A Cyclist's Life in Tenerife (Canary Islands)

During one of the lectures I attended at university, our popular Design & Materials Selection Proffessor, Bessim Ben-Nissan, once said:

«No one’s going to buy a kettle if it’s-a purple»

At the time, I thought that statement was an over-generalisation of people’s tastes. I remembered thinking: «Well I for one would definitely buy a purple kettle, if they were available». Not only because I happened to like the colour purple, but maybe even just to prove him wrong.

Its been nearly a decade since that lecture, and I’m yet to encounter a fully purple kettle. For years I went in search of one. You can find mauve kettle lids and lavender-coloured handles in most electrical retail shops, but NEVER, EVER, a genuine 100% purple coloured kettle. There’s an online shop called www.purplestore.com, who specialise in all manner of eclectic purple products. There’s a virtual smorgasboard of items, in fact the only common trait is that they’re only available in various shades of purple. The shop is devoted to purple. Nevertheless, you won’t see any purple kettles for sale.

Taking this slightly further, even if you go to another super-specialist retailer, www.purplekettlegifts.com, stocked with the most kitch American products you could ever hope to imagine, you still won’t find any purple kettles! In fact you won’t find any kettles for sale at all!! One gets the impression that they chose this rather eccentric name just for the sake of being totally unique.

(más…)

Tags: Island Life, Mental Anguish, That's Business, Vida Enigmática // 6 Comments »

The author has a very easy to read style. It is very succinct and eloquent. If you love nature, you will love this book. The chapter «In the company of ants» is probably one of the best chapters [of any book] that I have ever read. I found the hierarchal structure of the leaf-cutter ants very intriguing. What marvellous little creatures! I’ll never look at an ant the same way again. Here’s a little snippet for you:

«Watch where you step. Be careful of little lives. Feed them crumbs of coffeecake. They also like bits of tuna and whipped cream. Get a magnifying glass. Watch them closely. And you will be as close as any person may ever come to seeing social life as it might evolve on another planet.»

I also loved three other chapters entitled, «Humanity seen from a distance», «The little things that run the world» and the final chapter, «Is humanity suicidal?». Other interesting chapters are about snakes, or rather serpents, sharks, altruism & aggression, etc. The essence of the book is really as the title suggests, «in search of nature».

Towards the end, a sincere and legitimate message is delivered by the author. It is a very moving assertion and everyone, yes everyone, should read it. Edwin O. Wilson is proof that Carl Sagan wasn’t the only good author.

Tags: Science Simplified // Add Comment »

The first step in creating my online business was to start with a good quality website. I improved the content by taking spectacular photos, providing free information, maps, bike routes, altitude profiles & even filming several good quality cycling videos.

Despite advertising all this with google adwords, posting countless links on cycling forums, and creating numerous in-links from cycling holiday directories, it still was not receiving many visitors (between 30-50 per day). Moreover, web visitors do not always equate to cutomers! So I paid for one magazine advertisement in cyclingweekly.co.uk which I turned out to be a complete waste of £100. 😐

Obviously, the only way to get any internet business to work is to increase web traffic. The first thing any online shop needs is a good website design, preferably with interesting content and something to sell. But www.Tenerife-Training.net was still not receiving the level of exposure required to generate sufficent income.

Clearly something was not working. The idea of selling any product is effective & appropriate marketing. If no one knows you exist, how can you suceed? I realised that my niche is incredibly small & it would be extemely difficult. I knew I needed to target hard-core cyclists, and cyclo-tourists who have the most probablity of hiring a bike when they come to train & tour this island. How could I reach them all?

(más…)

Tags: That's Business // 1 Comment »

Turning his passion for cycling into a business, one that showcases the beauty of the local scenery, is among the things that Australian expat Leslie is doing in Tenerife, Spain. He tells us what he likes and dislikes about living in Las Canarias and gives some tips on things like the local job market and learning the language.

Read the FULL interview with expatriate Doc Brown

Tags: Island Life, That's Business // Add Comment »

What is the revenge effect? Put simply, its nature’s way of biting back. Call it Karma, call it Murphy’s Law. Call it what you will. You’d be suprised at the negative consequences of our actions… I’ve read bits of the book «Why things bite back» and various books on chaos theory, and I’m inclined to agree. Take the following random examples:

• Two safety inventions, Anti-Lock-Brake (ABS) & crash helmets, can also both lead to a false sense of security, increased speeds, and an increased incidence of injury.
• The use of pesticides which create insecticide-resistant bugs, demanding ever-sronger chemicals.
• Computers were initially supposed to reduce the amount of paper we consumed in offices!

In Why Things Bite Back, Edward Tenner introduces and explains his ground-breaking ‘Revenge Effect’, that every technological advance leads to a paradoxical and unintended consequence. As we complicate the systems which govern our lives, revenge effects multiply. Technology demands more, not less human work and vigilance. For every accute problem solved, a chronic problem comes up in its stead. New roads lead to bigger traffic jams. Antibiotic therapy promotes the spread of virulent bacteria. Pest control which spreads pests; exercise [over-training] which diminishes fitness; communication which impedes the flow of information: it seems as if the world we have create is intent on getting even.

(más…)

Tags: Science Simplified, Vida Enigmática // 1 Comment »

I know it’s probably too late for everyone, but I’ve uploaded the 2007 cycle racing events calender. It is in pdf format & you can download it HERE. I’ll be sure to upload the 2008 calender of cycling events asap. 😉

Tags: Ride the Volcano! // Add Comment »

We really had fun making this. A special thanks to Iván – I couldn’t have done it without you man!

Tags: Island Life, News Reel, Ride the Volcano!, That's Business // Add Comment »

Tags: News Reel, Ride the Volcano! // Add Comment »

 

I was reading this article in an Australian newpaper yesterday, and I suppose I’ve been ignorant of just how far the gaming world has become…it told of people entering virtual worlds… there are 5 million worldwide regular subscribers to online games of these sort… In the game «Second Life», not only do they pay a subscription fee, but they actually buy «virtual gold» called Linden dollars to help their progress in the game… what’s the point?

(más…)

Tags: Mental Anguish // Add Comment »

A Shanghai online gamer has been given a suspended death sentence for killing a fellow gamer. Qiu Chengwei stabbed Zhu Caoyuan in the chest when he found out he had sold his virtual sword for 7,200 Yuan (£473). The sword, which Mr Qiu had lent to Mr Zhu, was won in the popular online game Legend of Mir 3. Attempts to take the dispute to the police failed because there is currently no law in China to protect virtual property.

(más…)

Tags: Mental Anguish // 1 Comment »

Last Sunday, we weren’t permitted to film within Mt. Teide National Park; «special permission» is required from Santa Cruz - something which we weren’t aware of. A representative from «ministerio de medio ambiente» promptly arrived on the scene as soon as we set up the tripod, and then kindly waited for us to pack up all the video equipment and leave. I think they patrol that whole area with an almighty telescope…

Its not really fair, because the videos are still what we’d consider amateurish, and it is for the benefit of Tenerife. We don’t make a single cent from the videos we produce. To aquire the permit, they ask for a security deposit of €300-3000, which they refund if the park is undamaged after the unedited material is submitted… Since there’s never any guarantees with regards to such deposits, we’ve decided to abandon the shoot in that zone. For future reference, further information concerning video permits in Tenerife can be obtained here.

Tags: News Reel // Add Comment »

Call me ignorant, but I had no idea how popular myspace had become. Just take a look at the growth statistics over the last year! Incredible! It makes me wonder: where have I been?

The best thing that happened to me today was that Stuart O’Grady added me as a friend on myspace. If you know anything about cycling, you know who he is! Thanks Stuey!

Actually, most of the content (pictures, videos, etc) can be found scattered all over the original www.Tenerife-Training.net page. I’m primarily doing this (networking) to increase web-traffic. Because more web-visits equals more customers. So if you’re on myspace, and you’d like to help, please consider adding me as a friend! It all helps! Thanks! 🙂

http://www.myspace.com/quintessentquirk

Tags: News Reel // Add Comment »

This week, we’re busy filming a new MTB video!! 😀

We still have another day of footage to shoot. And then it’ll take about a week or so to edit the video. A special thanks goes to Iván, a proffesional videographer who works for channel azul, who lugged his heavy camera + tripod all over the North valley of Tenerife (with the bicycle) during the filming. I lost count of the number of takes, and also the number of times he unpacked and re-packed his camera. 😐

For some reason I can’t embed the existing videos (even though I previously embedded that funny once lottery video advertisement in another post). Its a little frustrating… anyway, here’s the link to my youtube video page:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=quintessentquirk

Tags: News Reel // 1 Comment »

 

I recently asked my aunt-in-law what are the true symbols of the Canary Islands. Sadly, these things are completely forgotten with the conversion to mass-tourism. Together, we came up with the folllowing list authentic symbols of the Canary islands and of endemic wildlife of Tenerife.

FOOD:

• Corn Flour (Gofio)
• Potaje
• Bananas
• Potatoes
• Grapes
• Honey obtained from Palm Trees (and the drink made from it, Guarapo)

  

TRADITIONAL CULTURE SYMBOLS:

• Mount Teide
• The Spiral from the Guanches
• Traditional Traperas & Costumes:
• Calados (embroidery)

 

 

NATIVE / ENDEMIC  FLORA:

• Canary Island Pine Tree
• Canary Island Date Palm
• Tajinaste
• Retama
• Margarzas
• Violeta del Teide
• El famoso drago de Icod de los Vinos

   

NATIVE / ENDEMIC  FAUNA:

• Pinzon del Teide (blue Canary)
• Guirres / Aguilas (Canary Island Eagle)
• Native Canary Islands Dogs (perros)
• Lizards

  

  

Tags: Island Life // Add Comment »

 

I am currently «testing the waters» in regards to organising an annual, single-day amateur bicycle challenge event some time late in 2008:

The “Teide Extreme Climbing Competition”, a sealevel – 2300m climb over a distance of 35 km!

I’d like to ascertain the level of interest before pursuing this idea any further. Please express your interest in this event by casting your vote in the poll below. The Exact Date is also yet to be decided… a vote on that would also be appreciated. Tell your friends & stay tuned!

 [poll=2]

Tags: Ride the Volcano! // 2 Comments »

I’ve finally figured out how to add a decent poll voting system to this site. One that is free, contains no ads, and is customiseable. I’ve also updated the permalink structure, hence the downtime just experienced. Please advise me if something is not working (eg: polls, posts)

[poll=1]

«Â Yesterday there were so many things I was never told. Now that I’m startin’ to learn I feel I’m growin’ old» – Guns N’ Roses.

Tags: News Reel // Add Comment »

Why a post about dogs you ask? Well firstly, there are no native Canaries or endemic «Lorro» Parrots in the Canary Islands and there never have been. The islands were named after the local dogs (canines). I’ve come to despise Lorro Park for this reason (but that will surely be covered in future article «Lorro Park: guilty of guerilla mass-marketing?»)

 

The podenco as its known is quite common in Tenerife, and they can often be seen hunting up in Las Cañadas every Sunday morning. The local owners cruelly pack them in cages on the back of their utes, and usually feast on lunch after they finish hunting rabbits, while the dogs stand or sit patiently all squished together for at least an hour! So much for being man’s best friend. There’s not enough room for them, and it always upsets me every time I see it. They are surely the most beautiful dogs, and deserve better treatment. One day I hope to own or adopt one (or two!).

There are another types of dogs in the Canary Islands, primarily for goat herding (Perro bardino o de ganado majorero), and another (perro de presa canario) which was bred for dog fighting. They are now sometimes used as guard dogs for the few rich people living in Tenerife.

  

 

Shown below are several insignias depicted on the official flag of the Canary Islands, the government logo, and among other places such as the town hall. Look at the evolution of the shield through time, as it tends towards simplification, the seven islands of the Canary Island Chain now being represented by nothing more than simple triangles:

Further information about breeders of native Canarian dogs:

http://www.mydogocanario.com/istoria.php

http://www.elitedogs.us/history.htm

The K9 Animal Refuge Tenerife!

Tags: Island Life // 3 Comments »

Funeral de Nicolas Amador Bello

Nicolás Amador Bello of Club Taoro Fonteide dies in car accident, age 16.

It really saddens me to report this bad news: I just got a call saying that a young aquaintance of mine, Nicolás Amador Bello, a cyclist in the local Taoro Fonteide team died today in a grave cycling accident. This happened not far from where I live at a roundabout near La Orotava, Tenerife, Canarys Islands, Spain.

Actually although I am not officially a part of that team, I had ridden, trained & spoken with him several training rides… I still hadn’t even memorised his face all that well. I am quite literally lost for words. He was just 16, and this has really come as quite some shock to me.

My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and especially Jesús Martín Pérez (the director of the local Cycling Club Taoro sponsored by Fonteide), who always tries his utmost to protect those young aspiring champion cyclists in club Taoro. I will surely speak with Jesús tomorrow morning.

El joven fallecido en La Orotava pertenecía al equipo de ciclismo ‘Fonteide’ y chocó con un vehículo mientras entrenaba
El joven ciclista del equipo Fonteide, Nicolás Amador Bello, de 16 años, fue atropellado esta mañana en la rotonda de acceso a San Antonio cuando entrenaba. La Federación Insular de Ciclismo de Tenerife ha expresado sus condolencias a los familiares del joven y prevé aplazar la carrera prevista para hoy en el III Trofeo Ciclista en Palo Blanco en señal de luto.
El joven de 16 años que falleció hoy atropellado en la rotonda de acceso al barrio de San Antonio, en La Orotava, era el ciclista Nicolás Amador Bello, de la categoría cadete del equipo Fonteide y sufrió el accidente mientras entrenaba, según informó la Federación Tinerfeña de Ciclismo, que ha expresado sus condolencias a los familiares del joven fallecido.

Nicolás Amador Bello chocó con un vehículo en La Orotava y los equipos sanitarios de la ambulancia medicalizada y de urgencias desplazados al lugar del accidente no pudieron hacer nada por la vida del afectado, que presentaba varios traumatismos de carácter grave.

Tags: News Reel // 1 Comment »

1. Head for the hills – there’s no cheating yourself here, because you can’t draft behind other riders, and it forces you to keep pedalling continuously. This is our philosophy.
2. Get your cycling equipment ready the night before – so you have no excuses in the morning not to go. That way, you feel extra guilty if you sleep in, and you won’t miss all-important weekend training sessions due to «general morning laziness».
3. Become an «instant fixer» – don’t procrastinate & delay any bicycle repairs. Fix it ASAP, because a broken bike gives you one more reason not to go for the next ride.
4. Increase your mileage to improve endurance – for example: rather than go for daily 1 hour rides, go for a 2 hour ride every other day, or 3 – 4 hour ride twice a week. This also eliminates a lot of wasted preparation time.
5. Get out quick before you change your mind – clouds looming overhead? Computer not working? Cycling jersey still in the wash? Pacing & wondering whether to go or not? If so, you’re procrastinating. Don’t think, act! Just go already, even if the conditions aren’t ideal! Even if it rains, once you’re wet, you can’t get any wetter. 😉 Provided that your habitual bike position doesn’t change, if you make the time to ride, you will get fitter & you will enjoy cycling more… with plain old tap water or with sports drinks; with or without knowing the distance you’ve travelled or the current speed you’re doing; wet or dry.
6. Go for a short ride – we all have other important commitments besides cycling. If you don’t have time for a long 3 – 5 hour ride, don’t obsess over not being able to go. I.e. don’t suffer from «all or nothing syndrome». Go for an hour. Go for 20 minutes. Its still better than nothing! If you’re really serious, treat it as a «rest or recovery day».
7. Ride to work – exercise while you commute. Also great for the environment; no further explanation necessary.
8. Join a bike club – the commitment to meet with other cyclists at a specified time and date helps your motivation level. You’re less likely to bail out of a training session, because you let other people down as well as yourself.
9. Don’t set unrealistic goals – because when you fail to reach them, you’ll lose motivation to continue with your training plan. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you skip a day or a week or even a month. Even professional cyclists need rest periods. And lastly, remember that half the fun of excercising is feeling the gradual improvement in your own fitness level. If you haven’t ridden for a looong time, there’s only one way to go, and that’s to be fitter. Maintain positive thinking.
10. Don’t be a slave; embrace change! – this applies to heart rate monitors, cycle-computers, training schedules, ride routines, clothing, food, etc. We’re all humans, we’re all fallible. All routines eventually become boring and «samey», and then they fail. Hence change is the key. Plan a new ride once in a while.

«Ride your bike. Ride your bike. Ride Your bike.» – Fausto Copi

Tags: Learning Curve, Ride the Volcano! // 1 Comment »

1. The mountains are higher in Tenerife than Mallorca (the roads here go up to 2300m, Mt Teide is 3700m)
2. Tenerife is much warmer in the winter months than Mallorca (January, February, March) so you can start your on-bike training earlier in the season.
3. Tenerife has no flat roads, forcing you to train harder.
4. Tenerife is where all the professional pro-tour cyclists do their pro cycle-training camps. 🙂
5. You’re sick of all the beginner cyclists /café-poser cyclist culture in Mallorca
6. You’re a loner, and you’re sick at the sight of all the other cyclists in Majorca! 😛
7. You prefer to end a day’s ride on a black volcanic sand beach than an off-white coloured one.
8. You’ve already cycled through all the roads in Mallorca and cycle lanes in the surrounding Balearic Islands.
9. You don’t know how to pronounce «Mallorca»
10. There are no decent offroad down-hill runs in Mallorca!

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