Has it really been 12 days since I've written a blog post? Really? Holy crap...
I wish I could say there was any other reason than just the generic "I've been busy". I haven't been riding at all- between the back injury and being sick, I haven't touched a bike in weeks. Hopefully this week will break that cycle... I hope. The reality is that I've just been so slammed with work that by the time I am home from work, I have barely got the mental power to do the Twittering that I do. I have to admit that Twitter has been killing my blogging- the simple 140 character pseudo haiku has proven to be very effective at eating my motivation to blog. Frankly though, that bothers me and I want to regain my blogging power... promise I'm working on it.
Things have been super busy with the development of the 2011 bike line. Yeah- I know, it isn't even 2010 yet. I know... that's part of why I'm so dizzy! Our spec and design cycle gets increasingly shorter year after year. It's a freaking miracle I know what year it is now... 2020, right? We've already got all of our bike colors, names and models selected and are in the process of wrapping up key design elements, as well as spec. Spec is always the big issue and we'll be finishing the loose bits while in Taiwan in a little more than a week. Which brings up...
... I leave for Taiwan and Japan the first week of December. I'll be in Taiwan for Taichung Bike Week, which is the mini un-tradeshow for OEM market. It's the last big chance to see the newest of new products or finalize spec selections, etc before putting the product range to bed. We'll be there sniffing out the best stuff available, as well as getting preliminary views of the latest goodies coming from the big players in the component world. It's pretty exciting for a professional spoke sniffer like myself. The best part of the Taiwan trip for me is getting to sleep in my own bed, in my wife's condo she owns... which just happens to be a block away from where all the show meetings take place! AND... she'll be in Taiwan at the same time! She'll be there primarily to visit family, but at least I'll see here there when I am there. That's a very cool thing.
After Taiwan, I will be returning to Tokyo for the Cycle Mode consumer show for the 3rd year. I love Tokyo and the Cycle Mode show. Japan is simply amazing and our distributor there- Kozaki- is a fantastic host and I am always stupendously happy there. The show is great, the Japanese consumers are great to talk to... and I eat my way through Tokyo like Godzilla on a rampage! I swear... Tokyo may be my favorite place on the planet for food... I love it! I hope this year to finally make it over the uber hip, keirin themed bar- Kinfolk- while I am in the city too. I've never been able to get there in the past, but I'm going to try to get there this year and finally meet up with the very cool folks behind the place. I have no idea if there is any keirin racing going on the time of year in Tokyo, but if there is, I am going to make an effort to get to it. I'm also on a quest to get my hands on anything keirin related... so I'll be hunting!
As of Friday of last week, I might be also adding a little "detour" on the front of this trip; may be headed to Seoul, South Korea for a couple days to see the Seoul Bike Show- which is the Korean equivalent of the Japanese Cycle Mode shows. Our new distributor there will be debuting Masi (and Brev M), so I may be there to assist them in the public launch of the brand there. In the end it means a 3rd country in my 2 week trip, but I am excited by the possibility of seeing Korea and having the chance to help our new distributor there- Kisong International.
As always, as much as I can while I am traveling, I will be doing my best to post to the blog. However, in light of the fact I am often super busy while on the road, I don't get much time for blogging so it's a good idea to keep your eyes on my Twitter and Facebook for short notes and frequent images.
Here's to a great Thanksgiving week- I'll be back in less than 12 days this time, I promise.
Tim
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lazy Sunday- Taichung
Sitting in a cool, hip independent coffee shop here in Taichung. Sipping my second coffee and contemplating my third soon after. It's the one slow and easy day I will have during this trip- since the show begins for me on Monday with the annual Velo party. Then on Tuesday the mayhem hits full swing in earnest. I'm booked with meetings and appointments for much of my time during the show, so walking lazily around looking at the shiny bits and doodads is going to be very minimal- sadly. After the show ends on Friday, it is back down here in Taichung for a few days at the factory- working on organizing samples for our upcoming catalog (which I still need to write and work on the final pagination... ugh...).
Today has been all about the lazy. Slept in late and then went with my girlfriend to the gym- I watched her swim laps while I sat in the sun. I should've been in the weight room- I know- but I was enjoying the sun and the fact that I did not have to be anywhere today. It's rare for me to have a "day off" when I am here in Taiwan, so I've been enjoying this little luxury. Afterward, we went to lunch and had noodles and soup and vegetables and other great traditional foods. Now, sitting in the coffee shop getting my caffeine, I'm beginning to reawaken and feel less off kilter. My hope is that this extra day will give me a little more time to be adjusted to the time difference by Tuesday when the actual show begins. I really hate being in my meetings falling asleep because I'm totally wiped out from the jetlag. This day of relaxation will hopefully help to curb that some. Plus, it's great to just be able to relax and enjoy a day with my girlfriend.
The trip began as a total stress-fest. I got up in the morning with time to pack and relax, hoping to keep the stress to a minimum. I got to the airport and had to weigh my bags prior to going to check in and one of the two was over the allowed fifty pounds... and United now charges $200 for any bag over the limit! CRAP! So, I pulled seven pounds of stuff out of my big bag and put it in the already-full small bag. Thank Gawd the zipper held! So, after that little stress, I checked in and they put me on a flight that was going to leave almost an hour earlier for San Francisco because there were lots of weather delays in SF, thanks to heavy fog. Well, that "earlier" flight ended up leaving an hour after my originally scheduled flight! But the original flight left San Diego after my flight out of SF, so it was the right move. But after running to get to the gate for the early flight and then sitting, and sitting, and sitting... I was very worried about making my flight out of SF and/ or the possibility the flight would leave SF late and then I would miss my connecting flight in Tokyo to Taipei! In the end, my flight to SF landed with enough time for me to grab a little lunch- since I hadn't eaten dinner the night before or breakfast that morning- and then had to wait at my gate for only 10 minutes before boarding for an on-time departure to Tokyo. We got to Tokyo with enough time for me to have sushi at the excellent sushi bar there in Narita airport- the tuna was UNREAL. The flight from Tokyo to Taipei was a little delayed in arrival due to strong winds, but we landed fine and my bags both arrived with me... so it was all good! I must say though, the turbulence on the flights was the worst I have experienced in a very long time. Their were a few moments when you could tell some of the passengers were getting a bit tense. I'm not usually effected by it, but it was enough to make even me a little green a couple times.
Once I landed in Taipei and got my bags, I was met by my lovely girlfriend and we took the bus to Taichung- where she lives- and then it was time to sleep since it was 2:00AM local time. Sleeping in until nearly 10:00 felt like such a luxury. Lazily enjoying the day like this is something I rarely get to do- here or at home- so it's been very enjoyable. It's a very beautiful day in Taichung today. The only thing missing is a bike ride... but I'm going to work on keeping a bike here permanently so I can ride when I want to. I'll just keep a small supply of clothes, a helmet and shoes here and then I'll be able to ride when I come here without the hassle of dragging all those things with me each time.
Alright, time to get back to my coffee and my girlfriend. The jazz is kicking in and it's time to do a little reading and writing.
More posts to come during the show- promise.
Tim (in Taichung)
Today has been all about the lazy. Slept in late and then went with my girlfriend to the gym- I watched her swim laps while I sat in the sun. I should've been in the weight room- I know- but I was enjoying the sun and the fact that I did not have to be anywhere today. It's rare for me to have a "day off" when I am here in Taiwan, so I've been enjoying this little luxury. Afterward, we went to lunch and had noodles and soup and vegetables and other great traditional foods. Now, sitting in the coffee shop getting my caffeine, I'm beginning to reawaken and feel less off kilter. My hope is that this extra day will give me a little more time to be adjusted to the time difference by Tuesday when the actual show begins. I really hate being in my meetings falling asleep because I'm totally wiped out from the jetlag. This day of relaxation will hopefully help to curb that some. Plus, it's great to just be able to relax and enjoy a day with my girlfriend.
The trip began as a total stress-fest. I got up in the morning with time to pack and relax, hoping to keep the stress to a minimum. I got to the airport and had to weigh my bags prior to going to check in and one of the two was over the allowed fifty pounds... and United now charges $200 for any bag over the limit! CRAP! So, I pulled seven pounds of stuff out of my big bag and put it in the already-full small bag. Thank Gawd the zipper held! So, after that little stress, I checked in and they put me on a flight that was going to leave almost an hour earlier for San Francisco because there were lots of weather delays in SF, thanks to heavy fog. Well, that "earlier" flight ended up leaving an hour after my originally scheduled flight! But the original flight left San Diego after my flight out of SF, so it was the right move. But after running to get to the gate for the early flight and then sitting, and sitting, and sitting... I was very worried about making my flight out of SF and/ or the possibility the flight would leave SF late and then I would miss my connecting flight in Tokyo to Taipei! In the end, my flight to SF landed with enough time for me to grab a little lunch- since I hadn't eaten dinner the night before or breakfast that morning- and then had to wait at my gate for only 10 minutes before boarding for an on-time departure to Tokyo. We got to Tokyo with enough time for me to have sushi at the excellent sushi bar there in Narita airport- the tuna was UNREAL. The flight from Tokyo to Taipei was a little delayed in arrival due to strong winds, but we landed fine and my bags both arrived with me... so it was all good! I must say though, the turbulence on the flights was the worst I have experienced in a very long time. Their were a few moments when you could tell some of the passengers were getting a bit tense. I'm not usually effected by it, but it was enough to make even me a little green a couple times.
Once I landed in Taipei and got my bags, I was met by my lovely girlfriend and we took the bus to Taichung- where she lives- and then it was time to sleep since it was 2:00AM local time. Sleeping in until nearly 10:00 felt like such a luxury. Lazily enjoying the day like this is something I rarely get to do- here or at home- so it's been very enjoyable. It's a very beautiful day in Taichung today. The only thing missing is a bike ride... but I'm going to work on keeping a bike here permanently so I can ride when I want to. I'll just keep a small supply of clothes, a helmet and shoes here and then I'll be able to ride when I come here without the hassle of dragging all those things with me each time.
Alright, time to get back to my coffee and my girlfriend. The jazz is kicking in and it's time to do a little reading and writing.
More posts to come during the show- promise.
Tim (in Taichung)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
It's like dejavu...
It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that I was here in the San Diego airport sitting on the floor with my laptop and waiting to board a plane for Taiwan... probably because it was!
And here I am again. Another two weeks in Taiwan waits for me. The local news media was making quite a big deal about the holiday travel situation and the need to be at the airport early due to the huge crowds of people traveling. The warnings were to be at the airport 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights. I got here two hours early and was feeling a little nervous in the cab that I would be cutting it close. Got to the airport and the car traffic looked slightly heavier, though not crazy... although every local news station had their satellite trucks out and news reporters with mics in hand trying to talk to travelers... especially the ones kissing "good bye" and/ or crying.
I stepped in to the terminal and walked straight up to the check-in counter with my bags and then cruised straight on through security without having to even stop. Then I walked straight to the gate! FYI- travel this morning in San Diego is light!
So as Thanksgiving day approaches, I want to say thank you to all of you who continue to come by here and check in from time to time. I sincerely thank you for the support and kindness you have given me over the years- but especially this very trying year. I wish you and all of your friends, family and loved ones the very best this holiday. I am thankful for many little blessings this year. Last November was not an easy one for me personally, but a lot has changed in my life and I am thankful for the people in my life. Thank you for being a part of that.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tim
And here I am again. Another two weeks in Taiwan waits for me. The local news media was making quite a big deal about the holiday travel situation and the need to be at the airport early due to the huge crowds of people traveling. The warnings were to be at the airport 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights. I got here two hours early and was feeling a little nervous in the cab that I would be cutting it close. Got to the airport and the car traffic looked slightly heavier, though not crazy... although every local news station had their satellite trucks out and news reporters with mics in hand trying to talk to travelers... especially the ones kissing "good bye" and/ or crying.
I stepped in to the terminal and walked straight up to the check-in counter with my bags and then cruised straight on through security without having to even stop. Then I walked straight to the gate! FYI- travel this morning in San Diego is light!
So as Thanksgiving day approaches, I want to say thank you to all of you who continue to come by here and check in from time to time. I sincerely thank you for the support and kindness you have given me over the years- but especially this very trying year. I wish you and all of your friends, family and loved ones the very best this holiday. I am thankful for many little blessings this year. Last November was not an easy one for me personally, but a lot has changed in my life and I am thankful for the people in my life. Thank you for being a part of that.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tim
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Home now...
Got home a little while ago. Still can't fall asleep yet, as my internal clock is totally confused.
The flight from Washington Dulles was pretty uneventful and I got lucky to have a bulkhead seat behind 1st class, so even though I had the window seat I had lots of leg room. The highlight of the flight was watching an electrical storm as we flew over New Mexico/ Arizona- watching the lightning flash and travel through the clouds was amazing. Between the clouds though, it was equally impressive to see the light of the huge moon shining on the water beneath us. Sometimes the earth is such an amazingly beautiful place.
My right leg took a pretty good beating on the flight, even with the Skins tights- but I shudder to think what they would have been like without them. I am hoping it is just from all the travel and the standing and walking... if not, then it could mean more/ worse clotting issues than originally thought.
Here's my leg at least 30 minutes after taking the sock off my foot... and it's still totally swollen. To quote my doctor- "not good."
As promised photographic proof that I was working hard in Montreal. For the record, Logan (from Norco) and I lost badly... twice... to a girl who just totally kicked our asses.
More to follow. Gonna try to sleep and elevate my leg.
Night,
Tim
The flight from Washington Dulles was pretty uneventful and I got lucky to have a bulkhead seat behind 1st class, so even though I had the window seat I had lots of leg room. The highlight of the flight was watching an electrical storm as we flew over New Mexico/ Arizona- watching the lightning flash and travel through the clouds was amazing. Between the clouds though, it was equally impressive to see the light of the huge moon shining on the water beneath us. Sometimes the earth is such an amazingly beautiful place.
My right leg took a pretty good beating on the flight, even with the Skins tights- but I shudder to think what they would have been like without them. I am hoping it is just from all the travel and the standing and walking... if not, then it could mean more/ worse clotting issues than originally thought.
Here's my leg at least 30 minutes after taking the sock off my foot... and it's still totally swollen. To quote my doctor- "not good."
As promised photographic proof that I was working hard in Montreal. For the record, Logan (from Norco) and I lost badly... twice... to a girl who just totally kicked our asses.More to follow. Gonna try to sleep and elevate my leg.
Night,
Tim
The waiting game... again...
Delayed in Washington Dulles. Sitting for an extra hour. Means I get to San Diego around 10:00PM now.
Montreal was great- which I've already said several times. As soon as I can get to a solid internet connection, I will start uploading some pictures.
I woke up so sore from all the standing and walking of the show that I did not get out and ride this morning... the most beautiful Montreal day you can imagine too. I have spent the day walking with a bad limp, a really sore knee and a very uncomfortable leg. My right arm (elbow) is still really sore from sleeping with the brace on last night. Usually my arm feels better a few minutes after removing the brace... but today it has just stayed sore.
I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and hopefully getting some good sleep. As bad as I feel right now, I have a feeling the next 6 hour flight is going to be a real joy... NOT!
Pictures to follow as soon as I can get them off my camera and get a reliable internet connection.
Tim
Oh yeah- Lance is coming out of retirement to try and win an 8th Tour de France. There... I've now covered it and never have to mention it again.
Montreal was great- which I've already said several times. As soon as I can get to a solid internet connection, I will start uploading some pictures.
I woke up so sore from all the standing and walking of the show that I did not get out and ride this morning... the most beautiful Montreal day you can imagine too. I have spent the day walking with a bad limp, a really sore knee and a very uncomfortable leg. My right arm (elbow) is still really sore from sleeping with the brace on last night. Usually my arm feels better a few minutes after removing the brace... but today it has just stayed sore.
I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed and hopefully getting some good sleep. As bad as I feel right now, I have a feeling the next 6 hour flight is going to be a real joy... NOT!
Pictures to follow as soon as I can get them off my camera and get a reliable internet connection.
Tim
Oh yeah- Lance is coming out of retirement to try and win an 8th Tour de France. There... I've now covered it and never have to mention it again.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
On the way to Montreal!
Well, after some early morning airport fun, I'm finally at my gate getting ready to board the plane soon. I'll be arriving in beautiful Montreal at 4:25PM- hopefully giving me enough time to get to the hotel and then get my bike built quick enough to go for a short ride in the city to get reacquainted with Montreal. It's been two years since my last trip to Montreal, so I'm looking forward to seeing how much of it I can remember- the bike path along the St. Lawrence river is calling my name!
Sunday the show itself begins. Today is the demo in Bromont. Expo Cycle is a great show and I can't wait to see what it looks like now after two years of growth in the Canadian market. Thing is, I have to admit that I love bike industry tradeshows. Sincerely, I do. The standing and walking are both pretty painful for me right now- the knee, back and arm are really beat-up still, so I feel pretty blown apart by the end of the day now... but seeing all the new bikes and gear is mighty cool! Plus, this is the only time I get to see many of my friends and customers in the business. It ends up being a bit like a reunion... but with bikes.
Anyway... they just announced boarding for my flight... so I gotta go! Maybe I'll be back during my short layover in Denver. If not, you'll hear from me when I get to Montreal!
Tim
Sunday the show itself begins. Today is the demo in Bromont. Expo Cycle is a great show and I can't wait to see what it looks like now after two years of growth in the Canadian market. Thing is, I have to admit that I love bike industry tradeshows. Sincerely, I do. The standing and walking are both pretty painful for me right now- the knee, back and arm are really beat-up still, so I feel pretty blown apart by the end of the day now... but seeing all the new bikes and gear is mighty cool! Plus, this is the only time I get to see many of my friends and customers in the business. It ends up being a bit like a reunion... but with bikes.
Anyway... they just announced boarding for my flight... so I gotta go! Maybe I'll be back during my short layover in Denver. If not, you'll hear from me when I get to Montreal!
Tim
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Vancouver, here I come!
The weekend was filled with some great time with my daughter. Well, today was filled with some great time with my daughter. Tomorrow is Sunday and I'll be flying to Vancouver.
It's nearly 11:30 at night and I just finished my laundry so now I get to start packing my clothes as well as my bike. I'm taking my Speciale Fixed with me so I can ride on Tuesday to visit retailers in Vancouver and take in the city. There is no better way to experience a new place than by bike!
Thanks to my blood clots, I have to be careful when I travel. Due to that, I contacted Jon Graff at Skins and got some incredible sports compression gear. I've got a new set of the compression tights and a compression top as well. Hopefully it means I get to Vancouver a bit more rested and without new blood clots. If they work as well as I hope and hear that they do, I will be using them for all of my international travel especially.
Now it's time to get back to work and get my packing done. I'll be in touch from Vancouver, if possible and I will definitely have my camera/s with me at all times!
Good night.
Tim
It's nearly 11:30 at night and I just finished my laundry so now I get to start packing my clothes as well as my bike. I'm taking my Speciale Fixed with me so I can ride on Tuesday to visit retailers in Vancouver and take in the city. There is no better way to experience a new place than by bike!
Thanks to my blood clots, I have to be careful when I travel. Due to that, I contacted Jon Graff at Skins and got some incredible sports compression gear. I've got a new set of the compression tights and a compression top as well. Hopefully it means I get to Vancouver a bit more rested and without new blood clots. If they work as well as I hope and hear that they do, I will be using them for all of my international travel especially.
Now it's time to get back to work and get my packing done. I'll be in touch from Vancouver, if possible and I will definitely have my camera/s with me at all times!
Good night.
Tim
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