Unique Penang International Triathlon and Duathlon 2016

The special thing about the Penang International Triathlon is that you have an extra 3km run leg and the many hills to cycle and climb for a triathlon with an Olympic distance plus. Plus because of the extra long run UPHILL run!


The event on April 17th, 2016 starts from the beach at Teluk Bahang with a 2 laps swim. It was indeed nice to see the famous Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng, flag off the race.

The first lap was full of punching and kicking and some fool even pulled my legs. I can tolerate the hitting of each other as that is accidental. But pulling?! 2nd lap was much clearer after I got past most of the Men's open guys which started 3 minutes ahead. Came out 20th in my age group out of 163.

Then you go into a transition and run 3km up the steep Teluk Bahang dam to the transition area right on top of the dam. The run and transition saw me lose 7 spots. Oh well, wasn't too disappointed as I sort of expected it.

Off on the bike I went. It was climb madness really got my thighs burning over time. And then the fast downhills and flats into town and a quick u-turn and back to a climb. The scenery was beautiful though and that was the best part of the ride. By the time I got done, I dropped to 39th spot.


Made 2 spots in the transition and off I ran. Tired but I ran. Back to that steep downhill into the Teluk Bahang town, with a loop and back up that same (OMG!) steep hill to the finishing line, crossing it at 4:05:26 with 59th place and 156th overall (total 434 participants).

Not too shabby as I was close to the 4 hour mark I was targeting, wish I was happy. Wonder if I should come back for this again next year to improve on my time and placing? It feels like one of those events whereby you been there, done that. But the rewards of the after race Penang food sure makes you want to come back for more!

*I did not take any of these pictures. All rights to the photos posted here belong to the rightful owner and photographers.

Rolling in the 3T Orbis II Wheels

It has been 5 months since I was on the all new 3T Cycling Orbis II C50 wheels and had plenty of amazing rides with it. As a 3T ambassador, being one of the first few in Malaysia to get to test this wheels, I was totally excited. First go was to test it on the TT bike, the BMC TM02, before moving it to the road bike BMC SL01.

The roll on these wheels are amazing thanks to the 3T technology design behind it. It maintains the aero momentum well enough to thank my hard work by rewarding it with a continuous smooth spin. The expected aero help came in at about 30kph and was well rewarded there. And at 25mm wide, the wheels handles really well when paired with some Continental Ultra Sport 2 tyres.

And when it comes to climbing, I did not feel the lag that everyone talks about with high profile wheels. The C50 was light and stiff enough to make the high gradient climbs needed. Took it over to the steeps climbs of Genting Sempah from Gombak town without much of a problem and in fact, PB my best times too.

Coming downhill was a little hesitant on the stopping. Nonetheless, when the confidence built up, it actually could stop really well. Added to that, I paired it with some thinner (due to the limited space in the integrated rear brakes) SwissStop Black Prince brake pads which essentially made the braking so much better and confident from the already confident braking of the 3T pads.

What's more. They look stealthy and fantastic too!! Certainly a set of wheels to consider. I got them direct from 3T mailorder but you could get them at store near you.

Specifications of the 3T Orbis II C50 Team:

Rim Size: ETRTO 622 x 17C, (28”/700c), 25 mm wide, 50 mm deep
Rim Spec: clincher, full carbon, high temperature braking surface, double angle drilling
Spokes: straight pull, stainless steel, black finish, double butted aero, Pillar 1425, 20F/24R
Nipples: light alloy, inverted, spherical washer
Hubs: light alloy hub bodies, spindles and freewheel body – black anodized
Rear Hub Compatibility:10/11s Shimano/SRAM type cassette*
Quick Release:alloy lever and nut, steel rod
Weight:1591g**





Some pics of the wheels (Taken with my trusty Samsung Note 3).

The subtle stickers on the OrbisII. Doesn't make it too colorful.



All that you need (except tyres of course) came with the wheels - Skewer, rim tape, brake pads, adapter for tube valve, adapter rings for 10sp.



How the wheels look like on the bike. Looks pretty are there on the BMC TimeMachine?

Would love to hear what you think of the wheels at the comments below.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Update 20160501:  Had a chance to ride the wheels in the wet over a heavy downpour. In a 1km steep downhill stretch of Balik Pulau, Penang, it braked well and sufficiently enough. My confidence on the wheels was certainly there and no hairy moments. Pass!

#3Tcycling #3TorbisII #3Teverywhere #yourbikedeserves3T

Powerman Asia Championships Malaysia 2016

Been training hard for this event to ensure I finish in decent timing as the challenge really is with yourself. This is the Powerman Asia Championships 2016 held in the beautiful scenic ride of Putrajaya, Malaysia on 5th March 2016. A Duathlon event of running 5km, cycling 60km and then running 5km.

It was a really hot day at Putrajaya that time of the year. Well, it was hot every day of the year. But being a Duathlon event, you'll end up with the last leg of the run close to midday out in the vicinity of Putrajaya.

Manage to complete with an overall time of 4:24:03 with a split of 1:01:16 (run); 3:59 (T1); 1:55:53 (bike); and 1:19:49 (run). Not bad being my first longer distance duathlon. This would set up the stage for the half distance triathlon later this year in Nusajaya (now called Challenge Iskandar Puteri).

Here are some pictures (all pictures doesn't belong to me. Credit to the photographers of the respective pictures).

 

New Ride: BMC TM02 TimeMachine 105

Yes, so I have I indulged in a triathlon bicycle @ tri bike after training with a few friends who themselves have triathlon bikes - BMC, Trek, Cervelo etc. It was the right thing to do after taking part in a couple of tri events and being poison by the group of friends. Haha!

The BMC TM02 (known as the TimeMachine) was the weapon of choice. This is the 2015 model, which is pretty much the same as the previous years (and the 2016 model) with only cosmetic paintjob differences and some other minor stuff.

Comes with the Shimano 105 11 speed groupset, which is only slightly heavier than the Ultegra by a little bit and a whole lot cheaper. The BMC TM02 was chosen from my previous experience that I had with a 2013 BMC SL01 Tiagra. The brand and the performance is what drove me to get another BMC.

Specs:
Frame: p2pxSubA full carbon construction, Frame weight: 1360 g, DTi cable routing, compatible with mechanical and electronic groupsets, Integrated rear brake
Fork: Aero fork, SubA full carbon construction – 1-1/8" steerer tube
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-5800
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 RD-5800
Number of Gears: 22
Shifters: Shimano Dura Ace Barend SL-BSR1
Chainset/Crankset: Shimano 105 FC-5800
Chainrings: 53/39T
Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB30
Cassette: Shimano 105 CS-5800, 11-28t
Chain: Shimano 105 CN-HG600
Brakeset: Integrated TT design®, Shimano BR-R5800 (F)
Brake Levers: Profile Design
Handlebars: Profile Design T2 Wing w/ T2 extensions
Stem: BMC RST 3
Wheelset: Shimano WH-RS010
Front Tyre: Continental Ultra Sport 2, 700 × 25C, Folding
Rear Tyre: Continental Ultra Sport 2, 700 × 25C, Folding
Saddle: Fizik Ardea Tri manganese
Seatpost: Aero post, carbon, with p2p and subA

The detailed specifications on this bike can be found at the BMC Switzerland, fastest bike on earth.

The BMC Timetrial/Triathlon bikes has pretty good reviews everywhere you look. For example this review by 220 Triathlon and TriRadar which gives it a very good rating. Having almost the functions of the more mature (pro-use) TM01, but in a more practical packaging.

After a couple of rides (approximately 200km in total) on the BMC, the first noticeable difference is the standard crank of 53-39. The climbs really gets to you. But the bike in general is absolutely fast especially on the flats and downhill. Stiff bodywork yet comfortable, handles well and a very good fit with a lot of adjustments on the seat position as well as the Profile Design aerobars.

Only to note, the rear brakes are quite difficult to adjust as you would need to remove the crank to get the brakes adjusted. That is normal for most integrated brakes. Would be a problem especially with wider wheels.

And that leads me to the next posts on a new set of wheels in the stable, by 3T Cycling. Stay tuned for the test and reviews after putting sufficient kilometers in them as well as a race ahead. (Updated: review here)

And yes, I'm ready for the 2016 season!

TM01のDNAを受け継ぐエントリーモデル。

First Sepang Night Duathlon 2015

I never really wanted to do a Duathlon because I suck at running. And I don't get the benefit of the swim which I'm slightly above average.

But I have the Powerman duathlon (10-60-10) coming up next year in March and I definitely need to try this out, at least once. What's more, it is on the Sepang International Circuit itself and at night!

7th November came and here I am in the very first Sepang International Circuit Night Duathlon 2015. The distance cover is 5km run, 22km bike, 5km run.

The run segment is on the service raod around half of the track. That means we had to run 2 laps.


For the bike segment, it would be on the full course of the Sepang circuit, doing 4 laps of it.

The day was indeed a wet day. Running and biking in the rain. Felt soggy and wet through but what a way to rough it out in the cool night. The BMC performed well through the wet roads. Grip was fantastic in the Continental GP4000S II. Great tyre!

The lower regular SIC lighting were not great but we could see the track well. My front mounted lights helped.

The Youth hand Sports minister of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin took part in the event too. He was close to me after the run leg but I made sure I dropped him during the bike leg and I never saw him close again as I continue to gain on fellow racers in front.

I manage to complete the SIC Duathlon in 22nd place (in class out of 56 participants) and 58th overall with a total time of  1:41:29 (27:23 run, 45:00 bike, 26:09 run).

Full results here.

Very pleased with my performance and kinda like the shorter distance. Looking forward to more of these events to come.

PDIT 2015 - Swim Bike Run Repeated!

They say to do it once is a dream. To do it again, and again and again is reality.

Here I am again in the Port Dickson International Triathlon 2015 at the Admiral Marina Cove Resort hotel in the this beach town in Negeri Sembilan on 11 October 2015. Coming back to where I did my first triathlon event. Last year I was hit with a really bad food poisoning a day before the race and was suffering throughout the race. Very disappointing then after all that training.

BMC all set

This year, I trained hard but didn't put in as much time as I wanted in the pool due to the hazy weather. And with the haze, trainings were limited to indoors but never underestimate the work one can do on the stationary bicycle, treadmill, free weights and weight machines.

I had a simple goal. To break the 3 hours for the Olympics distance of 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. Seems easy for strong runners but I crap at running. Nonetheless, I trained with this in mind and focused on my weakness.

The swim leg was good. Got in, everything in order but indeed I felt the lack of swim training compared to last year but arms and shoulders were ok, thanks to the weights work. Caught up with the earlier groups too. Pull strong and kick less and got out the water including T1 at 33:10. It's a good feeling when you see tons of bicycles at T1.

Cycling was nice and most importantly, had to make sure my bike works fine throughout. A good service before and testing all component to make sure it works. Of course, did a long ride before the event just to ensure all systems is a go. Never change something last minute! Completed the 40km in 1:18:18, slower than I expected but I had that in mind to save for the run.

Came the run and it was much better than I did before. Felt more comfortable. Started to cramp up in the beginning but that slowly went away and I could maintain my pace doing a 1:07:06

Started in group 5 mins after gun

And indeed I met my goal by 1.5 minutes. You see, common to most runners, we get bored after a while and the pace slows down. I saw my watch on the last 2 kms and I was coming close to 3 hours. Picked up the pace and mathematically counted that if I maintained 6+ min/km, I will reach my goal. And I came in at 2:58:34!

I was told that the run distance may have been shorter. Some recorded 10km, some 8.5km. But not forgetting that the back part of the run was on beach sand. Quite challenging but at least it did not have the mangrove run like what we had last year!

Already set my goal for PDIT next year. Doing both Sprint the day before and Olympics the next day.

Now, looking forward to the next race. A sprint duathalon event. Stay tuned.

Official race results can be found here.

**Picture taken by various photographers and all rights belong to them respectively.

I am on Strava. Are you?

Do you guys use some sports gps monitoring program?

I use Strava mainly for my runs and cycling and have it sync to my other programs like Endomondo, Garmin, Runkeeper, Training Peaks etc.

I personally like Strava for one of its feature - segments, where it keep tracks of a performance ladder to see where you rank for different segments of your route with other who have ridden on the route. It's a lot of fun and motivates you to work harder, whether to improve your personal best or to move up the ladder.

Come... follow me one Strava.

Follow me on

Try a Tri to Keep Tri-ing

It has always been my dream to be part of a triathlon. Ever since I saw friends taking part, I knew that was something I want to do at least once. 

Watching professional triathlete, Craig Alexander aka Crowie (3 times Ironman World Champion and 2 times 70.3 Ironman World Champion) and his journey to triathlon greatness really motivates me! The struggles he went through to achieve what he has tells your hear that whatever you set your mind to, you will make it eventually. And look around you, friends who do this all the time. You have to join in the game to self achievement.

 

After doing triathlon race once, the Olympic distance whereby you swim 1.5km, cycle 40km and run 10km, I got addicted and did it again and looks like more to come. 

Aiming for something bigger soon, probably a longer distance eg. 70.3 Ironman.

First Triathlon Event: Port Dickson International Triathlon 2014
Second Triathlon Event: Morib Triathlon 2014
Third Triathlon Event (relay-swim): Ironman Putrajaya 70.3  2015

“It’s not just about winning. It’s about doing all the little things, putting the processes in place for that positive outcome – and a good race day performance.“ - Craig Alexander

"To accomplish something extraordinary, one must have an extraordinary dream.”

www.ironman.comIRONMAN is a statement of excellence, passion, commitment. It is a test of physical toughness and...
Posted by IRONMAN on Thursday, February 26, 2015

Travel to Toronto.. Niagara was amazing!

I recently posted a short write-up of my trip to Toronto, Canada. It was a work trip and did a little sight-seeing in Mississauga, Toronto downtown and Niagara. What a beautiful city in the winter! The basketball game was awesome and Niagara in the winter was cold and breathtaking!

You can find the article here on The Little Globe.

My contribution to the blog world - The Little Globe

Occasionally I contribute articles to a travelling blog called The Little Globe, telling stories and adventures of my recent travels and travels that have brought certain memories. 

Here you can find my write-ups of the following places here (last updated 1 June 2016):

1. Krabi, Thailand

2. Taipei, Taiwan

3. Toronto, Canada

4. Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

5. Doha, Qatar

The Little Globe Blog

Hope you enjoy it.

Australian Gaijin

Come visit this blog of an Australian adventures in Tokyo, Japan. You will find experiences of food and life of a foreigner in a new land and culture.

Aussie Gaijin at https://aussiegaijin.wordpress.com/

Hulu Langat Batu 18 Cycling Sprint

This video was taken by a friend of the last 1km of the cycling sprint from Genting Peras to Batu 18, Hulu Langat.



Here you see me in my roadbike BMC SL01 whooping Ryan in his Wilier Izoard to the finishing line. It wasn't a competition but was done in good friendly, fun manner with loads of laughter after that. That's why the cycling camaraderie is for.

To those who have not ridden Genting Peras before from Batu 18, it has a very nice road with minimal traffic and a lot of cyclists (road bikes, mountain bikes, foldies, fixes etc) go there during the weekend. The road condition is pretty good too and provide a challenging route. From here, you may branch out to many other locations, routes and loops eg. Titi, Broga etc.

And not forgetting the famous Nam Wah restaurant at Batu 18 where most would go for some food and drinks before and after rides.

If you see me there, say hi!

Time for a CHANGE!

The opposition party may not be the answer but definitely the change will provide an opportunity to have an answer.

Vote for change!

#GE13 #PRU13 #malaysia
General Elections
Pilihanraya Umum

Mother Parker

The term "Mother Parker" was thought of by me when I wanted to call a$$holes that park their cars badly, irresponsibly and inconvenient others for their own convenient. As you can tell, it sounds like "Mother F**ker"! Nothing what one would use to call these fools.

It may not be totally original though as I later found there were uses of it too. For example, there is a company called Mother Parkers that sells tea & coffee.

It can be used in many ways to express the same meaning, like:
1. Hey look, a "Mother Parker"!
2. What kind of "Mother Parking" is that?!
3. You don't go Mother Park like that.

If you see a Mother Parker, snap and picture and post them here on the Mother Parker Facebook Group. They deserved to be shamed.

It's Been A While

It's been a long while since I last updated this blog. My gosh! Since 2007. 

Why does it take so long to figure out something? 

Well, whenever I have time to update blogs, I would be busy with other blogs which requires my urgent attention like :- 

http://ItaliaAuto.blogspot.com 
http://KookaburraRacing.blogspot.com 
http://KookaburraRaceCars.blogspot.com

Check those blogs out!!

In the mean time, a picture that speaks a thousand words about what I've been up to!.

Lepaker - the meaning of

Lepaker

[ler-par-ker]
/ˈlɛpakker/

noun
1. (especially of a young person) spend one's time aimlessly loitering or loafing around:
‘I'm just lepaking at home, doing nothing’

Origin of phase
Apparently from Malay, perhaps from lepa inattention.

Related forms
1. Lepak
2. Lepaking
3. Lepak-la

Synonyms
1. Slacker

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

When I first used the word "Lepaker" in university, I took it off the word "Lepak" to signify myself who likes to lepak a lot. Subsequently in 1999, my Mitsubishi Eclipse GST's Kansas car license plate has the word "LEPAKER" on it.