Slow boil…

Ever notice how if you watch a pot of water too much, waiting for it to boil, that it seems to take an eternity? Yeah… that’s my world right now.

For various reasons, all of which are normal and relatively simple, the photo shoot of our sample bikes here has been terribly slow. This entire trip has been about the sample bikes and getting them built and photographed for our various catalogs- Fuji, Kestrel, Breezer, Terry (SE Bikes were already shot in China)… but the process has been dogged by delays. We’ve had enough delays that the trip here in Taiwan has been extended by another week, which means I have to skip my trip to Philadelphia next week and will miss the Bicycle Retailer Dealer Tour in Philly… which really bums me out. BUT- the job here has to get done, since it is THE reason we’re here in Taiwan in the first place.

Don’t get me wrong, I love it in Taiwan and have family and friends here, so it isn’t like it is torture… but I also want to get home to my wife and daughters. For the first time since her birth, I am missing my oldest daughter’s birthday… her 10th and the end of single digit age. I return home now just a day before my wedding anniversary as well. And Lily, my youngest is now speaking a few words *in English* rather than Mandarin only.

Sometimes having a job you love means that you have to do things you don’t love and be away from the people you do love a little longer than you want.

I’m looking forward to being home and fighting the jetlag to stay awake and spend time with my family. It’ll be good to get out on my usual training rides and back out racing on the track too. I miss my routines… and making my own coffee. As much fun as the rides have been here and as much as I love Taiwan and the people… the people I love most aren’t here and that’s where I want to be.

Tim

PS- The good news is that the 2012 model year bikes are looking really incredible. We, ASI, make a lot of truly stellar products. Damn.

Wow, has it really taken me this long?

Sorry for the lag in posting while I’ve been away here in Taichung. It’s been very busy, with long hours and lots of jetlag in the way. Arrived here on the 4th and have been pretty much going full-gas the whole time. We’ve been working every day but Sunday the whole trip so far and we’re far from done. I’m supposed to leave her in the 28th and head to Philly for a week before returning to San Diego and my family (who I really miss)… but things are moving slowly enough here that I fear I might be extending my stay here an additional week. We’ll see how things come together the end of this week and all of next. Hopefully things progress quickly and we will be able to leave on our original schedule.

While here, I’ve been getting in some great riding. Usually in the mornings before work or in the evenings. It’s awesome to get out and ride and get slightly lost- exploring neighborhoods as I find my way back to the hotel. I love to learn about places from the seat of a bicycle. I’ve also been riding with a great group- Team Neko- that gets out multiple times a week for group rides; Monday and Wednesday night rides and then larger rides on Saturday. They’ve really been very accepting and have made me feel like a part of their team/ club- which is such a very Taiwanese trait; the people of Taiwan are so amazingly friendly and welcoming. I’m also so excited by the growth of popularity in cycling as an activity in Taiwan. The country has been the hub of the bike business for many years, but has only recently really seen growth in active participation. It makes me very optimistic for the future, for sure.

It’s now time to shut down the computer and head downstairs for the taxi to the factory. Lots of work still to be done in getting 2012 product off the ground and into our catalogs… and 2013 is already beginning. More words and pics to follow… eventually.

Tim

A few photos to hold you over…

I’m still whacked-out by jetlag right now, so this is going to be a simple photo post to hold you over for a little while…

A German-style brew haus in Taichung- complete with Taiwanese staff wearing lederhosen… with great beer and food.

My first meeting with Lily after she left for Taiwan with Ann in January. It only took a minute for her to remember me… and all was good.

To celebrate our team, Geox-TMC, going to the Giro, we wore special pink ties at our annual Taipei show dinner. It was a fantastic night.

The team bike- Altamira LTD- in full team kit. Menchov and Sastre are already making the bike look good too.

One of the saddest images of the Taipei show; the Race Face booth… end of a great legacy. Gonna miss them.

My beautiful wife very carefully selecting our lunch on our last full day in Taipei- Din Tai Fung is world famous for the best dumplings you can imagine.

A little family portrait time…

In just 2 1/2 months, she outgrew the bassinet supplied by the airline. She ended up sleeping in my arms much of the flight home.

My lovely wife and my friend/ co-worker Steven Fairchild at the ASI show dinner party. Oddly, they both look good in pink.

hands down, one of my favorite pictures from this trip; the full family went to lunch at a teppanyaki grill owned by a cousin in the family. Both of my wife’s brothers and her sister and their families, along with mom and dad- a great afternoon indeed.

Lily, fresh after waking up in our condo in Taichung. We only stayed there one night during this trip, but it will be my home on subsequent trips to Taichung.

Ann and I went with Lily to one of our favorite places in Taipei- Frog Cafe. If ever in Taipei, check it out. Great coffee and food and a very cycling friendly establishment- the owner is an avid cyclist and advocate.

She’s a walker now… as well as adorable.

No trip to Taiwan is ever complete without a few of these with friends.

More later… sleep now.

Tim

Checking in again from Taichung…

It’s been a great visit so far and I am am still very happy to be here and working with this fantastic bunch of people. Man, I have gone from one great company to another in my cycling industry career and I am feeling mighty blessed right now.

Just a couple of pictures to share this morning before I leave for the factory again. More will follow, but these are a few of the first ones I’ve taken with the company’s camera (Canon G12) and I am still fumbling clumsily to learn how to use it… it’s WAY smarter than me;

More later… now it’s off to the factory.

Tim

And the weekend comes to a close… with no ride.

I haven’t ridden since last Sunday, when I was in Philadelphia and riding the glorious roads along the Delaware River. Got back to San Diego and got busy with work and then the rains came back. Looks like rain is going to be a part of this week too, especially the weekend… great. 

The good news is that I’ve got the punkin with me almost all the way until I leave for Taiwan on 3/7. It’s great to have this time with her now since I’ll be gone for 2.5 weeks on this first trip to Taiwan for ASI. She’s a wonderful companion and I’m very proud to be her daddy.

Today we got to hang out at my mom’s for a bit for a small family brunch. As always, it was great to spend time with them- I come from a family where gatherings are a common occurrence… and I like that.

Gonna be in Taiwan for a few weeks and fortunately I will get to ride my new bike while I am there. AND… getting the same bike to ride and race here in San Diego too… and looking forward to it! I’m really, really looking forward to getting the chance to ride in Taiwan too. I’ve only ever done one event there- not that I’m racing on this first trip over- so I am excited to get out and ride while there. I can’t wait to get out and explore more of the Taichung area. I already think of Taiwan as my second home, so I really want to learn more about it and become more self-reliant there… even considering getting a scooter. 

This first trip to Taiwan will also serve as the return trip to San Diego for Ann and Lily. Needless to say, I’m very excited about it. For about the 5th time in a row, the Taipei Show happens to be on my birthday, so I’m looking forward to spending another birthday with my Taiwan friends and family. There’s constant talk of changing the show dates, but I admit I’d kinda miss this new tradition. The show ends on Saturday 3/19, so I’m looking forward to having a late birthday celebration with Ann and Lily and Ann’s family… *my* family. 

And now it’s time for a little more quality time with the punkin. Movie and popcorn… sounds like a winner.

Tim