching on the none too distant horizon is starting to hit home!

I'm overweight, under trained, not very motivated and that blessed countdown clock on the left of the screen keeps ticking away without any apparent consideration for my current fitness crisis - "60 Days, 12 Hours, 38 Minutes, 19 Seconds". (At approximate time of posting).

For some reason this reminds me of a classic line from the Blues Brothers: -
"It's 106 miles to Chicago. We've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses. Hit it."

Does this make sense to anyone else? Because strangely enough, it gives me all the confidence I need. I guess I respond best when faced with adversity and a bit of a challenge - goodness only knows how much better I might be with a bit of consistency though. Oh well if this is my destiny!

Anyway, this is the 6th week since I was cleared of the living hell called "The Enforced Rest" after my bout of pneumonia. The doc said build up over six weeks. Next week Ironman training starts proper!

5k swimming sessions and a few 4k time trials (yawn - boredom or what!)
200k rides (yes I know you've been doing loads of them already Sam)
and 40-50k runs (yes I know that the books tell you not to go so long but it works for me).

Just got to watch out for signs of over training and a small matter of pneumonia returning.

So here we go - it's official - I'm in Ironman training mode.

(I've even attached the most positive race picture I could find of myself to help spur me on).

Go Vegetarian

In the spirit of World Vegetarian Day here is a video by PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. I’m not trying to convert anyone but in the same vain you should not hide from what you are eating. If you are comfortable with eating meat then you will be comfortable with this video AND BETTER IMFORMED!

World Vegetarian Day

Simon says: - As some of you will be aware I am a vegetarian. I have been since I was 15 or 16 and although some people think that you can't be healthy and active on a vegetarian diet, I would like to think that I am proof that you can be.

"Every year on October 1st, World Vegetarian Day kicks off a month of parties, potluck, presentations, food tasting displays...and lots of friendly discussions.

For those new to vegetarianism, it serves as an enticement to give meatless fare a try (even for a day) and learn about its many benefits. And, of course, it's the perfect occasion for vegetarians and those already moving towards plant-based diets to celebrate their healthy, compassionate food choices...For more click here"

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