riding in the rain!

I've been out riding on a more regular basis since my recovery from cough a week a go. Need to get that base fitness on a reasonable front so that I can start training properly. Oh, for those of you who don't know about it, I shall tell the story here. Was managing my club team of cyclists in Thailand last May when we start this conversation.

Nic, Greg, Irvin, Melvin, Boi, Hardi, and I were in the race hotel's café having an early dinner on our own cuz everyone was femished. We sat down, order some dishes and started chatting about the racing, the people that's come and gone, and big cycling stars we met, and funn things they did. Somehow, yes, strangely somehow, the topic came around to Nic asking me when will i ever ride a tour race with them. I was like... ermmm i dunno Nic.

Having spent most of my time taking care of cyclist since i was like 19, I've sort of given up the hope of being competitive myself. I love the thrill of bike racing, and that's why i am in it still after so many year, after so many people have have come and left the sport. I am still around. from an i-know-jack-shit idiot that understudied with KT, till today, the manager/director sportif of the national team. I think i've come a long way.

OK, back to the Talk about Nic asking me ride a race. I was like... hmmm.. Nic, don't think I'm gonna do a Tour anytime soon. But I will probably do a local series race, and try to win it. Nic, Greg and everyone else at the table was like, "WHHHUUUAAA!!!" And Nic went "Is that for real?!" and I went"Why NOT!"

So the bet was on, and the penalty for me not winning anything this year will be to climb the Hors cat. Genting highland in Malaysia! Then i realised.... what am I getting myseld into! Ha! But I guess its a challange worth the cause. Getting myself in shape has been something that I wanted to do for a long time anyway...

OK, back to today. I was riding for about a good 30mins when the sky decided to give the hot weather a bit of a cooling down... yes, i was riding in the rain for the rest of my ride (a good 45mins) in the pour rain. But it was GREEEAAAT!!! Getting the attention of the motorists and pedestrians looking at this freak suffering in the rain and getting really wet! I guess, learning to to suffer is the only way to get better... and like some have said to me... race don't stop for the elements of nature. Hmmm.... time to grab a bite... hungry again after the pasta lunch 2 hours ago! Adios! Ciao Ciao!

Lead or Follow?

Finally decided to post this... have been a while since this happened though...

*Note added: 19th feb: it's been hard to write this... somehow i kept writing just a small para and stops... dunno when i will finish this...

When Apple introduced the iPod shuffle in January last year, Mr Sim from Creative decided, somehow, to mock Apple at their supposedly outdated technology. Claiming that Creative had it about two years before Apple did. Mr Sim also had some rather mocking comments about Apple. I won't quote anything here as i do not have the exact recollection of them.

But to me, at that point of time, was telling myself, Apple will still have the last laugh.

*Note added: 10th May! Will continue where I left off...

And four months down the road (from when Mr Sim made his comments), I was right about my opinion. iPod shuffle saw a soar in sales, while Creative's 'new' MP3 continued to loos market share (if I remember correctly)...

ANW, My point of this whole, in the very biginning was to write about the mentallity of our Asian people. Mr Sim have failed to realised, after many years in the industry, is the fact that those who lead, and continue to do so, wins! He himself is the best example. Being the inventor of the sound card, a creation that revolutionised computing in the last 2 decades, he surely has to realise that what you are best at is your most prized assets. At Apple, they are all about creating not just products, but an entire life style around their products.

We are so often afraid to lead the pack, just follow like a bunch of hungry dogs waiting to a piece of the lion's share. Dunno what I am saying? Just looking the industries around you, and what is the dirtiest word around? Did I hear 'under-cutting'? Yeap, then you are right on track. everyone is trying to under-cut everyone, and in the end who ends up the winner? The customers! Yeah, we all want things cheap, but when they get rediculous, it's ugly! I like to use the term, " no pride", and I think it's true. Why do we always have to sell our product by making the price 'cheaper'? Why can't these guys be daring and sell them at a higher price, while putting some of the cost of it into getting a better quality product?

Well, IF, I am Mr Sim. this is what i will do... Come out with a competing product that is much better and more expensive than the competition, and make a branding of it. Why be mediocore and just float around when you can excel and achieve better things. Why be afraid to make a more expensive product, thinking that 'if mine is cheaper, people will buy mine? I guess it's the mindset that has to change, and it ain't easy. But if it happens, and maybe we can expect greater things from Creative (Hei! Even the brand name is loosing attachment with the products!)? So what say you, Mr Sim? Time to recharge and restart!

PHEW! Finally finished it... while it isn't entirely to my likely the way I've written, but what the hell! I guess I will my points through...

Quote again...

This one came about at a really odd time...

I was doing my Sunday ride with KT, and suffering like hell along Bukit Timah road when suddenly, somehow, this line came to my mind...

"窮人的香水，富人的廁所“ or "Poor man's perfume, rich man's toilet"

If you just went "huh? WTF?!" Go figure out first, before you start bugging for an explanation. But, if you know what I am talking about, good for you. Cheers!

Happy Chinese New Year, and...

Hi people... a belated greeting to all for a blessed Chinese New Year... I've been sick since the eve of it... getting better now... must be the power of... you go figure out... :) anyway... things seems to be getting sweeeeter... hopefully the curve stays that way...