Project Scott Speester S60

I’ve been consistently inviting few close friends to join me cycle for the past year, unfortunately there weren’t any positive response until recently. Jason has gotten a green light from his ‘CFO’ and so the hunt begun.

2.12.2012  

2.00pm - searched for affordable XS size road bike at www.bicyclebuysell.com

2.20pm – shortlisted about 8 roadies for my review and comment

2.21pm – Jason fell asleep

2.22pm – still asleep, so I am

2.30pm – zzz, laptop was on and running

2.40pm – woke up, shit late for training. I told him I would check it out tonight

9.00pm – got home, went through his shortlisted roadies

9.10pm – sent out mass SMS to all potential sellers

9.15pm – no reply

3.12.2012

10am – a handful replied, but mostly sold

4.12.2012

4.35pm – received a SMS stated, “Ada bang..”

4.50pm – negotiation begun via voice call

4.55pm – agreement reached between both parties

5.06pm – texted me his home address which was at Simpang Pulai, Ipoh

Scott and Mad Dog

 6.12.2012

3.00pm – Jason started his journey to Butterworth

4.45pm – Arrived at meeting point

5.10pm – Met him there and picked him up

6.49pm – Seller texted, “Bro dekat mana dah?”

7.30pm – Arrived at destination. Met the seller, chat a little, test the bike, pass him the cash and head back home

10.00pm – Back in Penang

Jason enjoying the view

As of today, we have ridden twice together totaling a humble distance of 100km. He has also shown significant improvement from his last ride. Was it worth it to travel 400km within 4hours to look for a bike? Yes it was because I finally have a cycling buddy who I’m close with. Cycling with the ‘semi-pros’ in Penang is really challenging and fun in its own ways, but cycling with close friends despite the slower cruising speed, makes the ride sweeter. Of course, to improve, I still have to practice independent culture. 

Jason and his Scott

Now we have eeleen, calvin, darien, benson, Jason, etc. Maybe we should form our own cycling club.

First Workout With FT80

I think I need a name for my watch. I have Ima, I have Kim, I have Oprah, now what? Polar? Sounds boring...if you have any suggestions please let me know. The function is pretty cool...you can upload all your result through this data transmitter thingy via usb. very canggih....just put my watch on it, and the data will transfer by itself.

As you can see below...my result of last night's ride up to Balik Pulau. I burned 1042 calories and you can see the 3 different zones. I was in Zone 3 when I started climbing the hills. One thing I noticed is my heart rate drops really fast when the workout is not intense. So, don't rest too much or else your workouts will be in vain.

This is my first ride to BP after my knee surgery. My time is definitely slowly than my usual but when I reach the BP town, my heart was really filled with joy. I can't thank Him enough for this moment I never thought I could achieve again. On top of that, I received a round of applause from the state development guys and girls who were there. I really felt motivated and strong. Now it's time to pick up my stamina and strength again.

[ima fell sick on the way up there. need to send her to the doctor]

Inspiring One

Remember the post where I was looking for an affordable entry level road bike (she's the Ima today). Hence contacted Josiah Ng via email and he replied. I was really surprised when he replied! He's such a humble and nice guy. He is also one of those athletes who inspires me to be better.

The little excerpt written by Natasha Kraal, the editor of Harper’s Bazaar on Josiah Ng (National cyclist).

He’s the superhero; the multimilionaire; the man in the headlines (for better or bad)l has the brain to match the brawn, and the sensitive soul borne of field vulnerability. Forget those suits, sports make better men. Ng represents the new breed of Malaysian sportsmen that are daring to turn their passion into profession, without the fanfare or sense of entitlement. Like Ng, they prove themselves first in the international arena, against the big boys, without any expectation of hero worship back home. Tough if we do.

josiah ng

How I wish someone would write that about me. ^^ Anyway let's breakdown the article.

1. Forget those suits, sports make better men Is this fact or ?
   
2. Daring to turn their passion into profession, without the fanfare or sense of entitlement Is this possible for all sports in Malaysia? Yes but be ready to sacrifice a lot and don't expect much in return.
   
3. First in the international arena, against the big boys, without any expectation of hero worship back home. This hit me the most because we (the floorballers) face this. And sometimes we talk about our shameful defeat and humiliation in international tournaments, etc. I ask myself, would I still play for the country if we're joining APAC 2011? If I don't expect hero worship back home, I think I should say yes. As for now... I still don't have the answer. Still searching...still asking...still questioning... But for those who say 'YES, let's try again.' Please please 'die' trying hard for the country.

Josiah’s Look bike, equivalent to a Ferrari car in the cycling world

Gonna Meet My New Ride

I just made an appointment to meet 'Giant TCR Once' bike. I'm getting excited! Another new potential toy coming into the family. Hopefully I can seal a good deal. Hopefully I can still keep Ima. =l She has surpassed 1,000 km++ already. Tua han liao. Congratz!

Today's e.devotion with John and KH was another fruitful one. We read Proverbs 20 together and particular liked v25 from it. It is stated, 'It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.' Many of times, we would make promises or commitment towards something hastily or with an intention to please someone. This is dangerous because you're only setting a trap for yourself. That's foolish!

I think I have made a few commitments which I feel like pulling out now. =x Help me!

[RPM]

Save The Planet Please =/

I can feel the temperature rising! I do think earth hour shouldn't be the only event that encourages people to turn of their electrical appliances. Everyone should do their part. Better do it now before its too late.

As I was doing my usual ride to TB and back, I was drenched/flooded with sweat half way through my journey. My hands were soaking wet, my helmet...fuh!! the sponge in it was absorbing all the sweat till it started to drip because it's over flowing. I could taste salt around my lips, it made me more thirsty. I've never sweat so much before, further more it was an early morning ride. =x What's happening to planet earth?

I'm thinking of getting a new bike;

[Giant TCR Once]

or

[Giant TCR Advance]

Ima is still doing well, she's good but I need an ori bike. Money money money? How can I get more of you?

[FW + 42 k bike + prevent global warming please]

My Dream Birthday Gift

I woke up it was seven, walked down the stairs, rubs my eyes, rub again and again. WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is this for real?!!!! My parents are the BEST!! Wohoo! Did not expect that coming! A Trek Equinox TTX under my roof for my birthday. =) I'm the happiest kid on planet earth now.

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That did not actually happen in reality. But I did receive a card from my family, every year without fail. And that actually weights more than the above bike. I know how they feel towards me as a son and brother but the bike would never give me that feelings.

Anything material is a bonus to me. =p

Tire Problem Again

Attempt 2 to BF: Failed again
I was really pissed! I lost my cool! I lost my patience! I walked up and down the stairs not knowing what to do. All in my mind was I've to fixed Ima again. Arrrgggghhhhh!!!!kaboooooooooooom! I felt irritated because I feel helpless and useless. I have no technical knowledge on bike maintenance and it bothers me.

Who can help me?

Anyway...it was a good thing that I was not riding on the road because it rained heavily that night. I substitute my training with RPM and a got a free peanut sweet from my trainer who just came back from Hong Kong. She's one of my favourite. =) After sweating it out and cooling down, I just thank God for the mess up tire.

Without it, I would be soaking wet. Have to bring Ima to the doc again. Peace!

[fw + rpm]

Ima's First

Today's target was Hard Rock Hotel. The journey through Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi was pretty smooth. Speed was consistent even through the mini climb. After 20minutes into my ride, while making a slight turn, they were lots of little little stones around the road and that almost made me skit and fall. Phewwww. Managed to balance.

BUT...my rear tire failed on me. It punctured!! It must be the little little rocks! I have no experience with dealing with a flat tire. So no choice had to call mum. Fortunately she was available and kind enough to say yes. haha. I tell you.....I was so so so soooooooOooooOOOooOOoooOoooooO extremely geram cuz I couldn't finish my ride. Disappointing betul.

Mum came about 35minutes later and I stripped Ima, put her in the the back seat. Still haven't buy a bike carrier. Have to fix Ima ASAP, I have a plan. Nyek nyek nyek!

[Ima resting]

[the view while I was waiting for mum]

[my unsatisfied gesture]

I saw 4 cyclist today. Can I make friends with you all?

[FW + 12K bike + a ride home]

One Crazy Night

Last night I did a another loop around my usual route. I felt much stronger with my legs and I thought to myself that I could improve on my time, maybe its because of the cool wheather. While I was riding through Jelutong Expressway, there was a really nasty accident at the other side of the road. A lot of by 'kaypo' people surrounding the area.

Went on smooth, strong and fast until....................... a motorbike came and knocked my front wheels! Walaueh!! The first thing that came to my mind was, 'Gai liao la!! Ima sure gone d.' He just apologized and sped away, claiming that he didn't see me. He was dreaming la! Come on!!! But really thank God that the wheel was still okay and I just got a little scratch on my hand. There goes my personal best (PB) time.

[a pretty deep scratch at my front wheel]

[a small cut, fortunately I was holding the lower handle bar]

[a deep damage at my grip, if my hands were there, gone case]

[fork also not smooth anymore =/]

[broken rear red light and I lost 2 AAA size batteries]

After my accident, I quickly race home because the clouds were turning black and the wind was getting stronger. When I was almost home, there was another rider following me from behind. So I tried to be friendly, turned and say hie. He gave me some pointers, advices and even invited me to his 'geng'. He thinks I'm fast and my stamina is good. Hahaha!

I told him my main sport is Floorball le. Floorball is the foundation for all my physical fitness. So we exchange numbers and he even help me fix my new toy, a cycle computer. Yes!!! My Cateye Strada Wireless. Wohoo! When I fix it on my own, the computer can't seem to connect to the receiver but he saved me. Thanks Sani.

One think I've learned is that we should be friendly if we are good at something. Don't be stuck up and hidung tinggi. Not good for you and people around you. Just cycle and make friends. Even though being friendly is not my strength but I still try. I am shy guy. Ha!ha!

Now I can track my speed and distance more accurately. Don't have to use Google earth anymore. And it was an interesting night.

[40K bike and two lost AAA batteries]

Please Let Me Win

For many months and weeks Ps Esther has been preaching on a series of 'Living In the realms of the Miraculous'. Sundays after Sundays, her testimonies keep blowing me off my seat.

On a particular Sunday morning before our service, again, she shared to me, 'My car has been taken care of. =) ' I'm so encourage by her attitude and sharing. Unfortunately she will be leaving to East Timor for mission works. Another farewell. *sigh*

[Ps Esther & her 'sword' on her brother's tanker]

So I thought to myself, if God can do it for her, I'm sure He can do it for me as well. Faith is all I need. Come on!!! Pleeeeeaaaaaaseeeeeeeee...

Its been a while since I win anything big from a lucky draw. I came across this sweep contest which rewards a really good triathlon bike. I need that. hahaha! Ima needs company, she's bored alone at home. Can this happen to me? We shall find out on 31.10.2009.

[Cannondale, come to me, I am waiting for you]