Northern Jing

No Running Today Then

2011-08-31T07:08:00.000+08:00

grrrrrrr

Ai Weiwei on Beijing's Nightmare City - The Daily Beast

2011-08-29T22:35:00.000+08:00

Ai Weiwei on Beijing's Nightmare City - The Daily Beast:

'via Blog this'

a little cooler

2011-08-29T22:26:00.000+08:00

Well, Beijing is getting a little cooler now. Thankfully.

Beijing is also host to the World Tri Champs in a couple of weeks, so that'll be very interesting and hectic around here.

To Old?

2010-05-26T06:56:00.000+08:00

Well, studying is going well. Now the hard part.

Looking for a job, I'm gaining lots of knowledge, and that it is where the train stops. I need it to move on further down the track.
Now I need experience. It's a loop hole in ones career path, you can't get a job without experience, and you can't get experience unless you have a job.

So, I've been thinking about becoming an Intern.

At what age is it acceptable? With 40 knocking on the door, are companies willing to take someone on at my age? I can't see why not, if I can decide to make a career change, it must be because it is something that I want to do, and committed towards.
I also may offer more enthusiasm than some other people too.

I'll keep looking, and keep studying. It's not over till the station master says so.

in KL

2010-05-03T06:41:00.002+08:00

So, I'm sat in my hotel room, it's 6.42, and there is an amazing sun rise going on behind me. Unfortunately since I didn't plan on any sightseeing, I've only got my 2mp camera phone with me.

I'll see what I can do, but I'm no Ansel Adams.

I'll post it later.

Anyway, today I am in KL. I'm doing a training course (and no, not on the bike) this part of my plan for the future me. I need a real job, one that will provide good stability for our future.

So, I'm here, spending a fortune, and going to work hard like a good little school boy.

I shall keep you posted.

Honest.

;)

Happy 5th Month

2010-04-12T09:07:00.002+08:00

Hey Monty,

Happy 5th Month Birthday!

Wow, time has come round so fast, I don't know where it has gone. Our wee son, has just turned 5 months.

Last night, was his first time that he slept in his cot all by himself. I think it was a harder for his Mum than it was for him.

On Saturday we bought a book called the Baby Whisperer, very good.

Not that Monty was doing anything wrong, we were.

Accidental parenting they call it, and we weren't being that far off. Just little things. Like picking him up when crying. It's very easy to do, and very comforting to both baby and parents, but after reading just 1 chapter of this book, my wife and I, had the bed to ourselves last night. Don't think she enjoyed it.

Well, it's time for a change, we've moved him from a 3 hour schedule to a 4 hour one. It's not to bad for him, probably harder for us, and his mother-in-law.

First Mile Stone

2010-03-27T21:22:00.001+08:00

Took my little lad (4 1/2 months) swimming for the first time today.

He did me proud.

The teacher kept using him for demos', and he performed amazingly in his first solo swim.

Covering around 2 metres.

I am one proud father.

Busy

2010-03-14T09:06:00.002+08:00

Well, I've been really busy of late.

I'm studying QMS, and have a full time training job in large computer company.

The weather has been totally crap, why does it always rain/snow/sleet on the weekends?

I've seen lots of things of late which I want to blog about. Most of it is whinging which is very unlike me.

Even after being here for 7 years, there are still some things which I dislike, these normally come under the rules of manners, politeness and just downright general thoughts for others.

This is all seriously lacking in this country.

Anyway, enough of my vent.

I'll finish with my normal vow, I'll update more often.

didn't last

2010-01-08T20:57:00.003+08:00

Well, as to be expected. My daily photo shoot didn't last long.

Either that I'm very busy, or my daily life is boring.

Actually it's not boring, there just isn't anything interesting to see on my journey to work. I suppose when the weather gets better, and I can start riding again, then it'll be far more interesting.

Talking of interesting, I do have the British Cycling team coming here soon, although only a small team of 5 members, still, it means that I can hang around the velodrome and look oh so important for a while. And for that, I'm sure to have some good pics to share.

And it starts again

2010-01-01T10:00:00.003+08:00

And so the New Year dawns, and we start it all over again. Hopefully this time, will be bigger and better than the last one (how a Year can be bigger, I don't know).

I shall again, try and maintain my blog, but you know, me keeping this going is like the majority of the people starting the Gym this time of year, it could quite possibly fade out.

I've also set myself another daunting task, I am going to try and keep a daily photo diary.

Not only is this an extremely difficult task for me to do (carrying a camera with me every day) but hopefully it will help me look at mundane, daily things in a new light.

So, leaving you to get on with your hangovers, the start of your resolutions (why do some people need the start of a new year, to make a new start. If you want to start/stop something, then just do it!) I'll bid farewell, and speak to you soon (hahaha)

it's the hats

2009-09-12T14:31:00.001+08:00

What a great day out on the bike today.

I have to say some of the best weather in Beijing for a very very long time.

Although did come across this;

Why do people do it?

no excuse

2009-09-11T08:15:00.003+08:00

April 29th??

Seriously, that was my last post. What excuse can I say? mmmmm

Isn't one really, this year has been on full speed, non stop.

We're in the process of moving house, I now teach at an International School in the morning, coach swimming in the afternoon. Help out at voluntary for the Jane Goodall Inst here in China in middle, and still have some VIPs for English lessons.

I do try and ride my bike in the middle

I'll be back

update

2009-04-29T08:02:00.002+08:00

Well at the weekend I took part in a local race, I have to say... PPP

My legs had it, my heart didn't, and when my heart was ready the race had finished. I counted the laps wrong, I was one behind, so I finished with a full tank.

I can only blame myself. I hadn't warmed up well enough, and it's not really hard for someone to count to six is it?

So onwards and upwards, I can review the past but lets not dwell on it.

On May 23rd I'll be taking part in Fatties 100 Miles to No-Where in which I will sit on a Turbo Trainer and cycle a 100 Miles.

So yes, I will be bugging as many people as I can for donations.

豆豆 dou dou

2009-04-28T06:47:00.007+08:00

What more can I say.....

Culinary delights

2009-04-21T18:37:00.003+08:00

One thing about living here in China, is that there is lots of great food to eat. I have had the pleasure of eating some weird and wonderful and some weird and not some wonderful food here.

Two things which originally kept me here in the first place was the variety of food, and the other was the people. They are a great bunch of people.

Whilst being here, I have managed to live in two places for some time, and one thing I have noticed, is that there is very little spring time.

Wuhan, which is in the centre of China, has a really long spring time. Not. It's like over in about 3 days.

A very short time indeed.

Beijing though, has a longer spring season.... ohh maybe some 2 weeks.

Spring time here though (Beijing) though brings out little bugs, they are kind of like Miggies but meatier. Yes, Meatier.

How on earth would I know that they are meatier, well, there is only one way to find out and that is to eat them.

You go up to top of your local mountain, preferably on a MTB, and you try as hard as you can, to come down the side as fast as you can. Of course, you need to gulp for air, and at the same time, you gulp these little buggers.

Either that, or you can grit your teeth, and end up with little black dots all over them. Still, you will have to remove them, and you'd probably do that with either your lips or tongue.

That being the case, I'd rather they just hit the back of throat, give me a quick type of involuntary Vurp (bit of vomit and burp in the same instance) and carry on with it.

As I said though, it's only a short time, so just might as well accept it.

it's coming

2009-04-21T07:50:00.002+08:00

This weekend I have a good fun race to do, it's only 24km so nothing much in it really.

So, what happens now then.... I get a cold. Sniffling, runny nose cold.

Umph....

And you know what it is like, when men get colds, the whole world is dying.

But, if you know me, I try to look for the brighter side of things, this means I can get some housework done, no, not the sort that I should be doing by scrubbing floors, I mean, getting some emailing, looking for courses and other work done.

I've also got some B&W film for my 35mm so I want to go out and take some 'arty' pics. Which is probably one of the only few arty things that I do.

hadn't felt for a while

2009-04-15T18:01:00.002+08:00

Today, I had one of those feelings which I hadn't felt for a very long time. A feeling of 'wow' I AM actually in a different place, experiencing a different culture, and it is very beautiful and peaceful.

Normally here in Beijing, I am greeted every few steps with the sound of someone hawking up their inner most innards to be strewn across the street. Normally at the base of my feet. For a while I've had this pent up rage against it, and even at one point even thought about creating a website, dedicated to this, most vile and gross conduct.

For a country that is steeped in History and Culture, they claim, and the fact that they invented tissue paper, what has happened, so that they can discard their 5000 year old history and culture.

Today, as I walked through part of the town that I must say, I seldom walk, I decided to try some noodles at a local place.

Wow, I'll be going back tomorrow, they were amazing, but more amazing than that, was that I was sat in a very small place, it was spotless, cool, and friendly. It was casting me back to WHY I wanted to stay here in the first place, and then over my shoulder I saw this;

So yeah, it's just the view of the Drum Tower, but it's a nice view, and even though it's across the road, the surrounding area was nice, it finally looked Chinese. Which these days, in this huge sprawl, is becoming harder and harder to find.

After shovelling down some mighty fine and cheap noodles, I proceeded with my walk, and came across this;

So, it's just the last generation playing Mazhong, but it's more than that. It was under blossom, sitting next to a clean and lovely river. No hawking, no rubbish.

It was a treasure to behold. It is something how it should be.

With the sun beating down on my back, this view made me feel warm inside, a day. Complete.

hipster like

2009-04-10T20:09:00.005+08:00

with an impending summer job on the way, one of things I had to go and do was visit the 'Art' section of Beijing.

Now me being a sporty type person, me and art don't normally see eye to eye. Though moi being the classical type of person (sporty + classical?), have a like for nice looking buildings, and I am pleased to say, that the Turner collection is coming to Beijing.

The area did not disappoint me, and as always, Beijing lived up to it's name of being nothing more than short of commercial.

This is the Nike Basketball Hall, in the Art district.

I did though come across a very nice tea house

Although I do have to say, it does look like something from the film "The Promise"

I did come across 1 piece of art.... but I'll save that for another blog... maybe...

It's going to be a hard summer...

So there was me, riding around on my fixed bike, in the Art district. I am glad no-one recognised me.

blonde and moody

2009-04-10T19:41:00.002+08:00

Whilst out shopping the other day, I came across something that is both Kranky and at the same 'Bimbo' at the same time

I don't know what that makes the contents like....

get a bike

2009-04-01T12:42:00.003+08:00

I won't post anymore, if you want to check it out, have a look at his website

But this does remind of a conversation I had the other day

"There used to be a time here in Beijing when the foreignors drove cars and Chinese looked at us, now it's the Chinese in the cars, and foreignors looking at the Chinese.

Beijing traffic sucks (all the life out of you) they should be doing more to promote cycling.

cycling with buddies

2009-03-31T08:46:00.003+08:00

A Triathlete, or a TT specialist, and probably just normal cyclists are sometimes a loner. That is you just get used to being by yourself, you have to, sometimes when your out in front (or dropped off the back) you are just by yourself, and you have to work, by yourself so that you can get to the goal in mind.

This brings out the special quality in people.

Riding with your friends, is awesome though. It's a real good feeling when your just riding in a bunch, or even just sitting atop a huge hill looking down and around you.

There are sometimes though, when riding with friends, can just be a little.....

Happiness

2009-03-31T06:23:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday Mum

pumping

2009-03-30T15:12:00.003+08:00

If you are a competitive cyclist you will know what I am about to say and mean.

Traffic Lights

There is something about them, obviously it's the green light thing, it means go, and usually go means GO!

Some people (like me) take traffic lights very seriously, especially on the final 8km back to my house. I go past an area, in which it is my last chance to beat my fastest (top) speed of the day.

Today, I had an easy 43km/hr to beat.

As I came upon the lights, they were red, so I like to hold back a bit, so that the other cyclists can start in front of me, and than fan out, leaving the way clear for me.

I had good music pumping on the MP3, lights went green, I tucked, and started sprinting, passing the other 4 lanes of cars, whizzing passed all the other cyclists, getting faster, legs pumping, body relaxed, looking ahead, Chris Hoy would have been amazed (not)....47km/hr chain comes off, bike serves violently, left foot unclips, G'nads hit the top tube... I probably look like a ballerina in mid flight having a seizure. How I re-gained control of the bike without hitting the ground, can only be testiment to my recent throw downs on the local trails.

I calmly pull over to side of the road, everyone gawping at me as they go past, put on my chain, and then set off.

It's only after a short while, that it all sinks in. Today was one of the few days that I didn't wear a helmet (what a plonker) and that 20 mins after I'm still full of adrenalin and my heart is beating fast.

Today I was lucky, and I won't go cycling without my helmet again, and I will look at my chain on why it keeps coming off at speed.

to do

2009-03-29T09:48:00.002+08:00

Came across this, and thought it was hilarious

I have so much pent up energy today, that I woke up bored. Never had that feeling before. I suppose it's because I have been training for a race, which I never ended up taking part in. All I can say is that my body is on fire. I'm climbing harder, faster and stronger (the Olympic climb??) than before, and whilst I am riding with my buddies, they soon get to feel tired, I feel as though I haven't raised a heartbeat. I must say, it feels good.

I need to do a race this year, and I'm talking about a quality race, not just the short local things that happen around here. In a couple of weeks, we have a 5km hill climb. Wooooo, a massive 5km. I'll suppose I'll enter it, and then carry on having a great ride in the hills.

Today my friends are in the hills, and I am being a good (read extremely) husband, by staying with the wife. It is only a couple of more weeks till training starts again, and then, it will be double weekend riding :D Oh yeah... bring it on!

sundays ride

2009-03-24T12:08:00.004+08:00

Just wanted to post a pic from last Sundays ride. Kudos to Roger for the photo...

And I should stop being so selfish and take my camera with me, which I'll promise to do next week (and use it)

125

2009-03-19T13:12:00.002+08:00

One has to consider life from both ends of the spectrum, from Deep Purple to Loving Reds, it's all there in it's visible glory, you just have to look around and it's all around you.

Isn't it amazing, how in one day, your life can suddenly change, take a whole new meaning, a whole new direction.

For some, one day, can bring ultimate grief, ultimate betrayal, and then for others, can bring amazing enjoyment, absolute happiness.

How can life vary so much? Yet still leaving enough room for us to care?

We are strange, do animals go through the same?

I have a new favourite number, and that is 125. I shall declare more later, but for now, you will just have to accept that this one of my all time favourite numbers, and one, that I will never ever forget.

Gas

2009-03-12T14:08:00.006+08:00

Life IS Fantastic, in the way that it often throws up many problems, and these problems can lead to other problems, and sometimes one may feel that this is like an Archimedes Spiral, and I'm sure everyone has problems, life isn't as smooth as one would like it to be. So how do we change this?

Or can we not?

Is life just going to be one obstacle after another. Should we just not except that is what life is, so therefore just get on with it?

Do we set standards for ourselves so high, that we want more? Or just that our needs, (in which everyone is different) are sometimes not as much as they are worth.

I've just been looking at some photos of my Mums' holiday. She went to a beautiful place called Kerala and as I was flicking through the photos, I noticed how simple peoples lives were, that is simple compared to where I live. Looking around on reflection, here is also simple, and yet complicated, fast, slow, modern and 3rd world, all in one place. Where do I fit in? As I am sitting in a fast consumer place environment, drinking capitalism coffee, I am very aware that outside, people are rummaging through litter bins, so that they can get enough money to live by.

Some people admire me for my way of living, free. Yet now, I too have responsibilities, and I too have to look at my life, and alter the way in which, what takes priority.

I am completely unprepared for what my future brings, and this is nothing more than gas.

Without a definite shape or volume that are in more or less random motion.

mixed emotions

2009-03-09T14:35:00.002+08:00

Today I did a quick effort on the Laoshan Park course, I used to call this the Olympic Venue, but in the best traditional Chinese way, their way of 'preserving' items is to basically knock it down, and then rebuild it in concrete or other modern materials.

It is with much sadness that I have to report that the amazing, great and super tough Olympic MTB course, is almost extinct, gone, well sort of.

They are paving the trails.

To encourage more walkers and people to the area, they are paving the dam lot. It looks nothing short of a open air shopping centre. It's disgusting, and once the "The Bicycle Cluster" is now turning into nothing more than a couple of spots.

The area could have been a super fantastic area for China, Beijing to pedal their way forward for a sports area, but alas, it's not to be.

Time for me to move on.... but the areas are getting fewer and further apart.

That was the sad part of today ride, I am due to go out there again tomorrow, maybe I have 1 more week left of the trails, before they are all completely gone. Time is a killer on this one.

One of the bonus of living here in China is the smell. If you can forget about the pollution, the smell of all the vehicles, and go further than that, the smell of people cooking, when our outside is just amazing.

It is nothing short of a mouth watering festival every-time I go out, and come back. Why aren't the people fat? (Excluding the youth of today, and visiting the MacDs and KFCs of this world)

That is one of the reasons why I like it here so far, you have to look beyond the surface of things, and see what it is for real.

time for change

2009-03-09T07:20:00.002+08:00

Life IS amazing.

Have you stood back from your life, and just have a look at what you are doing, what you have done, and maybe, where it is going?

Just stop, and think.

Almost every morning, I peruse the Guardians pages on the internet, especially the World in 24 hour pictures.

Most news is bad news, and the press certainly can hype things up. So I prefer to look at the photos, emotions can be easier, and be more truthful to read.

This morning, 2 photos brought home a little sense of reality, from being surrounded of sorts by this through to this, and as I look at my life, I know I need to make some serious, very serious changes.

My wife is more than just gorgeous, she is the pillar in our relationship, but that should be me.

She takes all the stress, and all the worry, me, I just glaze across the problems, and float through time, like a drifter on cosmic winds.

I HAVE to change, life IS amazing. Looking at what I've done, at what I've achieved. It is time for me to make amends, and let my wife have some of the fun, of which I am enjoying.

bad bad boy or not?

2009-03-03T17:21:00.003+08:00

Well, for those of you who have been following this blog, first sorry for lateness in writing a new post. You all knew it was going to happen sooner or later, that is, the period of absence away from here.

Well, apologies over and done with, lets get down to business.

Firstly hard luck to Jill who has had to pull out of her race due to frost bitten toes. I was silently wishing her well, as it's no mean feat what she was trying to do, but I'm sure she will go on and fight another day.

Secondly... well this is rather naughty of me. Last night, the Good Lady and I went shopping, and as we rounded the laundry detergent section, there were packets of our favourite brand, all doubled up. We asked them if it was BOGOF, to which we got no reply (probably because they weren't the sales girls for that particular brand, or that they are just down right ignorant) anyway, the Good Lady said we should put it back, as it wasn't on sale. I proclaimed that we would use it anyway, so might as well get it. So anyway, today I was back in the supermarket, and saw something else, this time, they were labeled, by 2 get 1 free....... except for 1 packet, which wasn't marked. So I bought it, and only paid for 1.

Now, knowing that this is going to happen, is this stealing? Or, due to current economic crisis, using all my ability to save money?

I am impressed

2009-02-15T11:40:00.000+08:00

with myself! Yesterday I rode just short of 100km. Although half of this was on the road, the other half, was quite tough, and included over 1300m of climbing.

Where I live the routes are 90% stoney, so yesterdays ride was also demanding on the shoulders, and in fact gives a full body workout.

Yesterday I rode the climbs hard, and the descents smooth, but what impressed me more than anything was my techinical descending, I am far more in control of the bike now, and actually, the bikes can ride the terrain easily, it's just all in my head. Yesterday I did nice drops, technical and steep (very steep) descents, and to cap it all, about 15m of steep steps at the end.

Yesterday was a good day. Hope you had one too

aaaarrgggghhhhh

2009-02-13T22:35:00.006+08:00

When Sean S Cunningham directed Friday the 13th, he must of had a vision of today. For me, today has been a good day, for some, it's a bad day.

I believe that it is what you make it to be, and if you go around looking for bad things, then you will surely find them. Today, I did a good ride with my good friend Roger, couple of hours, I was on my Single Speed, and Roger was on his Fixed.

It was his first time to do a long ride on a fixed bike, and to be honest, his first 'long' ride for quite some time.

I picked up a couple of Jones Dry X as well, as the my walls on my MTB were almost transparent in places.

So before I get onto my only 'horror' part of the day, I first needed to meet the good lady from the Subway.

Everyday, without fail, I meet her, so that we can walk home together. It has only been that when I am away on business that I fail to attend this most important job of being a husband to a Chinese lady.

Now I thought today was Friday 13th, not 14th, 13th, but as I walked the short 10 mins to the Subway stop, I counted no less than 16 people selling flowers at Country Economic saving prices, it was not as much as bees around honey, but more like flies around pooh.

As much as I hate rain, I despise Valentines Day, why on earth, would a descent man, have to wait till one day a year to tell his loved one, how much they love them?

I tell my wife frequently, I try to be the best husband there is, and I do lots of little things ALL the time, like meet her from the station and walk home with her.

I do not have to wait for one day. Last year though I made a mistake. I bought a present. It surprised my wife no end, but that one fateful day has set a precedent, and today, I was hit with emotional blackmail.

"How much do you love me?"

"You know I would do anything for you" (under breath except be gay, as then I couldn't have you, and.......... please don't say it, please don't say it)

"Well how about tomorrow, we both go cycling together, up Miao Feng Shan?"

" (silence, but at least it has cycling in it, continued silence)"

"You can do it on your Single Speed"

FFS

aaaarrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhh

Now normally on Saturdays I go MTBing, and tomorrow, Coach had planned me to do a short 3 hour hard hilly session, but tomorrow IS Valentines Day, and I do love my wife so much.

So I want to say a BIG personal thanks to Valentine of Terni, and wish I could walk up to him in person as say "Sean, can you pass me the Chainsaw please."

a day of change

2009-02-12T14:02:00.025+08:00

I've been busy of late, not because I have a hectic and great training schedule to keep to, but I have also started working for a Sports Event Management Co.

My role is to find sponsorship so that we can improve revenues for the company, and also, as a participant of some the sports which the Co. organises, to raise the level of the events so that competitors have the want to go back for more.

Since things are very quite with my own business, I have to, out of need, look for other oportunities.

On top of all this, I need to pay more attention to my good lady, she is very busy with work, and I have to say, is more than an Angel. Especially during these times.

So today, I have another Job interview, with a Chinese Electronic manufacture. I feel things are on the up, I am becoming more and more busier, which is something I like very much.

Something I don't like though, is rain, after being born, and living in England for some twenty-something years, I don't like the rain. In fact, I hate the rain. Guess what, it is raining.

Now I know that Beijing is officially in a drought, but today it is raining. Not a lot of rain, that anoying rain, which doesn't quite warrant an umbrella, but yet, will get your hair wet, if you don't use one.

The real problem with rain in Beijing, is that if you are cyclist, is the amount of black crap that comes up from the ground. Beijing is a very dry, dusty city, so when it rains, all the polution in the air, is washed down and mixed up with the sand and dust on the ground.

I'll leave you to think about the disgusting mess it trudges up.

Leaving on a good note, it's only for one day, and hopefully tomorrow will be bright and pleasant. Great for a 1 1/2 hour ride.

Get Your Chimp Out!

2009-02-03T08:28:00.050+08:00

Yesterday I was feeling a little down, so I needed to P myself up.

This morning, the cat, was driving me mad with his constant wailing, I know he does this before he finds somewhere comfortable to sleep (normally in the morning it's the sofa.... but I'm on that at the moment) I just then thought, come on, get your chimp out!

When I was in a holding camp, prior to the Olympics, during dinner one night, the guys started talking about their chimps.

BC have a psychiatrist, they also proabably have psychologists, but the guy I am talking about, is a psychiatrist, and everyone at BC talk to him.

The chimp according to Steve Peters (who is not only a very accomplised runner) says there are two aspects of your brain that work independently of each other. One is quite emotional and irrational; the other is logical, capable of making good judgments. He calls the emotional part ‘the chimp’.

One day, during the Holding Camp, I asked John the Mechanic how he got into being the BC Mechanic? He used to race in Ireland (he's Irish) got involved in an accident, then ended up being a mechanic for the Irish Ladies Team. It just snowballed from there. Do you still ride?

Na.

At a later chat at dinner, the Chimp conversation arose, John thinks (although he didn't say) that he's to big to be a rider. So he doesn't ride.

Johns Chimp, is (what HE thinks）is his weight, that Chimp, the controlling emotional side of him is stopping him from riding. He needs to set that Chimp free, and get back out on the bike.

My cat this morning, just needed to let his Chimp out and go and find somewhere else to sleep (which he has done)

Yesterday my emotions were running amock, I need to work on my Chimp too, do you?

The P Factor

2009-02-02T19:27:00.023+08:00

Things aren't going well for me at the moment, regarding work wise. It has been too quite for too long now, and so therefore I think I have to look at other options.

Instead of dwelling on this, I use the P factor. This is obvious as it means the Positive factor.

So I'm going to point you in the directions of some goodness today!

First, Mr Fat Eldens blog, in which Team Fatty has now raised more than $106,000, $46,000 of which was raised during a recent raffle. Nelsons wife is battling against Cancer, and his blog, which is read by thousands, serves as a great reminder to us all, that we can all pull together.

Next I came across this, and was really amazed by it. Isn't it amazing that the most brilliant ideas in the world, are also often, the simplest.

The last thing, which is often the first thing I look at when feeling in the need of a lift, is my wedding photos. I know now, that I am the happiest man alive

Happy 牛 Year!

2009-01-31T12:14:00.017+08:00

It's been some 15 days since my last post, sorry, and in my defence I have been really busy.

Had the UCI World Cup, Chinese New Year and then my day to celebrate one more year closer to my natural death day! Yay (birthday)

So whilst I get myself sorted, I've got a couple of pics for you, from the Velodrome.

Track racing, is supposed to be about speed, so here's a couple of pics of some speed machines

pain

2009-01-15T10:35:00.003+08:00

In life, we encounter, if planned or not, pain. Some people like pain, depending on what form it takes.
Emotional pain, I would say is one of the hardest to endure. Being (trying) a competitive cyclist, or in the fact that my plans this year include a 24hour Solo race, I have to learn to live with pain. Physically and psychologically.

When pushing my heart rate towards the upper end of it's range, I can do this, and hold it for some time. The pain that is rushing through my body, the burn in the legs, my lungs gasping at the very edge of Oxygen debt, this I can push back to outer edge of my helmet cladded head and pursue with the task in hand.

Today, I came across a different type of pain. One that I have to say, I've never really encountered before. Coming from the UK, we are bought up with the rain, and the wind, and during the worst times, wind and rain. This can chill you to the bone.

Now, I am in Beijing. Since I am busy now (for a change) I have to schedule my rides early. So today I went out at 8am. Besides having to dodge cyclists traveling at 3km/hr (how do they stay up?) and car drivers not looking, so that they squeeze an extra 1cm of movement forward in their completely, your not going forward for at least 30minutes traffic jam, I cycled out in -14c.
Now my cycling shoes are great for the Summer, very well ventilated, but not so good for the winter. Even with 3 pairs of socks on, my toes were suffering. So much so, that it was hurting. How bad did it hurt? So bad, that I cycled directly home, not even stopping for a coffee along the way (and if you know me, that's something really big!).
Then I thought the pain had finished, no way had the pain finished. What no-one tells you, is that, not only does near frost bitten tootsies hurt, but warming them up, is a completly another level of pain. I didn't know whether to hop, cradle, walk fast on the spot or what, this, with me whining like a cat with no food for weeks.
I decided on turning on the shower, (very hot, so that it warms to floor first) the reducing the temp, so that I could shower anyway. Tingling, pins and needles, stand aside, this is going to be a flood of sensations.

Anyway, feet are good now, I will have to look at the weather temp tomorrow am, to see if I am brave (read stupid) enough to go out in it.

woohooo they are almost here

2009-01-12T19:29:00.001+08:00

yeah.... they are almost here, that is the Team arrive tomorrow, I know it's only a small team, but hey, I get to be with them for a long time, and more importantly, I get to really enoy my friends with 'stories' for not weeks, or months, but quite possibly years.

Yesterday (Sunday) was the start of my Christmas Present. Which involved doing Pilates, now, I don't know about you, but sometimes when I put extreme pressure on my stomach, I have an excess energy which needs to be dispelled, and sometimes, it can be noisy.

So last night, whilst the Good Lady was trying to watch TV, I was trying to do Pilates, I thought it was quite funny, because (and you have to imagine this) when someone was talking on the TV, I so kindly interrupted at infrequent intervals, and it made it look like a crude bleeper.

"So as I was saying to the (parp) person, that his hairdo was really (parp) awesome"

My blogging will become a little sparse over the next few days (as if, it isn't now) as I shall be busy, but I'll try and post some pics, and stories.

Have fun.

woohooo they are almost here

2009-01-12T19:29:00.000+08:00

"So as I saying to the (parp) person, that his hairdo was really (parp) awesome"

My blogging will become a little sparse over the next few days (as if, it isn't now) as I shall be busy, but I'll try and post some pics, and stories.

Have fun.

the inside geek of me

2009-01-10T08:40:00.000+08:00

I have to confess that yes, I am geeky. I think that at some point, all of us become geeky at some point, even if it's your mother loving some part of her new car.

It is time for me (well another few months anyway) that I need to change my phone. As a type of business user, one which needs to write long emails and sometimes using the µ and the ² within these emails, I tend to find that I need a keyboard.

I have an iTouch, but for my excessive smsing, twittering and emailing that I do, I find the soft keyboard something of a pain to the fingers.

My other problem is that I cycle a lot, so I want to carry a small phone, my current Palm has been through hell and back, and actually during one fall, it was actually the cause of my badly bruised, maybe broken rib.

So the 2 phones I have narrowed it down to at the moment are the Pre (pronounce Preeeee) and the LG KF900 (pronounce Prada)

Both are new, (well, won't be by the time I get to buy one) and both have rotating graphics (aka iPhone) blah blah, but they both can run multiple programms (iPhone can't) have sliding real keyboards, and offer something which Apple doesn't. A business useable phone.

Whilst the iPhone is great, it's just not suitable for me, and the reason I use my iTouch is because in Wifi areas, I prefer to use the free download of that for my email, rather than my pay for Edge service (I am in China)

So which one would you go for?

Plans

2009-01-08T20:25:00.000+08:00

I don't like making resolutions as these are easily broken (by some) but I do like to plan.
The best way to achieve something is to micro-plan, that is, to break some large plan or goal, into something more manageable, and doable.
e.g. If you are planning on running a Marathon, and your a non runner, you would start off by running short distances, and slowly but surely build up distance and time then viola! You can run a Marathon, it would be pretty silly to run it, without much prior training.

So what are my plans for this year?

My major plan this year is to go to Oz, and compete in a 24 Hour MTB Solo race. Good eh? Of course my micro managed goals for this are a 50km race (which I know I can do, now) a 3 day stage race (MTB) and then the 24hr. See how my distance and times are increasing throughout the year?

I also want to build my own wheels, or should I say, learn to build them well. There is definatly an art and a skill to doing this properly.

I want to read a small novel at least once a month. That means cutting time down on the net, and doing something useful and cultural. This is more impressive in the fact that I want to read it in a second language, not my mother tongue.

Speaking of secondary languages, for those of you who are planning on travelling to the UK, or have some UK friends, you may want to check on this. It can save you, without you shaking your head, as if you know what they are saying. Do yous cotton ed wa' ay arl bottle and glass?

mamoth task

2009-01-05T20:00:00.002+08:00

Well since my last post was quite long and exhaustive (for me) it has taken me a couple of days to recover, an excuse for writers block, or should one say, writers blog, no, that doesn't work, it would have to be bloggers block. Yes that is it... wow 5th Jan, and already maybe coming up with new words for 09!

Yesterday I went up the hills with my friends, apart from my chain snapping 3 times arrrrgghhh it was a lovely ride. The outside temp never raised above -1c the whole time, brrrrr but still it was very nice. Along the track Happy Village Life (sounds like a song) I decided to push it, and push it I did. Managed to hit a maximum heart rate of 195 going up, and really thought I was going to be sick when I got to the top. I've never quite believed in the adage of 220- your age, ever since I did a race one year with a average heart rate of 223!

I must of pushed it somewhat though as it did take it out of me, and it's been a many a year when I have felt that tired after a riding session. I think it is the start of things to come. From this Sunday, my official training plan begins. I feel that it's going to be a monumental task, but with excellent results. I do fear though, that it will rule my life, or that my life will revolve around it.

Saying that, I have a plan for this year, and if you deviate from the plan, a different outcome will prevail.

On-On

when a man becomes a woman

2009-01-02T14:33:00.003+08:00

Today I went for a quick spin. The weather is nice, I actually wore a layer less than normal. I only rode for 50mins. Actually looking for a road with minimal stopping here in Beijing is very difficult. Traffic lights appear some every 100 meters or so. But I found a nice cycle path which will enable me to have a nice spin, (nice spin meaning a nice almost non-stop spin, not including the environment) the only problem is that it runs parallel to the 2nd ring road.

I live in a city with like 1 gazillion people, and which 1000 new cars are being added everyday, I'll let you do the maths.
Saying that, the roads where really quiet today, I managed to ride for 50mins, with only putting my foot down twice to stop at lights.
So like I said, it was a nice spin.

When I got home, I ask the good lady what she was reading on the net, she said "stuff" which I then take it as gossip. When I probed further, it did turn out to be gossip, and what stars are wearing (she was swotting up on the latest fashion trends)
She said that I would have no interest in what she is reading, I said it's not what she is reading that I have an interest in, but what she is interested in, is what I am interested in, if you know what I mean.

I then commented on that it must be hard for stars to go out, with paparazzi following them, they have to look good all the time, the good lady then pointed out, that all women have this problem, and men, do not.

I pause at this point. Think.

When I go out, do I really care what I wear. On the norm, no. But wait. There is a time I do care what I wear.

On the bike.

I try to co-ordinate what I wear with the bike, I don't like colours to clash, I don't want to go out smelling to bad, so washing the clothes now and again is important.

Now I'm not a Euro-Cyclist but still, one has to look okay.

So does that mean, that men can become women like?

I was out on the MTB one day, when a fellow rider said that when shopping for bikes, and bike related stuff, the women side of us came out, I don't suppose he is right, I know he is right. Show me a cyclist who doesn't like looking at bike related, bike porn stuff, and he's not a cyclist.

There is one difference though, sometimes you can see someone who looks good, has all the stuff, and that raises the challenge in us, there is nothing better than getting to the top of hill or just riding better than the next fellow, maybe women have this same feeling if they see someone better dressed then them. I've yet to meet a man brave enough to ask this question.

So, Sunday is fast approaching, and even though I try to look good, I have one friend coming out, and he'll just pound us to the ground, doing trickz and stuff I can only dream of, and he dresses like a goth when it comes to cycling clothes....

Oh well, having fun is more important isn't it? Now where did I put that leg balm......

catching up

2009-01-01T22:01:00.000+08:00

Last night for the bringing in the New Year, we decided to stay in. We went out on the 30th to celebrate with friends, so we thought, blah, whats the point of doing it again?

Now some folk might think that I was sad, staying all night in, playing on the net, but it was really good. I was chatting to my brother, for the first time in a very long time, and courtesy of social networking tools on the internet, I was talking to old school friends, some of whom I haven't spoken to in many many years (I live in GMT +8) so for me, I had a very good night.

Should least we forget times gone by, I think it was an excellant thing to do, and we do have Rabbie Burns to thank for that.

Today, for a change, we braved the modern foe of shopping. Actually, we just wanted to walk off our lovely Prawns in Chilli and skinned Frog in dry fire! Wonderful (those are both my favourite dishes) and before you turn your noses up, you have to try it, before you can say otherwise.

As after any Christmas, sales are everywhere, except for the things that you want to buy. I saw a lovely top today, in a sports shop (where else would I be) and after converting the poor pound against the Peoples currency, there is no way, I was going to pay that amount of money. Also, as the good lady reminded me, it's also my new helmets money.

She knows me so well.

I so can't wait for Sunday. It is going to be my first MTB ride of the year with the guys, and I'm looking forward to it. Some of them have already started working, and some still haven't come back from home, but I sooooo need to get out there. It's been to long.

and......

2009-01-01T11:05:00.002+08:00

Well, I was slightly mislead in my assumption that it was just Darren who was getting 3 letters after his name.

After looking at the Honours list, it seems that most of the British Squad are up there!

Congrats to them all :D

2008-12-31T08:23:00.002+08:00

First things first, just want to say a HUGE congratulations to my friend Darren Kenny who has finally made the New Years Honours list.

Darren is hoping to come to Beijing in January and set a New World Hour Record, based on the same rules as abled bodied cyclists.

I have to say, I'm not keen on saying that, for a start, Darren can whop many people around the world on a bike, as he is a very accomplished cyclist. So labelling isn't fair. If I was going to label him, I would have to say something like Great, Superb, Athlete, something that befits him.

So today comes the end of another year. If your year hasn't gone as planned as well as you would have like it, think about the achievements that have made, don't dwell on errors or misfortune.
Lets look positively towards tomorrow and next year, take everything in your stride, and set yourself small manageable goals.
Together we can make next year, a Great Year.

Till next year then, peace, and enjoy.

quickie update

2008-12-30T09:35:00.001+08:00

Anyway, if you want to have a butchers at some photos, just glance slightly to your right, and you can see the slideshow (aptly named, Christmas 08)

not a lot

2008-12-29T07:24:00.005+08:00

Well, haven't been up to much really. You all know how it goes this time of year, eat, drink and be merry.
The wife did have a brain stormer one evening, and decided that we should do an all-nighter at the Karaoke! I didn't get in till 7am, the wife though went straight back to the office. Hats off to her!

I haven't been up to much recently, apart from shaving my legs for todays' photo shoot :D (today)

One thing has been pointed out to me, about my spelling and grammar. Yeah I know it sucks, but I've lived away from home for 6 years, in a limbo of languages, so I'm allowed to waver a little.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T14:30:00.002+08:00

Just a quick note to wish you happy holidays, which ever one you want to celebrate, from Christmastide to Sol Invictus, and all the others in between.

What ever you do, have fun, be safe, and I'll speak to you all in the near future.

Peace.

TT

2008-12-22T21:09:00.001+08:00

Today was my first real session on the Turbo Trainer. I've used them before, but not in the same way.
It hurt today, a good hurt as well, the pain that wasn't just in my mind, but was in my lungs and legs.

The hardest thing about TT is the mind set. You are sat inside, pedalling, it is, one of the most hardest forms of torture known to man. The problem is though, we do this by choice.
Some people can sit on it for hours, my longest time is 2 hours, then the movie is finished, along with my brain, which by then, has turned to some mush or other.

Today though, was different, in that I actually did a structured session and kept to it, and hurt.
It's a very good feeling when you have completed something like this.

I hope that this is the start of something good, outside is -12 (was today) tomorrow, it is going to be warmer (-9) and if there isn't any wind (as that adds about another -10 to it) I'm going to go and venture outside.
Even after today's success, I'm still prefer being outside.

Christmas is almost here, and it seems that everybody I know is working, so I have bought myself a wee dram of whiskey and plan to cycle to top of the local mountains, warm up my insides, and descend down.
Now don't worry, it's no more than a sip, I can't afford to be injured.
I'll take my camera, and hopefully we'll have a blue sky, freeze your butt off day, and I'll take some pics.

Hopefully, I'll speak to you before then.
Laters....

weekend ramblings

2008-12-21T16:27:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, my mad Ozie friend and me went up to the local moungtains, average temperature was around 1c, which was quiet pleasant for the ride up.
We hammered it quite well for the weather, and only stopping once for a quick bite to eat.
It was the first time for a whie that my legs felt the strain of it all.
Today the weather has dropped, it is now -12c outside, which is okay, but the wind is just down right not fair. It's so strong and blustery, that even walking in it, is just miserable.

So it's now a sunday afternoon, and I'm watching Far North,

and drinking ~~some~~ copious amounts of red wine.

The film so far isn't bad, and if I can manage to stay coherent long enough, I'll try and report about the film later.
Ir I might just have to watch it again (without the bonus of red wine), so that I can get a true picture of the film.

winter wonderland

2008-12-19T16:43:00.006+08:00

Well, not exactly Winter Wonderland, not like fellow blogger Jill, who really does live in Winter Wonderland.

Today did a nice 2 hour ride on the fixed gear, actually I've been having problems with my left crank, so I took it to my not so local bike store. Most people have a bike or one which is local to them, not me.
Mine is exactly 25.01km away from my house, involves me cycling passed Tian'an men square, China Military museum, and the Olympic Basketball, Baseball and MTB course (which is a driving centre, more about this another post)
I enjoy this ride, for one, it just means I get to ride at least 50km. Even with weather like today 3c and really, really windy, so windy, that I had to turn the volume up high on my mp3 player.
This then brings me nicely to my first ever product review.

Nike Vapour Headphones

Now I know I shouldn't ride whilst listening to music, because your riding does very to the tempo to which you are listening to.
I quite listening to the freebie downloads on itunes for spinning classes, anyway, it keeps me going, and with headwind like today, riding my fixed, turned into a spinning class anyway, you know, when you have to stand on the pedals, because the resistance is to hard, it's the only way to turn the pedals. Anyway, I digress, these headphones are designed for sport, coming from Nike, you wouldn't expect anything less than professional sport equipment, right?

I chose these earphones, as I had rather large ears (think FA cup, or wing nut for comparison), but my ear hole, seems to be small, so I have to use ear clasp earphones. Using them for a combination of both running and cycling, I can't use over the ear ones, as my helmet (whilst riding) will get in the way.

First problem, don't use white plastic products where sweat is concerned, it doesn't stay white for long, and realistically, who is going to wipe them down after a hard training session, it's good that they don't end up on the floor for an hour or so after whilst I catch my breath!

Secondly, who ever thought of having a screw joint on a headphone designed for sport use! It's so frustrating, the slightest little knock, and they come out of place, they just aren't stiff enough at all. Walking is fine, but then again, anything a dog can do, isn't a sport (football)

Thirdly, sound. Actually they aren't bad here, but I would prefer something with a little more bass noise to it, it would help drum out some of the hooting cars as they go past. Saying that, they are MP3 earphones, and MP3 sound quality isn't the best in the world.

Fourthly, plus point. I like the shorter cable it comes with, with an extension cord as well, this is good for putting your MP3 player up high, so it doesn't get knocked around, or that you cable gets twisted up in your handle bars, or arms whilst running.

Would I buy them again.
Probably not, the frustration of them being easily knocked out of alignment, position is bad enough. I am now looking for alternative options.

2008-12-17T14:37:00.002+08:00

Are you stuck for what to get people for Christmas?

memories

2008-12-17T11:14:00.003+08:00

"In times of trouble, always look back at your best achievements" Chairman Mao.

This I think is one of the best quotes to come out this gentlemans little book. I like it, I use it.
Today I managed to talk to one of my friends, we used to hang around together and get up to all sorts of mischief when we were like 18, so it's quite a few years ago.
He isn't often on IM so I was really pleased to catch up with him. We started reminising about the 'old' times we had together.
Most of the stories I couldn't indulge you with, it would make me laugh, but maybe you wouldn't see the funny side of it.
For example, one day I was teaching him how to drive, now, back in my hometown, where hills are hills, and learning to hill start is a must, otherwise you'd just roll down backwards.
My hometown is famous for a few things, one is the local girls school, which is private place, and expensive, very expensive. Anyway, as we approached the traffic light in the town centre, (which is on a hill) lots of sixth formers walked pass, and being young stags in the hunting season, smiles, and looks where abound, we thought we were in for a chance, when all of a sudden, as the lights turned green. He stalls.
This is so embarressing, the girls surrounded us, and laughed, I quietly slipped into the footwell.

See you had to be there, but for us, it was a good memory to recall.

The strange thing is, I was only thinking about him the other day, and some of the things we used to get up, it makes me smile even now.
Dread to think what my son would ever turn out like.

So lets hold on to those memories, rekindle them if you have to, have fun, play safe.

the reason why

2008-12-16T16:56:00.005+08:00

This is one of the reasons why I cycle;

mmmmmm and totally worth it.

Good 3hr ride today to the Ming Tombs, the route, not technical, is a boring one, but one for MP3 players.
It follows the Beijing Olympic Road Race route, not the good steep part at the end, but the flat bit at the beginning.
It's my first long steady ride for some time, so I was very happy with it.

More later.... I've got a muffin and a coffee to finish first :D

do you relax?

2008-12-15T19:01:00.010+08:00

Well, do you?

I don't think I do.

Before we got married last year, we discussed where we wanted to go on our Honeymoon, I wanted to cycle or go along the Karakum Pass in Pakistan. H was thinking more of a beach.

Being Chinese, getting Visas for nice places can be quite difficult, so after a bit of researching I found that Chinese people don't need a visa for Mauritius (for up to 14 days)

So that is what we did, a beach Honeymoon. I'd do it again, just to see H's face.

Now don't get me wrong, Mauritius is a very beautiful place, and it would have been very wrong of me to leave H alone whilst I went off riding around the island, wouldn't it?

H said that I needed to relax, I replied that I was relaxing. She said not.

So we went to the beach, laid down on the recliners and I tried to relax.

Now, I have to admit, I don't do beach holidays, there is so much more to do.

H insisted that I try to relax, she told me to lie down, close my eyes, breathe deeply and slowly and fall asleep.

This I did, then I woke up a long time after, H said it was about 3 minutes, to me, it felt like hours.

It did take me a couple of days to learn to do nothing, then I found a sailing club, so went out sailing most days on a Lazer, this and my obligatory swim for a hour around the rock and back.

So I have trouble relaxing.

Today I polled my friends, and asked them what they did for relaxing, strangely enough the answer I got most was, what is relaxing?

Good point.

Quick search later I got this; which is what I do, on a 3 hour ride, or just riding with my friends.

So today, I was stuck in the middle.

Meaning, this morning I did a nice core session and chest, arm workout. That brought me to around 10.30am, this afternoon I had a 30min easy recovery spin on the Turbo Trainer.

I had lunch around 11.30, as I needed to eat within 2 hours, and I was also weary of this afternoons pending ride.

So this lunch/afternoon I became frustrated, I didn't know what to do, now when this happends, I tend to eat, so this I did. Just little munching until 3.30, as at 4.30 I was going to sit on the TT.

From 3.30 I could focus my mind on what was coming up, so from 12 ish to 3.30 I was very frustrated, and everything was bothering especially the slow internet connect, and the cat, especially the cat.

On reflection, I should have relaxed, that hard to do, R word.

wikiHow has this to say.

Now I know what the problem is, I don't have a 27. I am trying to change this, or I could just learn to Siesta, but 27 pays better, and I always thought the answer to everything was 42.

finally made it

2008-12-14T11:43:00.007+08:00

Yesterday I finally made it up to the local Hills.
This is monumental for me as it's been 6 weeks or so that I have been off the bike.

The foot didn't feel to bad, still had a little discomfort, but worst of all, was that in the back of my mind, I was frightened of falling.
Not actually falling, but more of the case of, if I did fall, I'd would have to make a drastic and probably aggressive manoeuvre with the foot, and probably end up striking it hard on the ground. This thought, the pain that would endure, frightened me.

So if it worries me so much, should I be cycling at all?

The weather yesterday was perfect for cycling, we had wonderful blue skies, the type of sky that entice you wrap up warm and go out, even though you know it's going to be cold.
My friends were keen and eager to go out to, although I did have to push one to come out, but she was happy that she did. Even though she did remark, on why they are called 'push bikes' :D I did my best with my brief and little knowledge behind the meaning.

The temperature was around 3c. Beijing is built on the Feng Shui 风水 (wind, water) principle, with Hills to the West, and Water to the East. The city of old was developed on this principle so therefore the wind whips through the city, keeping the air clean (before industrialisation.)

This makes winter, cold.

The temperature isn't that bad, yesterdays forecast threatened us with a low of -10c, this I can cope with, but when the wind starts to blow, that is a different kettle of fish.

I won't go out, just because I savour my lungs. The cold air rips apart my bronchial tubes with force, and leaves behind a green flem that must be outted in the typical Beijing manner.

So before the wind comes, which should be any day now, and the fact that I have been off the bike for 6 weeks, with blue skies above, and thought of Turbo Training daily in the near future, I had to escape.
To climb the hills, descend the ridge, ride to Grannies have the obligatory Instant Noodles and then descend, the best descent EVER.

This is why I had to cycle.

Get a Life

2008-12-11T20:27:00.015+08:00

During the Olympics, I was very lucky to live with these Guys. I've never really admired someone or persons before, but their commitment was just unbelievable.

I suppose that is what the difference is between Pros and us mere mortals.
Commitment.

I am weak, that's it, I have said it.

When it comes to being outside on the bike or doing sports, I am strong, very strong willed and minded, but at home, I fail, succumb to all bad things around me (although the wife is not at all bad)

This includes and is not exhaustive to beer and snacks.

Last week at the Cyclo Cross, I was given several bottles of beer. Yippeee I thought (at the time), I even did an amazing job of being a domestique, carrying 8 bottles at once in my short sleeve cycling top.

Problem now being, I have a fridge full of beer, and this is were I am weak. Snacks in the cupboard, beer in the fridge, and freshly bought DVD, just equates to one thing.

I need more miles in the saddle.

I suppose I have always had a weakness for snacks, I even remember as a child, missing out on school lunches and eating snacks instead, it's no wonder that my teeth are aweful (but I put that down to too much Gatorade, and the odd crash into trees)

Being with the Guys for 10 days in a holding camp, north of Beijing taught me a lot, but now, I have slipped back into my old evil ways, and with the multitude of parties coming along, I can either be rude, a party pooper or just except that this is the way it is.

I don't have an excuse, I am not at a level were I can command an excuse of something along the lines of

"Sorry Mate, can't drink anymore, got Worlds to prepare for" If that was the case, the answer back would be,

"FFS, that's not until next October, get a life"

So I suppose there is only one way to go about it, enjoy, take the rough with the smooth, work hard and play harder.

First Day Back

2008-12-11T18:07:00.005+08:00

It was the letter E that was missing, yeah I know I'm weird, but that can't be helped.

Today was my first day back on the bike, I know I've been out cycling to the Cyclo Cross, but that wasn't the same. Well for a start today I was on my own. Not that cycling on my own makes me a big boy, but I can go at a pace that I want, and not controlled by others.

Today, was also the first time I road my fixed gear bike. I need to check what gear inches it is, because either it's a lot harder than what I am used to, or the fact that 6 weeks off the bike, has had a big impact.

Anyway, todays ride, in a temperature of -6c was only 40km, and took me 1 1/2 hours. Yes it wasn't that quick, but with only a front brake, it's a little difficult to weave in and out of traffic.

I've decided to fix the rear brake back on, so that I can go faster. Yes a rear brake will make me go faster, because I will have to confidence to stop quicker, and not just relying on back pushing on the pedals to slow down.

I have to say, I quite like using this website to log my miles and other training that I do, it's almost there, and if you train at all, check it out. They also do Tri specific ones as well.

Tonight the wife is out Christmas partying it. I'm not allowed to go, it's more of a thankyou for a huge group of secretarys that organise functions at the hotel. So lots of girls.... wonder why she won't let me go, probably because I haven't shaven for a few days and look rather uncūth in my appereance :D

lipogram

2008-12-09T22:53:00.014+08:00

I thought I'd try and carry on from my last post.

You know, I'm not that bright, but I do try and train my old noggin now and again. I try to hold an outlook that I could always try and fortify the old thing.

It is not always that smooth to do, and is oft painfull, a bit akin to scratching out this blog today. What I am trying to do is somewhat of various to my normal day to day posts.

I am wacky, so that I am original, and in that way, I am not. Also this post is fairly difficult to work out, but most of you, will spot that stuff is missing, I can only think of what it is?

Tomorrow is going to bring out a woman in I, tomorrow I am going shopping, how amazing is that? But it's not just normal shopping, this is what I was born to do, it is the sort of shopping that I and my companions so want to do, almost daily, almost? no, not almost, tomorrow I know, is a brilliant day :D

So, if you can't workout what is missing from todays post, I'm afraid you must wait until my following post, and I shall author what is was.

Legein

2008-12-09T10:28:00.002+08:00

With the end of the year fast aproaching, I have to say that I am happy that I am not in the UK, because TV there is crap.

About this time of the year, they will be starting showing reruns, and then they start the anual recap of the year, best songs, best news story, most horrific crime, you know the stuff.

Between here and there, one similarity is that TV is bad everywhere, the difference though, is that this one is controlled by the Government, they say what gets aired, what the content is, what can't be shown. This we all accept, not that we like it, but we accept, and sometimes, it's not a bad thing. Sometimes the programs are of the lighter of heart affair, so it's okay.

Back in the UK though, where there is freedom of speech, freedom of press, TV is still crap. Nothing exciting or at this time of the year, nothing new.

One thing I do like about this time of year are the new words being used in the English language, and for those who know me, may find this very unusual, as because being an expat living abroad, and one who spends most of his talking time with his wife, whose second language is English, and have at some point taught English to lower level students, my own vocab, and grammar is sinking faster than the Titanic.

Most of the time these words are put together like a ham and cheese sandwich, without the pickle. This doesn't make me part of the sandwich generation, which I thought was a new term for threesomes, and if this was the case, I also missed out on this part as well.

One word that I have found more and more in usage, is the word über. Which I find 'cool'. Recently these have been used in these contexts (personally towards me) über horn, über Travis

Not that I don't mind to being referred to as Super (even though I did win a competition of this name, some many years ago. I am trying to find a picture of it for you) I just think that I haven't reached my peak yet. Although the dreaded four zero is fast approaching. At this rate, I may have to look at ~~returnment~~ finding a real job.

Addict

2008-12-09T09:47:00.003+08:00

Just a note, this post was from another blog, that I tried to write.

Are you an Addict of any sort? I think I have many addictions, everyone has addictions of some sort, what would life be like if there was non at all?

I really can't imagine it, but I am trying to.

I think that would be a bit like life with no alcohol, betting, chocolate, red meat, and anything in life in which one over indulges. Yes ladies, even shopping!

With Christmas coming soon, these addictions can get in the way of some relaxing and pleasing lifestyles.

My wife thinks that I am addicted to just being on the go all the time, she asked me this morning, when was the last time I did nothing, when I replied, what do you mean nothing, she was more precise about her reply. That being of not doing any exercise, no sport. When was the last day that I didn't attend the gym, go running or go cycling.

Even after my feeble attempt at pleeding with her, saying that a 3km jog around a park is not in anyway sport related, and THAT WAS my day off, she still wouldn't have it.

Anyway so what I am trying to say, I have no idea, I'm just rattling on as usual, ah yes, go out, enjoy yourself, keep your addiction but keep it within the boundaries of keeping everyone happy!

2 day sesh on it's way :(

2008-12-07T20:09:00.005+08:00

Yesterdays Cyclo Cross race was just excellent. There was a large group of us together, the usual group, for which a long time we haven't been together out on the bikes.

It was sweet to be with them again.

The racing in the Open cat. was just excellent, apart from some poor decisions, in like giving a second place spot to a guy that was lapped right on the very last corner! Oh well, kudos for me and my cheering, think everyone appreciated it :D

It's a shame that the season for it, started and ended so quickly, I know it's from Europe (well Belgium and France) but I think it would be the most excellent pre-season warm up, lots of speed work involved.

Tomorrow I have my good friend David coming up from Wuhan (武汉) so I am sure, a few beers or so, will sipped along for the next 2 days.
So that will make it 3 days in a row, of no training.... oh dear... what ever am I going to do??

Relative

2008-12-04T07:45:00.009+08:00

Before you read my post today, you have to read this post too, then you'll know where I am coming from.

It's been awhile since I have been out on the bike, now, it seems it's going to be even longer. The Beijing winter is settling in, temps of -5 are the norm at the moment, but it's the wind that's the stopper. It comes from Siberia, via Mongolia, and with no Treeline to protect Beijing anymore, it just whips around here like a sadistic S&M on a freebie whip out.

So when I do get back on the bike, I'm going to be at the back, someone is going to have to shepherd me, and the guys are going to be waiting for me, combing their hair, finishing their water bottles, and asking me, if I had a flat on the way up.
So not fair.

Another thing, which I'm all sure we've done at some point, is this;

I actually know of some friends of mine who would do that, right now, as I type :D

Also, a reminder that today, is the last Cyclocross race of the series, a series of which I am sadly disappointed to missed out on almost all of them, bar one, due to my foot.
You don't have to be a Superstar to take part, anyone can.

A Free Thing

2008-12-03T16:29:00.007+08:00

When something is bad, and is free, is it still bad?

A local bar is providing free beer for us on Friday, because they are sort of sponsoring the Cyclo Cross race. Sort of because Trek, the main sponsors are paying the bar bill.

Rather jolly of them, one does think.

So, the local brew, is well known for giving a headache, nothing to do with the quantities that maybe consumed, honest, I do hear that it is something they put inside beer in tropical places, to stop it fermenting. Anyway, it still leaves me feeling rather like a typical English day, cloudy and dull.
Or is that age? You know the older one gets, the longer it takes to recover from a hangover, or is it, that hangovers have become like an unwanted house guest, and just doesn't know when to leave?

Anyway, so, the beer is free, and being free, makes it somewhat easier to swallow

~oholic

2008-12-02T20:06:00.007+08:00

It is coming towards that time of the year, when the ~oholic takes over the better part of people. This maybe shop~, al~, choc~, Internet~ etc okay, now I am making it up, but you know my meaning. My wife has taken to Cranberry Breezer, now anyone who knows my wife, will find this very strange, as she doesn't drink. Period. Until now, at the moment life is stressful for us, so 1 bottle every couple of days, puts her into a deep sleep and she feels better in the morning. Now I know it's not good to use alcohol to get rid of stress, but it's not a lot, and she only drinks at home. If we go out with friends, she doesn't drink.

I have weakness for snack food, biscuits, crisps that sort of thing. I now ban them from the house, just because if it's there, I'll eat it. Which is not good for my preparations next year. I need to control and watch my weight.

January is fast approaching, and is very important for our household, not only because it's Spring Festival (major Chinese New Year) but also because I have some friends returning to Laoshan. This time I'll be a mechanic, although I have no skills apart from my ability to speak the local lingo. Can't wait.

In this country in the dismissal of beliefs in deities, commercialism is taking over. Christmas is fast approaching, and for the first time I cast my eyes on an Advent Calender. Of course, this is to help us count down the days to the Pagan festival so that we can pray for a good harvest next year.
Bowing to China's new found fondness of purchasing, I couldn't resist buying one myself. This is for 2 reasons.
1. So that I can teach my wife some of the fun things of this holiday.
2. I can have a daily dose of Choc~

Whipped

2008-11-29T17:34:00.008+08:00

Isn't it amazing, that one word, can conjure up so many images.
Being a sports person, I am one, usually doing the 'whipping' but at home, that isn't the case.

Today was Cyclo Cross day, many guys and girls out there got whipped by more than their fair share. Me, I was on the side lined, after all, I am side linded! It was a great day, with great weather, it always leaves me wanting more!

I'm sure, many of you married men out there agree. The other day, I was having coffee with a friend of mine, Big Bird, well, she's really tall, and she's a bird, so her name is apt. Anyway, she has a loud voice, and when she starts stating her opinions she gets louder and louder, and louder and louder.
One of her opinions this time, was that men, once married become wimps, on what proof, she can base this on, I have no idea, as she is single. She also stated that men are immature, this I may agree and be the case, but one thing she doesn't know or understand, is that it is women's sole purpose in life, that once married, they must, under any and every circumstance, change the man. As in the same way, that some women let themselves go.

Take me for instance, I am more than grateful in which the way H has changed me, before I was married, I was consuming way to much alcohol, probably on the verged of it being a problem, now, I am not allowed to go out to drink. I am confided to home in the evenings.

Saying that, I love my wife more than anything in the world, and no, I wouldn't change a thing.

Thanks for BIG feet

2008-11-27T14:57:00.022+08:00

During my days of incapacitation, one thing I have come to rely on, is friends with big feet. Actually, I mean, one particular friend, who has extra-large feet!

So why the special thanks, and airing him across the Web?
Well it's all down to this;

As you can see, it's broken into a few fragments.... ah...hence the pain (check out the swelling).
The Doc though, wasn't interested at all in putting a plaster on, according to him, it would just mean that I would walk around on it, and probably go cycling....

Hang on, how on earth did this guy know me? We've only just met (PSB again)

So with a very important work meeting coming up, and a customer of mine arriving from the UK the following day, I needed an option, and a quick one at that. The Doc, very kindly put a back slab on it, that's just a very simple cast going down the back of the calf, and under the foot. It provides the very basic support.

The next thing, was that I needed to walk, so for this, I doctored a Croc, basically I cut a slit down the front, and tied a lace to it;

The problem with this, was that it keep slipping off the back, and to be honest the colour as well, it didn't quite match with my suit.

So after a couple of beers and Pizza in my favourite pizza place in the Jing, I came upon the idea of my mate Roger. Roger is tall, like 1.95m tall, which is very tall (compared to me anyway) and he has huge feet to go with it, not unlike a couple of friends of mine here and there, who share the same size as me. So on the promise of a beer or two, I asked him if I could borrow one of his Crocs, and guess what?

Apart from the Elephantitus type foot thing, doesn't look to bad, does it?

Once again, Cheers Roger

First Impressions

2008-11-26T16:07:00.005+08:00

I remember when I was in sales, I was taught that the 'first six' are the most important values.
These sixes are what people remember the most.
These included, the first 6 inches of from the top of your head down, the first 6 words that come out of your mouth, your first 6 steps when you walk into a room etc.

Being a foreignor living here in Beijing, it's easy to think, (and feel) that the local townfolk look down on you, or talk behind your back.
Yesterday, one of my worst fears was realised.
I've always thought that I looked respectable (well, respectable as you can go, for someone who either wears shorts or jeans all the time) and being a foreignor, I always try and keep myself to myself.
So yesterday, whilst in the life going downstairs, my neighbour from below, wheeled into the lift (he's in a wheelchair)
"Morning" I said (in English, as I know he can speak a little)
"Morning" he replied, his helper gave me a big smile
-
Silence
-
As we get outside, he motion an elongating jesture with his hands, followed by a twisting motion. Now normally I play dumb (not hard for me) and just shrugg my shoulders and walk away, but this is an elderly gentleman, and always tries and speaks English to me.
So I start, rattling away in Chinese, which I'm not to sure is great relief to them, or a huge shock.
The problem is, is that they have a suitcase, which is locked, could I come round tomorrow and have a look.
"Sure, no problem, see you tomorrow"
Errrrr no problem, since when I have I become an expert at picking locks? When have I ever picked a lock? Even more troubling, do I look like the type of person that can pick locks? I can see the coversation now,
"Dam, can't open this suitcase"
"I know, ask that foreignor guy, he looks kind of shifty, I'm sure he can do it!"

And guess what, I did, within 5 minutes. I was really embarressed by my new found skill, explain that one then to the PSB!

It's a Sunday!

2008-11-23T09:26:00.008+08:00

Oh... today is a Sunday, I remember when I was a child, that Sundays always involved going to my Nan Gs' for lunch. My Nan was from Singapore, and I have to say, when she was in her youth, she was very beautiful (she was always beautiful to me) anyway, this may have something to do with me ending up marrying an Asian lass.
Anyway, she was quite strict, children weren't allowed to eat at the same table of adults, and when after dinner games were being played (cards, Mahjiang etc) then is was a strict no no for children to be in the same room.
Not bad ethics really.
Now, I am older, at the moment, my Sunday are normally filled with Cycle-Cross races. I've only managed to do one this season, which is really annoying as I was soooo looking forward to it.
So this afternoon, I am going to support my friends, give them an encouraging shout. Probably along the lines of;
"Stop sleeping and start racing"
Or "My Mum could do this faster than you..... and on crutches"
You know the sort of thing I'm on about.

For those of you who may know me, I am somewhat competitive, and you can't get more competitive, than a competitive person talking.
Along the way, a competitive person knows how to make the opposition (yes, even friends) feel inadequate.
Take the Haka for instance, the most famous form of intimidation there is.

So in my normal way (unfortunatly) as H (my wife) was getting ready to go cycling, I said my usual words of encouragements. Now, she isn't going. I feel like crap, and do really think, I should have place here.

Later

Welcome

2008-11-21T13:07:00.002+08:00

Before I start, I have to say that I am hopeless at keeping Blogs. Like inept at keeping blogs. I start these things, then I stop for a while, then start again.. you get the idea.
So big round of applause to you, if you stick with me.
So, I live here in Beijing, been in China for 6 years now, and the last few here in Beijing, and whats my story? Unless you are an expat sentanced here to work, most people wouldn't choose to come here as a first choice. I did. On the back of a 10p coin, the other side was Peru.
I came here, started teaching here, then moved on. Now I do all sorts, you'll find that this blog is mainly centred around cycling, in all it's forms that I do, my work, which is frustrating as it is absent, and my life in general here in the Northern Jing (Jing means capital in Chinese). I may also choose to do some product testing, these are things that I just end up stumbling upon, and using. I'll let you know my thoughts, comments welcome if you want.
I'm married to the most perfect young lady, she is actually from Wuhan, not Beijing. She is wonderful in every, and has a smile that would make the Devil himself, stop in his footsteps.
In Beijing, I am often found in one of two places.
Excuse Café, which is situated between the Drum and Bell Towers, here I quietly sup coffee, sometimes just for relaxing, but often mainly before I go onto my second favourite place, in which I find solstice in, and that is in the Mountians behind the Fragrant Hill temple.
This is my playground, this is where you will find me a couple of times per week, injuries withstanding. Not that I get a lot, just that at the moment, I have a broken foot.....next post on it's way