(Insert Introductory Paragraph here)

Welcome to another addition of “let’s introduce the Dragons Newsletter by a non-controversial topic like the weather!”. Ah but wait; this is indeed a controversial topic to this mighty contingent, the HKG DRGNS.

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s raining today*. (Placement of sad emoticon)  And as assuredly as you HAD noticed, you will likely be rather bummed. But let me try and turn that frown upside down (…Charlie Brown). (Placement of mood changing emoticon – if available)  

* and I stole your vowels 

“Running in the Rain – Sorry Cannot” – Anonymous but possibly Famous Chinese saying

Bowen road will see fewer runners out when it’s raining, as the meek, having secured a tidy excuse - will have inherited their beds over an earth reeking with adverse climate conditions.  

“Swimming in the Rain – Sorry Cannot” - Anonymous, possibly Famous and certainly Annoying Chinese saying

And swimming you may question? Pretty much ditto. Fewer folks in the pool, as the reasoning has it; they are likely to get wet. It’s a funny sort of reasoning, but it works for some.  

“Riding in the Rain – Sorry, um, yeah sorry mate” - Anonymous, Annoying Famous Chinese possibly Australian saying (Not!)

The real bummer in the bum-a-mento dept goes to those of you whom feel like getting their bike out for a bit of cycling. Yes, one can take to the road, and yes, they can climb in preparation for the Phuket hills, and yes some can even (but very few indeed) can handle getting their bikes dirty. But all should take heed that we still live on an Island, and a rather hilly Island – and those whom climb up, must eventually come back down. This may not be readily apparent to all, but it is certain.

It is also the main feature of this, the Introductory Paragraph.

(Insert Upcoming Events here)

Upcoming Events 

2nd Hong Kong Runner Half Marathon Start: 26/11/2006 - 8:30amThe 2nd Hong Kong Runner Half Marathon will be held on Nov 26 (Sun) in Shatin, starting at 8:30am at the Shatin Rowing Club. The course is same as the 1st half marathon held in April: a lap to Hong Kong Science &Technology Park, and the second lap to Siu Lek Yuen. 

Dragons Year End Party 15th December is STILL the date for the 'Dragons End of Year' Party and Presentation. We’re still looking into new venues for this years event. If you have any ideas – send them to us. We'll look to acknowledge Dragons in the following categories

1. Male Triathlete of the Year 2. Female Triathlete of the year 3. Most Improved Male 4. Most Improved Female 5. Encouragement award

Members charge is $100.00 each which includes all Beer/ Wine and Soft drinks. We know this is a busy time of year with many functions and commitments going on, so use a gigantic marker to save the date in your calendar. 

Laguna Phuket:

This email was sent to the Club by Bikeman at Flying Ball

Phuketians,

1/ email from my travel agent: Have just had a message from Thai airways to advise that the policy bike transportation for the Triathlon entrants this year has changed.  In the past they allowed the bike to be transported free of charge and they also gave the normal luggage allowance.  This year it is different...they will allow 30Kg of luggage...but they assure me that this should be no trouble for most bikes and a small bag!

2/ Run: for those who can't run like Mike M (i.e. all of us!!), u can at least speed up ur transition w Mike's new at F.B. elastic laces w lace lock at HK$80.

3/ Hydration: A straw 2" from mouth will definitely increase liquid intake over bottle 3 feet away. Profile aero bottle at HK$180.
 

4/ Those using tubulars: Personally, with Asian humidity and sweat. do not recommend the new double sided tape. When you glue, leave a 2' space directly opposite valve for easy take off and don't forget to stretch ur spare by putting it on a rim for 24 hours.

anyone interested in #2 & 3, I can deliver central weekdays 1130 and 1900 or can bring to work out this sat at T chung

All the best
Bikeman

 Xiamen Marathon

Overheard on the SirCycling Group News forum;

Apparently the below message was a reply to an inquiry about the next Xiamen* Marathon, I add it here in it’s entirety for its philosophical, as well as informational content;

“Welcome to xiamen marathon. The 2007 date is March  31th, and the enter is not beginning. Please visit our webs: www.xmim.org next month, you will find your need message". 

*The “X” sound in the Romanization of Chinese is pronounced as “Sh” in English. So points off in future conversations if someone drops the ball and pronounces it "zamen", I mean, come on already. (placement of frustration emoticon here).  

"The Discovery Bay KOTH Time Trial"
Race Date:  Sunday, 24 June 2007, 0830 Discover Bay Beach, Lantau, HK
Registration expected to begin:  15 January 2007
 

Description:

A unique new trail running race requiring both running and tactics.  Participants will attempt to complete as many 2.8 km hill loops as possible within a one hour,
but must cross the finish line before the hour is up. The winner will be the person who completes the most loops; if two people complete the same number of
loops, then the faster time across the finish line wins.

That's it - Train hard but safe this week!

Otis