Ever wonder why traffic is getting worse in KL? Cars. Lots of them. Every year, 500,000 new cars is pumped into the system. Only 50,000 are commercially based vehicles. The rest are passengers type.
Last week in The Edge, a spokesman from IBM was trying to sell the concept of charging cars going into the city center, something which I really agree. The system mimics singaporean style traffic of having tolls going into the city center. By discouraging cars going into the town, hopefully, we would see more alternatives. One that I would like to see is more cycling.
The other day, I opted to cycle to KL sentral from cheras to meetup with a friend. I could have drive. But one thing that stuck in my mind was the jam I might have to endure just getting into city center. Not to mention parking. Cycling makes it easy. Since there's no jam, the time taken to get to your destination is almost always the same.
My friend was pretty surprised when I told her I got there by pedal power.
Another thing is oil. While oil is now pretty cheap, we have to learn to be less dependant on this finite resource. Try to google up peak oil, and you'll understand that our economic growth, food, transportation is heavily depended on oil. There's millions of us on this planet, and each one of is a consumer of oil, even if we don't own a car.
Everytime I cycled, at least I knew I could cut back on how much oil I have to consume.
Now, if only KL is like Copenhagen..
Copenhagen - City of Cyclists from Colville Andersen on Vimeo.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tips for Pulau Kapas Swimathon
Stupe's photo for real location.
Compare this with the top photo.
I wrote this piece so that I could remember where to land next time. I was still left figuring out where to land during the swim.
Roughly I could guess, but it's better to be precise.
In hindsight, I think I did just alrite by targeting exactly a bit right from the landing point based on the mountains at the back.
Although I had veered too much right ( the marshall has to correct it), it's still better than fighting the current on the left).
But the strong current pushed a bit left from the landing, and I had to fight back moving rightwards again.
The current was also pushing outwards, so you'll need to use strength to battle the last hundred meters or so.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Kapas Marang Swimathon 2009: Rough Seas
Reaching pulau kapas...
From the usual marang jetty...
We were bunched up in Makcik Gemuk resort...guess what...I met the real owner and she's not really gemuk.
---
Decided to go kayaking...with Bujal...kind of impromptu. We were just hoping not to capsized..not because we don't have life jackets...but we have phones with us.
Destination Pulau Gemia..which is a privately owned island.
There's one resort here...
---
The front pool is a man made pool with seawater pumped in..
Finally reaching...the water beneath is teeming with soft corals...and also fishes. Extremely clear.
Some sea turtles eating a fish head...You could hold them...
The other side of pulau gemia
After finishing the tough swim...went observing the rest coming in.
The waves were really crashing in. I could only stand, when reaching the shore line, and not a few meters back as last year.
This dude is smilling. Must have been happy to just see the arch.
Stupe...after 4 hours...well done.
He was surprised to see most of us. Shazly finished the race as well.
Kam in the kayak. He had been out there, kayaking from Kapas and escorting swimmers all the way.
---
This years swimathon started with a bit surprise. I think the first two buoys were lost during the night. I wasn't worried about the navigation because, roughly I knew where to land. But I was concerned with the new guys doing this. Navigation is top priority, because once you are out there alone, you'll need to know exactly where to go.
After the usual Mr Chan's introduction of eminent swimmers, we were all let go for a long swim back Marang. Initially, as usual, bumping with other swimmers. We were supposed to use the marine boat as replacement for the first 1 or 2 km. I've set my sights on some mountain landmark, so I didn't bother much with following others or the marine patrol boat.
The seas wasn't rough for the first 3 or 4km. Nor was there lots of sea lice. No jellyfish encountered. All I saw was green water ahead. I was pedalling at a fast and strong rate, which I was surprised that I was able to sustained. I think it was the high heart rate zone I've been pushing myself into. It did help as I was not tired. Able to catch up with some swimmers at the front. And I did look back just to see if anyone's following. Some did.
But I soon realized I was heading too far north of the landing point when a boat came and one of the men asked me to head towards the canopies. What canopies? Then I scanned the horizon, and saw small white dots all aligned, and finally saw the red big balloon. Ok, so I've been swimming too far right.
So I set my direction a bit to the left, and powered on. I was hoping to make it before 2 hours.
With 2km to go, I think, I could really see the balloon hanging. But here is where it gets worse. I pedalled strongly, but it seems like I can't move forward, or moving slowly. And I was drifting way left of the landing. This seems weird...
I knew then, the current was pushing us south and maybe out towards the sea. It would be a battle to just cut through. So, I jammed in the hands for a higher gear, and soon some progress was seen. As I inch closer, the waves was 1.5 meters high, and was crashing down.
Finally I got my footing on the beach. Glad that was over. My time was 2 hour 35. Last year's was 2:21. With this kind of condition, I think it is pretty ok.
---
Later I was out scanning the sea with Shazly, Azmar, and Upiq looking out for the rest of the swimmers. The current was so strong, I think the furthest swimmers was pushed 3km south from the landing point! And we saw rescue boats dropping off those who can't make it. Even kayaks were overturned by the furious waves.
Finally Nurina made it back. She said she was like 1km from the landing but the current has pushed her out. Stupe made it back in 4 hours. But mostly for first timers, it was not a day to be.
Oh well, next year then :)
Video showing swimmers coming back after being rescued. The sea was the roughest I have seen so far in 3 years.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Easy days...and cotton island swim
After pushing my heart rate through the roof for days, I took it easy yesterday. Imagine going to swim, and doing it for 1 hour non stop while pushing it (around 3k). Then going for a lung busting ride for 40 plus km.
These days, I am joining Abu's group for night ride every wednesday and fridays. And these guys really do push it for each interval. We are talking about speeds hovering around 40km/h here when going fast.
I opted to ride in the Argon TT bike. The reason is pretty simple. You can't train on a roadie, and expect to be doing the same performance on a TT, because the muscles used are different. I had rode it for a couple of rides only, which is not really enough to see the true potential of it. Nowadays, every time I ride, my thinking mode goes into hammering it. I just want to see how fast and how long I could push it.
Now, could someone tell me how to do average 45km/h?
---
Ah, kapas island swim, the getaway holiday, or that's how I think about it to escape from the busy lifestyle of KL. First timers, I am pretty sure you'll have some butterflies before the swim. It's normal. But once you conquered it, you'll resigned to the fact, that it's pretty doable.
There's a few tips.
First, try to spot the big red balloon on the landing spot. You'll notice a small triangle shape mountain. Memorize that background. It'll be handy when you are out in the ocean and the next buoy is not visible. In fact, once you've set your land target, water target are pretty non essential. For example, last year we had a marine patrol boat which is supposed to be the third target after 2 buoys. However, later I found out during the swim, the boat was a moving target. If you were to zoom in your direction towards the marine boat, you'll be pretty much frustrated.
Second, find out the direction of the current. You could ask the locals, or test it yourself by floating in deep water (without kicking or paddling) and see the direction which you are moving. Last year direction was southwards, so we had to compensate by swimming a few degrees north. Experience swimmers will always compensate for current because if not, you'll find yourself swimming more than 6.5km.
Third, don't panic and enjoy the swim...
These days, I am joining Abu's group for night ride every wednesday and fridays. And these guys really do push it for each interval. We are talking about speeds hovering around 40km/h here when going fast.
I opted to ride in the Argon TT bike. The reason is pretty simple. You can't train on a roadie, and expect to be doing the same performance on a TT, because the muscles used are different. I had rode it for a couple of rides only, which is not really enough to see the true potential of it. Nowadays, every time I ride, my thinking mode goes into hammering it. I just want to see how fast and how long I could push it.
Now, could someone tell me how to do average 45km/h?
---
Ah, kapas island swim, the getaway holiday, or that's how I think about it to escape from the busy lifestyle of KL. First timers, I am pretty sure you'll have some butterflies before the swim. It's normal. But once you conquered it, you'll resigned to the fact, that it's pretty doable.
There's a few tips.
First, try to spot the big red balloon on the landing spot. You'll notice a small triangle shape mountain. Memorize that background. It'll be handy when you are out in the ocean and the next buoy is not visible. In fact, once you've set your land target, water target are pretty non essential. For example, last year we had a marine patrol boat which is supposed to be the third target after 2 buoys. However, later I found out during the swim, the boat was a moving target. If you were to zoom in your direction towards the marine boat, you'll be pretty much frustrated.
Second, find out the direction of the current. You could ask the locals, or test it yourself by floating in deep water (without kicking or paddling) and see the direction which you are moving. Last year direction was southwards, so we had to compensate by swimming a few degrees north. Experience swimmers will always compensate for current because if not, you'll find yourself swimming more than 6.5km.
Third, don't panic and enjoy the swim...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Bike Love
"My boss is offering 1k to spray the whole car, usually it cost RM2k." It's an offer made by the workshop guy, perhaps to increase their revenue. My car's condition is not fancy, with the paint almost worn off some parts, from years of usage, and minor scratches. The seats cushioning really needs a makeover. In fact the car wind screen cracked and stayed that way for a good number of years. I would get an F for car maintenance, for the only thing I am only willing to change are batterries, oil change, and the usual repair cost.
I declined the offer. There's more alternative things I could buy with 1k. Perhaps a nice compact crank for my red polygon bike. I had been checking the weight, and it was awesomely light. That would certainly improve my bike speed while cranking up hills. Or maybe a new gear shifter because mine is still Shimano Sora (the lowest range).
The car is in fact ready for me to take. But somehow, I didn't know if I want to drive it. I haven't gone to a petrol station in weeks, and the last time I pumped petrol was for the chartered van we had in Langkawi. The last 2nd time was in January when I pumped Rm10 bucks for my mum's car. I haven't check if I had the car keys each time I went out. I hardly knew what petrol and diesel cost. I barely remember the car tyre pressure, but I remembered I had to pump 110 psi for my bike tyres. I haven't listen to the car radio in ages. I haven't got stuck in traffic jam, and wonders how it feels like to be in there, because most of the time, I just whizzed by.
Now, what will I do with the car? Oh yeah, drive. How many gears does a car has ? Was it 4 or 5? I do remember I have 10 gear speed for my bike though.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Copenhagenize Cycling Video
Copenhagen Cycle Moods [from Copenhagenize.com] from Colville Andersen on Vimeo.
If only Malaysia roads are like this, with cycling path.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Ironman Langkawi 2009: Becoming the Ironman
Excellent pictures by pmTey2.multiply.com
Why am I still wearing googles outta of the water?
Now, I wished I could swim faster than this...
Up those pesky hills again...arrghh..
Chasing Randy...and guess what, we both rode the same TT bike (argon 18 mercury, and mine was first owned by him)
After 12 hours and 39 minutes...
...all they gave was a medal and towel :) We must be pretty vain to do this...but we'll never stop.
--
At the start of the bike...
Climbing the hills after chenang...
Just out for a marathon...
Out on the running course...trying to run as much as possible...
Finishing the world's toughest show on earth...
Roger & me in the shower room...
There's only 2 medals that's worth so much pain. Sundown 84 and this one. (pic from michelle's)
* thanks to aini & jen for pics...will upload more later.
The ironman. The distance itself the human body has to travel to earn that accolade is swimming 3.8km, bike 180km, and then run a marathon (42km). To even click on the submit button on the ironman website, one has to think 10 times. Then comes the training preparation, heat acclimatization, mental hardening, which will take at least 3 months.
I salute my new buddies who had even dared to attempt it, and finally earning themselves that title. You know who you are. Some were nervous, some tried to take it calmly. It's perfectly understandable that anything can happen during the race. And there's doubts that you have to confront. Will I finish the swim? Will the tyres puncture? How much to eat or not to eat? And could I still run after the bike 180km?
Personally, looking back, the ironman training had actually brought myself to realize it's not really that easy. I wasn't a strong cyclist. So I have to make up for it by riding the fraser loop 192km, kuantan-kl (270km) and back, broga both directions and putrajaya in the heat. It brought invaluable lessons and how to pace during the bike. I also did more running intervals rather than pure distance. I've managed to clock better timing, and yet did lesser distance.
But the most important lesson was nutrition. After running 3 times up and down genting during the fasting month, and then having painful plantar feet pain, I knew something was wrong. What you eat is very important, especially for active sports people. Neglect this, and you can have negative results.
---
Frankly, I didn't have the butterflies for the race. I knew the distance was doable. The only worries was the bike, as I didn't want to get any punctures. It's all a matter of pushing it at a leisure pace for 13-14 hours. I've done more than that, being the hardest 26 hours on the road. Mentally I was prepared, but being the first race, I didn't know what to expect.
Race day came. And I find myself among the hundreds bobbing in the water before the buoys for that start at 7.45am. I noticed the current was pushing us in the opposite direction, which means going for the first part out to the ocean, will be slower than coming in. As the horn blew, the stopwatch started, I knew the race has started. Soon, I find myself plowing into the water, touching feet, or mine being touched.
At the start of the swim, my heart rate went up a bit, so I slowed down and tried to find a good rythm. Push too hard, and you'll have a hard time going on the bike. Soon, I reached the turning back to the jetty after 40 minutes. And then tried to swim stronger back. However I did knock into buoys a few times. Managed to clock 1:16 on my watch.
Then it was taking the Bike Bag, and heading into the tent. Made sure everything thing is in order before taking the bike out. The bike route is made up of 1 big loop and 3 smaller ones (38km) each. Both my ears was still stuck with sea water, but I couldn't stop to just get it out.
For the bike course, I didn't push it. I set my cruising speed 30km/h, and if possible 35km/h, to compensate for hills. Many went pass me, but I have to keep it that way. I went pass Raymond Hee a few times, and sometimes he went in front. His strong cycling is suprising. Then came Bobby and the gang to cheer things up. There were also roadside spectators cheering for us, and the kids wanting our power bar bottles, as we went pass villages.
Perhaps the best scenic route is after Pantai Chenang as we went up and down hills while overlooking the sea and islands eastwards. But the hardest part was the climb up a slope equal to Genting Sempah climb at McD. Some have to dismount to walk their bikes up. And we have to do this 3 times!
As I went into the last 3rd small loop, I stopped for 6 minutes McD burger for special needs, then went blazing back. But as I went into the junction at the traffic lights, I almost crashed into a few runners. Carmen Leong was just right at my back (I could have spoiled her race). As I reached the end of the bike course, Raymond Hee has just arrived (surprised again). Meet steve as well in the tent, who said he's just going to walk the course :)
Got the running shoes on, and left running without any sunnies because the clouds have set in. We would be running into the night anyway. Surprisingly, I could run.
For the marathon, we have to do 8km x 5 loops, with the 2km remainder for the run home. With so many supporters cheering us and with aid & water station each km, it was hard not to run. And I had the most coke drinks in my life (I don't fancy coke before this). Kids were helping the stations passing sponges, drinks and food. And the roads were just littered with everything possible leftovers you can find.
The first 4 loops was pretty bearable. I tried to take off the boredom of running by thinking of other things, such as work. Sometimes I thought about whether it's possible to run 10 loops and see if I could survive it. I didn't run too fast, and my main goal was just to finish it regardless of time.
The last 5km was the hardest. Cramps set in, but my mind was still strong. Chatted with Steve to stave off the cramps and somehow it worked. Reached the end of the first loop, proudly showing the marshalls I've got 4 bands on my hand, and they let me off from this everlasting torturing loop run. I sped off, somehow managed to run faster than before, and as I turn into the road to the finishing line, I knew this was it. People were cheering from the sides, and I felt like I won a million bucks.
Finally nailed the whole thing in 12:39.
---
A big thanks to all the supporters who came and cheered for us. Without you guys, we couldn't have pushed so hard. And I think the organisers, volunteers deserved the recognition as well for doing a good job. And they have to work until 3am (longer than any of us).
Would I do it again next year? Most likely yes. Congratulations to all Ironman!
Guys, you can get your detail timing here:
http://ironman.com/events/ironman/malaysia/?show=tracker&rid=179&year=2009
Why am I still wearing googles outta of the water?
Now, I wished I could swim faster than this...
Up those pesky hills again...arrghh..
Chasing Randy...and guess what, we both rode the same TT bike (argon 18 mercury, and mine was first owned by him)
After 12 hours and 39 minutes...
...all they gave was a medal and towel :) We must be pretty vain to do this...but we'll never stop.
--
At the start of the bike...
Climbing the hills after chenang...
Just out for a marathon...
Out on the running course...trying to run as much as possible...
Finishing the world's toughest show on earth...
Roger & me in the shower room...
There's only 2 medals that's worth so much pain. Sundown 84 and this one. (pic from michelle's)
* thanks to aini & jen for pics...will upload more later.
The ironman. The distance itself the human body has to travel to earn that accolade is swimming 3.8km, bike 180km, and then run a marathon (42km). To even click on the submit button on the ironman website, one has to think 10 times. Then comes the training preparation, heat acclimatization, mental hardening, which will take at least 3 months.
I salute my new buddies who had even dared to attempt it, and finally earning themselves that title. You know who you are. Some were nervous, some tried to take it calmly. It's perfectly understandable that anything can happen during the race. And there's doubts that you have to confront. Will I finish the swim? Will the tyres puncture? How much to eat or not to eat? And could I still run after the bike 180km?
Personally, looking back, the ironman training had actually brought myself to realize it's not really that easy. I wasn't a strong cyclist. So I have to make up for it by riding the fraser loop 192km, kuantan-kl (270km) and back, broga both directions and putrajaya in the heat. It brought invaluable lessons and how to pace during the bike. I also did more running intervals rather than pure distance. I've managed to clock better timing, and yet did lesser distance.
But the most important lesson was nutrition. After running 3 times up and down genting during the fasting month, and then having painful plantar feet pain, I knew something was wrong. What you eat is very important, especially for active sports people. Neglect this, and you can have negative results.
---
Frankly, I didn't have the butterflies for the race. I knew the distance was doable. The only worries was the bike, as I didn't want to get any punctures. It's all a matter of pushing it at a leisure pace for 13-14 hours. I've done more than that, being the hardest 26 hours on the road. Mentally I was prepared, but being the first race, I didn't know what to expect.
Race day came. And I find myself among the hundreds bobbing in the water before the buoys for that start at 7.45am. I noticed the current was pushing us in the opposite direction, which means going for the first part out to the ocean, will be slower than coming in. As the horn blew, the stopwatch started, I knew the race has started. Soon, I find myself plowing into the water, touching feet, or mine being touched.
At the start of the swim, my heart rate went up a bit, so I slowed down and tried to find a good rythm. Push too hard, and you'll have a hard time going on the bike. Soon, I reached the turning back to the jetty after 40 minutes. And then tried to swim stronger back. However I did knock into buoys a few times. Managed to clock 1:16 on my watch.
Then it was taking the Bike Bag, and heading into the tent. Made sure everything thing is in order before taking the bike out. The bike route is made up of 1 big loop and 3 smaller ones (38km) each. Both my ears was still stuck with sea water, but I couldn't stop to just get it out.
For the bike course, I didn't push it. I set my cruising speed 30km/h, and if possible 35km/h, to compensate for hills. Many went pass me, but I have to keep it that way. I went pass Raymond Hee a few times, and sometimes he went in front. His strong cycling is suprising. Then came Bobby and the gang to cheer things up. There were also roadside spectators cheering for us, and the kids wanting our power bar bottles, as we went pass villages.
Perhaps the best scenic route is after Pantai Chenang as we went up and down hills while overlooking the sea and islands eastwards. But the hardest part was the climb up a slope equal to Genting Sempah climb at McD. Some have to dismount to walk their bikes up. And we have to do this 3 times!
As I went into the last 3rd small loop, I stopped for 6 minutes McD burger for special needs, then went blazing back. But as I went into the junction at the traffic lights, I almost crashed into a few runners. Carmen Leong was just right at my back (I could have spoiled her race). As I reached the end of the bike course, Raymond Hee has just arrived (surprised again). Meet steve as well in the tent, who said he's just going to walk the course :)
Got the running shoes on, and left running without any sunnies because the clouds have set in. We would be running into the night anyway. Surprisingly, I could run.
For the marathon, we have to do 8km x 5 loops, with the 2km remainder for the run home. With so many supporters cheering us and with aid & water station each km, it was hard not to run. And I had the most coke drinks in my life (I don't fancy coke before this). Kids were helping the stations passing sponges, drinks and food. And the roads were just littered with everything possible leftovers you can find.
The first 4 loops was pretty bearable. I tried to take off the boredom of running by thinking of other things, such as work. Sometimes I thought about whether it's possible to run 10 loops and see if I could survive it. I didn't run too fast, and my main goal was just to finish it regardless of time.
The last 5km was the hardest. Cramps set in, but my mind was still strong. Chatted with Steve to stave off the cramps and somehow it worked. Reached the end of the first loop, proudly showing the marshalls I've got 4 bands on my hand, and they let me off from this everlasting torturing loop run. I sped off, somehow managed to run faster than before, and as I turn into the road to the finishing line, I knew this was it. People were cheering from the sides, and I felt like I won a million bucks.
Finally nailed the whole thing in 12:39.
---
A big thanks to all the supporters who came and cheered for us. Without you guys, we couldn't have pushed so hard. And I think the organisers, volunteers deserved the recognition as well for doing a good job. And they have to work until 3am (longer than any of us).
Would I do it again next year? Most likely yes. Congratulations to all Ironman!
Guys, you can get your detail timing here:
http://ironman.com/events/ironman/malaysia/?show=tracker&rid=179&year=2009
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