Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
He looked gangster tough with his dark tan, powerful legs and mirror-coated sunglasses. But inside, Paul was a koala bear with a great sense of humour, ferocious appetite and had absolutely no airs whatsoever. Paul was always ready for a laugh.
He would accept anyone to be his friend and I found Paul so refreshing, in a world so full of pretence.
His passion for cycling led him to putting aside his career as a professional Life Guard and Swimming Coach to work for a while in a bike shop. Many of his customers were obviously impressed with him and many became his friends. One friend wrote:
Paul has indeed touched the lives of many people in the cycling community in Singapore and this is evident in the large number of cyclists that turned out at his funeral. I was privileged to give the eulogy and was deeply touched by the generousity and support of so many people including strangers that came along side to stand with Paul’s wife Sandra and their 2 young sons. His tragedy also made the local newspaper and his cortage had a 15 bicycle convoy to send him off.
The recent Ride of Silence held on May 21 in Singapore also saw people remembering Paul with a signed T-Shirt and even a flag.
A great light has gone off in my heart and the hearts of so many. I miss you dearly Brother Paul but we will meet again in heaven, and cycle on *streets of gold. Perhaps there, I could draft you again…
I met Paul through Chris Wee and we have had the great privilege to tour together in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. You don’t really get to know someone until you have slept with them. Thus, one essential and critical equipment you must bring when you tour with Paul are sound-proof ear plugs if you want a good night's sleep. Such is the thunder of Paul’s snoring!!!
In 2004, Paul mountain biked in Thailand with Chris and got lost in a jungle track near the Burmese border. They had crashed too many times over the rough terrain, ran out of water, were totally demoralised and it was getting dark. Fortunately, they stumbled upon a small village and spent the night in a Thai army camp. The soldiers shared with these two tired cyclists their food and showed kindness upon them. Later that night, some girls were brought to camp. Paul remarked to Chris, "Do you think they will share their women too?" They are probably the only Sporean cyclists who have experienced the wonderful hospitality of the Thai Border Patrol army.
John 12:24 (Common English Bible)
24 I assure you that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it can only be a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
UPDATE - 14 FEB 2013
I'm very grateful to Bro Taiwoon for organising yet another 128km ride for our buddy Paul on May 5. The drunk driver has been charged with 6 months jail and banned from driving for 8 years. Sandra and the boys are picking up the pieces very well and I can see God's hand in their lives. Life is short and I'm challenged to value relationships while we have the opportunity.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
It was 1am when I got a call from Walter L of Bike Friday. Usually I don't take calls at this time but I did. Turned out he was following up on my enquiry about getting another Bike Friday. Nothing like an upcoming expedition to provide the excuse, opps, I mean reason to get a new set of wheels.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Just as I was getting out of my house at 0715 this morning, it started to pour. I called Rod and started wingeing about the rain but he said, "Alvin, don't you dare chicken out on us!" So off I went, chucking all my stuff into the waterproof Orbs with a very sleepy Celia in tow.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
It was great to have Celia join us for our bi-monthly 50km ride in Mandurah. The last time she came the hills winded her and she ended up having coffee at The Jolly Frog Café (abt 21km mark). This time with the Bolaven Plateau, Laos under her belt (done in Jan), Celia took the hills with aplomb and had no trouble keeping up with us men, well almost no trouble.
After Singapore’s hot and sticky weather, it was absolutely refreshing to ride in 15c cool morning along the fabulous coastline of Mandurah. Being 3 weeks to Winter, the waters were noticeably rougher and watching huge swells crashing onto the beach provided for spectacular entertainment.
I saw a couple loading up their horses after a ride on the beach and it reminded me of the great lifestyle this part of the world offers.
Indeed, Mandurah is an ideal place for retirees and we saw many of them just soaking in the beauty, tranquility and space. Some were walking with friends chatting away, others taking their dogs for a walk and we met our elderly gentleman friend on his electric bicycle comfortably seated next to the water edge, reading.
As usual, we enjoyed great conversations among mates and we are all excited about our upcoming Mekong ride in July.
But before that, we want to take advantage of the great weather Perth offers and hope to plan a local overnight ride somewhere interesting.
Ken took the Brompton for the first time and he remarked how rigid and responsive it felt compared to his MTB, though the steering felt very light to him.
On the other hand, I found his MTB very hard to steer, having been used to the Brompton. What happen to the power steering?
All in, a delightful morning well spent for 3 men and a lady on bicycles.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Come mid-July, 8 of us will be hitting the scenic Mekong River in Thailand/Lao border for a 220km ride. As I would basically be returning to Spore and flying off to Thailand with very little time to spare, I decided to prepare my 2 Bike Fridays for travel.