adventuresoflingthemerciless

SAFRA AVVENTURA 2012 ARTICLE

2012-01-18T11:51:00.000+08:00

Website : http://redsports.sg/2012/01/16/safra-avventura-joseph-foo-fabian-william/

ACE ADVENTURE CHALLENGE 2011

2011-09-20T13:43:00.000+08:00

Team Equation + FUBAR

If I could turn Team BechaKennyLingers into an equation, it would read something like this...

Becha (Rebecca) + Kenny (Lopez) + Lingers (Merciless) =
Start sadly at end of pack + play catchup in the middle = wonder how the story ends?

Team BechaKennyLingers...quite a mouthful!

All you need is to add a pinch of FUBAR to the scale and there's no telling which way it will tip!
Let's check out Team BechaKennyLingers' track record...

SAC 2005 : We got seriously lost on day 1 (major navigational FUBAR, despite map hanging around Kenny's neck), but made up for it on day 2 and 3. Ended up middle-ish in the pack. First time multi-day-racing. Excused!

AAC 2007 : Despite the 2-female-1-semi-male disadvantage and starting out at the end of the pack, we slowly caught up on the biking leg and unexpectedly happily settled for 4th position. Now, that's a happy ending in our books!

SAC 2008 : Ken + I (team 1) and Becks + Foo (team 2) raced together. This time, it was the FOObar (see specky guy in photo below) which led us to Horlan! Only 2 of us were left standing at the end of the race (with 1/3 hailing from Team BechaKennyLingers). The other suffered heat stroke and the third had knee problems. :P

BTW, I learnt the word "Horlan" from Joanne Soo during her race briefing. We would make good examples of Horlan-victims.

Team BechaKennyLingers (with FOO-bar making special guest appearance)

Will AAC 2011 be the year that Team BechaKennyLingers gets to see a happy ending?....

That depends on the amount of FUBAR we add to the equation.

[CAUTION : Don't try these FUBAR techniques in any adventure race! You will so regret it!]

FUBAR #1 : Training? What's that?

The odds were stacked up way high against us before the race even started. Our only male team member Kenny was MIA - last seen at SAC 2011 in May this year. All we heard was that Ken was busy traveling for work and had put in a good 5 km of treadmill running! Ken's famous last words, "I ran and it felt good!"

Good job Ken! Let's hope your new compression calf-lings will make up for the other 40 km. The only saving grace was that Ken was scheduled to be at the airport by 630pm on race day to catch a flight back to Hong Kong. The cut-off time at the 2nd last checkpoint was 6 pm. Joanne has a track record of overestimating our ability to finish within the cut-off time. Go figure. But never mind, blind optimism may just be the carrot that will make Ken haul his ass to the finish line with great haste!

Training-wise, Becks and I didn't fare that much better. With joint practice sessions (obviously without Ken) that you can count with a vibram five finger shoe, the self-proclaimed "Aunties" were resigned to expecting a "fun race with no pressure".

The usual suspects at the startline

What was our goal? Every team's gotta have one. BechaKenny's initial goal was to come in top 10 in a field of 23 Mixed Teams! Lingers was skeptical. Upon closer scrutiny, we realised the Mixed category comprised heavy weight competitors, the "who's who" in local AR. With racers half our age but twice or trice our fitness level, we decided to downgrade our expectations a notch to "let's aim to complete the race!". Oh and one more caveat, "try not to come in last, ok?"!

The starting horn sounds off! We're off. Run, run, run!

5 minutes into the race, we turned around and "hey, where is everybody?" Not a single soul in sight! "We're the LAST team once again?" How demoralising - but predictable!

Team BechaKennyLingers close to the end of the pack after flag off....

"Remember, sustainable", we consoled one another. Surprisingly, Wilson and Grace were behind us - but that was because they had teamed up with AR newbie Daphne and were showing her the ropes. They eventually caught up at the critical CP 7 (Wilson's second home) and came in third! Life is not fair! :P Wonder what our excuse was? Maybe age was catching up...

But...slowly but surely, we start to overtake quite a few teams during the run from the MacRitchie startpoint to the Rifle Range bike pick-up point. We run past a poor lass crouching by the trailside, trying to puke. Ok, let's try not to go there.

Becks noticed that the once-chatty Ken suddenly went quiet when we passed the Jelutong Bridge, probably less than 5 km into the run. I'm guessing he must have started feeling the ill-effects of not having trained (harder, if at all?). But our dear Kenny silently soldiered on....

FUBAR #2 : Harnessing a Power I needed

After having not touched my Camp G-string harness for sometime, it felt a little tight around my hips. Ahem. The straps were not adjustable so I decided that a baggy harness worn hipster style was the way to go - comfortable, non-constricting and...well, I didn't have much of a choice at that time.

The newer version of the old Camp Harness which I own...mine has no belay loop...

How wrong I was! Throughout the first half of the race, the harness somehow kept sliding south. At times, I felt like I was running with my underwear slipping down my ass! I was trying all means to prevent it from falling off, whilst maintaining running pace : Clip leg loop to waist harness. Clip harness to backpack. Tuck in harness into shorts! Fumbled again! Arghhh! Not working! I decided this was one skill I had to "harness" - the chi of harness-running!

Good thing now I know : if it slips. that means I didn't gain that much weight after all! :)

FUBAR #3 : Fatigue = Stupid Fall = Flowering Knee

After picking up our bikes (phew!!!!), we were ready to rock and roll! We were in our element. After some bike portaging through a "lonkang" under the highway bridge, we rode onto part of the abandoned railway track.

A mens team crosses a drain (and I thought rat-infested drains were behind us)

Team BechaKennyLingers jump into the big longkaw...

Kenny helping Becha up the slope....Teamwork at work....

Becha in turn giving Kenny a hand....I take the path on the left (not my drooping harness)..

Thankfully, the vibration mode brought on by riding on those big-ass rocks was short-lived. We were soon directed towards a downslope leading towards the entrance to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve bike park. Our playground! Yayz!

BechaLingers, with Kenny playing catch up

Kenny finally catches up

Not taking any chances, both Becks and I pushed our bikes down. I turned around just in time to catch Ken's impressive endo down the gravelly slope.

A mens team making their way down the slope that Ken felt so inclined to ride down....

Ken picked himself up rather quickly as if nothing happened. His right knee however, started to flower and wept red nectar. We suggested that Ken licks his wounds before setting off but no, Ken said he could soldier on! And soldier on we did!

FUBAR #4 : F***! A Flat? Chainsuck? Clamps and Cramps...

For most part in the BT trail, we were riding alone. Where was everybody? Ah...we bump into Team Sunny Side Up (Sarge, Kee Ling and Jonie) upfront...and somewhere not too far behind us was Team Prana (Ming, Fiona and Charles).

Upon reaching the big open field at Dairy Farm, we were told only 1 team member needed to complete some rock scrambling up the natural rock followed by an abseil. Becha volunteered, seeing that Ken had to clean that knee and I had to adjust my harness.

Mens team waiting to belay their abseiling partner

When I got into the belay position hidden behind some trees, lo and behold I was surprised to bump into super dooper racers Lynda Scott (of Team Hammer) and Luke Su (of Team Just Trippin'). I was told they had been waiting for their teammates to appear from the rocks above for the past 10 to 15 mins or so. Luke pointed out that Lynda's team was in first position, Luke's team in 2nd position, and if I was queuing up behind them, that meant that our team was...3rd????

Nah....that can't be! Where did all the other 20+ teams ahead of us disappear to? We were told some did not take the MTBing trail route but an alternative route...somehow the facts just didn't add up.
After Becha rejoined the team and we set off in the direction of Boulder City, the lady at the next CP confirms that we are indeed in third position! Becha's eyes widened. Oh, oh....change of game plan. Only 2 words left in our action plan : cheong ah!

Becha...full of hope....

But lady luck did not stay on our side for long. She probably had to run off for a 3 pm pedicure appointment!

Shortly after passing the team omarsen bridge enroute to the Mandai, Bluebones suffered a flat rear tire! Awwww....Bluebones! Not now?????? It took all 3 active members to change the tube in my own personal record time.

Bluebones, my trusted steed...but now not very cooperative! Naughty bike!

As BechaKenny cycles off, Bluebones dealt me another blow - chainsuck! F****! I shouted to BechaKenny but they were gone! After massaging the chain off the inside of the cogs, I managed to get him spinning again. Time to catch up with the rest...through the Track 15 / central catchment park connector onto Mandai Road, and up the gentle slope of Mandai road.

Legs....feel....heavy...why????

My legs....feeling....tired.

I looked ahead. Ken...doing...well, leading pack. Somehow...cannot close gap? Why???

Becha overtakes me....

Becha (riding behind me) asks very politely, "Ling, are you able to ride faster?"

I replied, "er, no? I'm really tired...".

I catch a glimpse of her panic-stricken face as she cycles past me as we approach the Ulu Sembawang Park Connector.

Becks was probably thinking, "Oh no, am I the last one standing? Will I have to take on all the ropework at the end?"

It was only at CP7 that I realised my rear wheel was in wheel-clamp mode the whole time since I changed my tube back at Team Omarsen! Duh! My anal-retentive bike finally gets some reprieve after some wheel adjustment by our mechanic Ken.

We picked up the navigational maps at CP 7. Instructions were for all to venture forth on bikes to locate CP 7B, get the passport chopped, and return to CP 7.Out comes the compass, and navigator Ken studies the map.

Still in third place. Let's go!

The folks at CP 7 probably enjoying all the sufferfest!

Whilst ascending the little slope leading to a freshly cut path heading to Lor Asrama, Ken led out a shriek of pain! Finally, the Cramp Monster has launched a full scale attack! This time Kenny sounded REAL bad! Go back to FUBAR # 1 to learn what NOT to do to get to this ghastly stage! Miracle cure Yoko Yoko is applied non-sparingly, leaving no muscle unrubbed. The trouper once again decides to hobble forth. At this point, we kissed Mr Third Place goodbye - nice knowin' ya!

After making an important executive decision at a fork, Ken brings us safely to CP7B! Well done Ken! It was also at CP7B that Ken suffered another bout of cramp-onz! The Chainsuck monster also decides to attack Bluebones as well!

I swear I could have heard Becks utter in her head, "Why me???" as the cramped Ken tries to fix Bluebones, while we in turn, try to fix his sorry legs. All was not lost as we made it back to CP7 without further delay.

FUBAR #5 : No Passport, No Chop

Next up, Team Biathlon to CP7A. The rules were that we can only bring 1 bike and were forbidden to use the main road. We had spent precious minutes over coffee and email discussing how a 3-men team bi would work, and we were finally gonna put it into action. How exciting!

5 minutes into the route, I looked at the ground and thought I saw pieces of passport torn into shreds. I remarked to Becks, "Hey look at that? Poor team probably lost their passport".

Mother Hen Becks suddenly stopped in her tracks and asked, "where's our passport?" I gasped! "I left it back at CP7"! Arghhh!

Dropping the passport or leaving it behind is never a good thing. It cost us precious time wastage on other race occasions, and I didn't think I would make the same mistake multiple times! *slaps own face*

And so I ran all the way back to CP7 to retrieve the precious document! I could hear the clock tick-talking, chiding me for the silly mistake! Sigh...My bad!

FUBAR #6 : Did Navigational FUBAR Kill Kenny?

The upside was - I must have given BechaKenny sometime to digest the map. We have been to Lor Asrama countless times but I still can't figure out how to connect all the familiar dots! Given my poor navigational skills, Boy was I glad I was not navigating!

As if things couldn't get any worse, about 15 minutes into the team biathlon and a few hills and junctions later, Ken remarks, "hey....waiddaminute...we've been here before! F****!"

It suddenly dawned on the map reader that we've been going around in circles - ok correction, Ken reminded me it was only "one" circle - well, yeah, if I were an ant on the map, it would be insignificantly small, but it was a giant leap for team biath-"loners" in the friggin huge Lor Asrama playground! Good thing was the weather has been kind to us so far. But we seem to have run out of water! :P

At this point, everything was a blur to me. I remembered us asking a men's team for directions (who were equally lost), and then Ming showing Ken where he went wrong on the map.

But like all good teammates, Kenny admitted to his mistake and apologised for the costly navigational FUBAR. All was forgiven (but apparently not forgotten - now it's immortalised on blogspot! hahaha...).

BechaKenny pushing bike (thankfully we spent more time riding than pushing our steeds)...

The bright side of things? We proved that 3-men leap frogging does work! :)

The rest of the race was quite smooth sailing actually. We eventually made it to Christchurch Secondary School whereby my rusty high school gymnastic skills proved rather useful when I volunteered to rock-climb and walk the high-wire elevated plank. We were all dreading the inevitable "jumar" finale that will kill many, many teams! But the "jumar" surprisingly never came! Heng ah!!!

A ladies team taking on the rockclimbing challenge...

Foo doing some mid-air karate kick...

Upon reaching Republic Poly, we had no clue where to go. Thankfully Just Trippin' Luke gave us directions to the bike drop off point at CP9, after which we had to run the RP perimeter through the mini-jungle in its backyard before hitting the finishline.

20 metres into the jungle, Ken's legs went on strike! "Come on Ken, we are so close to the end!!!" Inspired by the ending of the Lord of the Rings movie, I thought to myself, "if I can't carry you, at least I could tow you - ish?"

Being the weakest runner, I never imagined that I could be in a position to tow a teammate during an adventure race! But it felt good lending a lifeline to a teammate in need....probably not to get to the finish line, but so that he could meet his 6.30 pm deadline at the airport!:P

Kenny smiling whilst on his bike!

So, Who killed Kenny? See FUBAR explanations above. That being said, Kenny never really fully died to begin with. Despite the flowered knee, the crampfest, the navigational FUBAR and Mother Hen's repeated strategic nagging, Kenny survived without much complaint...and even managed to catch his flight back to Hong Kong on time! What a Super Trouper!

Final Thank Yous

On behalf of Team BechaKennyLingers, I would like to thank Joanne and her team of merry folk for adding lots of spice to our lives....and giving us reason to feel the pain, sweat, laughter and sense of accomplishment in completing yet another awesome race! I must say this is one of the easiest and more straight forward AAC races I've taken part in - thank you, thank you for omitting the JUMAR! hahaha...

In hindsight, with the ladies category fielding only 4 teams, Becks and I could have formed an all-girl team and come in top 5 (if we finished)? Perhaps that may be an option for another time, but for now, despite all the FUBAR and having podium chances dangled in front of us and slowly fading into oblivion (sigh...), I'm just happy that I spent a good 5 hours + adventure racing with my fellow teammates KennyBecha...I wouldn't have had it any other way! *group hugs*

And we even fulfilled our goal of finishing top 10! :)

Here are the detailed results...

Mixed Open Results

Mens Open Results

Womens Open Results

Thanks to the following photographers for taking the above photos. Click below to see the great photos they captured for this event.
Alexus Goh
Chin KK
Joanne Soo
PureBikes
Steve Lim (Album 1)
Steve Lim (Album 2)
Steve Lim (Album 3)
Wayne Lai
Yew Weng

BC BIKE RACE FACEBOOK ALBUMS

2011-08-08T16:27:00.000+08:00

BC BIKE RACE FACEBOOK ALBUMS

BC Bike Race 2011 - Our Ultimate 7-Day Singletrack Experience

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 1 (Day Minus One)

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 2 (Day Zero) -
North Vancouver

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 3 (Day One) -
Cumberland

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 4 (Day Two) -
Campbell River

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 5 (Day Three) -
Powell River

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 6 (Day Four) -
Earls Cove to Sechelt

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 7 (Day Five) -
Sechelt to Langdale

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 8 (Day Six) -
Squamish

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 10 (Day Seven) -
Whistler

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 11 (Overview)

BC Bike Race 2011 - Album 12 (Post Race Relax Therapy) -
Whistler

Pamela, an old friend whom I met in Vancouver, asked me to write a piece introducing the collection and perhaps explaining why we joined the race, how it went overall, why we liked it and why we recommend it for cycling enthusiasts. She thought it seemed to be a great goal - especially for older teenage youth and young adults.

I've been so very lazy with penning experiences and video editing lately, and that's partly why I chose to just let my pictures do the talking. But I guess nothing beats reading about one's personal accounts as to why we took on such a challenge....I wonder why she specifically chose the target audience of "older teenage youth and young adults" - to me, this race transcends all age groups, unless you were looking to win, in which cace being a tad bit younger and having some multi-day racing experience in these trail conditions under your belt will definitely help!

The write-up will be my endeavour for my next blog post....the good thing is only lightning and thunderstorms will keep me indoors....and there seems to be lots of that to go around these days!

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS - PART 4

2011-08-08T15:31:00.000+08:00

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS

PART 4 - VANCOUVER

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 29A :
Calgary to Vancouver

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 29B :
Seattle to Vancouver

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 30 :
Vancouver (1) - No biking allowed

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 31 :
Vancouver (2) - Granville Island

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 32 :
Vancouver (3) - Oo la la..Shangri-La

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 33 :
Vancouver (4) - Farewell Treats

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS - PART 3

2011-08-04T09:54:00.000+08:00

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS

PART 3 - NIPIKA - BANFF - CANMORE - CALGARY

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 22 :
Nipika - Banff - Canmore

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 23 :
Ride 7 :Minnewanka

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 24 :
Ride 8 : Soft Yogult - Canmore Bike Park

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 25 :
Eat, Sleep, Play Canmore

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 26 :
Ride 9 : High Line Trail

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 27 :
Pre and Post Ride Canmore

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 28 :
Canmore to Calgary and Farewell

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS - PART 2

2011-08-04T09:13:00.000+08:00

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS

PART 2 - FERNIE - INVERMERE - NIPIKA

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 14 :
Ride 5 :Swansea Mountain Recreation Trails

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 15 :
Ride 6 : The Johnson

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 16 :
Fernie to Invermere

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 17 :
Invermere to Nipika

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 18 :
Nipika Mountain Resort

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 19 :
Nipika Trails (Part 1)

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 20 :
Nipika Trails (Part 2)

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 21 :
Hot Food, Hot Tub, Hot Fire....Hail?

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS - PART 1

2011-07-28T01:08:00.003+08:00

MTB CANADA FACEBOOK ALBUMS

PART 1 - SINGAPORE-SHANGHAI-ALASKA-VANCOUVER-CALGARY-FERNIE

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 1 : Getting there

MTB CANADA 2011- Album 2 : I can see Sarah's House from the plane

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 3 : Are we there yet?

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 4 : Powder Chalet

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 5 : The meals in Fernie

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 6 : Ride 1
(Skills Test/Bike Maintenance)

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 7 : Ride 2 : Swine Flu

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 8 : Ride 3 :
Castle Rocks (Part 1)

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 9 : Ride 3 :
Castle Rocks (Part 2)

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 9A : Ride 4 :
Buncha sweet trails

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 10 : Whitewater Rafting
the Bull River 1

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 11 : Whitewater Rafting
the Bull River 2

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 12 : Shopping @ Fernie

MTB CANADA 2011 - Album 13 : Goodbye Fernie

Youth Olympic Games 2010 - The "Triggerhappy Collection" by Merciless Productions

2010-09-22T22:55:00.000+08:00


SYOGOC Album 1 - HQ at 1 Kay Siang Rd

SYOGOC Album 2 - Prep and Reg

SYOGOC Album 3 - Intro to Youth Olympics Cycling Talk

SYOGOC Album 4 - NTO Cert Presentation

OCBC Cycle Singapore 2010 - Road Validation Race

Youth Olympics MTB/BMX Validation UCI Race, Album 1

Youth Olympics MTB/BMX Validation UCI Race, Album 2

Youth Olympics MTB/BMX Validation UCI Race, Album 3

Youth Olympics MTB/BMX Validation UCI Race, Album 4

Youth Olympics MTB/BMX Validation UCI Race, Album 5

YOG - Evolution of YOG BMX Track

YOG Report - 7 Aug 2010 (Album 1)

YOG Report - 13 Aug 2010 (Album 2)

YOG Report - 14 Aug 2010 (Album 3)

YOG Report - 15 Aug 2010 (Album 4)

YOG Report - 16 Aug 2010 (Album 5)

YOG Report - 17 Aug 2010 (Album 6)

YOG Report - 16 Aug 2010 (Album 7)

YOG Report - 17 Aug 2010 (Album 8)

YOG Report - 17 Aug 2010 (Album 9)

YOG Report - 18 Aug 2010 (Album 10)

YOG Report - 18 Aug 2010 (Album 11)

YOG Report - 18 Aug 2010 (Album 12)

YOG Report - 19 Aug 2010 (Album 13)

YOG Report - 19 Aug 2010 (Album 14)

YOG Report - 19 Aug 2010 (Album 15)

YOG Report - 19 Aug 2010 (Album 16)

YOG Report - 20 Aug 2010 (Album 17)

YOG Report - 20 Aug 2010 (Album 18)

YOG Report - 20 Aug 2010 (Album 19)


YOG Report - 21 Aug 2010 (Album 20)

YOG Report - 22 Aug 2010 (Album 21)

YOG Report - 22 Aug 2010 (Album 22)

YOG Report - 22 Aug 2010 (Album 23)

YOG Report - 22 Aug 2010 (Album 24)

YOG Report - Post-race (Album 25)

ACE Adventure Challenge 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2010

2010-09-21T23:52:00.001+08:00

"Many people might think that the Race Director is the soul of an event. But for Ace Adventure Challenge (AAC), the soul lies in you, the racers, the volunteers, and the sponsors."

Joanne Soo
Race Director
Ace Adventure Challenge

And here is where Joanne is only half correct (or half wrong, depending on how you look at it). Having taken part in 4 out of the 6 ACE races, I can safely say that the Race Director of the Ace Adventure Challenge races is the "Queen of Souls"! She puts her heart, sweat and tears into every event that she organises, and I'm glad to have put mine into her events! Kudos to Joanne and her great team! Hip hip hurray! :)

As with any adventure race, teamwork is critical in completing a race....and if you're lucky, you may end up with teammates who share your passion, joy, pain and laughter....sometimes laughing all the way to the podium!

Here are some of the teammates that I shall forever share fond memories of our pain and suffering together...thank you guys! Couldn't have done it all without ya!

2004 - Team Angels (LingtheMerciless, Becks and Rina)


2005 - Team JAFT (Becks, Mingloid and LingtheMerciless)


Team BetchaKennyLingers (not in photo) (Becks, Lopez and LingtheMerciless)

Team WTF (YungKhan, Lopez and LingtheMerciless)

Albums of 4 years of racing (thanks to the photographers who took these great shots)
Album (Ling)

2010 Race Albums

Album (Bernard Koh)

Album 1 (Chin KK)
Album 2 (Chin KK)

Album (James Wong)

Album (Jervis Mun)

Album (Kenneth Koh)

Album (Laura Liong)

Album (Lee YungMing)

Album (Sharon Chia)

Album (Teh Boon Keng)

Album (Wilson Low)

Album (Yap ChiWei)

Biggest World Cup 2010 sensation : Paul, the Oracle Octopus

2010-07-12T12:01:00.000+08:00

'Psychic' octopus seals perfect record

(AFP) Monday 12 July 2010

AFP

Paul the "psychic" octopus finished the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ with a flawless record as Spain's 1-0 win over the Netherlands in Sunday's final left him with eight perfect predictions.

The eight-legged oracle has become a FIFA World Cup sensation by correctly forecasting all seven Germany games in South Africa and he finished the tournament in style by predicting a Spanish victory in the Soccer City sign-off.

As Paul foretold last week, Spain won their first world title after Andres Iniesta's 116th-minute strike broke the Netherlands' hearts. The tentacled tipster also correctly predicted Germany would beat Uruguay in Saturday's third place play-off.

In the now familiar routine, two boxes were lowered into his tank last week, each containing a mussel and the flags of the two opposing teams. Paul went straight to the correct box both times, wrenched open the lid and gobbled the tasty morsel.

But the art of football predicting has become a dangerous job for the English-born clairvoyant. He fell offside with bitter German fans who threatened to turn him into sushi after he predicted a semi-final defeat for the Mannschaft against Spain.

Paul's home, an aquarium in western Germany, has received death-threat emails saying "we want Paul for the pan," said entertainment supervisor Daniel Fey. No less an authority than Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luiz Rodriguez Zapatero has called for octopus bodyguards. Spanish Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian has called for the creature to be given an "immediate" free transfer to Spain to "ensure his protection."

Stung by Paul's "treachery" at picking Spain over Germany in last Wednesday's semi-final, some sections of the 350,000-strong crowd watching the game on giant screens in Berlin sang anti-octopus songs.

His prediction of a Spanish victory is expected to be the last for Paul, who in octopus terms is a pensioner, at the grand old age of two-and-a-half. Octopuses generally live three years at the latest.

Link : http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1273034/index.html

____________________________________________________________________

5 Theories To Explain “Oracle” Octopus Paul’s Perfect World Cup Predictions [Video]

Spain’s victory Sunday in the World Cup has people wondering how Paul, the “Oracle” octopus predicted the historic win over the Netherlands. And for that matter, how does Paul forecast so many other football matches with such perfection? The mollusk’s on a run with his predictions, scoring a perfect record, 8-for-8, for the 2010 World Cup. Earlier the octopus accurately predicted Germany would beat Uruguay in the World Cup’s third place match on Saturday. Paul also foresaw all four of Germany’s wins and two of its losses.
Paul, who lives in a tank at a Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, Germany, shows his predictions by picking between two clear plastic boxes. Each box holds a tasty snack, either a mussel or an oyster, and has the flag of the country of a World Cup competitor. The box Paul opens and eats from first is considered the future winner. Paul’s predictions have been 100% correct for the 2010 World Cup, and have been reported to be 86% (12/14) correct overall. Not bad for a “common” octopus.
But not everyone is convinced of Paul’s purported psychic abilities. Skeptics, scientists, mathematicians, logicians, rational-minded folks and, of course, fans of the losing teams, have offered the following explanations for the accurate predictions by the octopus.

Could the game be fixed? Perhaps Paul likes oyster better than mussel, for example. If so, whichever human being puts the food in each box could actually be the “oracle,” because if his keeper knew Paul preferred oyster, all the keeper would have to do is put oyster in the box with the team he thought, through human rational thinking and information, might win. The octopus would then go to the box which had the food he preferred, which of course would be the box of the winning team.
Paul’s trained. This octopus species, Octopus vulgaris, has sensitive chemoreceptors on its tentacles, which can taste food and “smell” water. Some biologists have suggested that minor chemical differences on the surface of each box might account for Paul’s decisions. Some people say that Paul could be trained to choose the right box by smell. The plastic containers reportedly have holes to help him choose.
Good odds and good luck. If you’re a betting person, you have to admit the odds are in Paul’s favor. Because there are only two choices, he has a 50-50 chance of predicting the winner every time. You can compare that to a run of luck during a coin toss. Mathematically, Paul has a 1 in 64 chance of predicting six in a row. It’s extremely better odds than winning the California lottery (1 in 13 million) or getting killed by lightning (1 in 2,320,000).
You never hear about all the animals that try and fail to predict the outcome of sports competitions. If you consider how many such animals and gimmicks might be out there, and how many fail, then it doesn’t sound so omniscient that you only hear about Paul, the one that just happens to be successful. The news media won’t cover (or necessarily mention) all the others. And the owners of establishments won’t make any money off the failed animal “prophets.” There’s strong interest not to mention the ones that fail and to hype up the ones who succeed.
Paul may be biased. Although scientists believe Octopus vulgaris is most likely color blind, Paul may still be able to see horizontal lines, as well as levels of brightness, object size and orientation. Because the flag of Germany is a horizontal tricolor, the octopus may naturally be drawn to it more often. Likewise the flag of Spain is a horizontal tricolor, as is the flag of Serbia. Paul may be able to distinguish the horizontal lines as well as the brightness in the preferred countries’ colors.

Overall, it’s possible that Paul’s choosing the boxes in a systematic way, perhaps on the basis of how he perceives the countries’ flags or which food is offered. But so far no objective scientific experiments have been conducted with Paul that would shed light on how the octopus is reaching such success in “seeing the future.”

Here’s a YouTube video showing Paul making his famous prediction of Spain’s victory over Germany. Watch it carefully. You be the judge. How do you think the octopus is making his predictions? Is the octopus an “oracle” or a charlatan? Leave your theory in the comments below.

Link to video : http://indyposted.com/32120/paul-oracle-octopus-world-cup-predictions-spain-netherlands/

Translation of Adam Baki's Article on MTB Himachal 2006

2010-07-11T21:05:00.002+08:00

Thanks to Adam, here's a translation of the article he published in a Hungarian magazine : see below: http://lingthemerciless.blogspot.com/2007/08/adam-baki-writes-about-mtb-himachal.html

Enjoy :)
It is a huge challenge to autotranslate from Hungarian, as its nature is totally different from English. There are no prepositons but there are a lot of suffixes, word orders are totally different, and very often personal pronouns are there only in implicit ways built into the verb. And there is never any gender in any word. But sometimes it's quite good!

Adam

--------------------------

2005th October 15, New Delhi.

The plane's nose turns towards Europe, and we were two weeks in India and the Himalayan adventure racing finally rejoiced: this is also survived. Was special? Yes. Worth it to go? But you did. Visszajönnénk? NEVER.

2006th October 3

The plane's nose in New Delhi takes the direction of ...

What brought him to us, to return to the 9-day-fat Indian MTB Himachal mountain bike competition? Why was not good for us at home, the pleasant early autumn time bringázni, finomakat eat, sleeping in a bed? Maybe something was missing, that India, despite all its hardness and the challenge of fully found. In real life, wildness and spontaneity, which is part of the world is no longer exposed to rain, thousands of meters of the endless chain of mountains and the spaces between them is incomprehensible to the mind as if relaying, letepernek, and lifted up again ... we wanted to, if only for a few days, but again we let it be capitalized Life.

This time, three of them cut their journey. Szentmiklósi Norbi, who last year won the competition, this year also wanted to prove to himself and joined us in our new friend, Valentine's is woody. Neither of them explicitly versenycentrikus-minded, but I knew from the start that this event is not primarily about.

The Indira Gandhi airport is already equipped with some experience of running in circles, the megalkudtunk taxisokkal, and you can robogtunk toward the hotel. Balint, a new companion as he scratched the comments of the local transport, cinema-like sit, and not your own feel to the skin, amazing to us when the accident causing traffic situations. The hotel is well-known last year, but this time only 3 hours we spent here, as the bus set off at five o'clock Shimlába, competition starthelyére. The room is on the wall of a night-long gecko pihenőjét disappeared from entering the ventilation system, and we tried to sleep a little.

Buszoztunk night last year, this year, but days, so we saw more. Delhi outward for hours before our eyes opened to the third world, what the news is rarely mentioned. The szemétdombokon, ragged tents along the way, thousands of people, struggling with the daily living a miserable fate of people, the ten million slaughtered in Delhi in the middle of vast fields, bűzölgő szeméthegyei ... which is sometimes a luxury break lakóparkövezet, possibly a slide park, but only to the following méterektől again filth and misery you can see, interminably. The most humane man is bound to arise, that this can not be rectified, that the land should be equal to, and start again, otherwise. As the Swiss vasútmérnökök said the not-so-harmless famous train network in India, which has sought views on: "It's Beyond repair".

On the road due to engine megtankoltuk the bus, and then began the mountain began to meander, and with it the familiar feeling sick. The trip truly breathtaking experience. Then we come out of the almost two-day trip to the place of destination is situated 2200 meters Shimlába. After landing on carriers offering the service of trying to dismantle the army that we are indeed expected, as the organizers promised some supplies from the bus station. Some telefonálgatás after it has been exhausted in that I sent to a director and a participant to help. Thus, after all, we needed porters, who insisted that the only tracks in the task. Bringadobozt first three and then some. 60 kilos csomaghalmot tried to bring her back to us. We took what is ours, and then blown off the hand of the one-hour walk.

It does not matter, we're here, we're here, quickly pack up the bikes, and the next day it starts in the competition. Again we took part in the English dating from the briefing, held an elegant boardroom, where directors leszegezett eyes read the assigned competition rules, as a court ruling, but has been little substantive information. A day spent at the end of the first Indian dinner, a spicy flavors make friends again.

The organizers of the competition - between those who would otherwise not montis - keep the Transalp and TransRockies races after the third Such rendezvényként shown themselves. And I really do not know that not only does not the third, but about as much to do with the Transalp as Anettkának of space travel. The competition is nevertheless tempting: 9 days in the Himalayas Seeking insurance, all meals, luggage, three times a day update. 20 vehicles and nearly 100 to help ensure competition bonyolításáról, tents, latrines and eating establishment. $ 300 seems really good option.

1st days. Distance: 70 km, level: 1700 m

On the first day before the start of the allocated rajtszámokat, which saw it was feared that because of röhögőgörcs goes awry at the outset of this work. 17-inch screen size rajtszámokat getting back and forth also lyrics to a waistcoat, which was also included in the figure. Some of them even put them up wheelsets. We are a well-cut, placed in the bin in the back, and eventually it became the fate of the vest. In the meantime, we look at this year's marches. Many friends we met last year, Singapore was brought Winnie the local biker society is also part of the 11 individual cyclist's friend. They were great bikes, Titus, Specializedek, Santa Cruz, so he waited for them to compete, not the 20-pound Indian csodagépekkel (or even out of print) with locals. There was also a surprise later!

This year has been less international in the event, Europe is represented only by us, apart from a skóttól migrated to Singapore. There was also a New Zealand girl, with her husband, who is leading a charitable hospital in India and one of Australia's 40-man, a real veteránbringás. The rest were Indians, many of them for the first time in their lives is wound in the field. The bicycles in a U.S. $ 15 000 stores around the level of moving pieces, one of the popular weight of 30 pounds was estimated fulltelós wonder. Outside, there is nothing available in a typical, even in New Delhi are also a living machine rolled Geryon, who is home every other day, that is, Land Rover and seven for waiting.

Before departure, even in India have undergone the inevitable hivataloskodáson under which the local Sports, who greet and made a special tip size molinate soldiers are ordered out, shook hands with all participants. After this is over, started out in the step - as a fired startpisztoly and started the race car is one of the organizers turned to face us on the road ...

Like last year, again, for transfer and versenyszakaszokból built along the route. Something weird phase of view, all fours Timed sent us, and is therefore usually had no idea exactly what position is reserved for teams. The first was a beautiful soul and the body versenyszakasz: very hard terrain montis beautiful scenery. Yeah, this is the case, I said to myself, not knowing that's pretty much the last time that a really enjoyable track scrolling. The first day Norbi pályakijelölés Despite its shortcomings, still has an advantage gained, it was no doubt confident he can win this year. 20 minutes behind, but not in the Singaporeans followed csúcsgépekkel with almost identical times, but is itself the Indian Army! The competition is part of the military adventure agyontrenírozott team. These people are so wrapped in the bike as the kid next door to the first beyond PolarX-zero technique, 20-pound-műanyagpedálos duplavállas-de-do-not-moving machines have telos, skater wore knee and elbow, but terminator power Persistence and hid them. (!!!) Of water and energy supplies were able to climb without the 3-4 hours in the sweltering heat, dry in the finish of the cast from the mouth of the port energiaitalnak. The rajtoknál a tremendous battle cries uttered. They are trained to túléljenek everything. While the custom in India is rich in many marches expected (after all, is the average pay there többhavi entry), the soldiers were simple layers in, or language spoken. It was surprising that even the rest of India we can start a fan of them.

First, we arrived at the campsite, and as he rested, emerge from the grass of the cameras. The last year has also added some new shooting a known, fixed and patiently, as stretched out on the grass and did not do nothing at all. As you move one of us, he was behind the camera. Idegesítővé can quickly become the stuff!

After dinner, campfire around which we travel to the "band" of three songs for an acoustic guitar to the west in an interesting level. Go for a while, but it would take 9 days having to listen to it every night? The ceremony this year, but the whole acceptable, there is a laptop projector, podium, and all challengers, and interviewed each of the cameras crossfire.

2nd days. Distance: 80 km, level: 1230 m

As it appeared, there is a chance the other day I decided, I will throw myself in the racing and Balint Norbi with: what things would be the first to win three seats! Norbival left alone in the szakaszunkra. The first problem came in the shape of a truck slowly trotted before us, which occupied the whole width of the dusty road, but it went too slowly. It was impossible to prevent, if only because it is 10 meters behind the opaque dust and smoke shed itself, which 80% pulzusnál smoke can not be said to be healthy. And if such an incident by ... Finally, a way to turn could break, but had been repeatedly cursed the Indian roads. Norbi even started, I was alone, but was soon surprised to see it, as it waits for a climb - the signs had just unloaded a charge of locals, but does not speak English, we were not sure which way to go. It has repeatedly played, and then we finish Norbival almost simultaneously, which means that he has lost at least half an hour, but it was the first one. The camp remains to be done was a transfer phase. The setting sun lights up while we arrived at the camp for sports ground, but the bikes are not allowed to take in, because they "interfere with the gods who live there." Some noszogatásra our luggage and managed to obtain a bucket of cold water, which bathed - for a long time last time. The shower cabin, two small zip-represented in the toilets and cups in a hole dug in the ground has been set above. Guggolós alkalmatosságokról course is - it was a good chance that the day after the spasm Seeking get the calf, and then ... News: Mount Everest summit also been to India she fell in a ravine (gleccserszemüveg why they should be in the twilight?), Lost consciousness, but he's fine. Indian friends, and Siba - called the loans, and to date, a few days after training to win the competition and even to win, because there is no money to go home in Mumbai - similar fate, only to miraculously was not seriously hurt when a pole ütközve fell into the abyss. He is also a fanatic, fémhulladékokból to build a replica of a serious fulltelós bikes Bibliaként worn bike, read foreign newspapers had seen photographs. The miracle is that they work well.

3rd days. Distance: 95 km, level: 1900 m

The third day we had a longer continuous rise in the first 30 km below the 1500 feet level had to overcome the usual wide roads. Two-thirds of the road slightly increased the slope of a rather boring stretch középtányéros what the soldiers did meccselés memorable. The individual starting at half the distance fast train rumbled by, the pair walked together indulókkal a while, and I could not imagine that such a relative can go well with the step technique. Sine wave passed, the whole upper body up and down was, at the heel wrapped in plastic pedals. Water was not for them, but had not updated the itatóponton, so eventually they could go. I started ranking, deposited the podium, but re-appeared towards the end of the mountain - the road became a bit steeper, and some have small plates technikázás also had to progress. Here they depleted the battery, and could settle for leelőzni them. I am also at the end of my strength and my felszabadításként been rising over time, and only 10 km lejtőzés was the target - the first in meters catharsis I did, and I was glad I took the corners, because I was sure of a second after Norbi space. I had to come to India to compete in a tournament is really the first time in my life! Already looking forward to exciting matches coming days - I had no idea about the megpróbáltatásokról, which these days are posed.

Valentine's excitement comes from: is almost killed by a kőlavina! Poured down the hillside directly in front overhead aggregates, some parties, "with 50, while rushing down the mountain. Was lucky, just avoided each other. Today, the umpteenth India asks what we used to start the Tour de France, and completely serious about.

4th days. Distance: 100 km, level: 1400 m

The fourth day began leisurely to the team, even in the morning we visited a Hindu temple is beautiful. Inside - a strictly barefoot and headscarf - we walked around the building is reminiscent of an enchanted castle, a shrine and knelt in front of the priest who hands sweet candies, sweetly smiling homlokunkra placed red dots - it looks like a templomlátogatás.

A common konvojszakasz long after we arrived in the extraction phase of competition downhill champion, winning a special prize was. 20 kilometers, more than 1,000 meters in level of a dusty, rocky road, which is there in the road. Although mostly sloped, but had to wring the észvesztően nagytányér-cone, due to go tempo, high-fantasy was to make this someone please downhill. We both went to the Hungarians. Norbi undertaken that is behind me, Valentine's still lagging behind in the beginning. However, the entire long-haul two-thirds of the rise was unexpected, occurred in the Spinning my legs could not stand the sudden change in load is very belassultam. Finally, re-slope of the terrain has changed, when suddenly gliding beside you: a sneaky overtaking For Valentine's! Apparently, he better lay in the rising. Very belehúztunk, but a half minutes later, we can target all three of them, less than a second apart. Well, he was angry enough to Balint, but the point is that this part of ourselves behind the whole field were directed.

By the time everyone arrived and continued their already well it went in the afternoon, was still a long way to go. A more prolonged and arduous because of the heat, we arrived at the end of the voyage in convoy on the second phase of the measured starthelyére. 1200 meters below the level of 20 kilometers, at 5 pm, while half-past six dark, and terribly slow, the team is full of people! This is nonsense, I asked the organizers to be removed from the stage because everyone will come in the dark. In addition, at 5 pm then climb ... But I baked them the ignorant optimism: It will be so good, will pick who gets in is not. Yeah, right. We were forced to start. Norbi mingled with the soldiers and Balint's game, I let them go, I was not good. For more than an hour wrapped alone in the twilight of a dog when it appeared in the distance. I did not afraid of dogs around here are very pious, a not hear barking. It also surprised when I jumped next argument, and bitten! I'm in the middle of the Himalayas, and remains a lousy bastard! First I tried to disregard reakciómban, then we swore in Hungarian, that the villagers might still known, in addition to two days in a hoarse voice is. Because such an attack can be fatal weird. Furthermore, it has become darker, and I had no choice, had to go on the road. Norbiék just in front of me, the organizers of nowhere. Before you have quite dark, the organizers have found an off-road, and told them to go from an inch or more in the darkness without the lights on a road, which is on the edge of the gap is several hundred meters. Great hard to understand, and finally collected the beérkezőket me too. Meanwhile, many also lose some director's car, which has felpakoltak the rear ones. When it finally froze me in the sweaty jersey in the cold, the carriage lights continued their light. Lyukadtunk around 8 pm in a village where everyone is occupied by the local tavern - 5 km from here still rising steeply, and then leads to a one-hour trekking to the camp! They are all crazy! In addition, there is this kutyamarás. Who showed, panic broke out, and as the news reached the ears of organizers, has also thrown into the SUV: go to the nearest hospital. The organizers of incredible mistakes, but it is certain that the trouble superhuman way helpful. Zötykölődés one hour after we arrived at a hospital, which is a deserted waiting room MAV-pointed. Silence reigned, there was not a soul. The organizers pulled the village doctor, who, after some körülményeskedés examined. The wound was not bad, although it was not certain that harapásról karmolásról or whether it is. While the wall áttipegő vizslattam spider - then I saw in my life! - The doctor a little scribble your papers, then suddenly straightened up, lifted the paper itself, and theatrical voice began to speak: "Edom FROM HÁNGÖRI! ÁÁÁJ PRISZKRÁÁÁJB JÚÚÚ ... "The ice arrow slit fear into me - what the hell will it give me? "Take-out: Tetanus INDZSIKSÖN. Naneee ... aztneeem, from a fever for 2 days, I am anyway I have a couple years ago ...

Unswerving. "SZEKOND: VEROBAB INDZSIKSÖN. What the jófene? It turns out that the anti-rabies vaccine. Looking at the wound - be it for me right here? Maybe some of the pathogen will die, you stabbed me in the injection. Finally I surrender to fate, but twenty times in the soul enters: Tetanus NO! Do you understand? Are you? That's good. The first injections were gathering somewhere soon - there will be four others, but must be kept refrigerated, it will always be obtained locally. The nurses run in a dimly lit room flickering bulb - the wall, dirt on the operating table tocsog human blood - and submit to the dose. For a moment lose sight of the hand, keeps a close eye on, from Buju for the needle to get into the contents of the ampoule to prevent me döfjenek's something deadly infection. Finally, all right, my hands pressed against the prescription (no prescription charges), and visszakocsikázunk to the village. The others have already took it up to the campsite, but the organizers and the bikes are down, I have to wait until someone re-starts. Meanwhile, the chief good political érzékről Proving their invite a bottle of rum, the company is running out so quickly that soon followed by the second. 10 hours of the night, I have not eaten since noon, in a shivering 10 degrees fiber shirts, I could cry, but the alcohol sheds feel better. Dhananjay, one of the chief does not believe me when I show him that same day, the promised level of 70 km and 900 meters instead of 100 km walked 1,400 feet level, and even in principle, 600-700 m level to come. Finally, clear to: be, not only between the level of the main stations have been added together, but in between these waves have had to be measured? I do not want to believe that this came out here and now. Around 11 we go out, car components to the steep, rocky section, as long as the road permits. Finally, a vehicle or stand on, just walk out of here we go. The journey of one hour, the hunger and alcohol dizzy upward climb on the stones, while the Indian companion constantly keep the ball rolling. Finally we arrived at midnight, just to run before serving dinner. At midnight! Begins to dawn that this year things will be different way than the previous year. The camp is also situated in a beautiful clearing in the embrace of the mountains, and the organizers of excessive irracionalitásáról reveals that thousands of kilos of stuff in both hordárokkal hozatták up to date, as a place inaccessible to vehicles. Tents, packs, cooking pot, bowl ... normally gone wrong to hang on in spite of this we are in the performance. Bath is not an option, botként leaning into the tent.

5th days. Distance: 80 km, level: 1500 m

The next morning, the idyllic: the sun, green meadows, denied entry into school uniforms for children, cute little kölyökkecskéket shepherds shepherds. I meet, they are worried for your interest in kutyamarásom. Singapore is a good girl in the field of small lefotózzuk templomfélét. Nehezünkre is started. During the day more fun to walk down a beautiful place, the second stage with a very terrain platójáról enjoy the incredible view. Carved into the steep slopes, long runs of small terraces - the resulting pair of square meters of land cultivated, mostly maize.

Below we are waiting for the bike, fortunately there. Long-transfer phase after the day we arrive startjához measured phase, and again south to act in time. Width of the road, rocky road leads back, nothing technical. The first few kilometers of slopes: the mighty mountains carved into the side of road racing, virtually dissolved in the vast space around me, and it is very spiritual életörömmel upload, happiness pass me. Soon will start the 1200 meters difference in altitude climbing is sweltering - my watch for almost believe my eyes: 2000 meters or 37 degrees! Maddening was warm, a small waterfall, it is refreshment stand, while one Indian soldier desperate view of the wheel from side to prevent tearing, his lungs wheeze, rub language of the land. The road awful boring középtányéros Printing up, only the beauty of the landscape provides refreshment. Finally I arrive, as it turned out, not so much after Norbi. Felajzottan will soon come to rest: a bloody attack on a bull-horned wild bringásokat! I had no problem with it, but wanted by many in szarvalni. The road on one side and a huge gap on the other vertical cliff. They come to the Singaporeans, the soap show in video: rock climbing seek to avoid some of the others in front of them while trying to bringájukat elslisszolni preserved. Finally, everyone get away with just a little bit of your body horpad bull attack. It turns out is also one of the soldiers fighting to cut the 20-pound bike is in the beginning because he was on his way. Therefore, it was a bloody horn, and therefore it was an aggressive. Fate is just: the soldier in the same 7 day fell and hit his head, two fun days, wrapped in blood-soaked fejkötésben.

Section 30 kilometers from the shuttle waiting for us even though time has already started to switch to kilometers in the Indian counting, which is always európainál 20-50% more, ie, never know that the declared distances and levels will correspond to reality. And the thing is, not the organizers. Along the way we was evening, but that's not making us suddenly, yesterday, the lamp has been indispensable to the road. Some of us szegődtek so safe lejutottunk 8 pm at the height of the camp. Here another surprise awaited us: the Cars lost, are just looking for a way to camp! Dinner, tents, packs anywhere! This is a cool valley of us sweated mezekkel. Some huddle helplessly in a wall, pulls out vésztartalékaikat. Meanwhile, we get a little hot tea and some fried vegetables. Getting the entire refugee camp in the sense, but most are still happy and discussing gotjokes. As the packets arrive, find the towels, then throw in the creek near the camp. Quick lemosdás the icy water. Dinner is at about 11 now. It was a hard day too. I begin to feel ill. The effect of injection? Or caught a cold yesterday? Playing of the idea of resting one day, but you can not: only 3 minutes or 2 location! You must go, no matter what it is!

6th days. Distance: 50 km, level: 2200 m

The next morning, it is clear that something was wrong. The excruciatingly sore throat, I can not swallow, I keep köpdösnöm should have a little fever. But I can not give up. The heat will throttle myself, I thought.

In today's first measured ETAP perhaps the longest continuous climb in the world MTB races: 30 kilometers of unbroken upward, 1700 m level! The goal of the 3300 meters from Jalori Pass, the area is one of the most popular pass, of course, still the usual broad, boring roads. Now ready, I have music player for the trip. The watch would slowly increase the distance level, continuously köpdösök all swallowing is like a hot knife csúsznának down my throat, I am unable to drink. Soon waive the 3-hour settlement, only to drive to felérjek. Half the distance of catharsis: a way to Pain of Salvation album is a compelling song to my ears, the fever in my body works, and the mountains towering around me, something breaks the surface. Lowing piteously. I never have lived through one, do not push it too, very good shit, free. I feel pure soul I come to the top.

Karen above, the New Zealand doctor calls a hot tea, and I was standing in the cold in front of a fleeing car's thinking, carry on. Still, some 'bike'n Hike ", ie mostly tekerhetetlen path, which is in the singletrack, et a substitute, then a downhill section - or so they say. If I had known what awaited me, I close the door myself, but so that they can not get out of anything. Most difficult hours of my life began. But as I thought, just 20 minutes of walking and a half hours of exciting to go downhill, I started.

Balint we rallied, and a Norbival Indians and nekiindultunk transfer phase. The road now led into the woods, paint little white spots I had to blow about a half tekerhetetlen terrain. The trail keeps ágazott scattered about, some time after the signal is lost, but we advanced with confidence, as our companion on our way there were shepherds in India have said yes, so he went to the other bike. When you have an hour lejtőztünk and marched instead to the promised 20 minutes, and only saw no sign in front of suspicion began to catch. Maybe mixed with evil? I have been very badly, I was walking was difficult for even a single piece of rongyként stretched on the ground. We tried to send GPS koordinátáinkat an organizer, but there was no signal. Have just started back when she appeared in a organized by us was sent to others who had to go the wrong way. It was really cool, but I am horrified to think that this lejtőzést an hour to climb back now, and indeed, even hundreds of meters kiindulóponttól foot climb leads to a downhill startjáig. Slowly we advanced, but was pushed back to the bike and was on the verge of collapse. Meanwhile, many organizations have appeared, and one of them took me to the bike. Afraid, but I had to pass, I could not have dragged me. Two hours after the climb approached this strand, but still had some left. 100 meters of ramp is a very steep path. Here I was able to travel only on hands and knees, the two organizations have also rushed to help, relying on their shoulders and dragged myself up. It was embarrassing, but there was no other choice, the disease is extremely weak. Meanwhile, everyone asked, what will be the way down. "It's a nice, fast downhill", the organizers said, smiling. Well, when a small bomb downhillről is, they are not deprived of the Stumpy, even if I did not have to stand in one place. While the cars may go back, but I just did not want to, because it is Timed Section. It was late by the time the strand for us, but there was a dark hour, 16 miles lejtőzés soon as you have - we thought. Before departure, a few more minutes elterültem like a corpse, trying to gather strength to get started. Finally set off. The downhill gradient started off the bat, and then traces and pits mostly tekerhetetlen ingázott up and down a steep hillside, where often there was no path. The umpteenth shoulder cipelős climbing is a collective cursed by the Organising Committee of the whole - there is none! This is called the Vietnam bozótharcot their downhill? One susnyáson áttekerve hiss from the rear wheel. Punctures! Never mind, I go further, perhaps stick. And wonder took hold of the rubber lötykölődő Stance, not eresztett off the rubber. Meanwhile, the darkness began to descend, so the survival instinct still drew energy from somewhere, and the others tried to keep pace. The white markings are more difficult we have seen, finally, they have researched with the lamp on the stones, trees. The district held a half, when it was quite dark, and we stood there in the hillside, 3,000 meters of altitude. The threat of darkness came to mind Valentine's Lonely Planet book is the part in which the inhabitants of the mountains show the bears, leopards, snakes ... Flashing lights in the trees! Could odabotorkálnunk. A lonely, locked in a house the other runners, and we found a camera team. They did not know how to reach you. Cuttingly cold wind was blowing, the temperature has long since fallen to under 10 degrees, there was nothing on us and the thin brown outside. The house sat on the side of the wind next to each other closely, and shared our remaining vacogva ennivalónkat. I thought, what could be done. The most reasonable solution presented itself, by breaking the door of the house and put on fire inside. The total darkness of suicide have been neglected or off from the edge of the abyss, call failed. Half an hour later we saw lights - they come down to walk to the organizers, who brought us starthelyről. They do not know which way to go! Fényjelzésekkel half an hour we managed to house them. Very nice they were, gave his own kabátjaikat, nadrágjaikat not stay warm enough. Nevertheless, in a bucket of water would have strangled them, because had to know that this path is impossible in an hour they reach, they have left to get started. Some of them had a stronger light, thus forming a chain, we headed down together. After a walk of about an hour we arrived at the finish line, where the célfelelős consciously preparing the record sheets, and was engraved in our time in the papers. Is your wits, man? Valentine rips and hozzávágja the start number, the others paid no putting it got into the cars. They are really not normal. The camp is more the news spread that the soldiers sabotaged the signals, so wrong in the beginning. Perhaps, anything I can imagine them, but you never know the truth.

I was so sick I am to set up their own one-man tent in the camp, not to disturb Norbiékat night. It turns out, one Singaporean girl fell and broke his leg down the mountain road. Had you gipszelték. Many of them are considering going home.

7th days. Distance: 40km, level: 1000 m

My favorite company in the morning, the Singaporeans communicate that to them which they are fed up, we all got out and therewith Manaliba travel, destination of the competition to rest. Two Indian hazaindul well. For me the competition was over, I am dead, but I break my head to go to the szingapúriakkal. Very good tips, it will not be without great atmosphere in the race. Finally, I do not want to leave themselves Norbiékat, I will stay, but only one of the organizers of the car. It does not matter, a photographer. That day it did not work, because while the drivers in a few hours to get over the hill, we had to avoid it, so had to go 100 kilometers, which is the mountain roads in lasted for 8 hours. Reopened in the dark, cold, we get to, swimming, hiking is not an option. Norbi talks about the trip: this time it was a lot of walking and with technical section. While he is on the steep serpentine technikázott down on the bike (and CC's nature very well go down), the soldiers cut off the road upwards, their backs to the bike kamikázeként rushed down the rocky, steep road! Here he was taken advantage of training courses for ...

8th days. Distance: 80 km level: 1150 m

The next day was the main organizer, Mohi car I get, which is followed throughout the field, so this opportunity to shoot, no it's a little more acquainted with the organizational difficulties. Mohi-driving while talking about the same time both a phone and radio. The phone will narrow winding mountain road upwards. The Englishman mixed hindiből you understand that our people being locked in the bank account. Beats off the sweat, screaming furiously, while on the brink centizgeti an oncoming car to pass by. Unbelievable, but I'm not frightened, indeed, my life was not so calm. Here in the Himalayas each other.

The checkpoint is one of a fire struck the director, corn bake it, I received a nearby house. Megkínál us, fine.

The track is a long climb begins after lejteni. I look with envy to the rest of the car, pulled down on the way - 1200 m are 20 km. I almost just had a climbing and walking, while I was competing. From the window I watch as 7 days after Seeking there are many who are still sitting in the saddle full weight of the rocky slope, with a leg down. Risk of death. Meanwhile, the radio significantly disturbing news coming in Hindi, and almost I am sure that I do not use English words because I was sitting there. I ask, what's the problem. "Ah, no problem" - says the organizer of the tears. A few minutes later admits to carrying tents and an open truck fell on top of her head, seated in the cargo of people injured. Hoppsz. (Later, it turns out there is no serious damage.)

The contestants arrive at the finish line. Everyone is so jaded now, and yet to transfer Section 40 kilometers - one of the busiest in the vicinity közútján! Last year we took them all on this route by car, but this year there is not enough space. Matuzsálemi black smoke spewing trucks and buses should be tekerniük poor and lack of rain nekiered. The life-threatening way, the convoy's long and slow, going behind the trucks and buses are full of unpredictable turns next to carry gas. Everyone constantly honk. When a long tunnel to be traversed, which is the most ancient cave recalls, and be sure to cut dust and smoke, will contain the lincshangulat bringásokon. It is also apparent that we are again in daylight. Finally, we stop for a rest area, and long after the tanakodás away with everyone still manages to kísérőautókba. Kullu end of the day, the area is one of the largest city, where religious festival takes place at this time. Last year it was time to walk away after a bath there, körbenézzünk, óriáskerekezzünk, dinner. This year, the cars just arrived in the evening, the dinner was not outside the energy of anyone else. The organizers have agreed not to fárasszanak us with the results, it could not agree to what time of day on the mountain ragadásos start. Since only a few people were involved, they did not want to delete the transit stops. Norbiék is waived during the versenyzésről, is just too wanted to be the whole thing. Writing in the evening: Valentine's sensitively observed, which can easily come over the agenda, when one of a small forest path on their shoulders carrying a large golden statue people ran together - as if nothing could be more natural. Norbi not even remember! India and the irrationality of all the Otherness röhögőgörcsben a huge break up and dissolve us. Later SMS arrives: Valentine's girlfriend just made a movie. This is so untrue then and there appeared to be unconscious again broke into convulsive laughter.

9th days. Distance: 60 km, level: 1500m

The illness abated nothing, but last year I knew that the last day of the most beautiful of them all, do not let up. The first 1000 meters of climbing still to elvitettem my car, but then the előkaptam Stumpy. 2 miles up a steep flight of stairs, through got to the place, which last year made the biggest impression on me. A small plateau on top of the church, the distant peaks of 6000. Above, newly opened tea stall missed, even sat down and enjoyed the peace of mind. I felt wonderfully. The time now was not as good as last year, could not do any good pictures, but little of the magnificent views. Finally, the last nekiiramodtunk measured phase, which for us was a tour only. Indeed, not even - it was pathetic, trudge, so we went to all three, as if he has not eaten for days. We did not work over time, and often stopped to take pictures as well. In any event, it was the most enjoyable way for the entire race, finally a real montis forest terrain slopes, short kaptatókkal. Despite the trouble really enjoyed it. Halfway bull stumbled. Bikás The affair has been more attentive to these animals, and this copy was also restless. We stopped, got off and started to push the bikes, while threatening to that of the male gaze. As I passed him, Norbit is pushed up a bit. The nearby Indians that laughing is good, what Norbitól received the first and probably lives a very fancy Hungarian cursing. Went further, and then stopped to look back. Valentine's gone! We wait a bit, then you can descend to the machine, what comes suddenly észveszett cry from behind them: Put! Valentine's spin thousand, followed by a large port, beating the 700-pound bull riding! Visszanyelem my heart in my throat, I try to start, but ... fell off the chain! You'll die in a bloody Indian Bull Horn pinned! The road slopes down belendítem myself, and then we felváltással to replace the chain. As I rolled up I begin to look back - the bull stopped. Huhh!

The car carried Manaliba end, the end station, where the days have been conducted in záróceremóniára of preparations. Manali is a real tourist center, a lot of the hotel, and every doorway waiting for some kind of outdoor sport, specialized agency of the tourists. What is the last known outdoor center in one obtained sokágyas room accommodation. Not much is 0 degrees above the temperature, but it is hot! It is also used. Departing for the closing ceremony, but no one anywhere, do not know the address. Only after a lengthy telefonálgatás been achieved, we have someone to come and bringing us to the site. This happens to be the city's main square was a small Teátrum. The great lords turned white armchairs dishonesty, including himself Himachal Governor vigyázállásban tension soldiers, suits and ties. Hear some straight-talking, and then begins the winners. First, the suits and ties receive tiszteletajándékban, then come the race, and India megdicsőül! The military has it all! Despite the low numbers it was a separate standard, but also in India and doubles categories, the latter's members and for some reason, the individual category was also evaluated. The first pair katonacsapat so that each category made some place, they have smiled awkwardly in the third trophy was delivered. The audience seated in rows of starters was convinced that the result was unjust and rather sparse applause was rewarded with a helyezetteket, but Valentine was applause when it took the trophy for best downhillesnek involved. Those are no longer surprised that the planned fabulous pénzdíjakból we saw nothing. Then told to sign a csekkekről missing someone. I have not had no money, and believing that it will remain so ...

If you have come so far in reading, you need not particularly describe why you will not be the only serious competitor ever to visit this event. Who in turn want to take part in an unforgettable adventure, its worth visiting the www.mtbhimachal.com page, where you can find some - a strong criticism read! - Information.

More photos: www.pbase.com / exseven

Nomad EcoXCapade 2010

2010-07-10T21:50:00.000+08:00

A Message From The Race Director

When the Eco X Series 2010 was over and everyone was safe and accounted for, the sense of relief I had was the most I have ever felt in 9 years of race organizing! This year's adventure race, I believe, had the most arduous conditions I ever worked in for any race or outdoor event in Malaysia.

At one point the gale force winds were gusting at an estimated 30 knots. There were marshals holding on to the canopies at Batu Dam, feeling all four legs of the canopy being lifted off the ground! Their sheer determination was the only thing preventing the tents from flying off. Scaffolding tumbled down around them as they were being lashed by torrential rain, like a scene in a disaster movie.

On the mountain biking section, the streams which could be easily ridden across became raging torrents with chest high water. Marshals and participants courageously helped everyone to safety. "We had an adventure race too!" yelled the mountain bikers as they rode triumphantly back to base camp.

The jungle trek at Gua Damai became a huge, slippery mud fest. Adventure racers staggered out of the jungle looking like Chinese coal miners rescued from a pit collapse! They were literally covered head to toe in mud. Even their faces were plastered so the only clean bit was their teeth and eye balls!

And the race went on through it all (except for a few teams who were stopped on the lake due to lightning danger). Racers and marshals alike were drenched and shivering, but with everyone's spirit burning brightly, that was what warmed my heart as I went around the race course. Not one person even thought of abandoning their post. Racers put the competition aside and just focused on helping each other out. The camaraderie, selflessness and dedication to duty from everyone on the race course was tremendous and something incredible to behold.

As a race director, every year I try to create an adventure race by putting together various disciplines and types of terrain. I organize logistics, information and many other details to create a event that runs well. But what I realized that day was that I could never create the amazing human spirit that I saw burning brightly that day. That is something that every racer, every marshal and volunteer brings to the event, and that sprit is what truly creates any adventure race.

It is merely my honor and privilege to have the best job in the world, where I get to witness the race that you guys bring to me. The Eco X Series 2010 was an outstanding success, and I humbly thank each and every racer, marshal and volunteer for it.

I salute all of you.

Yuen-Li and the Nomad Team.

Link : http://www.nomadadventure.com/adventure.php?section=ecox&page=ecox_20100704-message

Results : http://www.nomadadventure.com/content/adventure/ecox_20100704-result.xls

And how did Team Angels do?

I guess we did alright! :)

Albums :

Nomad

Ling
Hadi
Grace
Ming

Togoparts Team Challenge 2004

2010-04-16T21:14:00.014+08:00

Ace Adventure Challenge II - 2004

2010-04-16T20:59:00.015+08:00

Splash Eco X-Treme Selangor 2002

2010-04-16T20:37:00.003+08:00

How to Train your Salamander

2010-04-14T16:09:00.004+08:00

Watched How to Train Your Dragon last night....one of the best animation movies I've seen in a long time! I loved it x the power of infinity!

Rotten Tomatoes gave it a tomatometer rating of 98% (100% being the best), one of the highest ratings I've ever encountered for any movie. Clash of the Titans received a low 30%, Avatar an 82% approval rating and even The Hurt Locker lost out by 1% at 97%!! Even critics of movie critics seriously hammered a NY movie reviewer for giving a negative review for the movie.

Everyone I know who watched this movie wants to own a dragon right now! Throughout the movie, I was thinking that Toothless the dragon reminded me someone....or something....

A few internet searches after, it dawned on me that he looked suspiciously like my pet salamander, from the head right down to the body form and movement (see sample below). I wonder if this little creature inspired the animator to create this Night Fury. Similarly, I bet the animators of Avatar, in creating the flora and fauna in Pandora, was probably much inspired by marine creatures (hammerhead rhinos, jellyfish-like spirits, christmas tree plants that disappear upon the touch of your hand)....

I could continue dreaming about owning a dragon, but if there were gonna be anything remotely close to those cuddly little pets in the island of Berk, it would be my furry protectors, Sas and Tobz! They may not have wings nor the ability to breathe fire, but I wouldn't trade them for anything else in the world! :)

Another problem caused by deforestation

2010-04-12T12:09:00.004+08:00

And now the other problems caused by deforestation :

One of the problems first with deforesting the rainforests is that the soil is only of use to farmers before the nutrients have been sapped out and then suffer severe erosion without the forest of roots to prevent this, exacerbating the situation. Another problem is the loss of biodiversity, with many known and unknown species facing extinction (and potentially robbing us of future beneficial discoveries) and a large amount of the carbon dioxide-absorbing trees vanishing (and exacerbating any potential climate change).

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_some_problems_caused_by_deforestation_in_the_Amazon_Rainforest

Victims of SAC since 2005

2010-04-08T16:06:00.021+08:00

2010 marks the 5th year that I have repeatedly subjected myself to a weekend of torture, pain and suffering in Sabah, taking on the multi-day Sabah Adventure Challenge with bitter-sweet anxiety and great trepidation.

At the end of each race, we will declare that our performance could have been better if we had trained more (instead of the measley 3 joint practices), or even trained harder (instead of skipping practice for a cup of teh si and kaya toast)... The "We're gettin' old" excuse just doesn't cut it as that's the "oldest" excuse in the book...for if 57 year old Steve Bowman, 2009 Adventure Category winner can do it, so can we? Well.....we can only dare to dream....

And so year after year, we set out to resolve to train more, train harder for next year's race....and come a month before SAC, we start to panic and discuss ways to taper off on our training regiment before we even start!

But we console ourselves that SAC is not about winning or coming in a respectable position (even though it would be nice if we did)....it's about comraderie, friendship, teamwork, sportsmanship, cultural exchange, giving back to the local Sabahan community (from the organiser's perspective), immersing one with nature and taking on a challenge, day after day after day...and coming out stronger for it.

I just received a promotional email flyer from Airasia with the tagline : Stories always make for better souvenirs. I believe it's the memories of the time spent during such races that makes us stronger, humbler and wealthier in experience.

I have yet to write detailed accounts of the SAC races that I partook in the last 5 or so years, but here's a little snapshot of our past SAC races in the years 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (still work in progress as I look for all the photo and article links, and contemplate whether I should write an account of each suffering year).

Event : Sabah Adventure Challenge 2005

Date : 25 - 27 March 2005

Venue : Sabah, Malaysia
(Start) Mersilau Nature Resort
(Day 1 night) Kampong Tambatuan (Kota Belud district)
(Day 2 night) Kampong Sayap
(Finish) Kampung Taginampur

Teamname : Team S&M 2

Teammates : Lopez + Becks + Merciless

Fella Singapore Teams :
Team S&M1 = Mingloid + Chiku + Winnie.
Team Golite = Wilson (Adventure Racer) + Qi Xiang

Support Crew : Nik + Pling + Kang Wei + Kim

Organiser : Sabah Adventure Challenge

Write-up : Sabah Adventure Challenge 2005

Photos :

Kang Wei
http://www.clubphoto.com/reward.php?id=3186955&mid=members10_chong974319&pwd=

Kim
http://members10.clubphoto.com/kim983199/owner-176c-1.phtml

Nik
http://community.webshots.com/album/307291283SqGNrg
http://community.webshots.com/album/307293707lGvIDg

Zizach
http://community.webshots.com/user/sabahchallenge
http://community.webshots.com/user/ziczach

Category, Position : Adventure, 10th out of 17

In a nutshell :

Learnt about this race from Adventure Racer Wilson, who needed another partner, when he already had super strongman QiXiang! Thankfully I was in the middle of a filming and couldn't commit. Later, managed to con the rest of the gang to taking up a multi-day race.

This was my first multi-day race, and instead of our usual all-girl team "The Angels", Rina was not available to race, so Lopez took her slot (Lopez happens to be a guy, or so he claims)! There was absolutely no advantage fielding an all-girl team as there were no mens, mixed or womens category; only "Extreme" or "Adventure"!

Our navigational skills (or lack thereof) were tried, tested and with negative results to show for! We got severely lost on day 1, which set us back by quite a few positions, but we did alright on day 2 and 3. Camped out at the village head's house on night 1, and experienced some spooky howling at the witching hour of the night!

And with buffalo-riding as a race discipline, what's not to like?

Event : Sabah Adventure Challenge 2007

Date : 6 - 8 April 2007

Venue : Sabah, Malaysia
(Start) Monsopiad Cultural Village
(Day 1 and 2 nights) Kaiduan Valley
(End) Padang C (Football Field C) opp Penampang Police Station

Teamname : WTF

Teammates : Mingloid and Lopez

Organisers : Sabah Adventure Challenge

Write-up :
Sabah Adventure Challenge 2007
Sabah Adventure Challenge 2007 - Photographic Evidence
Sabah Adventure Challenge 2007 - The Results

Photos :

Christian Stauffeur
http://picasaweb.google.com/christeamstauffer/SAC07#

Ling
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=ay6vt6r.2aavrrzv&x=0&y=-ik7k1y

Liying
http://picasaweb.google.com/liying.lee/SabahAdventureChallenge#
Articles and Blogs :

New Sabah Times Article : http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/6822

Charlene's Blog : http://lenediane.wordpress.com/2007/04/12/my-busy-week/

Trekearth link : http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Malaysia/East/Sabah/

Yiling's Photos : http://picasaweb.google.com/liying.lee/SabahAdventureChallenge

Category, Position : Adventure, 9th out of 24

In a nutshell :

With the superior navigational prowess of my teammates, we managed a 9th out of 24 teams (excluding those that DNF) in the adventure category! It was hot, Ken almost died from heat exhaustion (eh, this is not Honky weather la dei), and we will ALWAYS remember that 11km abandoned railway track where rumour has it that Wilson stuck his head in a pool of mud to hydrate himself!

Event : Sabah Adventure Challenge 2008

Date : 21 - 23 March 2008

Venue : Sabah, Malaysia
(Start/Finish) Kundasang Homestay Village

Teamname : WTF (II)

Teammates : Kenny Lopez + Merciless
Fellow Singapore Teams :
Racing together with us, Team (I) = Foo + Becks
Later adopting navigational expert, KC from Dom and Pei Shunn's team.

Organisers : Sabah Adventure Challenge

Write-up : ................

Photos :

HK team video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owIl_jAurHU

KC
http://picasaweb.google.com/neuvocielomaniac/SabahAdventureRace08#

Category, Position : Adventure,22nd out of 30 (with 5 teams retired)

In a nutshell :

As if we hadn't learnt from our past mistake of not reading maps, this race was the ultimate FUBAR when it came to navigation! We lost a total of over 20 km and 4 hours getting majorly lost twice. My partner, Ken, wanted to quit the race every evening, but I managed to persuade him NOT to surrender. Eventually, his near-fainting heat stroke episode on day 3 forced him to take a rain check. Becks followed shortly after with a bad knee strain. So, it was Foo, KC and myself who pushed on to the finish line as a 3-man-3-team finisher!

Event : Sabah Adventure Challenge 2009

Date : 10 - 12 April 2009

Venue : Sabah, Malaysia
(Start/Finish) : Kampong Lobong Lobong

Teamname : Team FliK (FooLingKen)

Teammates : Kenny Lopez + Da Foo

Organisers : Sabah Adventure Challenge

Write-up : ................

Photos and Videos :

Ling's Blog
http://lingthemerciless.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html

Articles and Blogs :

Hisyam's blog
http://opdochisyam.blogspot.com/2009/04/sabah-adventure-challenge-2009.html

Lih Shiun's blog
http://vavroom.livejournal.com/20366.html

Category, Position : Adventure, 7th out of 15 (think quite a few teams DNF)

In a nutshell :

The most scenic race with diverse terrain, ranging from fast-flowing rivers (river-rafting) to hot and dry mud-packed uphills (pushing bike), to leech-infested rain-soaked rainforest (jungle trekking), to slushy pineapple plantation slip-slidin' (team biathlon) and finally, a killer tarmac uphill ending with a navigation trek along the foothills of Mt Kinabalu Park.

Foo died on day 1, and so Ken and I offered our bike and bag portage services....something that we will never let da Foo live down! However, da Foo was resurrected on day 3, coming out stronger than before, whilst my energy levels dropped as my back aches set in! This was Team FliK's first race together, and we discovered we work well as a team!

And tuna never tasted so heavenly!

Event : Sabah Adventure Challenge 2010

Date : 2 - 4 April 2009

Venue : Sabah, Malaysia
(Start/Finish) : TVRC (Tambuan Village Resort) in Tambunan

Teamname : Team FliK (FooLingKen)

Teammates : Kenny Lopez + Da Foo

Organisers : Sabah Adventure Challenge

Write-up : ................

Photos : Click here

Category, Position : Adventure, 14th out of 35 (5 teams DNF)

In a nutshell :

Lost map on day 1, got lost at a few sections and lost time resolving lover's quarrel over map-reading (probably lost about an hour), Ken's tiretube sprung a leak during the tubing section and Foo's face plant on the last day. Despite our misfortunes and the fact that our mountain biking skills were hardly an advantage given the influx of the young and skillful Sabah Cycling team participants, we had a hell of a fun race!

Salomon-Suunto Sabah Adventure Challenge 2010

2010-04-08T12:01:00.019+08:00

The 100+participants who survived 3 grueling days of torture!

Let the race begin! Oh, but it's already finished!

Below are the Extreme category results....don't look for us here....

And the Adventure category rankings....

Quik n Dirty Details

What?
Salomon-Suunto Sabah Adventure Challenge 2010, Southeast Asia's and Malaysia's oldest multi-day adventure race and is organised on a voluntarily basis year to year.

When?
2nd-4th April 2010

Where?
Sabah, Malaysia

Online Articles

More foreigners expected at Sabah Adventure Challenge (The Star)
Duo team up for Sabah Challenge (The Star)

Online Albums

Albart Henry
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2051137&id=1046537062#!/album.php?aid=159941&id=596950749

Andy Denden
http://www.facebook.com/search/?flt=1&q=sabah&fr=1&sid=884135260.2400604582..1#!/album.php?aid=12591&id=100000605469839&ref=mf

Beatrice Lajawa
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=884135260#!/album.php?aid=156254&id=832494784
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=884135260#!/album.php?aid=156940&id=832494784

Casero Team
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcab2/4493775997/

David Goh
http://www.facebook.com/adventuregearpost#!/album.php?aid=2043037&id=1282497040

Dev Sidhu
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=156254&id=832494784&ref=nf#!/album.php?aid=57063&id=1496086186

Fung Ka Fai
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3668492&op=1&view=all&subj=884135260&id=571381707#!/album.php?aid=162859&id=571381707
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3668492&op=1&view=all&subj=884135260&id=571381707#!/album.php?aid=163281&id=571381707

Jonie Suah
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=161160&id=561704004&ref=ss

Juriah Mosin
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2051137&id=1046537062#!/album.php?aid=160413&id=576094165

KC Cheang
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000868138049#!/album.php?aid=160783&id=578958148&ref=nf

Lai Thutt
http://www.facebook.com/LingtheMerciless#!/album.php?aid=159696&id=538508820

Lee Chuen Ling
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=406097&id=884135260
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=884135260#!/album.php?aid=406151&id=884135260
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=884135260#!/album.php?aid=406158&id=884135260
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=884135260#!/album.php?aid=406166&id=884135260
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=884135260#!/album.php?aid=406177&id=884135260

Mandy Lee
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=159197&id=515737637&ref=mf

Pg Rosli Tajuddin
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000868138049#!/album.php?aid=2056502&id=1503823470&ref=mf

Rabani HM Ayub
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2051137&id=1046537062#!/album.php?aid=2051137&id=1046537062

Sabahan.FM
http://www.facebook.com/search/?flt=1&q=sabah&fr=1&sid=884135260.2400604582..1#!/album.php?aid=208147&id=118468445148

SAC 2010
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000868138049#!/photo_search.php?oid=380039858224&view=all

Shamsul Adzrin
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000318274262#!/album.php?id=1034955196&aid=52530&s=0&hash=fb8d5bb45cc0dd5347d29a5e7449913b

Wilson Low
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1113081643288#!/photo.php?pid=5713303&id=638586150

Yatie Hussin
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=3553&id=100000930248853&ref=nf

How did we do?

Well, Team Flik manages 14th position out of 36 teams in the Adventure category, 10 of which are unranked...considering Ken dropped the map on day 1, we having gotten lost on several occasions and Ken and Foo having lovers quarrels whilst debating where the friggin hell on the map they are...Ken tubing down with a leaking tire....and Foo surviving a face plant which left him with a bad necklash at the beginning of day 3....we did alright I guess....

After having been victim to 5 Sabah Adventure Challenge races since 2005, I think accounts of my teams' adventures during SAC are way overdue! Time to unleash my memories and pen them down before I forget. Watch out for my account...coming to a blog near you....akan datang!

Ben's Ashes

2010-04-08T12:00:00.001+08:00

Dom forwarded to me an email from Ben's girlfriend about Ben's ashes....if you have a moment, go light a candle for Ben and pray that his soul is at peace....

"Dear all,

Ben's ashes were installed into the niche at the Church of the St Mary's of the Angels yesterday with a prayer service.

Do pray that his soul to be at peace. And for the family too- it's still very tough on all of them who loved him so much. I don't know what you believe in- god or no god, but I think it would be wonderful to send positive thoughts & energy their way.

The niche number is 6369. If you can't find it, do look for the office staff- office is located on the same floor as the columbarium. Office opening hours are 9am-530pm.

The opening hours of the columbarium are daily 7am- 1030pm. If you drive, the church gate is a one-way thing- get in before 1030pm & you still can still hang around till past 1030pm.

There are candles available there, so do light a candle for Ben. Light is a sign of God's prescence is our Catholic tradition & I believe it means good things in other faiths too.

Thanks & Regards, Karen"

RIP Ben

2010-03-26T23:15:00.007+08:00

Ben Mok is truly one of the sweetest bikers I know. Who would have thought that after having survived solo biking trips around the world, he would be a victim of (an almost) hit-and-run and (suspected) drunk driving in his own backyard.

Although he was almost a permanent fixture at our humble abode many moons ago, having dated my ex-roommate, our conversations were fleeting and centered around our common passion for biking, diving and dogs. I wished I had gotten to know him better since we moved out of that apartment. I was glad a common friend, Dom, gave me regular updates on Ben's whereabouts and what great adventure he was pursuing next. And when I was in doubts as to who bothers to read me blog, a "Ben" would pop out now and then, giving me positive feedback...just dropping by to say, "hi"! I can't wipe away the image of his Cheshire Cat smile - he always exuded a warmth and charm that is very rare in this world.

He (was, and still is) an inspiration to his blogger fans, and I have just begun to get to know him better through reading his blog : http://pedaldamnit.blogspot.com/...Ben left behind a legacy of making us all laugh while examining how we live our lives - and make us reflect on how it should be lived.

His friends have set up a memorial website for Ben : http://www.benmokpedalon.com/, and the funeral details are on that blog.

I will leave you with a little excerpt from his blog - a rant in fact, which speaks truth in volumes...hopefully it will spur me on in grabbing life by the horns, not taking it for granted and embracing every minute of it...as Ben had done in his...

I'm glad Ben didn't wait....

"Rant on.

(Skip ahead to the next image if you don't wish to read this.)

8:13 AM. Looking back over the trip — I've been on the ~~road~~ trail for 9+ days so far — I've had a ball. There were some hard moments, where I wondered what the hell (and why the hell) I'm doing here, but I came out stronger, wiser . . . and a little more twisted and out of whack each time. (So, the kangaroo on the tor, above Oakley Dam, was right. *THUMPA!* *THUMPA!*)

What amazes me then (it no longer amazes me now) is the sheer number of people advising me to wait on this trip; wait until the entire Munda Biddi Trail is complete; wait until you've gained more weight, muscle, fitness, et cetera; wait until the Singapore gahmen (government) convinces Australia to let them micro-manage every aspect of this trail and idiot/moron-proof it: exterminating all the nasty insects, venomous snakes, big spiders; tagging and issuing RFID cards for all kangaroos, wallaroos, and wallabies; installing guard rails and lamp posts along the entire trail; and employing puerile prurient park rangers to protect my genteel sensibilities from properly attired elderly males.

fortycalibernap visited Singapore and observed that the locals are afflicted with a crippling inertia — they wait. They complain, whine, and they wait. They wait for other people to do things for them. They wait for the government to implement social/business programs for them. They wait for social programs to match-make them. Then, they wait for handouts to spur them to reproduce. Even on vacations abroad, a significant number — if not the majority — of them embark on group tours: their itinerary all planned out — and safe; comfortably ensconced in crass, poorly-worded, mass produced, treacle, they are corralled by mini-Eichmann tour guides, who dictate, right down to the minute their hourly (or even half-hourly) schedules. Enjoy your bus rides and change parades, folks.

On the issue of waiting, Chris posted a great comment on a recent tour, but I never found the opportunity to respond in a manner that would do justice to it. During yesterday's easier ride, I had plenty of time to ruminate, so here's my response:

On the issue of waiting, I agree with Chris. Why wait? Why not now? You've prepared as much as you can, and you go. Wait for what? Wait for who? (Remember, I generally prefer to travel alone.)

Wait. While you wait, time passes you by; opportunities pass you by; and, day by day, you grow older, less fit. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of life / misfortune / evil, overbearing, paternalistic governments throwing a wrench in your spokes, turning your planned trip into a permanent dream.

So . . . wait. Wait until when? Tomorrow, next week, a month from now, a year from now, you could be hit by a truck, a murderous cab driver, an ah beng distracted by his ah lian, or some tai-tai reaching for her cell phone behind the wheel. Then what? Be the next poster child for fraudulent charities seeking donations from ~~schmucks~~ the well-meaning public?

Or, someone you love, or are close to, could be struck by a terminal illness, requiring you to provide (or support) palliative care. How are you going to ride then? When are you going to ride?

Sure, there are older folks who have done this trail (and countless others) but I rather do it now when I'm (relatively) young. At the end of the day, my position towards unsolicited advice is this: if I desire your opinion, I'll ask for it; I inform out of courtesy, and am not seeking advice, direction, approval, or your blessings.

So, while I ride, they wait*. I go on adventures; chalk up rides; grow with each adversity, learning to be grateful for each serendipitous act of generosity or stroke of luck — they wait. They can wait then. Until they are in their seventies, then they can wheel their tours around food courts — clearing trays**.
-9:12 AM
Federal Gully Brook"

* = FWIW, the folks who advised me to wait on my Thailand-Singapore Ride are still waiting, what with their litany of excuses: political unrest, racial tensions, economic downturn, floods, inclement weather: too wet because the monsoon is here; too warm because the monsoon is over; their pants are too tight, blah blah blah...

** = Personally, I think it's disgraceful to hire geriatrics to clear trays and dishes at food courts; if you are not disabled, you are capable of clearing your own tray. Allowing this practice to flourish is an exercise in hidden unemployment and enabling moral decay.

Rant off."

Tongan Humpback Whales - Mom and Calf Series

2009-10-24T21:56:00.004+08:00

This is the second series of my Tongan Humpback Whales series.

I love meeting mom and baby and watching them interact with each other, and with us.

A mom that none of the crew has ever met may at first be overly cautious in allowing her baby to mingle with strange lookin' creatures like us.

But once we prove not to be a threat, she will in most cases stay put in one area and allow baby to swim to the surface to check out that paparazzi floatin'-log-impersonator (i.e us).

These series were taken when I was snorkeling alongside mom and baby. Mom and baby may look like they were taking their own sweet time, but believe me, I had to fin like mad just to keep up!

Once again, I'd like to thank Earthtrust and American Cetacean Societyfor enlightening us about the mating and breeding rituals of humpback whales.

For more information about these lovely creatures, click here :

http://earthtrust.org/wlcurric/whales.html

http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/humpback.htm

Tongan Humpback Whales - Adaptive Radiation Series

2009-10-20T21:50:00.004+08:00

I've never swum with a whale in my life, and I knew whales had to be next on my wish list!

Who better to look for than the Whale Man himself, Tony Wu! He and his expedition partner, Takaji together with the hospitable local crew, opened my eyes to what must be one of the most beautiful marine mammals to have swum this earth, next to dolphins of course. Every moment with these graceful creatures was absolute bliss.

During my recent trip to the island of Vava'u in Tonga, I took mostly videos, but managed to extract some pictures to share with other cetacean lovers (since videos are gonna take me forever to edit).

I'm not very good at picking out best of best photos, so I've decided to include several series of photos which tell a story of a moment in time that I spent with them.

For this series called "Adaptive Radiation", I'd like to thank earthtrust for enlightening us about the biology and natural history of humpback whales.

For more information about these lovely creatures, click here : http://earthtrust.org/wlcurric/whales.html

More whale series photos to come...

See the Cobra, Cobra de Capella...

2009-10-05T12:52:00.011+08:00

SNAKECHARMER WANNABE

This photo was taken eons ago when my parents brought me to the famous Snake temple in Bayan Lepas, south of Georgetown, Penang. The temple was build in the memory of Chor Soo Kong by a Buddhist monk who had immigrated to Penang and is known to have had healing powers. According to legend, Chor had given shelter to snakes when he lived in the jungle and the snakes which have entered the temple have never left to pay respect to Chor Soo Kong.

This is one of my favourite childhood shots! I thought it apt that I looked like one of them; having lost my 2 front teeth, hence emphasizing the fang-like canines.

Why on earth did I dig up this old photo? Well, coz today, I saw a cobra out in the wild, for the 2nd time in 4 months! Both times, I was walking Saskia (although today Tobes came along) so I'm beginning to think Sas was the lucky snake charm!

I wiki-ed Snakecharmer and extracted this little bitta info :

"The first task a would-be snake charmer must tackle is to get a snake. Traditionally, this is done by going out into the wilderness and capturing one. This task is not too difficult, as most South Asian and North African snakes tend to be slow movers. The exercise also teaches the hunter how to handle the wild reptiles. Today, however, more and more charmers buy their animals from snake dealers. A typical charmer takes in about seven animals per year.^{[citation needed]}

The exact species of serpents used varies by region. In India, the Indian cobra is preferred, though some charmers may also use Russell's vipers. Indian and Burmese pythons, and even Mangrove Snakes are also encountered, though they are not as popular. In North Africa, the Egyptian cobra, puff adder, carpet viper and horned desert viper are commonly feature in performances.^{[citation needed]} Except for the pythons, all of these species are highly venomous.^{[citation needed]}

At home, snake charmers keep their animals in containers such as baskets, boxes, pots, or sacks. They must then train the creatures before bringing them out into public. For those charmers who do not de-fang their pets, this may include introducing the snake to a hard object similar to the pungi. The snake supposedly learns that striking the object only causes pain."

1. Given my track record in snake encounters, shouldn't be too hard to get me a snake, a cobra even!
2. I have lots of baskets, boxes and pots at home. Snake haven, I should say!
3. With dogs at home, it's best to de-fang the snake, especially since we don't want a repeat performance here (see video of dog fighting a cobra to save owner's life : http://www.dekhona.com/news-currentaffairs-videos/bdjchpuono/Amazing-Fight-Dog-Vs-Snake-video)
4. As for keeping the snakes calm, I read on the Snake Temple website that the smoke in the main prayer hall produced by the ginormous incense burner outside the temple supposedly paralyzes the snakes. The incentive to use incense!

2 COBRA SIGHTINGS IN 4 MONTHS! YIKES!

I used to live in a house and we'd have the occasional snake visit in the garden, especially since my mom had an afro of a bamboo tree, which was supposedly a swinging hangout for s..s...snakes!

The most nerve-wrecking encounter I've had as a kid was shortly after I stepped into the bathtub to take a shower, I saw baby snakes slithering up the hole in the bathtub!!! Yikes!!! The perfect horror movie scene, don't you think? Actually, they were the size of giant earthworms, but I swear, they were the real cold-bloodied thang!

Since moving to the east, I'd expected to live in a very sanitised residential area with small pockets of green spaces. Never did I dream that right behind my apartment was a breeding ground for snakes!

Below, a map showing you the areas of my encounters with the no-legged kind!

Forgot to add that a few months back, my dog nanny walked the dogs to the green area behind my house ( very close to my first cobra sighting), and she freaked out after seeing what she thought was a crocodile on the loose! She said it was very, very big, and climbing up a tree! I suspect it was probably a monitor lizard, as this is a common case of mistaken identity!

COBRA SIGHTING NO 1 - JUNE 09

Terence and Pauline, owners of Tobe's brother Axel, wanted to "borrow" Saskia for a morning walk with Axel. Given Axel's temperament, they felt that Saskia would have a calming effect on him, and would put him in his place if need be. Somehow, I didn't think so.

Anyway, I brought them (and Saskia) for a walk along the green lung area behind my house (the
jungle area between upper east coast road and the ECP).

The path was mostly grassy, flanked by tall vegetation on one side and the highway on the other, with pockets of birds nest fern under a canopy of trees.

We had to cross a makeshift wooden planked bridge surrounded by bordering tall grass to get to the other side of a drain.

As I approached the bridge, I looked down on the ground about a metre ahead of me and saw what looked like some old skinny black cycling tire on the trail.

And then, it started to move!

When I traced the tire to the other end, it suddenly reared it's diamond shaped hood!

COBRA!!!!!

I jerked Saskia away swiftly and pulled her towards me. Saskia was a few seconds ago mere inches away from that black rubber hose impersonator!

Phew! Close shave!

Terence and Pauline was wondering what all the commotion was about, til I pointed out the snake to them.

Upon closer inspection from afar, I realised I had approached it from behind...otherwise we could have been showered with venomous shock juice (maybe?).

It slowly lowered it's head, disappeared into the blades of grass, and by the movement of the grass, I guess it quietly slithered away.

I've heard of cobras and other snakes living within this area but I've never seen one in the numerous times that I've walked the dogs there.

When we moved to upper east coast, we found some old management committee notices about snakes coming within the confines of the condo area because of the wired fence. They eventually built a concrete wall to keep the snakes out.

In the last year, I've only seen a baby snake slittering around at the area near the ground floor lift. I knocked on the doors of those on the 1st floor to warn them, but most of the residents just thanked me in nonchalance.

Anyway, this was just my brush with nature at my doorstep!

COBRA SIGHTING NO 2 - OCTOBER 09

Fearing for the safety of my sweet pooches, I haven't been back to area no 1 since, much to the chagrin of my doggies. Being outdoorsey dogs, they prefer grass to tarmac, offroad trails to road - just like their owners!

I tried to find the best off-road path for their morning walks where I could let them off-leash without causing any major disturbance to anyone. One of such paths starts off with a green bumpy field next to Parbury Hill Condominium. Perched on top of that field is a house which belongs to a very sweet lady who'd adopted a boxer, and recently a mastiff. She warned me about the snakes that roam on this field, and she's had the displeasure of killing the ones which entered her domain.

"Wear proper shoes, avoid tall grass, and watch every step that you're taking!", she advised.

Hmmm....where else can I bring them to where the grass is short? Aha! The big field right in front of Bedok Court! I will just avoid the dense jungles that is sandwiched between Bedok Rise and the Tanah Merah MRT station!

That field reminds me of a bigsplash for dogs! They have a "field" day just running on the grass (which seems to be well maintained), and the steep slopes there should give them a good work!

This morning, I brought them there and set them free. We are almost always the only ones there, except 2 days ago, an Indian man walking his black lab told me to look out for a cobra which was spotted a couple of days ago. The green field slopes upwards towards the houses along Jalan Limau , and it was along the offroad path surrounded by tall grass that the snake was spotted.

I made sure the dogs stuck to the parts of the field and slopes where the grass was short, and allowed them to frolic. I made them climb the hill several times by leading the way. On the third such attempt, I decided to take a route up the hill dotted with trees. I turned around and looked at how happy the dogs were.

"Born free....as free as the wind blows...." was all I heard, while the dogs followed suit.

After reaching the 3rd tree and almost 2/3 way up, that's where I saw it....within a metre from me. It moved like a shadow in the day....smoothly but briskly... on dried grass as if floating on air!

Its hood was up but I doubt it saw me as it slithered right down towards this patch of tall grass on the field, the only part of the field which wasn't mowed (I wonder why?).

But it was also headed straight towards where Tobes and Sas were heeding to my call! Yikes!

I immediately called to them (in a tone that sounded angry yet urgent) and motioned for Tobes and Sas to move to the other side of the hill. They must have sensed that something was wrong, and ran up to meet me on the other side. Clip! You kids aren't safe here! I'd better bring you somewhere else!

They eventually ended up playing in the Lucky Gardens playground! How sad is that?

COBRA INFO NEEDED

Ok, but jokes aside, I was pretty freaked out by the 2 incidents, not so much fearing for my own safety (although my hair almost stood on ends when I realised the beautiful black slithering creature was a cobra), but for fear of them attacking my poor defenseless doggies, or perhaps spitting into their eyes!

I think that with modernisation, we are slowly encroaching into the territory of what little existing wildlife that we have left in Singapore, and as much as I'd love for them to continue living with these venomous snakes, and wouldn't like to encroach on their territory more than I have to, I'd also like for my dogs to share these spaces.

Does anyone have any advice on what you should do once you see a cobra? And whether they are known to attack dogs? And what you should do if they do attack?

I went to google what sort of snake I'd encountered on both occasions, and I'm pretty sure it was the Equitorial Spitting Cobra : http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/equatorial_spitting_cobra.htm

"Equatorial Spitting Cobras are a front-fanged, venomous species which should be avoided. Though not aggressive in nature, these snakes can accurately spit a powerful neurotoxic venom into the eyes which can cause temporary blindness. The bite, however, can be fatal

There are two colour phases: a yellow form commonly found in Thailand, and a black form found in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

This is a common species in older, more wooded residential areas of towns and cities in many parts of Southeast Asia, including Singapore. It preys on rats and frogs, and is active day and night."

Phew, it doesn't say "dogs"! But it says it's venomous, its bite can be fatal, and it is active day and night! What????? It could be lurking around 24x7!!!!

Perhaps I should take up the challenge of being a snake charmer, so I'll know how to hypnotise a snake when I see one!

But honestly, the world will be a better place if my doggies could live side by side with these snakes!

For interesting story about a dog and cobra drinking water from the same bowl, click here :-
http://blog.atmajyoti.org/2007/12/cobra-and-dog-drink-milk-from-same-bowl/

The Cove - Voted Best Documentary

2009-09-18T19:37:00.004+08:00

If you haven't seen this movie currently showing in the theatres, wait no further! It is definitely one of the best documentaries I've seen!

Read more about why that deceptive smile on the dolphin's face does not translate to "I'm happy to be performing tricks for you". Download this captivity brochure -

http://www.takepart.com/videos/the-cove-captivity-brochure/27042

The website goes on to suggest that there are many ways in which one can make a difference : http://www.takepart.com/thecove/

The only captive dolphins I can think of in Singapore are the Pink Dolphins living in the Dolphin Lagoon in Sentosa.

This article was published by the Nature Society presumably before the Underwater World
established their pink dolphin attraction :

Interesting to note what the Underwater World Singapore has to say about their dolphins in captivity.

And how they defer to the better wisdom of the Alliance of Mammal Parks and Aquariums is replicated on their website.

Acres launched a "Suffering, Not Smiling" campaign back in 2003.

More related articles about mammals in captivity:
http://www.wildsingapore.com/news/20070910/071029-7.htm

Snorkelling with Whales in the Kingdom of Tonga

2009-09-16T12:50:00.004+08:00

Back from a week of snorkeling with humpback whales in Tonga, followed by another week veging out with space cadet sis, Ping in New Zealand!

Have lots of videos and photos to process, but here's one which should fire up your imagination....

...below, me - the black creature on the left above the baby whale, holding onto my new Sony Handycam HDR-XR520 with Light and Motion Stingray Plus housing. To my right, a fellow Japanese whale snorkeler by the name of Jumpei (or Jump, for short). I think he's in his 60s, and still globetrotting with his video camera. He's been to the Galapagos three times!!!!

The rule goes that whoever spots a baby whale for the first time gets to name him/her. This baby was constantly hiding under her mommy at great depths so much so that it'd be eclipsed by the mummy every half a minute or so, until she peeks from under her mommy's fins, and picks up the courage to greet us when it's time for her to surface for a deep breath of air.

While we were watching her every move, the beams of light bouncing off the whales made me think, "MoonBeam"! When I broached that name, Tony thought it sounded too hippy-sounding, and Takaji gave me a half smile (not sure what that meant, since he was rooting for yet another Pokemon name that his son would have liked).

Eventually, she was named "Full Moon" since it was a full moon the night before.

"Arise fair moon and let the beams of the envious sun show your beauty in true light!"

I could live with that! :)

Big thanks goes to Tony Wu, Emi and Takaji Ochi (who captured the shot above) : the main drivers of this Vavau trip! It was one of the best trips I've ever been to.

For more photos taken by, and whale research undertaken by, Tony and his gang, go to his blog : http://www.tonywublog.com/

Likewise, even if you can't read Japanese, check out Takaji's blog : http://takaji-ochi.com/photo/categorise/tongawhaleswim/000917.html

Tony's got his 2010 itinerary out already so for those of you (like myself before this trip) who have not gone up close and personal with whales ever in your life, this is definitely a great place to start!

Why Tonga? Coz the people are super-friendly, the scenery is untainted and it's one of the rare few places in our planet where you are allowed to swim and snorkel with whales.

How else are we to learn about these wondrous fellow creatures? Surely not through a pair of binoculars!!

Still recovering from a bout of acute coughing and sorethroat, and will get down to workin' on me next video project about these humpback whales!!!

Of Railways and Forgotten Mansions

2009-07-06T19:56:00.000+08:00

Back in 2006, when we were in one of our more exploratory moods after one of our regular Sunday MTB rides, I managed to convince Nik, Pling and Ming to take the path less traveled...into parts of Singapore which are closely tied to Malaysia....

Below was proof of our (mis)adventure ....railways that link to our neighbours up north, and an abandoned mansion (situated opposite my then humble abode) which was supposedly built by the Sultan of Johor back in the 1800s...

These 2 blast-from-the-past locations are the darling subject of photographers searching for places with character...

Istana Woodneuk Series

Bukit Timah Railway Station Series

For more information (and photos taken by other photographers) about these 2 locations, watch out for an upcoming blog...

Mountain Biking NZ 2006

2009-06-19T18:29:00.000+08:00

Mountain Bikin' NZ.....and yes, it's not a typo. It was in the year 2006!

It has taken me over 3 years to collate the albums of Ming, Broken Arm and myself, edit them and upload them onto Kodak gallery! Reason : too busy...and just plain lazy!

So, why Kiwiland?

Unparallelled beauty...

Skydiving over breathtaking Lord of the Rings scenery....

Donning of penguin suits...

Bluebones (then red-haired Firefly) rides over the Land Over the Long White Cloud...

Dial-a-Lama

Gettin' cozy with NZ wool...

Gettin' stuck in Korean jail located somewhere in Lord of the Rings Part 2

Did I say, this place is absolutely gorgeous?

Backdrops to die for....tho' we didn't attempt any suicidal stunts on the grade 2 trails....

Saskia's 2nd Birthday

2009-06-17T00:26:00.008+08:00

Has it already been 2 years, my sweet?

Brought 'em doggies out to the K9 Cafe @ K9 Culture (Turf City).
All of Saskia's old friends were there :
L to R (Dog nanny extraordinare Salma, Tobes, moi, pops, Sassy, Rosco, Andrew, Janice, Sally, Jessie, Pling, Chris, Mingloig, Nik and Rusty...

Ordered an apply-flavoured cheesecake from US Doggie Bakery, located just opposite this cafe. Totally human grade, made of organic ingredients and minimal sugar - healthy!
If it's good nuff for 'em pooches, it's good nuff for that pouch!

Saskia wastes no time in diggin' in!

Saskia and Toby, you guys truly are the love of our lives!

For more photos of Saskia's birthday :-
Ling's Facebook Album
Janice's Facebook Album

Toby's Adoption Video

2009-06-17T00:22:00.002+08:00

The video Southpark sent to us about adopting the construction doggies.

Toby, you got us at "hello"!

BTW, Toby's the frisky brownie one with the white eye shadow, greeting everyone that crosses his way.

2 MTB Hall of Famers? pinch me, quick

2009-05-12T21:51:00.010+08:00

When we were first graced with the guest appearance of Tinker Juarez in last year's Bike Asia 100, that was when I first learnt about the "Mountain Bike Hall of Fame".

What exactly was this hall of fame? Was it a who's who in MTBing list? A real hall with walls filled with photos of biking celebrities? Was it a museum of some kind?

It was when we researched on our biking destination, Crested Butte in Colorado, that I found out that...

"The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Museum (MBHOF) is located in downtown Crested Butte at 331 Elk Avenue within the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. [This] biking museum houses items of memorabilia, including vintage bikes, components, classic photos, press clippings and highlights from historic races and events....

The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Crested Butte, Colorado, was founded in 1988 to chronicle the history of mountain biking. Since the sport’s creation almost thirty years ago, mountain biking has grown immensely and the Hall of Fame has worked to document the individuals and events which have significantly contributed to mountain biking history....

As of 2007, the MBHOF has inducted 100 individuals and 4 groups who have made major contributions to mountain biking, the inductee’s photos and biographies line the walls of the museum. You can find their names listed on this web site in the inductees section."

Above, a photo I took of the glass facade entrance into the quaint little museum, tucked away in a sweet little town called Crested Butte where mountain biking was born!

Above, us checking out the walls decorated with vintage biking memorabilia, photos, posters...for more photos, click on my facebook album. And if you wana know what awesome riding we did in Crested Butte, check out some of my facebook albums...(just flip thru the albums and you'll see a couple of 'em)

Tinker Juarez was inducted into the BMX Hall of Fame in 1993, and then into the MTB Hall of Fame in 2001. Last year, I had my first brush with this MTBing royalty! I attended his talk organised by ANZA in 2008, and had a great time chatting with him about almost anything under the sun (see photos)!

This year, Tinker gave another talk at SAFRA Yishun which we helped to organise. He gave us a great insight into the minds of a world class champion. He's so softspoken and humble, yet so determined and inspiring at the same time.

Above, the lucky few who attended the sharing session with Tinker. For more photos click here.

I couldn't believe my ears when Max told me that Trek was bringing in Gary Fisher as well! OMG! I remember writing a blog about Gary "Does a Bike have a Soul" back in 2005...and now, I'm meeting my bike guru in person! Unbelievable!

As evidence that Gary really was here in Singapore, click here.

As part of the publicity for the eneloop race, I was half joking when I was wrote :-

"Gary Fisher, the "Founding Father of Mountain Bikes" and another Mountainbike Hall of Famer, will be gracing our Tampines mountainbike trails for the Great Singapore Mountainbike Carnival!

Come join the legend in merry making, and chat about the future of mountainbiking over a couple of beers! Truly a lifetime opportunity not to be missed!"

Being busy with the race and all, I thought the only time I can say that I've had a decent conversation with Gary was when I showed him the way to his makeshift changing room (i.e. the container where we store the stores). I apologised that we couldn't offer him a 5 star changing room, and he was most gentlemanly about it, reassuring me that he's used to all this, given the gazillion races that he's been to.

After the prizegiving ceremony when we were having some coffee, just when I thought I'd missed my chance, Max tells me that he's still signing autographs at T3 Bicycle Gears! We all rushed down in the pouring rain and really did chat about the future of mountainbiking...over some coffee! :)

Above, the Gary Fisher magazine article which totally inspired me! 2-wheeled poetry!

"I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: The best bike is one that disappears when you ride it. I live for the moments when the bike just blots itself out, and every little element is singing the same note - me, the bike, the trail, the sky, the dirt. Yes, yes, yes.

Maybe what I’m trying to say is this: ride more.

Get on a bike. Fall off a bike.
Leave something of yourself in it.

Does a bike have a soul? Only if you do."

More info on these 2 icon.....
http://singaporemtbcarnival.com/pressrelease/athleteprofile

Sabah Adventure Challenge 2009 - Articles, Albums, Blogs

2009-04-28T08:45:00.005+08:00

ARTICLES

(above) Daily Express, 10th April 2009

(above) Borneo Post, 15th April 2009

More articles available here :
Daily Express

BLOGS
CitizenSierra

ALBUMS

Avtar
(race organiser)

Cabreney Johnny
(excellent photographer who took photos of 2 x Team Casero, his brother being in one of them)

KC (Race)
(Our navigator from last year whom we adopted after his teammates dropped out of the race due to injuries)

Ken (Pre-Race)
Ken (Day 1)
Ken (Day 2)
Ken (Day 3)
(Fellow teammate, Ken Lopez)

Ling (Part 1, Day 1 of SAC 09 Tour)
Ling (Part 2, Day 2 of SAC 09 Tour)
Ling (Part 3, Day 3 of SAC 09 Tour, Day 1 of Race)
Ling (Part 4, Day 4 of SAC 09 Tour, Day 2 of Race)
Ling (Part 5, Villagers Performance)
Ling (Part 6, Day 5 of SAC 09 Tour, Day 3 of Race)
Ling (Part 7, Last few days of SAC 09 Tour)
This is me, part of Team FliK comprising Foo, Ling and Ken (hence, FliK - I know, quite spastic how we came up with the name)
Will post post-race photos of Klias River Tours in another blog

Soon (Part 1 - Pre-Race)
Soon (Part 2 - Race)
(one of the KL mtbers racing with Adilah)

Wiwin (Many Albums)
(she's one of the only 2-woman team who came in 4th in the Adventure category)

Sabah Adventure Challenge 2009 - Jason's Videos

2009-04-28T08:38:00.003+08:00

What a start to a new year! Ken, Foo and I teamed up for this year's 10th edition of the SAC 09. Will write more about our account, but you just gotta check out the product of fellow Singaporean team Jason Boon's Hero helmetcam....friggin' awesome stuff!

The Great Singapore MTB Carnival 2009

2009-01-13T08:46:00.004+08:00

The race is here once again!
Click on http://singaporemtbcarnival.com/ if you wana register or find out more!

For your benefit, am cutting and pasting the info below.

Tinker Juarez is reprising his role as our MTB all-time-MTBing icon, so if anything, come down to see him race! Check out his blog : http://tinkerjuarez.blogspot.com/2009/01/great-singapore-mountain-bike-carnival.html

What's Up?!

To start off for the new offroad season, we have planned for you a wicked filthy weekend of fun!

Whether you're an elite racer, weekend warrior, mountain biker, downhiller, roadie, cross-country runner, tri-athlete, duathlete, adventure racer, or someone looking to try something new, you will be spoilt for choice with the various competitive events we have lined for you as part of The Great Singapore Mountainbike Carnival 2009! Bring your family, friends and pets along! Live music will be rocking the Tampines trail, while a food bazaar will make you hungry for more. Join the mountain bike carnival, and just have plain old-fashioned fun.

100km MTB Marathon

Last year, you raced side-by-side with Endurance Solo Specialist Tinker Juarez, reigning US 24hr Champion, 2-time Olympian and a mountainbiker hall of famer, blasting it out with other regional top riders.

In the 2009 edition of the century-race, instead of enduring the unforgiving heat, be prepared to ride into the cool sunset, put on those in-built night vision goggles, blast those flood lights and to take on Singapore's 1st 100km mountain bike race under the stars!

You can either race SOLO, or form Men's or Mixed DUO RELAY (teams of 2) or QUAD RELAY teams (teams of 4). Whatever floats your boat (or bike), just be sure to finish all 100km within 8 hours!

Half the fun is in having a support team that will just hang loose while you suffer (don't forget the beer), so leave no one (not even your pets) at home!

Be part of the 1st Night 100km Mountain Bike Marathon in Singapore!

Dirty Duathlon

Are you a competitive duathlete who's keen to test your mettle at the Tampines trails?
Or a cross country runner who's looking for some action?
Do you enjoy offroad running as much as you do offroad biking?
Or are you game to try a new multisport experience?

This Run-Bike-Run event is right up your alley!

The "full works" Dirty Duathlon caters to the experienced multisports athlete, while the Sprint Dirty Duathlon is an option for a firstimer duathlete.

You an either race SOLO, or form a Men's or Mixed Relay RELAY team.

The course layout is simple, yet challenging, so be prepared for some

Be part of the 1st Dirty Duathlon in Singapore!

Super D Race

Are you a downhiller lookin' for some fast-paced downhill adrenalin?
Or do you have a big burly All-mountain bike sittin' at home accumulating cobwebs?
Have you been watchin' cool free riding vidz lately and wishin' you had the guts to go with the flow?

Well, we have in store for you our classic Super D course : no drop is too worrisome, no jump that is forced upon, only sweet flowlines that'll leave you with a grin....and a sore shoulder from the thrill of bombing down a small schweeet hill.

You can race using your XC hardtail or your double crown DH bike, but the All-mountain bike will be best!

You can join either the Elite, or Mens Open or Womens Open category.

Be part of the 1st Super D Race in Tampines!

Short Track Race

Are you a speed demon who's got a need for speed?
Or a roadie who excels in criterium-style races?
Not much of an enduro-racer, but in for a short but fast race?

Our 10-minute Short Track Race is just what you're looking for!

This is the second time we are introducing the short-track course in Singapore. It is essentially a fast flowing criterium style mountain bike race within a short 1km course. You have to complete laps within 10 minutes, but do not be fooled by the short duration. You're main aim is not be lapped by the fastest rider! Apart from speed, skills in cornering and drifting through the corner would be a huge bonus!

Grab your stiffest hardtail and whip everyone off the circuit. Just don't get lapped!

You can join either the Elite or Open categories for Men and Women.

Be part of the 1st Short Track Race in Tampines!

Speed Trials

Ever dream of an urban free-ride race that you will put your skills to the test?
Or even an event to showcase your agility and balance over obstacles?

We'll bring you underground.

The Speed Trails lets you race in tandem with another rider over a series of obstacles. First rider to cross the finish line wins! It's that simple.....well, only if you have what it takes - balance, control, guts and bike trial skills will definitely help!

If you've got what it takes to ride technical trails, like Kent Ridge's 'North Shore'-esque obstacles, you're all set to try this challenge!

Schools Challenge

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage youth development of the sport of mountain biking by offering school students the Short Track Schools Challenge and the 100km School category at a reasonable and affordable price. We are encouraging student biking enthusiasts within the age group of 14 - 18 yrs as at 1 January 2009 to don their school colours and take part to win honours for their school. It would also attract schools with a strong sports reputation striving for another sports title feather they can add to their cap. School representatives will then encourage their classmates and family members to partake in the sport of cycling, which is ranked noe of the most popular sports in Singapore.

Kids Race

Our Kids Race is finally back! If you are a boy or girl who's 13 years and below, you can take part in either Kids C (10 - 13 yrs as at 1 January 2009) or Kids D (9 yrs and below). You will be racing a couple of laps around the short track course and will be the centre of attention in the whole event!

Kids, what will we do without them?

Rock Concert and Carnival

BTW, there will be loud music, bands playing, and a family carnival so leave no one at home!!!

Pls pass this information onto your friends, family members, pets....

Ling the Merciless

Chi Reporting : 2008 IMBA Conference

2008-10-29T18:10:00.004+08:00

DAY 1

Ahhh... This sucks....

UA lost my bike between SFO and SLC!!!

I've used up my whole load of expletives already.

Anyway, the kind lady from IMBA here, Patti, says that she'll set me up with a bike for the trail rides. Choices are either a Trek or Cannondale.

Decisions decisions.

I can see the big Trek demo van outside and the weather here in Park City is really nice. It's turning out to be very hot though, up to 37 deg C in Moab.

The riding vibe is fantastic as the whole town has been invaded by MTBers.

I'm hoping they find my bike bag.

Chi

DAY 2

Ok, some good news is that they found my bike bag and it's on its way to me as I type this. It's about midnight here now and will arrive by 2am. Hope nothing is broken.

Today, while the rest were busy with the IMBA conference, I went for a walk around town hitting all the bike shops. Trek got me set up with a Fuel Ex 9.5 full carbon rig for today's ride. I found it a little twitchy but I'm not complaining.

Hui Min did the Intermediate advance, while Max, Ling and myself did the Intermediate. After our NZ experience, we thought we'd better start off easy. Good thing we did coz we are at 2800 masl, and whatever short climbs we did, we were breathless.

It was nearly all singletrack and the bits that go down were fantastic. All swoopy and curved. Nothing very technical at all. Our ride leader was a guuuurrrrrl. And man, was she fit but a little crazy. She went riding when she was almost 9 months pregnant (2 days before the baby was due) and her water broke on the trail!

We spent about 2 hours riding before returning to base. I had to return the demo bike but I get to collect a different one tomorrow. He did ask if I wanted the Trek Session. I think that bike is more up Wayne's alley.

So to top it off, we gathered at the local library after showering and indulged in free beer (as many bottles as you can take) from the microbrewery that supports IMBA and is situated around the corner. This was followed by a screening of several short films done by bikers and chosen by IMBA to showcase IMBA work as well as riders who ride really remote places in Canada and one guy who rode a fixie along the Great Divide, which is only about oh 2500 miles long (soul riders).

One of the short films (which was screened in High Def here) was this one :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT0YyN8oLQs

Then they threw lots of schwag into the audience (stuff like gloves, socks) and there was a raffle with stuff like forks and a full sus frame being given away.

After that, they screened Seasons by the Collective. http://www.thecollectivefilm.com/

And then it was off to buffalo burgers for dinner.

Ling has all the pics.

Chi

DAY 3

Day two was much better.

Collected rental car from the airport (Dodge Grand Caravan - mahal man!).

Fixed up my Blur which finally arrived. Found that they warped the front disc and also bent a bit of my big chain ring (kinda like what happened to Nik's in NZ).

Brought it to the SRAM tent and they fixed me up. Straightened my disc brakes (Avid belongs to them), tuned my Revelation (Rockshox also belongs to them), found a loose pivot, and gave the bike a free tune up.

Couldn't do anything about the big chain ring though. I would have to go buy one here but looking at the terrain, I don't think I'll be doing much pedalling in the big ring.

When I told them that my brake pads were Koolstops, they immediately gave me 2 sets of Avid metallic brake pads. How cool is that??!! Then they showed me their new Ultimates in blue (Nik's previous Volvo's blue) and in white and told us they will be out soon. When Max saw these, he had a gleam in his eye.

I ended up buying them beers for all the free work they did.

After an IMBA sponsored lunch and group photo of all the IMBA participants, we split into 3 groups and went for the rides. Max, Ling and I did the intermediate again, but today, there was a lot of climbing. The reward was of course the downhills that followed.

Hui Min went off with the Advanced Group (check out the guurrrls.jpg) and did dirt jumping.

3 hours, only 24 km, and we're so dead but all with big happy grins. We started at 5pm and ended at 8. Long summer days. Heaven.

There were all sorts of bikes on the rides - full sus, hard tail, full rigid, full rigid single speed, full rigid fixie, full rigid fixie hand built in Montana with a waiting list of 10 years, etc etc...

Tonight, the main street in town is closed to traffic and they have a Jazz and food festival!!!

They also have a night ride, which HM is participating in right now at 10pm.

Brave soul.

The rest of us will pack and sleep. Tomorrow at 7.30am, they have arranged for us to shuttle to the trail head where they will serve us breakfast. Then at 9am, we head out for the Kona epic ride. It's only 20 or 28 miles BUT there are lots of climbs. Somewhere in the middle, I heard that they also arranged for some bbqed sausages. Must be a rumour. At least that will keep me going.

Gdnight.

CLICK HERE FOR CHI'S ALBUM.

IMBA World Summit 2008

2008-10-29T17:21:00.004+08:00

Earlier in June this year, Max, HM, Chi and I flew all the way to Park City, Utah for the 2008 IMBA World Summit. It was the first time that us DirTraction folk had attended one of these summits. I must say it was well worth the effort in travelling that distance to rub shoulders and exchange ideas with other like-minded folks in MTB-related industries both local and international.

The summit was held at the Park City Marriott over 4 days from 18-21 June. We met mountain biking advocates, land managers, ski resort professionals, trailbuilders, park and urban planners, tourism officials and other representatives from the bike industry.

A typical summit day ran like this :-

- Yummy breakfast and chit chat

- The all important opening / closing speech for the first and last days

- Choice of workshops throughout the day (the topics were so interesting it was a tough decision just choosing which workshops to attend)

- And of course the moment we've all been waiting for *drumroll* - the guided networking rides! We could even pick and choose which ride was wana join to suit our riding levels!

K, enough said. Let da photos do da talkin'.

Day 1 (2 albums)

Day 2 (2 albums)

Day 3 (2 albums)

Day 4 (1 album)

Big thanks for IMBA Trail Specialist, Joey Klein who beckoned us to go join other like-minded mountain biking enthusiasts from around the globe at this summit! We'd definitely try to save up for the next summit! And to Patti Bonnet for taking care of us!

Watch this space for more photos of our rides in Crested Butte, Moab and Hawaii!!!

Extreme Sabbatical

2008-10-28T19:14:00.003+08:00

I know, I know. It's been more than 5 months since I last posted! Can't believe time flies when ya havin' the time of ya life!

Lemme see, what have I done so far this year? Hmmmm......in a nutshell....

1. Helped out with the organisation of Bike Asia 100 (no riding, fat cells unite)

2. Helped out as a bike lead rider for the 84 km Sundown Marathon and 70.3! Also led a Lexxus who blasted his way through 50 kilometers of off-road running for TNF100, which DirTraction organised! Never done so much lead riding for events for the two legged athletes! (still no real ridin'! hmmm.....well, not at the pace at which the runners were going, save for TNF100! That fella was flying I tell ya!)

3. Joined the 3-day Sabah Adventure Race and got drastically lost twice on the first day! My race partner, Ken wanted to quit on me at the end of each day, but I managed to coax him to suffer yet another day...and another...and another. On the last day, heat stroke lashed at him, and our team DNF! Sigh.....but I made it to the finish line with 2 other competitors from 2 different teams, whose respective partners had also DNF! (no lucky breaks this time - sigh)

4. Team Mingling reprised their roles in City Chase 2008, but alas, luck was definitely not on our side when enroute to CP1, Ming lost his IC, credit card, $200 and MRT card! And that was only the beginning of a really sad, sad story! Will leave the story for another day! (lucky breaks? think quota used in last few years already)

5. Wanted to form an all ladies team for the Ace Adventure "From Dusk to Dawn" race, but Becks recently discovered her spinal injury re-surfaced, so kissed the ladies team goodbye! My other slack male buddies couldn't tahan all the knee-busting running, signature of almost all Ace races I've joined, so no team, no race! Sigh....

Now, for the good stuff that makes all the nightmares go away.....

6. Attended the 2008 IMBA World Summit in Utah! Managed to cover more riding in Crested Butte, Moab and Hawaii! Photos to be posted soon! [Teaser photo above taken at Moab]

7. Just came back from a week's riding in Bali! Sweet! Again, photos and videos waitin' to be screened!

Looks like this is a better year than never to take my sabbatical (from extreme gruelling suffering)!

Lock ya eyes on this space.....for more riding photo journals of Ling the Merciless....

Vesak Day Ridin' with da Pedalphiles

2008-05-21T13:34:00.007+08:00

T'was a weekend spent at the trail which is the favouritest of my favourites - the Ketam MTB Trail!

Saturday was the official launch of the bike park (albumstory comin' right up soon) and Sunday was a fun ride with our PCC friends from up north. Click here for the full dirty details.

In case you're wonderin' who PCC is, according to their website :

PCC is a collection of cycling-crazy people from around the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. We share a common love for cycling and our mission is to have fun on 2 wheels! We ride regularly every Sunday, both on and off-road. We also hold long distance outstation rides and special events every now and then around Malaysia. Check out our BRAND NEW 2008 Ride Calendar and start planning your rides with us. All are welcome to join us. Sign up to be a member and get connected to our world !

And I was their 116255th visitor!

I've heard so much about them from Smokin' Babe, and Max has done the PCC road ride with them. But I've only ridden on the PCC Presidential Ride 2006 and it was heaps of fun watchin' all those tortured souls! Hee hee!

In case you missed the action on that ride, click below :-

PCC Presidential Ride 2006 - the silly video

PCC Presidential Ride 2006

Too bad I missed last year's ride (must have been busy with some race or other)....but I'll definitely be back for more! Heard they're going to start another PCC MTB ride next year - so do watch out for their calendar of events!

Da BombMean-able SnowGirl

2008-05-13T17:43:00.006+08:00

She's SnowWhite, she's Mean, and she's an absolute Bombshell! Meet the new chick on the block, da BombMean-able SnowGirl, my new stead....another present from Maximuzz, my Santa Biker Claus! And it's not even Christmas yet! You're the best, sweetiez!

Model : Fuel EX8 WSD

For more photos, click BSG Album
For more info about her specs, go to Trek Website

Max went to the bike shop many times over to change parts of her vital organs, while donating some entrails from his former steed. All this operational aspect of bike setting up is all Greek to me, so I think I'll do what I do best....just ride the lady!

This is the first time I've ever ridden a full sus (apart from borrowing Pling's bike once for a spin around KR)! I brought her out for a test ride at BT the other day, and the uphills took some gettin' used to. I almost keeled over on a climb coz I wasn't used to her geometry. But the downhills.....oooo.....that was all worth it!

The dirtraction sticker gets a prominent placement on her smooth white skin....

Why WSD Difference ? = Trek website says "Because you're built differently from a man, your bike should be too. Trek Women's Specific Design (WSD) bikes are engineered to fit your body, putting you into a more natural riding position by balancing your weight more evenly between your hips and hands. The result is extreme comfort and control, better balance and optimized power efficiency."

I've been told that my current frame (which I've been riding for donkey years) is too big for me? Hmmm.....I guess perhaps that was what was contributing to my back aches and occasional knee pain although I had a proper bike fitting exercise and all.....tho the "aging girl in denial" reason is probably more like it! haha....

I guess what sparked off this whole full sus episode was a mixture of me not daring to test out too many of the double black diamond sections at Ubin or jumps for fear that my aging hardtail might break from under me...and also Joey Klein telling me that I'll pick up more courage if I got meself a full sus bike with a riser bar - which will make a whole lot of difference in instiling rider confidence.

Well, I really doubt guts and skills come with the new bike, but...with an upcoming trip to Moab, I'd like to think that I'll pick up 'nuff courage to at least test some of the technical trails that they have there without doing a Ling faceplant! All I need is practice, practice, practice...a full faced helmet, some knee guards, a shot of vodka etc. etc.

My friends are bettin' that after gettin' well acquainted with her, I will never ride a hard trail ever again! Only time and some intimate time with her, the trails and the elements, will tell whether I'd abandon my raggedy hardtailed Blue Bones for my plush new BSG...

BUT THEN I will never abandon any of my bikes! They are all part of my bikehood and I cherish every one of them!

Remember Chek Jawa

2008-05-13T14:53:00.005+08:00

Check our the screening of an acclaimed documentary entitled "Remember Chek Jawa" at sinema oldschool.

I watched it last night with Eric, the director and independent producer, together with Chi, whose dad was one of the characters in this real life docu-drama about a time when Singaporeans rose to the occasion and helped to save one of Singapore's natural treasures. It was a beautifully crafted piece of local history and I'm so thankful to all of those who have helped to preserve this little part of Singapore!

We may be an apathetic buncha people, but when nature calls, sometimes we have no choice but to answer her plea for help.

Excerpts from Eric's invitation on facebook :

"Just weeks after its discovery, residents of Singapore quickly realized that Chek Jawa - the last remaining untouched inter-tidal area in Singapore - was doomed for urban development. One final attempt is made by a group of volunteers to preserve Chek Jawa, in their minds and in their hearts.

An action leads to an unsuspecting shift in government policy, forever changing the course of Nature Conservation in Singapore. Up to today, many still tells me they never knew such a place exist in Singapore.

So, if you have not visited or seen it, do catch this film or let your friends know.

Although Singapore is small, I think there's still littlesecrets left at some corners for you to discover.

Monday, 12 May. 9pm

Monday, 19 May, 9pm

Monday, 26 May, 9pm

Tickets at $5 / $4 student concession

Venue: Sinema Old School

http://www.sinema.sg/oldschool/shorts/objectifs-films-may/

More about this short film on the official website.

If you missed my little contribution to documenting the Chek Jawa cause, fret not...you can watch it on utube at my short film on Chek Jawa.

The 7th day of the 7th month of the 7th year of this century marked the official launch of the Chek Jawa Wetlands. I went down for the launch and managed to take some photos. For the full photo story, click here.

Amball Revisited

2008-05-09T16:57:00.003+08:00

Found this old newspaper cut out about the Touch Football folks that I used to play amball with religiously every Sunday.

Judging from the age of those interviewed in the article (the interviewer happens to be my sister-in-law), this must have been published back in what....1992?

My eldest sister, Ting (the one quoted in the paper) introduced me and the rest of the Lee sisters to the sport.

It was also how Mart and I were first introduced to each other during our PLC course coz we had friends in common playing this unladylike sport....

I remember my friend Terence getting lots of flack for being quoted for his views on the weaker sex....which he claims to have been a misquote....oh well, that's another story...and something to laugh about now!

Though this was only a friendly game, I remember someone breaking an arm and a leg (literally) while tripping all over themselves! And they call this a violent game?

Apart from the strategic planning (my favourite being the motion plays), tackling and counting one-alligator-two-alligator etc..., it formed a great SDU platform for lurrrrvvvee. Some have hooked up as a result of the weekly gatherings - myself included at one stage (with my ex-boyfriend - haha), and I've known of 2 marriages that blossomed - including my sister and now brother-in-law who live in Hawaii! :)

It was also a chance for my doggies to roam loose....and they were always looking forward to Sunday afternoons when we drove them there in my mom's ol' beat-up Mercz!

We were always searching for the best field, from Nanyang Junior College, to Lorong Liu Lian, to the Hwa Chong field, to the Sentosa field, and now the ACJC field! Whatever field we could get our hands on! But no bumps please?

Looking back, I had really fond memories of our football days. Good ol' days indeed! At one stage, the network went up to over 40 members!

The most recent reunion was when Ben, Choo and Eddie were back from the US. Same core group of players, but the bones were gettin' all creaky....mind is willing, but body is slowin' down....

How time flies, but so does the kanna seed....

Through the Looking Glass

2008-05-06T17:55:00.002+08:00

Friends, Roamers, Countrydogs,

Lend me your ears!

I'd just like to paw you a note to tell ya how much I love this balcony with a view! It's to howl for! Catch more photos of me by clicking here.

Hugs and licks,

Saskia Lee-Mager

Sundown at the Calypso

2008-04-30T11:45:00.003+08:00

I was headin' home for one of our DirTraction meetings held at the Calypso, when lo and behold, there were a gazillion creative hands and eyes raiding our bedroom!

The Hivelocity and Adidas folks were using our bedroom as the backdrop for the Sundown Marathon poster (thanks to Janice who was raving about our bedroom), and of course the star of the photoshoot was none other than Angela of ALG MTBing Downhillin' fame! :)

For a peek at the behind-the-scene shots for the shooting of this poster, click here.

I love our bed : an art piece from Kenneth Cobonpue.

I mountain bike on an island with no mountains, and I'm proud!

2008-04-18T12:03:00.006+08:00

What inspired me to design this Bukit Biker T-shirt? Well, I was thinking to myself, "hey, there are zilch mountains in Singapore (with the tallest hill being all of 164 metres high), yet some of us Singaporean "bukit bikers" managed to keep up, and even do pretty well, in the epic PCC and Penang rides, and even in mountaineous regions in Himachal Pradesh in India or Sabah".

The tallest hill is none other than our famous Bukit Timah Hill, which we're not even allowed to ride up because it poses a danger to hikers if we should slip and fall!

Anyway, the word "Bukit" (meaning "hill" in Malay) came to mind, and it just so happened that the major mountain biking trails we have in Singapore had the same initials as BUKIT, with the exception of the "I". B = Bukit Timah, U = Ubin, K = Kent Ridge and T = Tampines! What a coincidence?

This image of one of the alcoholic anonymous meetings came to mind where you'd hear the victims say, "Hi, I'm Jane. And I'm an alcoholic."...So why not, "hi, I'm Ling, and I'm a mountain biker who lives in an island with no mountains." I mean, how does one "mountain" bike in an island with none of those huge knolly things?

Anyway, I think that Max and Huimin from DirTraction have really done so much to increase / improve the mountain biking trails in Singapore! And a whole bunch of other DirT folks like Nik, Peiling, Jason, William, Ming etc. who helped out from time to time with the coolie work. And of course, not forgetting NParks, their trail contractors and especially the banglas who toil day and night to make the trails a better place! Oh, and not forgetting Joey Klein's tutelage on how to create sweet and flowy trails. IMBA rocks!

Of course it goes without saying that creating a flowy trail is loads of hard work! Wished I could have done more to help, but alas, a desk job does not leave a lot of time during the weekdays, and weekends are all that I can offer. Anyway, check out the blood, sweat and tears that goes into constructing a new trail : http://kentridge.eaglet.org/

There are so many good reviews of Ubin, Kent Ridge and Tampines, it's unbelievable that even some Malaysians (who are spoilt for choice back home where trails are concerned) would come all the way down to Singapore to ride our trails! Makes me feel really proud of what they have done to make Singapore a better place to ride in! :)

Check out some of these reviews of our trails :

Fakawitribe's Singapore Lampoon Road Trip (they were headed towards Tampines for the Bike Asia 100 MTB race, but ended up in Ubin instead!)

Kenneth Koh's Blog Review of the Ketam Bike Trail in Ubin

Here's a little something about how the Tampines MTB Trail came about (extracted from the DirTraction Bike Asia 100 Handbook) :-

The original Tampines Mountain Bike Track was an approx 3-km long gravel track with slight undulation. It was the flattest beginner mountain biking track and the fastest off-road racing venue Singapore had to offer.

In 2006, DirTraction worked hand-in-hand with Peter Cheng and RMC Pte Ltd, the contractors at the Tampines trail, to create an additional 4km of off-road trail extension. A man-made, “teletubby-like” knoll was created on top of a flat piece of land, and a winding, multiple- switchback singletrack was carved out of that hill. A short jungle section allowed for some cool relief from the majority open-field course, followed by a long straight dirt track. Plans were underway for the creation of a 4-cross track.

In 2007, DirTraction and RMC got their hands dirty again in the construction of yet another 3 km of off-road trail. A sister knoll was added with more signature short climbs and downslopes, s-curves and long switchbacks that pattern the hill slopes. Certain sections of the mud-thirsty jungle sections are now elevated on northshore-style platforms, while certain branching grassy paths were created along the gravel track, some parts even skirting around a picturesque pond.

In April 2008, a refreshing new 10-km Tampines mountain bike track was born, although parts are still slightly raw on the edges. With pet names like Horizon Hill, Banana Berm, Ziggurat, Descender, Moonscape Climb, The Ridge, Kidney Stone, Pond Curve, Wooded Wonder-The Shore, Breakwater Flat and Monster Mud Madness, DirTraction can only wish all Bike Asia 100 participants happy thoughts when you’re taking on this new challenging 10-km trail!

As part of our continuing education on trail building, Max, Huimin and I are heading down for the IMBA World Summit 2008 held in Utah in June....and Chi is tagging along for the epic rides! Am sure it would be fun to meet Joey Klein once again and the rest of the IMBA crew!!!

If you're interested in gettin' one of 'em Bukit Biker drifit shirts, DirTraction is selling them in the DirTShop. Wear 'em, and wear 'em proudly!

Tinker-Ling sensation of meeting a legend

2008-04-16T11:27:00.008+08:00

TINKER JUAREZ, US

4 Time US 24 Hour Solo Champion
3 Time NORBA XC Champion
2 Time Olympian
Gold Medallist, Pan Am Games
ABA BMX Hall of Fame
Mountain Bike Hall of Fame
Three top 10 finishes in World MTB Championships
Singapore Bike Asia 100 Mountain Bike Race 2008 Men's Solo Champion

Helping out with the organisation of a race has its perks. If you're lucky, you get to meet your guest stars in the flesh...and even hang out with them!

Before the race, we attended a talk organised by ANZA. Their members wanted to know Tinker's darkest, deepest secrets on how to become a world champion!

There was a post chill out dinner at Fabricca, Dempsey, organised by the folks at Bike Asia. In ze photo, Tinker's on me left, followed by Nino and BitBit:

SURBAN NINO, Philippines

2007 SEA Games Bronze medalist - XC

2008 Singapore Bike Asia 100 Mountain Bike Race Men's Solo Runner-Up

BABY MARITES BITBIT, Philippines

2007 SEA Games Gold for XC
2005 SEA Games Gold
2003 SEA Games Bronze
2001 SEA Games Silver

2008 Singapore Bike Asia 100 Mountain Bike Race Women's Solo Champion

And finally, we met up with Tinker at Microbrewery, Clarke Quay for farewell drinks on Sunday....Jive Talkin' dedicated a Queen song to Tinker, sponsored by Cannondale! Groovy, baby!

Definitely a Tinker-Ling and Humble-Ling sensation being in the presence of Mountain Biking royalty! :)

Photos of Singapore Bike Asia 100 Mountain Bike Race 2008 available here and on the DirTraction website :

Ling's Album 1
Ling's Album 2
CyberJoe's Album
Janice's Facebook

Leon's Facebook
Noel Chan's Album
Rey's Album
Simon Chan's Albums (4)
Van88's Album
Clubsnap Photos 1

Clubsnap Photos 2

Clubsnap Photos 3

Clubsnap Photos 4
Togoparts

Hope to see ya again next year, Tinker!

adventuresoflingthemerciless

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I mountain bike on an island with no mountains, and I'm proud!

Tinker-Ling sensation of meeting a legend

2 MTB Hall of Famers? pinch me, quick