Carla: "Does it make you feel like you're in Point Break?"
Me: "Yeah we're about rob a bank. You can be Nixon."
Carla: "Can I please be Gillard?"
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Thursday, 24 November 2011
I Love a Wide Open Country
...and England isn't it.
Today was fairly non-eventful. I had planned for it to be my driving day- through the Moors, Hardrian's Wall, and Snowdonia- but the fog has been so thick I haven't been able to see anything. So basically I left York and drove straight down to Bath. Now I'm here and it only took 5 hours which included a few stop offs which could have been avoided had I not thought the towns would be more fun than they were...
Nevermind, I'm going to go fully tourist on Bath tomorrow; open top bus and all! When in (old school) Rome, do as... Well, tomorrow I'll let you know what they did here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Today was fairly non-eventful. I had planned for it to be my driving day- through the Moors, Hardrian's Wall, and Snowdonia- but the fog has been so thick I haven't been able to see anything. So basically I left York and drove straight down to Bath. Now I'm here and it only took 5 hours which included a few stop offs which could have been avoided had I not thought the towns would be more fun than they were...
Nevermind, I'm going to go fully tourist on Bath tomorrow; open top bus and all! When in (old school) Rome, do as... Well, tomorrow I'll let you know what they did here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
I managed to pack a bit into today. The weather forecast was for sunshine so I decided to drive out to the Yorkshire Dales and have a look around but it was foggy the whole time so all I saw was this:
But it was a nice drive and I can imagine they'd be beautiful. I think if I grew up there I'd: a) run like a demon; b) be pretty handy on a motorbike with a shottie; and c) be bored senseless. It was nice to see though. I would think they're exactly as they were 1000 years ago, including the farming set up.
My drive through the Dales was quicker than expected so I pushed hard and managed to get back to York just after lunch and fit the Viking Museum in this afteroon. I read that this was the most popular attraction in the UK outside London and it's easy to see how. It's incredible. I have some kind of strange interest in Vikings but even if you didn't I would highly recommend this. There are 3 distinct sections, the first standing on glass overlooking an actual archaelogical dig; the second is a kind of rollercoaster ride through a makeshift Viking village as it were set up in York; and the third is a collection of artefacts found in York. It was fascinating.
Then tonight I ran with a guy who finished 10th in my age group in the half Ironman world championships. Given my 'make-it-up-as-I-go' training over the past month or two I have to say I was nervous about the pace we would be doing but it was great. He's a lovely guy and despite being able to destroy me 99 times out of 100 on the course we had a good run. He showed me York in the way I love, through the eyes of a local. No guidebook can do that. Mind you, no guidebook will keep my heart rate at 197 bpm for an hour either...
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Yer Woik en Poind Lend?
Last night, while sitting at the pub below my hotel in Suffolk reading the wikipedia page on the Suffolk accent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffolk_dialect) and some old guy came up to me and barked: "Yer woik en Poind Lend?".Had I not just read "I'll" becomes "oi'll" (as in "oil") e.g. "Oi'll see yer 'amara". This also happens to other words with the 'ae' sounds in, such as "five", which becomes "foive" I would have had no idea what he was on about! In all seriousness I read that sentence 30 seconds before he approached me.
Anyway, we had a good chat about how I don't actually work at Poundland but I'm a spitting image of a guy who always serves him there. Flattering.
This morning was nicer. I got to have a look inside the church where my family seemed to have quite a presence in the mid C.19th and saw a plaque listing Jeremiah Fenton as a church warden.
After the church I drove up to York in thick fog so I couldn't tell you that the countryside was beautiful but I just imagined it was... Tomorrow I hope to drive through the Yorkshire Dales in bright blue sunshine. In reality, however, I can only promise that I'll drive through the Yorkshire Dales. We'll see about the weather.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Yer Woik en Poind Lend?
Last night, while sitting at the pub below my hotel in Suffolk reading the wikipedia page on the Suffolk accent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffolk_dialect) and some old guy came up to me and barked: "Yer woik en Poind Lend?".Had I not just read "I'll" becomes "oi'll" (as in "oil") e.g. "Oi'll see yer 'amara". This also happens to other words with the 'ae' sounds in, such as "five", which becomes "foive" I would have had no idea what he was on about! In all seriousness I read that sentence 30 seconds before he approached me.
Anyway, we had a good chat about how I don't actually work at Poundland but I'm a spitting image of a guy who always serves him there. Flattering.
This morning was nicer. I got to have a look inside the church where my family seemed to have quite a presence in the mid C.19th and saw a plaque listing Jeremiah Fenton as a church warden.
After the church I drove up to York in thick fog so I couldn't tell you that the countryside was beautiful but I just imagined it was... Tomorrow I hope to drive through the Yorkshire Dales in bright blue sunshine. In reality, however, I can only promise that I'll drive through the Yorkshire Dales. We'll see about the weather.
Saint Edmund's Day
So, my belief that I'm of Viking descendants still holds true but the good news for all of you is that I may not be of the violent crew of Vikings. Today, 20th November, is Saint Edmund's Day; the former Patron Saint of England before Edward III replaced him with Saint George. Today I went to a lecture about Norman occupation in East Anglia and the general whereabouts of Edmund the Martyr (in short: nobody knows). Despite having no clue what they were on about for most of it (and being the youngest in the audience by about 80 years) I was fascinated by the fact that many peaceful Norseman settled in East Anglia before the violent Vikings came along. In addition to rape, pillage and plunder, you can add racketeering to the resume of violent Vikings because Edmund, King of East Anglia, paid them to leave the area alone. So they went north and broke stuff instead. In fact, Vikings spent a few winters in East Anglia because they were too late to go back to Norway/ Denmark.
The rest of my day was taken up searching for old Fenton gravestones and I visited 5 different church grave yards hoping for more- it's a strange sensation searching for the death of a family member. Tomorrow I hope to meet the church warden of the church my ancestors are buried next to. After that I head up to York to find out whether my more violent Viking ancestors had any cool names like Mottull Foemangler or Helgi Hjorvardson.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Road Trip!
There is always a good reason to go on a road trip. They should make a dice with a different reason on each side and whatever it lands on, that's your excuse to your boss/ spouse/ parents/ children/ parole officer. They're all valid. Mine is to tick off the things I was too busy/ lazy/ 'it's been there for 1600 years it'll be there another few' reasoning to do. So with my last day of work yesterday and my flight out of the UK 11 days away, it's time for a road trip.
Planning something like this is can be dangerous because once you start thinking about places that would be 'nice to' see it opens a whole can of worms. I'd really like to see parts of Scotland but once I'm over that border Fort William would be nice, but Thorso is definitely my next stop. When there, however, what's to say an afternoon on Orkney is out of the question? Unfortunately I'm ruled by time. So I've reluctantly ruled out Scotland (and the resulting trips to Orkney, Shetlands, Norway, and further...) and Ireland (who knows where I could go after Iceland and Greenland!!).
I have given myself 7 days to explore as much as possible in the following loop:
London
Bury St Edmunds
Leeds (maybe)
York
North Wales
Bath
London.
There's not a lot of driving there by Australian standards but lots I want to see in each of those areas. I can also fit Hadrian's Wall in between York and North Wales, which I've wanted to see since before I came over here...
So I'm now in Bury St Edmunds where the first Fenton to reach Australia in 1858 grew up. Tonight I scoped out Samuel Jeremiah Fenton's hood and walked past his house. I'd put photos up but it was 4pm in November so obviously it was pitch black. I have no idea why he moved to Australia...
Tomorrow I'll have a look at a bit more of the town and check out surrounding towns with links to the Fentons to see what I can find.
If it requires a road trip I'll do it.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Vicco Surfers
An interesting question posed by Ali, a non-surfer: how is the distribution of pro surfers between Australian states?
For memory, there are maybe 4 pros from QLD in the top 10, 3 from NSW in the top 20 and 1 from Vicco in the top 40.
Don't bring into account the water temperature, but why is it like that?
For memory, there are maybe 4 pros from QLD in the top 10, 3 from NSW in the top 20 and 1 from Vicco in the top 40.
Don't bring into account the water temperature, but why is it like that?
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Poor Bastard...
This is the face you make when you executed an immaculate race only to fall short of the marathon world record by 4 seconds.
1 Wilson Kipsang KEN 2:03:42
2 Levy Matebo KEN 2:05:16
3 Albert Matebor KEN 2:05:25
4 Phillip Sanga KEN 2:06:07
5 Robert Kipron Cheruiyot KEN 2:06:29
6 Peter Kirui KEN 2:06:31
7 Chumba Dickson Kiptolo KEN 2:07:23
8 Siraj Gena ETH 2:08:31
9 Duncan Koech KEN 2:08:38
10 Henry Sugut KEN 2:08:56
Incredible effort by Wilson in 2:03:42. Guess which country dominated the men's event?
1 Wilson Kipsang KEN 2:03:42
2 Levy Matebo KEN 2:05:16
3 Albert Matebor KEN 2:05:25
4 Phillip Sanga KEN 2:06:07
5 Robert Kipron Cheruiyot KEN 2:06:29
6 Peter Kirui KEN 2:06:31
7 Chumba Dickson Kiptolo KEN 2:07:23
8 Siraj Gena ETH 2:08:31
9 Duncan Koech KEN 2:08:38
10 Henry Sugut KEN 2:08:56
Saturday, 22 October 2011
My Hopes for an Ideal World
'They've been fighting for over 2000 years, it can't be much longer now...' I love that quote from Adam Sandler's 'You Dont Mess with the Zohan' in regard to Israeli battles. With Osama supposedly popped, Yugoslavia supposedly settled, and Lybia supposedly freed, the world is getting closer to Utopia. But the evil regime that will never be broken down is that of the WTC, owners of the Ironman brand.
The 'World Championships' for IM and 70.3 (or 'half IM' if you haven't paid your licencing fees) is run by WTC and on the whole they do a good job. But to qualify you have to do one of their races at an extortionate cost. There are a few other organisations who are putting on brilliant events but aren't getting the athletes they deserve because either they're not a qualifier for the worlds or they're not M-Dot branded. I think that's a shame. In Australia WTC's events sell out in under 2 hours (IM Melbourne actually took just 6 minutes to sell out) yet Challenge Cairns, a brilliant Ironman run by a different company has been on sale for months yet is only half full.
While I also want to qualify for the worlds, I have decided not to do any WTC races in Australia and, in fact, only race them overseas when I feel I'm at a standard worthy of qualification. There are so many other races worthy of your entry fees, and at considerably cheaper prices!
Challenge Cape Town was recently postponed, I believe, due to issues about the safety of the course. WTC today offered any athlete registered for Cape Town a spot at any of their remaining Ironman events for 2011. I think that's both a beautiful offer and a brilliant business move. While nobody can deny that WTC have their domination of the sport dialled in, I hope that this offer is the start of a joint effort in opening up the world championship qualifying races to other organisers. Business wise, I think Gaza will be settled quicker. But for the good of the sport, maybe the answer is hiding in a drain with a golden gun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The 'World Championships' for IM and 70.3 (or 'half IM' if you haven't paid your licencing fees) is run by WTC and on the whole they do a good job. But to qualify you have to do one of their races at an extortionate cost. There are a few other organisations who are putting on brilliant events but aren't getting the athletes they deserve because either they're not a qualifier for the worlds or they're not M-Dot branded. I think that's a shame. In Australia WTC's events sell out in under 2 hours (IM Melbourne actually took just 6 minutes to sell out) yet Challenge Cairns, a brilliant Ironman run by a different company has been on sale for months yet is only half full.
While I also want to qualify for the worlds, I have decided not to do any WTC races in Australia and, in fact, only race them overseas when I feel I'm at a standard worthy of qualification. There are so many other races worthy of your entry fees, and at considerably cheaper prices!
Challenge Cape Town was recently postponed, I believe, due to issues about the safety of the course. WTC today offered any athlete registered for Cape Town a spot at any of their remaining Ironman events for 2011. I think that's both a beautiful offer and a brilliant business move. While nobody can deny that WTC have their domination of the sport dialled in, I hope that this offer is the start of a joint effort in opening up the world championship qualifying races to other organisers. Business wise, I think Gaza will be settled quicker. But for the good of the sport, maybe the answer is hiding in a drain with a golden gun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Randoms
In the last 2 weeks I've shipped everything I own (bar a backpack full of clothes and a skateboard) from Acton to Whitechapel to melbs (hopefully). I've also shipped myself to Whitechapel in East Lo
ndon as my lease is up and in the next week I'll ship myself to Notting Hill because Carla's lease is also up! All the while I'm still working full time, started training again, bricking it about the cost of living and not having a job in Aus, and trying to say goodbye to everyone I've met over here in the last 5 years. Ironic that my 1st month in London was spent in Notting Hill and my last month in London will also be spent in NH, but I'm perfectly happy with that; I love the place.
Still looking for that spare 20 minutes to sit down and write a blog on our trip to Germany- I'll make the time this weekend. Maybe I'll also make the time to sit down and select a good word to contribute to beating Dad in Words With Friends, instead of rushing it and settling for something like C-A-T. I'm fairly sure my vocabulary stretches further than that but it hasn't been tested lately. Innit Bruv.
Considering the only wheels in my possession at the moment are on a skateboard, I'm living vicariously through Felt Epix who have returned to big smiles after a year off. They are no longer officially contracted to Felt but still choose to ride Felt bikes, which has to be the biggest endorsement around. http://www.feltepix.blogspot.com/
In other news, I have sore feet, LCH have changed their margin parameters, and northern winter is the opposite of southern winter.
Have a good day.
ndon as my lease is up and in the next week I'll ship myself to Notting Hill because Carla's lease is also up! All the while I'm still working full time, started training again, bricking it about the cost of living and not having a job in Aus, and trying to say goodbye to everyone I've met over here in the last 5 years. Ironic that my 1st month in London was spent in Notting Hill and my last month in London will also be spent in NH, but I'm perfectly happy with that; I love the place.Still looking for that spare 20 minutes to sit down and write a blog on our trip to Germany- I'll make the time this weekend. Maybe I'll also make the time to sit down and select a good word to contribute to beating Dad in Words With Friends, instead of rushing it and settling for something like C-A-T. I'm fairly sure my vocabulary stretches further than that but it hasn't been tested lately. Innit Bruv.
Considering the only wheels in my possession at the moment are on a skateboard, I'm living vicariously through Felt Epix who have returned to big smiles after a year off. They are no longer officially contracted to Felt but still choose to ride Felt bikes, which has to be the biggest endorsement around. http://www.feltepix.blogspot.com/
In other news, I have sore feet, LCH have changed their margin parameters, and northern winter is the opposite of southern winter.
Have a good day.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
It's All the Financial Markets' Fault
Either I am missing something big or the same painful issue keeps coming up. It’s not the markets that dictate job losses and reduced growth. It’s the political policies. Funnily enough it’s only the Politicians and the uneducated public who blame the markets (who may well be one in the same). My same argument time and time again is that if you add regulation to an efficient market (by definition, not necessarily by practise) you are creating a set of rules for people to exploit, which further skews its inefficiency. This will exacerbate any Political failings when interest rates are applied based on market expectations and economic releases.
Remove all regulations and a free market will help (but not solve) these problems. There are always two sides…
Remove all regulations and a free market will help (but not solve) these problems. There are always two sides…
Monday, 10 October 2011
Kona 2011
I have heaps of photos from Germany last week which I've been meaning to put up here but with a hectic week moving house, and Ironman on last night I thought I'd unleash a few thoughts on the state of long distance triathlon in Australia.
But first, here's a preview of my Germany post:
Yep. It was like that.
So... the Hawaiian Ironman is the world championships and has fascinated me since I was 16. On the surface it seems a stupid endeavour (and it probably is) but I love the idea that there are 1600 people racing and there are 1600 different reasons for being there.
Australia has owned the men's race for the last 4 years (Crowie in 2008 and 2009, Macca in 2007 and 2010) and last year Miranda Carfrae also won the women's. This year at the half IM worlds Australia won the men's and women's races (Crowie and Melissa Rollinson) so Australia held the world championship for all long distances in both genders. A huge feat for any country and something to be flaunting for promotion of the sport, yet Triathlon Australia made no mention of this dominance on their website, in press releases or used the world champions in any kind of self promotion whatsoever. A huge opportunity wasted. Luckily they still have a chance because Australia finished 1st and 2nd in the men's (Crowie and Pete Jacobs) and 2nd in the women's (Carfrae) so yet another year to be proud of Australian long distance triathlon.
With the expectation that no Australian media will mention this, I will offer a few thoughts on last night's race.
Luke McKenzie, an Australian pro who has chosen his races selectively for whatever reason often gets good results in poor fields. He has been criticised for not racing the best in the world, most famously by Macca who is a great proponent for racing in Europe against the strongest athletes. Whether it be purely down to my physical location I'm not sure but I also agree that Europe has the most competitive Ironman racing in the world. Luke won Ironman Brazil but it was against a 2nd rate field (who, incidentally, would tear me apart- but here I'm simply a commentator!). Many were wondering if Luke could step up at a big name race. Step up he did, came off the bike in 2nd and finished the race in 9th. A huge effort that should put most people's criticism aside.
Pete Jacobs, another Aussie who finished about 10th (I think) last year. He has been chugging away in Sydney all winter and through his twitter he seemed fairly confident during the last few weeks. I'm fairly sure that he even surprised himself with a 2nd place!
Chrissie Wellington has done 13 ironman races. Guess how many she's lost. None. Not one. Not even a 2nd place. 13 starts and 13 wins. I like working with trends but I understand when a trend is unsustainable. 13/13 including 4 world championship wins, I didn't expect her to win again. Someday her run will come to an end and I hope the media don't make a big deal of it. There are many girls so close to beating down the door and beating Chrissy but it didn't happen yesterday. Cracking effort for Chrissie to win again. The undisputed queen of ironman triathlon.
Once information about the age groupers comes out I'm sure there will be some spectacular performances to comment on there too.
Ironman is one of the few sports in the world where you can race against the pros on the same course, same day and same conditions. It also keeps the pros sort of mortal in the eyes of the fans (age groupers). But the humanity of the pros in acknowledging that everybody performed super-human feats on the day makes the event so much more incredible. Seeing Chrissie, Mirinda and Crowie come back to the finish line after their win to congratulate athletes crossing the line all the way up to midnight puts a nice touch on the event. It shows a mutual respect and always lights up the face of those who realise the world champion is placing a lei around their neck.
I'll leave you with my favourite photo of the day; Macca, last year's winner, not racing this year but cheering on previous arch enemy and eventual winner Crowie. Rivalries are all talk.
But first, here's a preview of my Germany post:
So... the Hawaiian Ironman is the world championships and has fascinated me since I was 16. On the surface it seems a stupid endeavour (and it probably is) but I love the idea that there are 1600 people racing and there are 1600 different reasons for being there.
Australia has owned the men's race for the last 4 years (Crowie in 2008 and 2009, Macca in 2007 and 2010) and last year Miranda Carfrae also won the women's. This year at the half IM worlds Australia won the men's and women's races (Crowie and Melissa Rollinson) so Australia held the world championship for all long distances in both genders. A huge feat for any country and something to be flaunting for promotion of the sport, yet Triathlon Australia made no mention of this dominance on their website, in press releases or used the world champions in any kind of self promotion whatsoever. A huge opportunity wasted. Luckily they still have a chance because Australia finished 1st and 2nd in the men's (Crowie and Pete Jacobs) and 2nd in the women's (Carfrae) so yet another year to be proud of Australian long distance triathlon.
With the expectation that no Australian media will mention this, I will offer a few thoughts on last night's race.
Pete Jacobs, another Aussie who finished about 10th (I think) last year. He has been chugging away in Sydney all winter and through his twitter he seemed fairly confident during the last few weeks. I'm fairly sure that he even surprised himself with a 2nd place!
Chrissie Wellington has done 13 ironman races. Guess how many she's lost. None. Not one. Not even a 2nd place. 13 starts and 13 wins. I like working with trends but I understand when a trend is unsustainable. 13/13 including 4 world championship wins, I didn't expect her to win again. Someday her run will come to an end and I hope the media don't make a big deal of it. There are many girls so close to beating down the door and beating Chrissy but it didn't happen yesterday. Cracking effort for Chrissie to win again. The undisputed queen of ironman triathlon.
Once information about the age groupers comes out I'm sure there will be some spectacular performances to comment on there too.
Ironman is one of the few sports in the world where you can race against the pros on the same course, same day and same conditions. It also keeps the pros sort of mortal in the eyes of the fans (age groupers). But the humanity of the pros in acknowledging that everybody performed super-human feats on the day makes the event so much more incredible. Seeing Chrissie, Mirinda and Crowie come back to the finish line after their win to congratulate athletes crossing the line all the way up to midnight puts a nice touch on the event. It shows a mutual respect and always lights up the face of those who realise the world champion is placing a lei around their neck.
I'll leave you with my favourite photo of the day; Macca, last year's winner, not racing this year but cheering on previous arch enemy and eventual winner Crowie. Rivalries are all talk.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Athletic Priviledgr
Hang tight, I've got a lot to say.
People don't know how good they've got it...
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People don't know how good they've got it...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Encore en frois, s'il vous plait?
When the question was asked of me whether I'd rather go to France or Croatia for my last real trip to Europe before going home I did have to think for a few seconds. I've had several amazing trips to both. But even though it was a tough question the answer could never have been anything but France.
It was my birthday on the Monday so Carla pretty much organised the whole trip. I knew our Eurostar times on Friday morning and Monday evening, where we were staying, and that we had spare time on Friday afternoon and Saturday night, but what I didn't know was that I'd be treated like a king all weekend.
On Saturday we saw Chateaux Versailles, Louis XIV's old crib.
Obviously a few generations worth of Louis lived there but I found it interesting that there was very little furniture in the palace because it was all auctioned off/ looted (there are conflicting stories) at the beginning of the French Revolution. Take note kids- if you're gonna loot JD Sports or Phones for You, think about how much cooler it would be to get a royal throne rather than a pair of Air Max...
Dad, I believe this is the building you like... Sorry, we just had to jump in and spoil what would have been a very nice picture!
Sunday was set aside as a whole day activity, yet I had no idea what it would be. When Carla gave me a birthday card with two tickets to Disneyland I was embarrassingly excited. I went to Disney World when I was 12 and the aura hasn't subsided. I still think it's magic.
Anyone who says Disneyland isn't fantastic is lying to themselves. I think it might be the best idea for a present Carla has ever given because she was equally excited as we planned the order we would attack each ride. Just for the record- Space Mountain: Best. Ride. Ever.
Monday was a relaxing day as we chose to ignore our pending return to London. Not before another surprise from Carla, however, on the birthday weekend that never ended! We had an incredible lunch at Restaurant du Palais Royal. The most amazing food in such a beautiful setting.
Thanks for all the birthday messages, and thanks Carla for a phenomenal weekend!
One day I'll get the balls to live in France...
On Saturday we saw Chateaux Versailles, Louis XIV's old crib.
Dad, I believe this is the building you like... Sorry, we just had to jump in and spoil what would have been a very nice picture!
Sunday was set aside as a whole day activity, yet I had no idea what it would be. When Carla gave me a birthday card with two tickets to Disneyland I was embarrassingly excited. I went to Disney World when I was 12 and the aura hasn't subsided. I still think it's magic.
Monday was a relaxing day as we chose to ignore our pending return to London. Not before another surprise from Carla, however, on the birthday weekend that never ended! We had an incredible lunch at Restaurant du Palais Royal. The most amazing food in such a beautiful setting.
Thanks for all the birthday messages, and thanks Carla for a phenomenal weekend!
One day I'll get the balls to live in France...
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Ironman melbourne
This event was years in the making and surprising that it took so long. But what they've produced will be brilliant. The course, the logistics, and the beautiful (but ridiculous) sport that is Ironman will combine with the best city in the world for an incredible day in March next year.
Most Ironman races around the world are still open for entry in the months leading up to them but the two previous races in Australia sell out in 20 minutes every year. When they announced that a 3rd race in Aus will be held I knew this would sell out fast. Registrations opened at 4am this morning, London time, and I was ready. I made sure my active.com account was ready, I knew my password, I had all the web addresses saved and I had money in my account. But I slept though my alarm. Dickhead. Reports are coming through that this sold out in 6 minutes and I also heard 3 minutes. So I don't expect to have got in anyway but it would have been nice to have tried. Congratulations to everybody entered- simply registering would have been harder than qualifying for Kona.
There's definitely scope for more Ironman races in Australia but that's a rant for another post and I will go on for ages. I'm annoyed I missed out but this lifted my spirits:
Most Ironman races around the world are still open for entry in the months leading up to them but the two previous races in Australia sell out in 20 minutes every year. When they announced that a 3rd race in Aus will be held I knew this would sell out fast. Registrations opened at 4am this morning, London time, and I was ready. I made sure my active.com account was ready, I knew my password, I had all the web addresses saved and I had money in my account. But I slept though my alarm. Dickhead. Reports are coming through that this sold out in 6 minutes and I also heard 3 minutes. So I don't expect to have got in anyway but it would have been nice to have tried. Congratulations to everybody entered- simply registering would have been harder than qualifying for Kona.
There's definitely scope for more Ironman races in Australia but that's a rant for another post and I will go on for ages. I'm annoyed I missed out but this lifted my spirits:
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Curiosity-Duh-De-Duh-Duh-Duh
The Curiosity Show is up for sale, complete with colourful jumpers and creepy facial hair. The production company of the children's science show from the 1970's and 80's has gone into liquidation and is to sell off all assets. The downside, though is that the two presenters are not selling their half, and you need to bring your own scissors, toilet roll and kettle.
What is exciting, however, is that the production company also own Humphrey B. Bear. The mute bear who made the effort to wear a waist coat, hat and tie but neglected to wear pants is up for sale along with the merchandising and all intellectual property (pardon the pun) relating to the show.
Despite Humphrey's nose being dirtier than the Blarney Stone, I think I, too, may have kissed it in my youth so I'd like to see Humphrey wildly gesturing in a park on a sunny day (providing it's a sanctioned event- he's borderline shady) or see him back on TV.
Now taking bets as to what he's worth...
What is exciting, however, is that the production company also own Humphrey B. Bear. The mute bear who made the effort to wear a waist coat, hat and tie but neglected to wear pants is up for sale along with the merchandising and all intellectual property (pardon the pun) relating to the show.
Despite Humphrey's nose being dirtier than the Blarney Stone, I think I, too, may have kissed it in my youth so I'd like to see Humphrey wildly gesturing in a park on a sunny day (providing it's a sanctioned event- he's borderline shady) or see him back on TV.
Now taking bets as to what he's worth...
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride Wales
Ouch. That hurt. Another 200km+ day but more hurt than I've ever experienced on a bike...
It started with Carla talking with pride about the Tour Rides she organises and how much more value for money they are than triathlons (not hard to agree there...). So I decided to do one for the fun of it (and brownie points). But then it escalated; I get free accommodation, paid for by the charity so it would be nice to raise some money for them. I wondered who would give me money for something I do most weekends anyway, so I upped the game for my donors and for me. A guy who also works at the charity wanted to race me (and who am I to turn it down?) so I agreed that I would double my donations if I lost this 'race'. We had never ridden with each other so this was a big risk on both our parts.
The power was on from the outset and at 99kms I bonked. Completely ran out of fuel and couldn't hold the pace any longer. From there on it was a lonely 88kms through the finest, windiest, most energy sapping hills Wales had to offer. While I struggled between 100 and 150kms I kept pushing as hard as I could (mostly so I could get some food as soon as possible) and then started to feel good, in a strange ability-to-suffer kind of way. I powered through from 150 to 180kms and recorded my fastest 180kms ever in 6 hours 35 minutes.
Unfortunately for all involved, it wasn't over there. I could see Caerphilly Castle (the finish line) having done 181kms and was then forced to turn left. Given the density of Chavs in this town I thought someone had changed the signs but then I saw someone ahead so I tried to pick them off. It wasn't until I got 200m up that I realised this was the killer hill you can see in the profile.
"It's just a blip compared to the others" you say. Nuh ahhhh. I have never ridden anything as steep as this monster. Even the 70km/hr I hit on the downhill on the other side didn't make this climb 'okay'. ...and I love climbing.
Crossing the line I struggled to make any expression. I think that's a look of disdain at what I'd put my body through (much like the look of disdain when I saw that it would cost me £9 to buy this photo). I lay down while Carla asked me questions I couldn't physically answer! Now that I've recovered I'm glad I'm still saying it was the toughest ride I've ever done- mostly due to the rapid pace from the outset. The Pro's race this course on 14th September and I can't wait to see it.
I lost so will be paying up £150 to the Prostate Cancer Charity. If you would like to donate to a great cause, please do so below:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NathanFenton
It started with Carla talking with pride about the Tour Rides she organises and how much more value for money they are than triathlons (not hard to agree there...). So I decided to do one for the fun of it (and brownie points). But then it escalated; I get free accommodation, paid for by the charity so it would be nice to raise some money for them. I wondered who would give me money for something I do most weekends anyway, so I upped the game for my donors and for me. A guy who also works at the charity wanted to race me (and who am I to turn it down?) so I agreed that I would double my donations if I lost this 'race'. We had never ridden with each other so this was a big risk on both our parts.
The power was on from the outset and at 99kms I bonked. Completely ran out of fuel and couldn't hold the pace any longer. From there on it was a lonely 88kms through the finest, windiest, most energy sapping hills Wales had to offer. While I struggled between 100 and 150kms I kept pushing as hard as I could (mostly so I could get some food as soon as possible) and then started to feel good, in a strange ability-to-suffer kind of way. I powered through from 150 to 180kms and recorded my fastest 180kms ever in 6 hours 35 minutes.
Unfortunately for all involved, it wasn't over there. I could see Caerphilly Castle (the finish line) having done 181kms and was then forced to turn left. Given the density of Chavs in this town I thought someone had changed the signs but then I saw someone ahead so I tried to pick them off. It wasn't until I got 200m up that I realised this was the killer hill you can see in the profile.
"It's just a blip compared to the others" you say. Nuh ahhhh. I have never ridden anything as steep as this monster. Even the 70km/hr I hit on the downhill on the other side didn't make this climb 'okay'. ...and I love climbing.
Crossing the line I struggled to make any expression. I think that's a look of disdain at what I'd put my body through (much like the look of disdain when I saw that it would cost me £9 to buy this photo). I lay down while Carla asked me questions I couldn't physically answer! Now that I've recovered I'm glad I'm still saying it was the toughest ride I've ever done- mostly due to the rapid pace from the outset. The Pro's race this course on 14th September and I can't wait to see it.
I lost so will be paying up £150 to the Prostate Cancer Charity. If you would like to donate to a great cause, please do so below:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NathanFenton
Bristol to Exmouth Night Ride
After bailing on Todd before the last night ride I was quite excited for the Bristol to Exmouth night ride. We had all trains booked, nothing left to fate (but the ambiguous ride directions) and even allowed ourselves a few hours in Bristol to check the place out.
The great weather for a Saturday afternoon pushed the whole city outside so it was tough to find a pub with outdoor seating for dinner but after doing a few laps of the nicer areas of Bristol we found a pub that happened to serve a great burger. Being a relaxed ride, it'd be rude not to have a drink too.
After dinner we headed down to the pub where the ride started to take a look at all the flouro-yellow jacket wearing old men who have been riding fold up bikes and recumbents since before we were born. I think some of the t-shirts we saw were also from before we were born. Social bike rides really do attract a weird crowd. 20 minutes after making ourselves comfortable in the beer garden we noticed a man climb out of a hammock he had set up in the trees, fold it up into the 60kg worth of luggage he had attached to his bike and get ready for the ride. A few hours earlier we met 2 girls who had just ridden to Paris and they had less luggage than this guy. If he wasn't riding around the world then I'm not interested. Finally, it was time to get started.
We waited for the biggest group to depart and hung on to the back of them. Surely they're locals and have experience in deciphering these hieroglyphic directions. First roundabout: 25 dudes asking which way we turn. At least it was all light hearted and pretty funny. Todd and I got into a nice rhythm with a big pack until we got out of Bristol and then jumped between packs depending on how we felt. This continued nicely for a few hours and while sitting in, possibly the largest pack of the night, Todd's drink bottle cage fell off his bike with a clang! We stopped to pick it up and lost the pack but this was the fun part- in the middle of nowhere with some strange directions we made our own way.
I think the highlight of the night was the first stop at around 102kms in Cheddar Gorge. We knew there would be a nice downhill leading into this but didn't realise there would be sweeping bends on smooth roads. We flew down there as fast as we could but were limited by a few over-cautious riders. For the rest of the night there were ebbs and flows of energy, excitement and disdain over the terrain, and a mix of interesting and strange people to chat to. My mega powerful light from Exposure was incredible and on a mixture of settings it ran all night.
After one last food stop at sunrise, the roll into Exmouth was nice but very quiet and with such a crap finishing point it was almost an anti-climax. I think Todd and I were quite happy with ourselves but too tired to consider it!
The train home was like a kindergarten in the Wonka Factory but a bottle of water and a beer preceded us both passing out. Back in London we were a little more jovial and had a few celebratory drinks at a quiet pub in the sunshine before canning it all and crashing out early.
I'd definitely recommend the ride to anyone, despite a 200km night. Take plenty of food, take some friends, take your time and you'll love it.
The great weather for a Saturday afternoon pushed the whole city outside so it was tough to find a pub with outdoor seating for dinner but after doing a few laps of the nicer areas of Bristol we found a pub that happened to serve a great burger. Being a relaxed ride, it'd be rude not to have a drink too.
After dinner we headed down to the pub where the ride started to take a look at all the flouro-yellow jacket wearing old men who have been riding fold up bikes and recumbents since before we were born. I think some of the t-shirts we saw were also from before we were born. Social bike rides really do attract a weird crowd. 20 minutes after making ourselves comfortable in the beer garden we noticed a man climb out of a hammock he had set up in the trees, fold it up into the 60kg worth of luggage he had attached to his bike and get ready for the ride. A few hours earlier we met 2 girls who had just ridden to Paris and they had less luggage than this guy. If he wasn't riding around the world then I'm not interested. Finally, it was time to get started.
We waited for the biggest group to depart and hung on to the back of them. Surely they're locals and have experience in deciphering these hieroglyphic directions. First roundabout: 25 dudes asking which way we turn. At least it was all light hearted and pretty funny. Todd and I got into a nice rhythm with a big pack until we got out of Bristol and then jumped between packs depending on how we felt. This continued nicely for a few hours and while sitting in, possibly the largest pack of the night, Todd's drink bottle cage fell off his bike with a clang! We stopped to pick it up and lost the pack but this was the fun part- in the middle of nowhere with some strange directions we made our own way.
I think the highlight of the night was the first stop at around 102kms in Cheddar Gorge. We knew there would be a nice downhill leading into this but didn't realise there would be sweeping bends on smooth roads. We flew down there as fast as we could but were limited by a few over-cautious riders. For the rest of the night there were ebbs and flows of energy, excitement and disdain over the terrain, and a mix of interesting and strange people to chat to. My mega powerful light from Exposure was incredible and on a mixture of settings it ran all night.
After one last food stop at sunrise, the roll into Exmouth was nice but very quiet and with such a crap finishing point it was almost an anti-climax. I think Todd and I were quite happy with ourselves but too tired to consider it!
The train home was like a kindergarten in the Wonka Factory but a bottle of water and a beer preceded us both passing out. Back in London we were a little more jovial and had a few celebratory drinks at a quiet pub in the sunshine before canning it all and crashing out early.
I'd definitely recommend the ride to anyone, despite a 200km night. Take plenty of food, take some friends, take your time and you'll love it.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Sunday, 24 July 2011
RIP Amy Winehouse
We all have shit days at work. Some people I know rarely have good ones... I'm sure they don't want to be remembered by their worst days at work, especially if they ever had days as good as this one:
The first time I ever heard of Amy Winehouse:
The first time I ever heard of Amy Winehouse:
RIP Amy Winehouse
We all have shit days at work. Some people I know rarely have good ones... I'm sure they don't want to be remembered by their worst days at work, especially if they ever had days as good as this one:
The first time I ever heard of Amy Winehouse:
The first time I ever heard of Amy Winehouse:
Friday, 17 June 2011
Fork Up or Do The Work?
I read the headline a few weeks ago but couldn't have cared any less about it; "Lady Gaga's web builder to attempt an Ironman". Yaaawn. The only thing that could be more misplaced among A-type, aggressive triathlon personalities than that headline is the cringe-worthy glitter-fingers stage show at the Mallorca 70.3 briefing earlier this year. So I didn't read the article, and, incidentally, I got up and walked out of the briefing. In my opinion there is too much cash and special priviledge in Ironman as it is and I've got no time for someone getting a mention because they're connected to someone well known. The thing that really inspires me is family people who work a heavy, full-time job, still find time and energy to train and qualify for a Kona slot so this guy wasn't cutting it.
Reading today that 50 Cent's 'final' album is delayed due to record company disputes, I scrolled down to notice that there was an informal $1 million bet between 50 Cent and Gaga's web guy. Now I'm interested. So I did some reading on this computer nerd. Matt Michelsen, as I will now call him, has had success in finance, retail and media and it sounds like he's not short of cash. I like big money bets going down on stupid sporting pursuits so I'll read on.
Here is where I'm torn: He has been given a media slot for Hawaii which means all the best equipment will be sent to him for free. Which also means NBC will take up valuable programming time on how he worked hard to lose 30kgs before he could run without his knees hurting. There will be no mention of the fact that he's forking out big cash for Roch Frey to write his programs nor the work he's been doing with the Sports Science Institute at Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston to get him to the level most people work their tits off to get to. So basically, it's good for the sport that there's a 'high profile' name involved but it takes away from the people who genuinely sacrifice so much time, effort, and money.
I wish him the best of luck, and I hope he finishes it for the personal satisfaction, let alone the million bucks from 50 Cent. But nobody goes from never having done a triathlon to Hawaii in 5 months. There's a kind of respect for the race that he couldn't possibly have so while I would say ANYONE can finish an Ironman, 50's money is not necessarily lost just yet.
Reading today that 50 Cent's 'final' album is delayed due to record company disputes, I scrolled down to notice that there was an informal $1 million bet between 50 Cent and Gaga's web guy. Now I'm interested. So I did some reading on this computer nerd. Matt Michelsen, as I will now call him, has had success in finance, retail and media and it sounds like he's not short of cash. I like big money bets going down on stupid sporting pursuits so I'll read on.
Here is where I'm torn: He has been given a media slot for Hawaii which means all the best equipment will be sent to him for free. Which also means NBC will take up valuable programming time on how he worked hard to lose 30kgs before he could run without his knees hurting. There will be no mention of the fact that he's forking out big cash for Roch Frey to write his programs nor the work he's been doing with the Sports Science Institute at Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston to get him to the level most people work their tits off to get to. So basically, it's good for the sport that there's a 'high profile' name involved but it takes away from the people who genuinely sacrifice so much time, effort, and money.
I wish him the best of luck, and I hope he finishes it for the personal satisfaction, let alone the million bucks from 50 Cent. But nobody goes from never having done a triathlon to Hawaii in 5 months. There's a kind of respect for the race that he couldn't possibly have so while I would say ANYONE can finish an Ironman, 50's money is not necessarily lost just yet.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
I Got My Flow
A few weeks ago I went mountain biking in Swinley/ Bracknell Forrest, near Ascot, west of London. It's not too far and seeing as I want to get a ride done early and Angus doesn't wake up before 10am I decided to ride there and meet them when their train arrived. 45kms on a road bike is hardly worth going out for but with nobbly tyres and a heavy frame you really notice 45kms on a mountain bike! Nevertheless I got to Martins Heron train station with about 4 minutes to spare, spoke to mum and dad very briefly on skype and then started riding with 5 fresh but lazy others.
This was always just gonna be a fun roll along some trails but some of these guys are fast. The fitness wasn't a problem for me but I seemed to have left my bike handling skills back in 1984.
It was a fun 25kms or so that we did on some quite technical trails, including some deep gravel for the first 100m of a single track which caught both Angus and Shaun out:
After many steep hills wore us out we decided to have a play in the gully, nicely fashioned by locals and the Swinley MTB club. Last time I was here it was not nearly as deep and there were fewer kickers and tabletops. I must say they have done a fabulous job. When Shaun landed and blew out his front wheel, however, he may not have been thinking the same thing:
Or from another angle:
The helmet was smashed but the camera survived just fine. Ahhhhh. Good times...
With only one last setback- the Tesco next to the train station doesn't sell cold beer- we headed back to London happy we'd been out. I'm looking forward to getting my Ironman done so I can go out and play a little more like this.
This was always just gonna be a fun roll along some trails but some of these guys are fast. The fitness wasn't a problem for me but I seemed to have left my bike handling skills back in 1984.
It was a fun 25kms or so that we did on some quite technical trails, including some deep gravel for the first 100m of a single track which caught both Angus and Shaun out:
After many steep hills wore us out we decided to have a play in the gully, nicely fashioned by locals and the Swinley MTB club. Last time I was here it was not nearly as deep and there were fewer kickers and tabletops. I must say they have done a fabulous job. When Shaun landed and blew out his front wheel, however, he may not have been thinking the same thing:
Or from another angle:
Shaun head-butting tree from Snowy Fenton on Vimeo.
The helmet was smashed but the camera survived just fine. Ahhhhh. Good times...
With only one last setback- the Tesco next to the train station doesn't sell cold beer- we headed back to London happy we'd been out. I'm looking forward to getting my Ironman done so I can go out and play a little more like this.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Rambling
Despite the empty beer to my right, I'm in an interesting place, fitness wise. By many measurements I'm the fittest I've ever been. I remember trying to get my resting heart rate consistently below 55 when I was 17. At the moment it's around 48. I used to struggle with maintaining running speed for more than 10kms. Now I keep a consistent and relatively fast pace over a half marathon. I am enjoying the results of training consistently over winter. I'd like to say I trained hard- and I did for some of it- but it's the consistency rather than the intensity that has brought me to this position.
I've always loved getting on a bike and being able to hammer out a ride reeeaaallllyyy fast. But only now, for the first time since I was 16, do I remember that running is also so much more fun when it's done fast! Running through some trees this week, on a little dirt track, reminded me that running for fun is one thing but being able to run fast is a whole different enjoyment. The downside, however, is that I'm at the more painful end of the fast running enjoyment and I want more! I can't remember which triathlete a few years ago made the point, but when discussing Ironman he said "it doesn't get easier, you just go faster". Now that I've crossed back into that fun side I think that- while the pain is still there- the fun diminishes some of the hurt. Not all of it though...
So with this in mind it was quite easy to plan out the rest of my season and the whole of next year's. Aside from one long ride (~140kms) and one long run (~25kms) each week I will be focussing solely on speed work. In real life one of the long sessions will be sacrificed for social activities and it will probably be the bike. I only have one race booked in for the rest of this year and that's the Outlaw Ironman on July 24th in Nottingham. I do, however, foresee a dilemma on July 25th; my new-found speed will be left to fade away and next summer I'll have to go through the painful process of re-building fitness but I am going to enjoy my last 4 months in London.
I have a plan. Last winter was the first time I've ever done leg weights and this summer I've got up to fitness quicker, been recovering faster, had fewer injuries and been able to hold my speed for a lot longer. I can't believe I'd never done that before. Best thing I've done. So after a few weeks off after the Outlaw I am going to start a long 'winter' phase to strengthen my whole body. I want to be all-round strong before I begin to get all-round fit. And after getting all-round fit I will get sport-specific fit and try to qualify for the Hawaiian Ironman; probably the only thing that has consistently been on my 'must-do-before-I-die list since I was 15. Except maybe learn to play 'Know Your Enemy' by Rage Against the Machine.
So here's where it all ties in perfectly. As much as I love going fast, I'm bored of going in a straight line. I need flow. Despite not having a creative bone in my body (come to think of it, I can play the recorder through my nose) I enjoy the mix of speed and artistry, whether it be on a bike or a board. So I'm looking forward to being all-round strong so I can put that into surfing, paddleboarding, mountain biking, skating, etc. when I'm back in Aus and feel the fun of just 'going'. Getting out to do something regardless of whether it's fast or not. That's what it's all about. Anything that's fun can be dissected and tuned into a pursuit for some form of excellence but if the fun is taken out then there's no point. So I'm looking forward to building functional strength and going out to play. That's what puts a smile on my face. My competitive/ over-active mind wants to go fast and both put a smile on my face but I'm really looking forward to riding the Dandenongs/ skating the city/ paddling Port Philip Bay and surfing anywhere on the southern Victorian coast just for the fun of it.
Here's a video that puts a bigger smile on my face than reducing my times. You've got to have flow in your life.
Step outside and just go. Any way you like, just move.
.
I've always loved getting on a bike and being able to hammer out a ride reeeaaallllyyy fast. But only now, for the first time since I was 16, do I remember that running is also so much more fun when it's done fast! Running through some trees this week, on a little dirt track, reminded me that running for fun is one thing but being able to run fast is a whole different enjoyment. The downside, however, is that I'm at the more painful end of the fast running enjoyment and I want more! I can't remember which triathlete a few years ago made the point, but when discussing Ironman he said "it doesn't get easier, you just go faster". Now that I've crossed back into that fun side I think that- while the pain is still there- the fun diminishes some of the hurt. Not all of it though...
So with this in mind it was quite easy to plan out the rest of my season and the whole of next year's. Aside from one long ride (~140kms) and one long run (~25kms) each week I will be focussing solely on speed work. In real life one of the long sessions will be sacrificed for social activities and it will probably be the bike. I only have one race booked in for the rest of this year and that's the Outlaw Ironman on July 24th in Nottingham. I do, however, foresee a dilemma on July 25th; my new-found speed will be left to fade away and next summer I'll have to go through the painful process of re-building fitness but I am going to enjoy my last 4 months in London.
I have a plan. Last winter was the first time I've ever done leg weights and this summer I've got up to fitness quicker, been recovering faster, had fewer injuries and been able to hold my speed for a lot longer. I can't believe I'd never done that before. Best thing I've done. So after a few weeks off after the Outlaw I am going to start a long 'winter' phase to strengthen my whole body. I want to be all-round strong before I begin to get all-round fit. And after getting all-round fit I will get sport-specific fit and try to qualify for the Hawaiian Ironman; probably the only thing that has consistently been on my 'must-do-before-I-die list since I was 15. Except maybe learn to play 'Know Your Enemy' by Rage Against the Machine.
So here's where it all ties in perfectly. As much as I love going fast, I'm bored of going in a straight line. I need flow. Despite not having a creative bone in my body (come to think of it, I can play the recorder through my nose) I enjoy the mix of speed and artistry, whether it be on a bike or a board. So I'm looking forward to being all-round strong so I can put that into surfing, paddleboarding, mountain biking, skating, etc. when I'm back in Aus and feel the fun of just 'going'. Getting out to do something regardless of whether it's fast or not. That's what it's all about. Anything that's fun can be dissected and tuned into a pursuit for some form of excellence but if the fun is taken out then there's no point. So I'm looking forward to building functional strength and going out to play. That's what puts a smile on my face. My competitive/ over-active mind wants to go fast and both put a smile on my face but I'm really looking forward to riding the Dandenongs/ skating the city/ paddling Port Philip Bay and surfing anywhere on the southern Victorian coast just for the fun of it.
Here's a video that puts a bigger smile on my face than reducing my times. You've got to have flow in your life.
Gee Atherton - Steve Smith from Gustavo Catalan on Vimeo.
Step outside and just go. Any way you like, just move.
.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Causal Link or Just Thug Policing?
Before I start this rant I must clarify that in my opinion being a member of any police force would be a very difficult job, and not one you can ever take a holiday from. There seems to be very little reward, much scrutiny, and impossible conditions created by poor Government support in many jurisdictions and constant cut-backs. Anyone who knows me would also know that I am often in complete disagreement with the way many individual police officers handle matters and this is one of them. I must say that I disagree with the decision handed down today by the Crown Prosecution Service that the police officer who pushed over a protestor that later died will be facing charges of Manslaughter.
At a protest in London in April 2009, Ian Tomlinson was pushed to the ground by PC Simon Harwood. There was footage of this which has been played over and over again by UK news channels throughout the inquest into his death. In the extended version of this footage Mr Tomlinson actually sits up and also walks away after being pushed, although looking shaken. While I see the police officer’s actions as incredibly excessive I don’t see the causal link between a man being pushed over, and the man having a heart attack minutes later. If any reasonable person were to consider the ramifications of pushing someone over, I don’t believe that suffering a cardiac arrest/ death would feature, even with the force exhibited by the police officer.
Watch the video for yourself.
I do believe that PC Simon Harwood should be disciplined for extremely excessive force, maybe assault and most likely removed from the police force but I don't feel Manslaughter is the appropriate charge. If, on the slim chance, he is convicted there will be flow on effects further reducing the effectiveness of police which could only be detrimental to order within society.
Holding police accountable for their actions is a rare sight for the general public; the last inquest I remember was that of Mark Saunders, the Lawyer who was shot and killed by police marksmen after what seems like a series of avoidable mis-communications within police ranks. The inquest was run with the 3 marksmen remaining anonymous and ultimately cleared. From a general public point of view these things look like they’re just swept under the carpet. There are plenty of police actions which could be looked into but I hope this officer facing Manslaughter doesn’t receive unduly harsh penalties as a result of previous unjust acquittals...
At a protest in London in April 2009, Ian Tomlinson was pushed to the ground by PC Simon Harwood. There was footage of this which has been played over and over again by UK news channels throughout the inquest into his death. In the extended version of this footage Mr Tomlinson actually sits up and also walks away after being pushed, although looking shaken. While I see the police officer’s actions as incredibly excessive I don’t see the causal link between a man being pushed over, and the man having a heart attack minutes later. If any reasonable person were to consider the ramifications of pushing someone over, I don’t believe that suffering a cardiac arrest/ death would feature, even with the force exhibited by the police officer.
Watch the video for yourself.
I do believe that PC Simon Harwood should be disciplined for extremely excessive force, maybe assault and most likely removed from the police force but I don't feel Manslaughter is the appropriate charge. If, on the slim chance, he is convicted there will be flow on effects further reducing the effectiveness of police which could only be detrimental to order within society.
Holding police accountable for their actions is a rare sight for the general public; the last inquest I remember was that of Mark Saunders, the Lawyer who was shot and killed by police marksmen after what seems like a series of avoidable mis-communications within police ranks. The inquest was run with the 3 marksmen remaining anonymous and ultimately cleared. From a general public point of view these things look like they’re just swept under the carpet. There are plenty of police actions which could be looked into but I hope this officer facing Manslaughter doesn’t receive unduly harsh penalties as a result of previous unjust acquittals...
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Mallorca Gets Hot
Three things that attracted me to the Mallorca 70.3 were clear water, hills and the heat. With 180-something people in my wave and a beach start, the water was no longer clear. In 5 years away from my beloved Dandenong Ranges I am no longer good on the hills and in 5 years away from my beloved warm days I suck in the heat! With those three things against me I am still relatively happy with the result; a PB swim and aggressive descending which got me up to 70km/hr coming down some switchbacks. I had a great time chasing with some guys at 60km/hr through small towns.
The only real downfall was on the run. In the heat my stomach decided to stop processing anything so I shuffled through 21kms with a full sloshing stomach and no water/ nutrients going to my muscles. That hurt. 1 hour 53 minutes of hurt killed my hopes of that elusive sub 5 hour race, finishing in 5:17. I would also advise against swallowing 3 or 4 huge mouthfulls of the Mediterranean. In hindsight this wouldn't have helped my stomach.
Thanks to Tomeu at Bequi’s bike shop for fixing my crank, a different Tomeu for straightening my muscles, and the random guy at the 14km mark who gave me a generous helping of French Voltaren for my ITB before pushing me off as though I were on a bicycle. For the record, Voltaren doesn’t work.
The only real downfall was on the run. In the heat my stomach decided to stop processing anything so I shuffled through 21kms with a full sloshing stomach and no water/ nutrients going to my muscles. That hurt. 1 hour 53 minutes of hurt killed my hopes of that elusive sub 5 hour race, finishing in 5:17. I would also advise against swallowing 3 or 4 huge mouthfulls of the Mediterranean. In hindsight this wouldn't have helped my stomach.
Thanks to Tomeu at Bequi’s bike shop for fixing my crank, a different Tomeu for straightening my muscles, and the random guy at the 14km mark who gave me a generous helping of French Voltaren for my ITB before pushing me off as though I were on a bicycle. For the record, Voltaren doesn’t work.
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Missing Posts
Not sure where my last two posts have gone but I've heard Blogspot has been down. I'm sure they'll be back...
Here's a photo to compensate.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Here's a photo to compensate.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Things I Saw Today
The Med was a lake. I had an incredible swim with a guy I ride with in London. The water was crystal clear, like glass and 19 degrees.
Faris Al-Sultan, a German powerhouse and 2005(ish) winner of the Hawaiian Ironman trying to get to the German race briefing and pasta party but being stopped by everyone for a photo. I didn't hassle him for another pic, so you get his bike instead.
After the English race briefing some hotel/ resort sponsor put some singing and dancing on- a stage full of glitter and jazz hands prancing around to the most camp showtunes you can think of. This didn't go down well in front of 400 or so A-type personalities. Needless to say I didn't get a photo but the look of dismay on the ambitious, agressive triathlete types was priceless.
My race gear.
Do all these German athletes walk around their own streets wearing lycra all day or just while around a race? Some of this is ridiculous!
Enjoy.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Faris Al-Sultan, a German powerhouse and 2005(ish) winner of the Hawaiian Ironman trying to get to the German race briefing and pasta party but being stopped by everyone for a photo. I didn't hassle him for another pic, so you get his bike instead.
After the English race briefing some hotel/ resort sponsor put some singing and dancing on- a stage full of glitter and jazz hands prancing around to the most camp showtunes you can think of. This didn't go down well in front of 400 or so A-type personalities. Needless to say I didn't get a photo but the look of dismay on the ambitious, agressive triathlete types was priceless.
My race gear.
Do all these German athletes walk around their own streets wearing lycra all day or just while around a race? Some of this is ridiculous!
Enjoy.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, 13 May 2011
It Took A While To Wind Up...
...but I'm going now. As I sit in the lobby of this... let's call it 'family friendly' hotel I listen to some cheap cabaret version of Hall and Oates 'Man Easter' and am reminded of swimming lessons at Harold Holt pool in (when would that song have been released?? 1984?? Hopefully they did me some good (the lessons, not Hall and Oates) because I have my second half ironman in 2 weeks on Saturday and I'm tired.
With the swim traditionally being my weakest discipline, it was always a worry when I was feeling better in the water than on land. Luckily today, while I do feel better in the water, I am feeling confident with the run and, slightly less-so, the ride. Bike issues this week have been painful; 2 attempts to ride the course were both shot down within the first 3kms and left me sitting on the beach with the other fat seals (obese tourists).
I have been in Alcudia since Monday and it took me a while to get going- especially because the weather throughout my whole trip has been average. Yesterday and today are the 4th and 5th sunny days in nearly 3 weeks. First world problems, I know... I could never do this pro triathlete thing. As well as liking money too much I also like the challenge of fitting work, training and other committments in. Having all day to do just a few hours of training leaves me with no motivation and this weather is very conducive to sitting on the beach and getting drunk. But today I shook out my lethargy with some bike sprints (it worked!) and a long overdue straightening on my muscles. So despite the enormous dinner I just ate I am feeling fast.
I've been looking at this photo since October (through the long cold London winter) and today I finally stood in this place and it looked just like that. Thomas Hellreigel, one of the German Ironman powerhouses I looked up to when I was 16 in racing on Saturday. And I'm feeling fast. I'm looking forward to Saturday.
But for now I need to get out of here- they've just started up the kareoke machine.
With the swim traditionally being my weakest discipline, it was always a worry when I was feeling better in the water than on land. Luckily today, while I do feel better in the water, I am feeling confident with the run and, slightly less-so, the ride. Bike issues this week have been painful; 2 attempts to ride the course were both shot down within the first 3kms and left me sitting on the beach with the other fat seals (obese tourists).
I have been in Alcudia since Monday and it took me a while to get going- especially because the weather throughout my whole trip has been average. Yesterday and today are the 4th and 5th sunny days in nearly 3 weeks. First world problems, I know... I could never do this pro triathlete thing. As well as liking money too much I also like the challenge of fitting work, training and other committments in. Having all day to do just a few hours of training leaves me with no motivation and this weather is very conducive to sitting on the beach and getting drunk. But today I shook out my lethargy with some bike sprints (it worked!) and a long overdue straightening on my muscles. So despite the enormous dinner I just ate I am feeling fast.
I've been looking at this photo since October (through the long cold London winter) and today I finally stood in this place and it looked just like that. Thomas Hellreigel, one of the German Ironman powerhouses I looked up to when I was 16 in racing on Saturday. And I'm feeling fast. I'm looking forward to Saturday.
But for now I need to get out of here- they've just started up the kareoke machine.
Friday, 6 May 2011
Random Pics
I have written my race report from the Lisbon half ironman but am waiting for photos. So while I wait at the airport for another 2 hours I'll give you some pics that were on my phone...
Ever since I saw 'Malcom', the 1984 Australian ripper of a movie starring the legendary Colin Friel, I've wanted to see the trams in Lisbon. After I got this shot my purpose had been served.
The swim course in Lisbon on the only sunny day I saw. It pissed down each of the other days, including race day and never looked this good again.
I tape my gels to my bike's top tube so I can just rip them off during a race and they're open. I didn't realise til after that I had quite the variety of flavours. They don't taste as good as the wrapping colour suggests.
The City Gates in Valencia were huge. I love to put myself in the position a city might have experienced when things like this were built. Good luck getting past these puppies with ya bow and arrow.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Ever since I saw 'Malcom', the 1984 Australian ripper of a movie starring the legendary Colin Friel, I've wanted to see the trams in Lisbon. After I got this shot my purpose had been served.
The swim course in Lisbon on the only sunny day I saw. It pissed down each of the other days, including race day and never looked this good again.
I tape my gels to my bike's top tube so I can just rip them off during a race and they're open. I didn't realise til after that I had quite the variety of flavours. They don't taste as good as the wrapping colour suggests.
The City Gates in Valencia were huge. I love to put myself in the position a city might have experienced when things like this were built. Good luck getting past these puppies with ya bow and arrow.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Austria (...via Switzerland and Germany...)
I had a great Easter weekend in Vienna with Carla. After so much schnitzel I ended up fuller than a state school but it was all good fun. I also managed to consume my other goals; Red Bull, Jaggermeister, apple strudel, and as much meat as possible.
Red Bull, Austrian number plate, proof.
Thanks to BMI, we missed our connecting flight in Basel- a city I was somewhat fascinated with, only because Roger Federer hails from that area. That fascination has bewildered me because I find Federer rather boring. From the airport carpark, however, the city looked beautiful. Unfortunately I couldn't go in to explore as we only had a 2 hour wait until our next flight, and we were lucky to get that. The downside, however, was that this flight went via Frankfurt.
Strangely enough the 2 stopovers weren't too painful and we arrived in Vienna on the same day we left. Kinda glad too, as we did leave home at 5.15am...
We walked so much over the weekend, I'd be surprised if we didn't cover 25kms across the 4 days. The tourist 'hop-on-hop-off bus' was a welcome releif on Monday when were were able to see the sights a little further out of the city without having to walk. Shonnbrun Castle was great, the Opera House was great, St Stephen's Cathedral was great, but one of my favourite activities was dinner each night in a local pub or restaurant out in the burbs! One night we got a lock in and a guided tour of the photos on the wall from 1930-1970's taken by the family that own the pub. The vocal-happy bar tender told us all about the districts of the city and the history of each one; we wanted to interrupt but it was too interesting!
I'm in Lisbon now and I'm sure that within a few days I'll lose track of which tourist attraction is where so I'll leave you with some photos while I remember them...
The Opera we would have seen, had we spoke German, been more cultured, and had nothing else to do with that 4 hours...
I do love the way they do this- they played the opera live on the big screen on the side of the Opera House, with deck chairs set up. Just like the tennis in Fed Square but... different.
On recommendation we went to a fantastic bar on about the 6th floor which overlooked the centre of Vienna. Yes, the photo is blurred but you should see the other one. I'm taking Carla to be 'assessed'.
Google Shonnbrun Palace. Amazing place. Useless now that the Emperor stood down. But looks incredible!
I love old trams...
Red Bull, Austrian number plate, proof.
Thanks to BMI, we missed our connecting flight in Basel- a city I was somewhat fascinated with, only because Roger Federer hails from that area. That fascination has bewildered me because I find Federer rather boring. From the airport carpark, however, the city looked beautiful. Unfortunately I couldn't go in to explore as we only had a 2 hour wait until our next flight, and we were lucky to get that. The downside, however, was that this flight went via Frankfurt.
Strangely enough the 2 stopovers weren't too painful and we arrived in Vienna on the same day we left. Kinda glad too, as we did leave home at 5.15am...
We walked so much over the weekend, I'd be surprised if we didn't cover 25kms across the 4 days. The tourist 'hop-on-hop-off bus' was a welcome releif on Monday when were were able to see the sights a little further out of the city without having to walk. Shonnbrun Castle was great, the Opera House was great, St Stephen's Cathedral was great, but one of my favourite activities was dinner each night in a local pub or restaurant out in the burbs! One night we got a lock in and a guided tour of the photos on the wall from 1930-1970's taken by the family that own the pub. The vocal-happy bar tender told us all about the districts of the city and the history of each one; we wanted to interrupt but it was too interesting!
I'm in Lisbon now and I'm sure that within a few days I'll lose track of which tourist attraction is where so I'll leave you with some photos while I remember them...
The Opera we would have seen, had we spoke German, been more cultured, and had nothing else to do with that 4 hours...
I do love the way they do this- they played the opera live on the big screen on the side of the Opera House, with deck chairs set up. Just like the tennis in Fed Square but... different.
On recommendation we went to a fantastic bar on about the 6th floor which overlooked the centre of Vienna. Yes, the photo is blurred but you should see the other one. I'm taking Carla to be 'assessed'.
Google Shonnbrun Palace. Amazing place. Useless now that the Emperor stood down. But looks incredible!
I love old trams...
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Surfing as we Know it is Still Good
The surfing at Bells Beach starts next week so it's time to unleash what, historically, has been my tip for world number one yet has without fail become "who will be world number two" for the 2011 season. As a Victorian the first event of the year in Queensland doesn't count. The original reasons for that opinion have long since faded but when it comes to surfing it takes me a long time to come around. I'm a surfing traditionalist in many ways. In part I used Snapper as a 'pre-season' test to see who is surfing well and who looks both happy with where they are but also is hungry and focused for the win.
In early 2008 I saw such a fire in Bede Durbidge's eyes so I picked him for the world title. I later found out that hunger was valid after he was left without a sponsor at the end of 2007 and re-mortgaged his house to go on tour. He finished 2nd the following year and that is still one of the most inspiring displays of determination I've ever seen in any sport.
In 2009 I was able to set my jealousy of his perfect life aside to stop degrading Joel Parkinson for being the best surfer to never win the world title, and pick him for the win. After a run-away lead in the first half of the year he was the hunted and was eventually taken down by his best friend Mick Fanning in the 2nd last event of the year and finished 2nd overall.
Last year I took a gamble on a relative newcomer, Jordie Smith, because he looked so content with where he was but had a subtle confidence that he wasn't yet at his best. The video he finished up just before the start of the 2010 season was one of the best I've seen. He finished 2010 in second place.
They suggest the definition of insanity is to repeat the same process over and over again yet to expect a different outcome. So from here on, my annual post-Snapper/ pre-Bells surfing world title call is a prediction for 2nd place!
Surfing has changed a lot in the past year. The ranking system has left the surfers more confused than a Japanese seismologist and the surfing magazines busier than a Brisbane mop shop. Despite having read the ASP rulebook a few times I also struggle with what the hell they are trying to do. One change that I am quite excited about, however, is the gentle nudge/ suggestion/ downright sacking of the head judge, Perry Hatchett last year. In my opinion surfing has the ability to be the most progressive sport in the world but that starts with judges rewarding progressive moves. Here is where my contradictions begin... I said earlier I may be a surfing traditionalist. If that is so, why would I want progressive manoeuvres? I'll put this into dot point for you, otherwise tangents are likely:
-The governing body for surfing is lost. They are planning events in places that are not the best waves in the world, so they are usually sloppy and small;
-Traditional competition surfing rewards good wave selection and good use of the wave face. At a bad location there are no good waves and very little face;
-If they are going to 'judge' based on crap waves then they need to allow the surfers free creativity and reward aerial and fakie (excuse the skate terminology, the surfers haven't named it yet...) manoeuvres more so than they have in the past.
Getting rid of Perry Hatchett was the first step in competition surfing being able to judge creative, progressive surfing better.
"If I cross my arms it means you're fired."
So, with that in mind, I feel that the surfer who will benefit most from that change this year is Taj Burrow. He must have been on tour for 14 or so years and has probably racked up more 3rds than anyone in history. I hesitate to suggest that I pick Taj to win the surfing world title in 2011 but in the name of insanity- and tradition- I think he will. I also have to throw in a special mention for Julian Wilson. I love the kid; down to earth, switched on, a sponsor's dream, and he surfs like demon. Very progressive in his moves too. His Sushi Roll (he created it, so he can name it...) is a fine example of why he will be multiple world champion by the time he retires.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Bells Beach surf comp. This Easter competition out dates the industry itself. The simple idea that this has been going on for 50 years blows me away. The Rip Curl website has some interesting (although all too brief) videos detailing each decade the comp has been running. During the inevitable lay days I'd like to see the following competitions run (in the name of tradition of course):
-1960's comp: where nobody can wear a wetsuit because they weren't invented yet;
-1980's comp: a handicap competition where those with big single fin boards get a points advantage over those with thrusters, to replicate the development of surfboards;
-The MP hide-and-seek comp: to honour one of the best surfers of the 1970's who, it turned out, suffered from drug induced schizophrenia and used to hide in the bushes at Bells;
-a car park doughey comp: if you've ever been to Bells Beach and never chucked a donut in the car park... well... that's not possible.
The waiting period at Bells is magic. If you arrive there early in the morning you can feel an excited energy. It's late autumn, it's cold, it's slightly windy, it's noisy yet strangely peaceful. You can hear the anxious chatter from many people in the darkness and expect that you're on an edge where not even the birds feel comfortable. It seems to me to be a place where even those on the top of their game know they need to up their concentration. And then they pump "Hell's Bells" by AC/DC through the loud speakers and it becomes surfers against nature.
Finally, I'd like to bring a few statistics into the discussion. Bells has been running for 50 years. Since it became a professional competition in 1973, the most wins is 4, shared by Mark Richards and Kelly Slater. The only wildcard to win it (to my knowledge) is Mick Fanning in 2001- but Adam Robertson got to the final last year after progressing all the way through the trials. The first time I remember taking note of this beautiful event was in 1993 when Damien Hardman won it and in watching it every year since, still my favourite year was when Matt Hoy won in 1997 and the Screaming Jets (fellow Novacastrians) flew down to play a celebration gig in the car park.
In the 1992 movie Point Break, the greatest movie OF ALL TIME, the concept of the '50 year storm' is introduced. Apparently this is a once in a lifetime wave, and Bodie is gonna be there. Roach 'ain't gonna see 30'. And we all discover that 'it's not tragic to die doing what you love'. As this is the 50th year of competition surfing at Bells Beach I expect it to be a corker.
The Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach runs from 19th April until 30th April.
http://live.ripcurl.com
Go chuck a doughey in the car park.
In early 2008 I saw such a fire in Bede Durbidge's eyes so I picked him for the world title. I later found out that hunger was valid after he was left without a sponsor at the end of 2007 and re-mortgaged his house to go on tour. He finished 2nd the following year and that is still one of the most inspiring displays of determination I've ever seen in any sport.
In 2009 I was able to set my jealousy of his perfect life aside to stop degrading Joel Parkinson for being the best surfer to never win the world title, and pick him for the win. After a run-away lead in the first half of the year he was the hunted and was eventually taken down by his best friend Mick Fanning in the 2nd last event of the year and finished 2nd overall.
Last year I took a gamble on a relative newcomer, Jordie Smith, because he looked so content with where he was but had a subtle confidence that he wasn't yet at his best. The video he finished up just before the start of the 2010 season was one of the best I've seen. He finished 2010 in second place.
They suggest the definition of insanity is to repeat the same process over and over again yet to expect a different outcome. So from here on, my annual post-Snapper/ pre-Bells surfing world title call is a prediction for 2nd place!
Surfing has changed a lot in the past year. The ranking system has left the surfers more confused than a Japanese seismologist and the surfing magazines busier than a Brisbane mop shop. Despite having read the ASP rulebook a few times I also struggle with what the hell they are trying to do. One change that I am quite excited about, however, is the gentle nudge/ suggestion/ downright sacking of the head judge, Perry Hatchett last year. In my opinion surfing has the ability to be the most progressive sport in the world but that starts with judges rewarding progressive moves. Here is where my contradictions begin... I said earlier I may be a surfing traditionalist. If that is so, why would I want progressive manoeuvres? I'll put this into dot point for you, otherwise tangents are likely:
-The governing body for surfing is lost. They are planning events in places that are not the best waves in the world, so they are usually sloppy and small;
-Traditional competition surfing rewards good wave selection and good use of the wave face. At a bad location there are no good waves and very little face;
-If they are going to 'judge' based on crap waves then they need to allow the surfers free creativity and reward aerial and fakie (excuse the skate terminology, the surfers haven't named it yet...) manoeuvres more so than they have in the past.
Getting rid of Perry Hatchett was the first step in competition surfing being able to judge creative, progressive surfing better.
"If I cross my arms it means you're fired."
So, with that in mind, I feel that the surfer who will benefit most from that change this year is Taj Burrow. He must have been on tour for 14 or so years and has probably racked up more 3rds than anyone in history. I hesitate to suggest that I pick Taj to win the surfing world title in 2011 but in the name of insanity- and tradition- I think he will. I also have to throw in a special mention for Julian Wilson. I love the kid; down to earth, switched on, a sponsor's dream, and he surfs like demon. Very progressive in his moves too. His Sushi Roll (he created it, so he can name it...) is a fine example of why he will be multiple world champion by the time he retires.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Bells Beach surf comp. This Easter competition out dates the industry itself. The simple idea that this has been going on for 50 years blows me away. The Rip Curl website has some interesting (although all too brief) videos detailing each decade the comp has been running. During the inevitable lay days I'd like to see the following competitions run (in the name of tradition of course):
-1960's comp: where nobody can wear a wetsuit because they weren't invented yet;
-1980's comp: a handicap competition where those with big single fin boards get a points advantage over those with thrusters, to replicate the development of surfboards;
-The MP hide-and-seek comp: to honour one of the best surfers of the 1970's who, it turned out, suffered from drug induced schizophrenia and used to hide in the bushes at Bells;
-a car park doughey comp: if you've ever been to Bells Beach and never chucked a donut in the car park... well... that's not possible.
The waiting period at Bells is magic. If you arrive there early in the morning you can feel an excited energy. It's late autumn, it's cold, it's slightly windy, it's noisy yet strangely peaceful. You can hear the anxious chatter from many people in the darkness and expect that you're on an edge where not even the birds feel comfortable. It seems to me to be a place where even those on the top of their game know they need to up their concentration. And then they pump "Hell's Bells" by AC/DC through the loud speakers and it becomes surfers against nature.
Finally, I'd like to bring a few statistics into the discussion. Bells has been running for 50 years. Since it became a professional competition in 1973, the most wins is 4, shared by Mark Richards and Kelly Slater. The only wildcard to win it (to my knowledge) is Mick Fanning in 2001- but Adam Robertson got to the final last year after progressing all the way through the trials. The first time I remember taking note of this beautiful event was in 1993 when Damien Hardman won it and in watching it every year since, still my favourite year was when Matt Hoy won in 1997 and the Screaming Jets (fellow Novacastrians) flew down to play a celebration gig in the car park.
In the 1992 movie Point Break, the greatest movie OF ALL TIME, the concept of the '50 year storm' is introduced. Apparently this is a once in a lifetime wave, and Bodie is gonna be there. Roach 'ain't gonna see 30'. And we all discover that 'it's not tragic to die doing what you love'. As this is the 50th year of competition surfing at Bells Beach I expect it to be a corker.
The Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach runs from 19th April until 30th April.
http://live.ripcurl.com
Go chuck a doughey in the car park.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
5 Years
Next Monday will be 5 years since I got to London. I didn't expect to be on this muddy island for 5 years but I've learned a lot: how to look busy when you're not, how not to do things, how to be happy with mediocrity, and many other useful approaches that will assist me in going nowhere in life and being happy with it.
In celebration of this milestone I have decided to engage in the national sport (drinking inside on days ending in 'Y'). But because I recently scored 6 out of 7 in a melbourne quiz that Dad gave me I will put a decidedly Australian slant on it and drink outside. Maybe somewhere nice with some food...
So for the sake of entertainment (not information, I assure you) I decided to check the weather. Yahoo weather on my phone says Saturday will be 17 and partly cloudy, BBC Breakfast told Megs some sunshine and 19, and Todd's phone suggests an umbrella will be useful. I COULD take a chance and make plans for a fantastic day out but 'effort' and 'risk' are not in the British vocabulary...
Meh, who wants to drink inside with me on Saturday evening to celebrate me sitting around for 5 years?
In celebration of this milestone I have decided to engage in the national sport (drinking inside on days ending in 'Y'). But because I recently scored 6 out of 7 in a melbourne quiz that Dad gave me I will put a decidedly Australian slant on it and drink outside. Maybe somewhere nice with some food...
So for the sake of entertainment (not information, I assure you) I decided to check the weather. Yahoo weather on my phone says Saturday will be 17 and partly cloudy, BBC Breakfast told Megs some sunshine and 19, and Todd's phone suggests an umbrella will be useful. I COULD take a chance and make plans for a fantastic day out but 'effort' and 'risk' are not in the British vocabulary...
Meh, who wants to drink inside with me on Saturday evening to celebrate me sitting around for 5 years?
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Red Bull Cliff Diving
I've been wanting to go and watch this event for years and, like all other events I've been too lazy to go see, my final year in Europe is gonna have to be it.
I think I'll hit La Rochelle because it's closest, I've been meaning to check it out, and they jump from the harbour tower which looks cool. The Ukraine, however, could be interesting...
Red Bull Cliff Diving
I think I'll hit La Rochelle because it's closest, I've been meaning to check it out, and they jump from the harbour tower which looks cool. The Ukraine, however, could be interesting...
Red Bull Cliff Diving
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Campag Heritage Thermo Jacket
I've never done a product review on this blog... and I'm not going to start now. But on Saturday I rode outside for the first time in months and am so glad that I had the Campagnolo Heritage Thermo TXN jacket. 
It's a windproof jacket that blocked out the -3 degree windchill perfectly.
I was looking for something that was a little brighter but the red front and reflective stripe on the back make this jacket the best of a bad bunch when it comes to being seen by cars. It doesn't have underarm zips which was a concern when trying it on but the small vents it does have work a treat. My body temperature usually swings a lot while training but I was consistently comfortable in this for the whole ride. Even as my heart rate sat around 160bpm for 15 minutes while climbing I was still not sweating.
Best cycling clothing I've ever bought.
I think I just wrote a product review...
It's a windproof jacket that blocked out the -3 degree windchill perfectly.
I was looking for something that was a little brighter but the red front and reflective stripe on the back make this jacket the best of a bad bunch when it comes to being seen by cars. It doesn't have underarm zips which was a concern when trying it on but the small vents it does have work a treat. My body temperature usually swings a lot while training but I was consistently comfortable in this for the whole ride. Even as my heart rate sat around 160bpm for 15 minutes while climbing I was still not sweating.
Best cycling clothing I've ever bought.
I think I just wrote a product review...
Sunday, 6 March 2011
You learn something new each day
I've just been informed that most weather forecasting bureaus admit that their forecasting accuracy is reduced by 10% for each day in advance, falling from 98%. The 10% reduction I can understand but the 98% accuracy of tomorrow's weather I would dispute!
Yesterday Yahoo! were suggesting 8 degrees and partly cloudy yet today they suggest 5 and partly cloudy. Unfortunately for them it is currently 4 and overcast. A far cry from the 9 and sunny they guessed on Monday and an even further cry from the 33 and sunny I was hoping for...
So that concludes this tediously useless study. Don't think I'll do that again...
Thanks to Clark I learned something else last week: when an electrical surge goes through an old building with galvanized pipes, it turns all the calcium build ups into hydrocarbon. Thus your drinking water is grot.
Don't say this blog isn't educational.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Yesterday Yahoo! were suggesting 8 degrees and partly cloudy yet today they suggest 5 and partly cloudy. Unfortunately for them it is currently 4 and overcast. A far cry from the 9 and sunny they guessed on Monday and an even further cry from the 33 and sunny I was hoping for...
So that concludes this tediously useless study. Don't think I'll do that again...
Thanks to Clark I learned something else last week: when an electrical surge goes through an old building with galvanized pipes, it turns all the calcium build ups into hydrocarbon. Thus your drinking water is grot.
Don't say this blog isn't educational.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, 5 March 2011
I'm riding, you can watch some riding
While I'm out battling with potholes, wind, rain, cold temperatures, bad drivers and roads that go nowhere you can sit back and watch a vid by Chris Akrigg who won the Red Bull mini-drome comp in January.
My riding isn't quite to that standard.
A Hill in Spain from chris akrigg on Vimeo.
My riding isn't quite to that standard.
Lack of funding
Well, this has been the most boring study ever...
Sunday's forecast has remained consistent. It would have been better to follow Saturday's forecast because it has gone from partly cloudy and 9 to raining and 8. So like all good Government funded studies I'm going to shift the focus mid-way through and cite a lack of funding.
Plus I'm angry it's gonna rain on my first outdoor training ride for months...
Mum and Dad just came back from Perth:
Can't even remember what that feels like!
Oh well, I'm going riding!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday's forecast has remained consistent. It would have been better to follow Saturday's forecast because it has gone from partly cloudy and 9 to raining and 8. So like all good Government funded studies I'm going to shift the focus mid-way through and cite a lack of funding.
Plus I'm angry it's gonna rain on my first outdoor training ride for months...
Mum and Dad just came back from Perth:
Can't even remember what that feels like!
Oh well, I'm going riding!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, 4 March 2011
Double your nerd analysis!
Oops, took yesterday's weather screen print but forgot to upload it for nerd analysis... I know you're all hanging to see what Yahoo's Sunday guess is, so here was yesterday's:
Still 6 and partly cloudy... Maybe this is the real thing.
Let's see today's. Contestant number 3, come on out:
Well. There's some consistency I wasn't expecting. Today has effectively burried the street cred I thought this incredibly detailed study would attract.
Alas, it's not Sunday yet.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Still 6 and partly cloudy... Maybe this is the real thing.
Let's see today's. Contestant number 3, come on out:
Well. There's some consistency I wasn't expecting. Today has effectively burried the street cred I thought this incredibly detailed study would attract.
Alas, it's not Sunday yet.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Six and partly cloudy
Sunday 6 and partly cloudy now.
It's changed already and we're still 4 days out from this possibly glorious day. Anyone got any predictions (that will stay constant)???
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It's changed already and we're still 4 days out from this possibly glorious day. Anyone got any predictions (that will stay constant)???
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Consistent weather reports?
I'm going to get all nerdy on you until Sunday and do some analysis on Yahoo's weather reports.
Yahoo! are suggesting that Sunday's weather will be sunny with a top of 8 degrees. Snowy! is suggesting that, although 8 degrees is a fair guess for this time of year, their predictions will change almost daily until settling on something on Saturday which will ultimately end up wrong.
So I have decided to take a screen shot of Yahoo! Weather each morning to see how Sunday's forecast changes. (What? I don't have anything else to write about...)
Here is today's screen shot- 5 days out, sunny and 8 degrees.
I wonder how long until Yahoo! do their wonderfully vague sun-with-rain-coming-out-of-it icon...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Yahoo! are suggesting that Sunday's weather will be sunny with a top of 8 degrees. Snowy! is suggesting that, although 8 degrees is a fair guess for this time of year, their predictions will change almost daily until settling on something on Saturday which will ultimately end up wrong.
So I have decided to take a screen shot of Yahoo! Weather each morning to see how Sunday's forecast changes. (What? I don't have anything else to write about...)
Here is today's screen shot- 5 days out, sunny and 8 degrees.
I wonder how long until Yahoo! do their wonderfully vague sun-with-rain-coming-out-of-it icon...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 28 February 2011
One more photo
Nice pic of Seabrook heading into the valley in Val d'Isere last week.
After 3cm of snow all week we left at 5am on Sunday as it puked down snow... So frustrating. Still good fun though.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
After 3cm of snow all week we left at 5am on Sunday as it puked down snow... So frustrating. Still good fun though.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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