Inspiration for your day

Muc-off Chain Doc Chain Cleaning System

Cleaning your bike chain is critical to maintain its performance. Initially I was a bit sceptical about the plastic looking chain cleaning systems available out there. But I can't find any other easy and effective way to clean my bike chain. Invested in a new Chain Cleaning system after some brief research. I must say this system is cheap ($43), effective and easy to use. 

Specs: Muc-Off Chain Doc

- Easy to use mechanism simply clips over the chain with minimum effort
- Heavy duty rotating brushes, rapidly remove heavy chain grime quickly and safely
- Includes 400ml bio-degradable Chain Cleaner
- Removes even the toughest grime including water proof grease and chain lube/wax residue
- Brings your chain back to life in just 19 seconds!

Chain Doc banishes grime from bicycle chains with minimal effort. The mechanism works by clipping over the chain and combining heavy-duty rotating brushes with the awesome power of our Chain Cleaner, bringing your chain back to life! It works in seconds... 19 to be exact

Source: http://bicycle.co.nz/index.php/accessories/lubes-fluids-cleaning/muc-off/cleaning-kits-systems/muc-off-chain-doc-chain-cleaner.html

This is how I use the chain cleaning system. Place the chain within the chain bath, and pull the Chain Doc trigger to engage the bristles against the chain. Spray solvent into the bath continuously while rotating the cranks backwards until the chain runs through clean.

Do treat the system with care and try not to be too vigorous when you rotate your cranks backwards. My chain came off twice but I was able to stop in time to engage it back by rotating the cranks forward.

The solvent is quite effective in clearing the grease and dirt on your chain. Look at how the dirty solvent flow off my chain :)

Be warned that dirty solvent can seep from the bath while you're cleaning/brushing your chain with the system so this is best done outdoors where you can rinse off the dirty solvent easily.

I'm happy with the result and it took me just 5 mins to clean my chain and rinse it with running water.

Hope you will find this sharing useful. Next step, lubricating the chain...

p/s: I bought this chain cleaning system at Chapter 2 Cycle

Inspiration for today...

Music for my rides

I love music. Wearing headphones and listening to your favourite tunes will certainly enhance your ride experience. However, I feel that it is a bad idea because you are less able to hear other traffic and for safety, you need to be aware of what is going around you.

I have been researching on a good portable speaker for my ride and options are many. Found a cheap and powerful portable Bluetooth Mini speaker cum MP3 player. Loving it.

Review of the speaker SK S10 Bluetooth Portable Mini Speaker cum MP3 Player

pic source: Amazon.com

Features:

- Play music from Bluetooth devices including Mobile Phones, iPad and Android Tablets, MP3 Players, PC or MAC laptops
- Supports Micro SD card for playback from built-in MP3 player
- Built-in lithium battery 500mAh charging via USB
- 3W Speaker

pic source: Amazon.com

Specifications:
1. Bluetooth protocol: version 2.1+EDR
2. Bluetooth range: 10meters.
3. Input sensitivity: 300MV
4. Frequency range:80Hz~20KHz
5. Signal-to-noise ratio:>76dB
6. Battery: up to 5 hours
7. Charging time: about 2 hours.
8. Power supply: USB Power
9. Rated power: 3w
10. Dimension: 60mm*60mm*50mm
11. Net weight: 230g

pic source: Amazon.com

Pros:

• Good battery life. Can last for about 4-5 hours
• Connectivity is simple and easy to use
• To switch between bluetooth and MP3 player is easy
• Can play MP3 directly from microSD card
• Pair with your mobile phone easily via bluetooth
• Sound quality is good and speaker is powerful
• Switch and volume control is easy to adjust during ride
• Solid built and reasonable price S$28 (free shipping)

Cons:

• A bit on the heavy side 230g
• Need to secure properly, it will break if you drop it
• Need to find creative ways to mount on your bike

This is how I mount it on my Ternie:

I secured the speaker on my monkii cage bottle holder with 2 elastic bands and attached it on my handlebar with the monkii clip. The monkii cage and clip are for my spare water bottle for long rides. As such, the cage and clip are perfect for the speaker when not in use.

Fit on the monkii cage perfectly

You can choose to adjust the cage higher if you want

Controls are facing forward for easy reach

Sound quality is very good cos speaker is facing upwards

Specs of speaker here:
http://www.ebay.com.sg/itm/SK-S10-Black-Bluetooth-Portable-Mini-Speaker-SD-TF-Mic-MP3-Player-handfree-phone-/261275872491?pt=US_Audio_Docks_Mini_Speakers&hash=item3cd5416ceb&_uhb=1#ht_1807wt_922


Avail on Amazon as well:

http://www.amazon.com/SK-S10-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B008ORI07G

I like this speaker so much that I ordered another one in red colour. :)

All cleaned up and resting until the next ride!

This is Ternie's resting place...my office. Love the customisation and modification.

Inspirational Quote for your day!

“Prefer a loss to a dishonest gain; the one brings pain at the moment, the other for all time.”

Chilon of Sparta

Early Saturday ride with some good learning on replacing a punctured tyre

It was a good 2 hr 40km ride this morning. Started off early at 5.30am and back early to spend time with my ladies before my second exercise routine - housework. 

Our route:

Jalan Lembah Bedok -> along Bedok PCN -> East Coast Park -> Changi Coastal Road -> Changi Village for BF (and back).

We had a rear tyre explosion episode but we handle it calmly and systematically as a team. Very typical of well trained uniformed men. 'Short but shiok' quoted from a ride buddy.

photo credit: Captured by ride buddy

Total ride mileage to date (since June 2013) : 812 km

Leadership Moments: 4 Things to keep your people loyal

Very good tips. All leaders should read this.

Source: http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/4-things-that-keep-employees-loyal

The average person will hold over 11 jobs in their lifetime. That number only increases when you look at millennials. Of course, there are varying reasons for this trend. But one that can't be overlooked is employee loyalty, or lack of loyalty in many cases. Many times, people assume the organizations with the most money have the highest rates of loyalty, but this is not always the case. In a recent article in Business Insider, they highlight 4 tips that any organization (public, private, large, small, profitable etc) can do to keep great employees- and it's not about money. 

1. Good communication

Communication is one of those things that gets talked about (a lot) but changes are hard to come by. However, there are some standard rules that everyone should follow: communicate often, much more than you think you need to. Communicate about things that matter, not trivia. Be as open and as honest as you can, but not rude. Communicate simply and don't make things more complicated than they are. If possible, communicate in-person, not through email or office communicator. Communicate in the moment, don't let issues fester. Most importantly, as the article says, "communicate--you're in a relationship with these people."

2. Consistency

According to the article, "Sometimes good employees leave for clearly defined, explicable reasons, but often they leave for reasons that even they find hard to articulate." The "death by one thousands cuts" is a standard reason for leaving. But how did that happen? According to the article, it boils down to inconsistency, a lack of trust, and an overall lack of respect in how someone has been treated. People like consistency and knowing where they stand. As the article notes, this can be improved by doing what you say you'll do, making things happen, and following through on your word, no matter how small the task. Show respect by being consistent and enforce the same consistency in others.

3. The opportunity to do great work

Give people the opportunity to do great work, and recognize what work that is. Great employees won't stay at an organization while managers do everything important, or play favorites with who gets to do the good stuff. If it's not balanced, people will find a place that is more balanced and their work is appreciated. 

4. A decent, non-toxic manager

"People don't leave jobs, they leave managers." In every exit poll, one reason for leaving consistently tops the list, and that is bad managers. How do you overcome this? According to the article, "Don't make someone a manager because they're not cutting it in their day job. Don't make your cousin Jimmy a manager because your sister asked for a favor." Choose managers who do all of the above: communicate well, are consistent and let their people do great work. It also doesn't hurt to pick managers that were good at their job. 


All leaders know these 4 things. But some things are worth reminding and repeating :)

Finally graduated! But this is just the beginning...

Finally graduated from my 2013 Developmental and Growth Plan after almost one year of journey. It was a wonderful programme and I discovered much more about OD work and most importantly this amazing instrument called SELF!

Receiving my NTL Certificate and CSC Grad Dip from Dean of Civil Service College (CSC) Mean Luck

Besides gaining more knowledge, self awareness and confidence, I met a bunch of wonderful people that I hope to become close friends that I can trust. We will continue to keep in touch through our Growth Group and gatherings. Collectively, we will do our best to contribute to the OD movement in the whole civil service.

My teacher, mentor and role model is an amazing lady from UK, Dr Mee-Yan Cheung-Judge . She is not only an expert in the field of OD but also a highly compassionate and passionate person. Her experience, presence and confidence is amazing! Her care and feelings for all her students and this country of ours is simply awesome! I sincerely wish her good health and we will be in touch always.

Collectively as a community, we are knowledgeable, experienced, and wise. One of us can never be as smart as all of us. Yes, we are a crazy bunch as well.

Developmental and Growth Plan for 2014 = 

To be certified as a Emergenetics Consultant or a IAF Professional Facilitator? Hmmm

Inspiration for today...

Photo For the Day_13 Sep 2013

Religious harmony

VALUE YOUR PARENTS - Paid in Full

A Young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “With all your money you give me a Bible?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search his father’s important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages.

As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words…PAID IN FULL.

Photo For the Day_10 Sep 2013

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

Da Vinci once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." More often then not we have the tendency to complicate rather then simplify. We assume that sophistication equals results, brilliance, performance, and intelligence but it doesn’t. In fact it is the exact opposite more is actually less and can cause your audience to disengage. I'm thankful that my current job helps me to simplify complex issues into simple and clear communications. Not easy I must say but it forces me to think with more clarity. Counting my blessing daily.

The single most powerful investment we can ever make in life...

"The single most powerful investment we can ever make in life is investment in ourselves, in the only instrument we have which with to deal with life and to contribute." Stephen R. Covey 

Are we too busy driving to find time to fill up petrol?

A good scrub!

Was a good round island ride yesterday. Was too tired to give Ternie the much needed scrub immediately after the ride. Managed to give Ternie a good degrease and scrub. All cleaned up and ready for the next ride. Happy!

Round Island Adventure_7 Sep 2013

Weather was perfect. Joined 59 riders for our first round island bike ride. Route was scenic. We saw beautiful park connectors and explored places we have not been in this small island of ours. The pace was comfortable at the beginning until we hit Mandai road…up and down, up and down. It was a great workout for all of us! 80% PCN, 20% Road, 5 hours of ride and 95km. We survived! 

Picture taken immediately when we reached our end point. Still looked o.k.

The route:

gpx file courtesy of ride buddy

Ghim Moh market (left 7.20am after briefing) --> Commonweath Ave --> Queenstown --> Alexandra PCN start --> Robertson quay --> Clarke Quay --> Asian Civilisation Museum ACM --> MBS --> M Barrage --> Tanjong Rhu --> East Coast Park (after bedok jetty) --> Changi Village (10.30-11.00) (early lunch-point) --> Pasir Ris Park --> Punggol PCN (Lor Halus Wetland red bridge quick water-refill 11.45) --> Sengkang PCN --> Yishun Ave 1 (Yishun dam 12.30) --> Yishun Ave 2 --> Mandai PCN --> Pang Sua PCN (13.30) (pit-stop3)--> Bukit Batok Park Little GuiLin --> Ulu Pandan PCN --> Jurong East IMM --> Ghim Moh Bouna vista MRT (end-point) (15.30hrs)

Here are some pictures captured on this wonderful Saturday morning ride. Enjoy.

Many riders were early. By 7 am Ghim Moh market was filled with bikes!

This was the checklist I referred to before my ride. Useful guide.

Image source: http://lifehacker.com/get-your-bike-ready-for-a-ride-with-this-10-point-check-510272981

Ride buddy checking his bike before his first 100 km +/- ride

Yes, need to have a good breakfast with ride buddies before this adventure. Look at all the excitement written all over their faces :) 

A briefing conducted by Alvin Low (the lead) before we set off. There were many markers and sweepers along the way. Very well organised.

Photo Credit: Lim Ah Keat & Alvin Low, Singapore Cycling Tours

Yes, the brothers were all ready to go!

Photo Credit: Lim Ah Keat & Alvin Low, Singapore Cycling Tours

About 20% of this route was on road. But when you ride in a big group, drivers cannot miss you. Pretty safe and fun.

On a wet day, the roads and pavements were very slippery. Need to be extra careful. I slipped a few times and sustained some minor cuts along the way.

Robertson/Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: Lim Ah Keat & Alvin Low, Singapore Cycling Tours

A quick water break at the "Durian"

Some shots at Marina Barrage

Photo Credit: Lim Ah Keat & Alvin Low, Singapore Cycling Tours

Noticed something on my helmet. Yes, I recorded the ride on video as well. :) Video will be up on my blog once it's edited. Stay tuned.

Water break along East Coast Park. Riding towards Changi Coastal Road.

Our only 30 min break at Changi Village (10.30 am)

Ride buddy taking a few shots of his bike.

We took the opportunity for a quick refuel and photo shoot. 42 km completed and we were all still going strong. Especially after the plate of Wanton Mee :)

Off to Pasir Ris Park and Punggol PCN 

Some shots of the 59 riders..Was a big group

Lor Halus Wetland for a quick water-refill at about 11.45 am

Along the way to Sengkang PCN and Yishun Ave 1. Weather getting warmer. But still good!

Ternie had a great time and his owner will also have a great time cleaning him up after the ride. Sigh!

Photo Credit: Lim Ah Keat & Alvin Low, Singapore Cycling Tours

Photo Credit: Lim Ah Keat & Alvin Low, Singapore Cycling Tours

This was a victory shot after we 'chiong' the Mandai Road. It was a tough stretch to ride. We did well. We had to celebrate with ice-cream. Nothing less!

Photo Credit: Lim Ah Keat & Alvin Low, Singapore Cycling Tours

 Some shots of the scenic PCN. Like!

End point shot with Alvin the organiser. It was a great ride!

I chose to have this for my late lunch. Was starving after the 5 hr ride.

However, my ride buddy decided to put back all the burnt calories at one go with this Singapore famous peanut ice kachang. All of us could not resist the temptation. We had several spoonful as well. Ha Ha

Total ride mileage to date (since June 2013) : 772 km