Cycling : The Beauty and the Tragedy

I felt compelled to write about cycling. It is part of my life in a big way and part of training and triathlon.It is also dangerous. why because as a cyclist on a road , we are vulnerable and always come off second best if struck by a vehicle.

Why expose oneself to such danger. Well there is a freedom in cycling and there is a  utility in riding .
There is also a simplistic beauty in the machine. There is the love and simplicity of the machine as portrayed in the short clip I stumbled upon called The Spokesman. hats off to Steven for his love of bikes and preserving them.




The Spokesman from dean saffron on Vimeo.


Then there is the dark tragic side. Death and sadness in all cases avoidable by drivers following basic road rules. I appreciate that in all cities there will be cyclist who behave with no regard to their safety and the road rules but that does not allow drivers to disregard or be reckless with the safety of cyclist especially when passing. In the Nordic states there is a requirement to keep a safe distance and the onus in the event of an accident is on the driver to show he acted properly . Education is vital but in a fast pace  hurried world mistakes and errors occur but I hope drivers learn to give cyclist the attention  and care in as much as a pedestrian or child near a road would expect from a driver .

The death of Richard Pollett in Brisbane on 27 September 2011 and the outcome of the trial against the driver recently highlights the concern in the cycling community .The state must act to protect all road users .

Truck driver Found Not Guilty- Amy Gillett Foundation

Call for cyclist gap to become law

Ghost bike' a haunting symbol of cycling danger Brisbane Times 17 May 2013

In several European countries, the higher standards of duty-of-care for more vulnerable road users include the legal responsibility for car drivers to avoid collisions with cyclists and pedestrians. In these countries the onus is on drivers to prove no-fault when in collisions with pedestrians and cyclists.

It's not just about bike lanes by Jan Garrard at ABC Environment Website



Barber Violin Concerto | 2nd Mvt | 2010 Young Performers Awards | RIP 2011

Richard Pollett was killed 2 years ago cycling on a road .A moment of gross carelessness ended a life .It is incumbent on us as a society to do our utmost to protect all road users starting with the most vulnerable .This means changing attitudes and making drivers  more accountable because that inattention , reckless action can harm the unprotected cyclist on the Road. A needless death , a lost talent and someones son/daughter /parent /friend.

A Heavy Weight

Starting back with Molly watching

My slow long recovery and preparation is coming together.It is now 7 months and 4 days to Ironman Busselton 2013.

I only have one race for the remainder of the year and possibly a few marathons and runs in the build up .Uppermost is the focus on strength and weight.

It starts with a visit to a dietitian , Boris , whom I first met  almost 10 years ago when I weighed nearly 100kgs and was on high blood medication.My doctor sent me to Boris to work on a diet plan to get my weight down . That and the start of going to the gym did take the weight off .

What really caused it to drop rapidly was when I started triathlon training and particularly in 2007 when I was at 75 to 76 kgs . unfortunately this year , I have steadily climbed back to 81kgs but the fatigue of training and the injury last year have been a major stumbling block in maintaining a training regime. But there has to be a start to everything. Ideally it would have been better to have been a few kilos lighter starting out but it isn't impossible.

Had an interesting discussion with Boris and will keep a food diary and try to follow a better dietary plan he will draw up.

Chris McCormack wrote about his views on Weight and I largely share his philosophy although I am no where near where I should be weight wise. My best time was not achieved with my lowest weight but close to it.

How Chris McCormack changed weight to speed

Chris McCormack on the Race Weight debate
( Both articles are from triathlete Magazine )

Whilst not the only issue Diet and what I have been eating continues to be a major factor .

After a short break over ANZAC week , I have started back riding on Wednesdays and running on Fridays .Short runs but with the undulation of Kings park it is a good run with company. On Friday night , I was sputtering towards the end .

The Making Of Ironmen

Straits Times Article 3 May 2013

Whilst I have primarily been inactive , this is my vegetative stage . Ironman training and there are several events on this weekend.There is Ironman Port Macquarie with many West Australians racing . There is the Taiwan Challenge race as well. Good luck to the many who have got themselves to the start line.

Enrico was interviewed in the Singapore Straits Times by Lydia Vasko for the lifestyle section about his selection for the Kona Ironman World Championships.His 16th race . A good read and with some great quotes.What caught my eye was the many truths about Endurance racing repeated many times in this Blog and many others.

1. It is a core group of dedicated athletes who step up.
2. We all at the beginning thought it was impossible  .
3. With dedication and a plan , we astound ourselves and others.
4. It takes time and effort 
5. Ability and capability are not enough .Desire and will absolutely necessary

As Enrico points out :

Nothing like completing a race to give you a sense of achievement and accomplishment .It is a very strong anchor which you carry with you

There is a growing band of athletes , taking a step into the unknown each day. My Facebook page is filled with the activities and training of these small dedicated group. They provide a beautiful backdrop of the kaleidoscope of training each morning and evening .

My life is much the richer for the friends and acquaintances I have met in this endurance journey. I am reminded how much more enjoyable it is to share that run with friends as I ran round Kings Park this evening with fellow triathletes. ( despite the extra weight and the puffing).

The Useless Noise

Reading about Triathlons and Endurance racing is what I do to relax and learn from others.

It is an obsession. I recently read a blog by  Jenez_world

its all about the swimming the ironman journey - commit, train and pray.

Her last blog was about her x-adventure race. The race in itself and the times and distances are all unimportant.What is  ,is her impressions of some of the competitors and supporters.I have always had a myopic view of triathletes.They are the best people to have around and are positive and supportive. That has been largely my impression. There is a competitive edge as well . It is naturally a sport that attracts competitive people. 

Can you be competitive and still be a generally all round nice guy .i think you can. Unfortunately , my myopic view of life and triathlon is misplaced. There will as this blogger comments , an element of people who are hard core and arrogant .hard to judge when you are not there and definitely cruel to laugh at the slower guy or scream at others to get out of the way , or decide if someone is worth knowing by the quality of their race. 

I know these guys exist and they linger in all clubs and at all events. It is part of the human nature that like a bell curve there will be a few at the extremes. The sport attracts all kinds and I am not as myopic.

In Jenez_world  she blogs:

 they may be a little arrogant and not so friendly.  i think they think they are hard core.  i did not like the competitors who were laughing at the guy doing back stroke in the swim.  i didn't like the guy on the side line who made a crack at me when i came through on the second lap of the bike.  seriously - he was a supporter on the side line doing nothing.  i was not happy with the guy who ran up the back of my bike and tried to take out my derailleur because i didn't get out of the way as soon as he came up behind me.  i called him a wanker and he called me a useless bitch.  nice one dude

Even in club culture when I first became involved in Triathlon there was a sense of the elites amongst the mere mortals and well I don't really care . It pervades all clubs and  in most clubs these days there is a core group that binds because we triathletes do spend a large part of our free time training. What isn't so good is these become cliques and are not welcoming of new members and participants .

A sad reality . I enjoy the sport for what it is . it isn't about what you are wearing or how fast you go or who you are with . It is about training and pushing oneself beyond what was possible before.It is about personal best. There will always be an element of  elitism and a sense I am special because I can do this . The lesson is to try and drown the useless noise and focus on what matters . 

Not always easy . Triathlon may be the new golf with sell out races .But with the popularity comes a sprinkling of wankers in the mix. I just try and stay away from them .

How to react to the Boston Bombing

Boston Marathon 2013 .Picture from the UK Guardian in a News piece called The Boston Bombing Produces ...by Glen Greenwald.

Everyday in some of the most troubled parts of the world there is death and misery.It is indiscriminate in so far that the odds of being killed are heightened in places like Somalia , Afghanistan , Iraq and Sudan.

I like many are numb and indifferent . On Monday morning , I switch on my television to news of the Boston Bombing. It is everywhere . That same day 30 people are killed in Iraq. It hardly features.  I am numb to the news.Not to dilute the horror of what happened .The callousness of attacking a sporting event and the taking of innocent life , but we seem in this world in this part of the world , focused on what is familiar and clearly closer to home as we could as I did ,envisage my friends and myself on that street. Iraq and the Sudan are distant alien places.

The cries in America and the western world is to unite in sympathy and sadness. My heart goes out to the families of those killed.It isn't right.It isn't right as well that the outpouring of compassion and sympathy be limited to only Boston.

As one writer Gary Younge in the Guardian tweeted:

Iam all up for being Bostonians today Butthen can we be Yemenis tomorrow and Pakistanis the day after .That's how empathy works

In the Guardian , Glen Greenwald wrote an interesting piece on the Worlds reaction
The Boston Bombing...

As a sports mad enthusiast I deplore the use of violence at such an event. but the reaction is a reflection of the Western-centric press and the failure of all people to recognise the extent of the violence everywhere. And then trying to do something about it.

The sentiment amongst sports people is reflected in the letter Messick CEO for WTC sent to I presume everyone on their email list .

Dear Fellow Athletes,

It is difficult to know how to react to yesterday’s events at the Boston Marathon. Shock, outrage, hope for the injured, appreciation for those who ran to help, and a deep sense of sadness are all normal for such a terrible situation. We have reached out to the Boston Athletic Association to offer our support in this difficult time.

Terrorism works if it makes people afraid to live their lives fully. We have an obligation not to let that happen. We will continue to live our lives and do our jobs.

I am going running today as a small sign of support for Boston and to show those responsible for the tragic events that we are stronger than they are. I encourage you all to do the same.

Be strong and safe,

Andrew Messick

Then there is the movement to run in a show of support for the Bostonians. Julia Polloreno , editor for triathlete magazine wrote a short piece on her reaction , having worked as the media person for 4 years for the Boston Athletic Association. see What's left to say

Whilst there is the huge outcry and I have no doubt there is a resilience and a determination to not let the terrorist /perpetrators succeed. I have a cynicism of what some say .

Do we show support for the  many who die each day in terrorist attacks including many children , do we go out and run for them.  

Beacons of inspiration

The silence of the blog has largely been reflective of the drop in activity as I really did have a break after Ironman New Zealand. I unfortunately needed it and have lost a lot of fitness in the process.

I have only one race now Ironman Busselton at the end of the year. Hence a lot of time to slowly try and rebuild the engine. It won't be easy. I have started with some running and static exercises. I have been running with a 3 time Kona Ironman so the company has been good even though I am slow and puffing , it does help to have company and a commitment to run or train because someone is going to be there.

I have learnt that most triathletes have had some difficult periods through injury or just chronic fatigue.It is an occupational hazard for endurance triathletes. Mentally it can equally be challenging.

Whilst I haven't done much physically , I do note there is a lot of endurance activity and in Perth this past weekend there was the Tour De Perth , 2 triathlons , and a marathon and 50km run in Bunbury . There was also Ironman South Africa .

Congratulations to the many who participated.  A special mention to Sofian from Malaysia who completed his 16 Ironman race. The World triathlon Corporation also announced the Lottery and legacy spots earlier today and Congratulations to Enrico Varella for obtaining a slot in the Kona Legacy lottery. After 14 Ironman races and 8 years of racing it is well deserved and a reflection of the tenacity of racing and training smart.  Another West Australian , Paul Heyes also got a lottery slot. A strong triathlete and one who has been competing regularly for many ,many years I again think it is well deserved.

There are many great and inspiring stories. The journey begins but a big dream , wishful thinking many may think , but with perseverance and tenacity there is hope. I hope the break and the rest will rekindle some of that desire and hope . I have many beacons of inspiration to follow. 

Being Grateful

 “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.
Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.”
― Thomas_Merton

This past 2 weeks I have done little but contemplate . I am feeling more refreshed and comfortable.Not quite out of the haze of being tired of training .But with the season coming to a close other than the Busselton Half , there isn't much to prepare for.

Time for a rest and  refocusing .At the same time despite the setbacks of last year and the difficulty of balancing everything I want to do .I do have much to be grateful. I realized despite the disappointments of the past year , there are many who have taken the same road and with more adversity and come out of it .

It is the road less traveled that makes for the interesting journey.

And a long the way we learn from others and we admire the many who fill our life be it briefly . I am constantly in awe of these not so average individuals . That's what I enjoy about endurance events , the people I meet  make it special. This trail of thinking I know populates my blog . It is more acute when one life is snuffed out at its prime. Whilst I did not know Winston Koh , I knew many who he had touched .He was an ultra athlete , Ironman and adventurer .He was a teacher ,a Professor of economics , a dancer a photographer , a husband , a father and by all accounts a good man.

Sad as it is , he died in a diving trip , doing what he loved.

And for that , and the many others I have come to know I am indeed thankful. A University of California (Berkley ) research study suggest :

 researchers at the University of California-Berkeley report mounting scientific evidence that thankfulness also has concrete health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, stronger disease immunity and fewer symptoms of depression.

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/blogs/the-science-of-being-thankful

I can easily wallow in self pity of ineptitude but everyday ,  surely there is much to be thankful.

On a Beautiful Sunday morning with the swell  of the sea and the cold morning air , I swam with friends , my only exercise for the week , but it was a joy to feel that environment . I hated swimming when I first started triathlons .I wasn't good at it and it was hard.Fear of the cold clammy water  gripped me with fear . I  can't say I love it now but I have learned to feel more relaxed and comfortable in the water.

I have much to be thankful.The wonderful environment and city I am in. The space and the physical ability to do what I love.

This past week , with no real training , I have had a chance to reflect more . The family has got a new addition , a family pet . Her name is Molly and she has occupied centre stage.

Again gratitude features in the simplest of acts.Animals have no apprehensions .They give unreservedly and they love unreservedly. The sense of gratitude when they see you each day and their enthusiasm shines through. Walk in their paws and we will learn that a simple life is all the  pleasure that we should desire . Be grateful for small blessings.

And as the Sunday progressed , I spent a few great hours in Kings Park at the wreath Laying ceremony commemorating Greece Independence Day. The sun was shining , people smiling and a small community gathered to honour fallen soldiers of wars past . Indeed much to be grateful .