Runway Cycle ‘08

I once carried 8 bicycles in a borrowed pick-up and headed for the Runway Cycle event held at the Paya Lebar Airport (PLA). As my team comprised of very young members including my son, daughter, nieces and nephews, we did the beginners’ 6-km Family Route. Well, that was more than 10 years ago…..

This morning, my son (Bingo) and I left home in our trusted mountain bikes at 7:30 am for this popular annual event. Unlike the previous occasion, the security check at PLA was tight and stringent. All participants were required to walk through the scanner while our belongings went under the x-ray machines.

The event was also opened to skaters and, according to the press, it attracted more than 8,000 people.

The atmosphere was carnival-like and certainly very enjoyable for us.

Both father and son opted for the 15-km Leisure Route and covered in less than 1 hour. The nicer looking person standing next to me in the picture is my son, Bingo. In the very near future, I shall attempt the 45-km Endurance Route.

Jaguar XF 4.2

Having just driven the Jaguar XF 4.2 V8 Supercharged, I read Christopher Tan’s story (The Straits Times, Life! Motoring 17^th May 2008) with great interest. He wrote: “every Jaguar, perhaps with the exception of the X-Type, had pace, space and grace.” Now, let’s examine these 3 points in relation to the latest supercharged XF.

Pace – This big cat is capable to shoot out like a dart. Don’t ever doubt the 0-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds. However, the V8’s not the creamiest in business while slight trembling can be felt from the drivetrain upon hard acceleration.

Space – Perfect fusion of old country ambience with modern controls and minimalist design. But one needs to look past the large floor tunnel and Jaguar’s trademark low seating position.

Grace – Save for the fearsome 20-inch wheels, the car falls within politically friendly dimensions. It rides with such air of confidence that may appear a tad too snob for the masses.

The bulk of the XF’s sale will likely be the normal aspirated 3.0 V6 version which has been attractively priced well below $200k. It will certainly find more buyers more the preceding S-Type ever did.

Singapore Clock and Watch Trade Association (SCWTA)

The SCWTA was formed in 1929. In my memory, membership subscription peaked during the late 70’s and early 80’s era.

By now, many are aware that the amalgamation of major brands within the Swiss watch industry was orchestrated mainly by the Swatch, Richemont and LVMH Groups. These new owners then set up offices in Singapore and, thereby, terminated the distribution rights of their respective watch importers. Many of the adversely affected companies were corporate members of SCWTA. Thus, the support that SCWTA had from these individually owned companies soon came to an end.

Under the recently elected President, Mr Tay Liam Wee (CEO of Sincere Watch), SCWTA is committed to engage more new members and building closer relationship with the major players in the industry.

I have been given the role of a Chairman (of the organizing committee) for SCWTA Annual Ball which will be held at Meritus Mandarin on 1^st August 2008. Senior Minister of State, Mr S Iswaran has kindly agreed to be our Guest of Honour. Mr Iswaran has been closely associated to our inaugural F1. Hence, it is highly appropriate that we opt for a motorsports party theme for our Annual Ball. Let’s hope for a podium finish.

Update on China-Asean International Touring Assembly (CAITA)

The Guangxi Sports Administration Authority recently announced that the annual CAITA would be taking a sabbatical year. Many of its key personnel were posted to Central (Beijing) for preparation of the forthcoming Olympics.

My sincere thanks to all readers and friends of this blog and I shall be most pleased to see you dropping by again soon.

Earlier, Komoco Motors published my comments on Jan-Mar 2008 issue of CHRONICLE, a magazine for Hyundai owners.