Ready for the Road

Go ahead, squeeze me into that puddle.

I Hate Cars

No, not for the reasons that probably came quickly to mind, that would be a hate of drivers. Just as guns don't kill anyone without being aimed by the human eye, cars don't knock cyclists into the weeds without the distracted texting while steering with his knees idiot behind the wheel.

 I hate the physical four wheeled money sucking beasts that we are all so dependent upon. We just spent a little over $2000 for a head job on the Subaru, a car that in the 6 years we have had it has been super reliable. the dealer gave us a good deal on the repairs but still...

If it was just me, I would probably go without a car altogether and just rent one when I had to. Save all that insurance and maintenance cost towards the rentals and come out way ahead. But the reality is that we still need it.

Work on the head is well above my mechanical skills, tools and knowledge. Plus I have no garage to work from.  $2000 would have gone a long way towards so many things. A new fence, new countertops, new furniture and the list goes on without even conferring with the main driver of our abode.

And even more depressing, it could have been...

the Van Dessell 'Whisky Tango Foxtrot'

  or

The Surly 'Moonlander'

or most depressing, this with lots of change

the Marinoni 'Retro SL' 4oth anniversary frame

On Your Left...

note: for the non-cyclists out there, 'on your left' is what you are supposed to yell as you pass someone, as in I'm passing on your left.

New Source of Energy

I witnessed the exchange of at least a dozen Snuggies (4 million sold in 3 months) or their clones the Slanket, the Nuddle, the Cozies, the Cuddlies (who knows how many more!) over the holidays. Across North America there is a new, cheap source of electric power. Just hook up a battery and every time grandma heads off to the kitchen or bathroom the static discharged by the removal of the 'blanket with sleeves' could power a tv through the next commercial break. Better yet, we could power up all those Slap Chops into Zap Chops. The next twist in the viral blanket market is expected to be 'team' Snuggies, I can't wait for the Bears version. When the Leafs Snuggie comes out they'll have to open a new factory solely to produce enough cheap blue fabric to keep up, we can just forget about wind, solar and hydro-electric power. Save the Norwesters, buy your neighbour a Snuggie and a case of beer.

I went to Petrie's early this morning and assisted in the making of two new wheels for Molly. Gone are the rusting, heavy, steel rimmed originals. Now with aluminum rims, new hubs and spokes she'll be more reliable, lighter and have brakes that work. Time to strip off all the components and give her some new paint.

Had a nice dinner with Mike, Mel and the Merciers last night. Then went back to their place to witness the miracle in Chicago on the high-def big screen. Me in my Payton jersey amongst a family of Viking fans. It worked, guess I'll have to wear one for every game.

SnowMen

Full Pension @31

Liberal GPS

Another Minority with Slap Chop

From the Headlines

From today's Chronicle-Journal, "Crime Stats Continue to Drop" Apparently even the bad guys have moved out of town since there are no more rich people to steal from.

So, How Was Your Summer?

I'm guessing pretty short.

Canada Gets the Tube Socks

I posted this pic to Rick Mercer's Photo Challenge. This Hour Has 22 Minutes commented on the latest elections, the US is like the kid that got a new ipod on Christmas morning and Canada got tube socks.

Complete the Set

For Christmas AJ ordered me a Livestrong hoodie and base layer shirt which I really love. Livestrong is Lance Armstong's cancer fighting foundation. Now if someone would be so kind as to complete the set with the matching bike I'd be ever so grateful.

New Toy

One of the items I received at Christmas was a small video camera (Creative Vado) capable of quick uploads to Youtube. It can hold up to 2 hours of video (1 hour higher quality) on the 2 gig flash card and is only about 1/2 inch thick and 4" x 2". Over the weekend I MacIvered an old light mount into a camera mount so that I can attach the camera to the handlebars of a bike securely and remove it quickly if the weather turns ugly. Check out my first test ride with the new setup below.  

You've Got to Be Kidding

As another summer comes to an end, cooler air comes off the big lake, the leaves start taking on their fiery colours and hockey season is just around the corner... WAIT A MINUTE, it's still JULY! How can it be only 12 degrees. I think our furnace just came on. I rode back from Westfort after taking in the opening ceremonies for the Little League All Star Tournament and can't remember a day as cool as this during the games in nearly 15 years. Tomorrow's expected high is 16, won't that frost your pedals. I might have to wear pants.


July miles:180
07-10, Bridget:20 miles

Can I Jinx a Team or What?

Not even Carboneau's lucky tie was enough to put down my bad juju. Sorry Habs, maybe next year. And don't blame it on Price, the rest of the team was even worse. They discover going to the net in game 5, lotsa luck with that revelation.

Too True

Merry Christmas

and a Happy April 11th!
I labeled this one a 'joke' but I don't think it's very funny. For those of you that just had to wash their truck yesterday, a big thank you very much.

And then the Flight Attendant Said...

As we are landing in Calgary the flight crew wished the Nordic ski team that was on board good luck. And we also have another special occasion, its his 38th birthday and his first flight ever. So I said to the elderly lady next to me, its the pilot. Ha ha. Yes that's right, the captain' s first flight in the pilot's seat. Thanks for not sharing that one earlier.
And another strange one, the pilot and co-pilot were twin brothers.

Exercise for Those Over 50

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks. Then try 50-lb potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'M AT THIS LEVEL!)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks.

Thanks Sue

In a Perfect World