Rides and Races - Toronto Fixed

Anything going on today??

maybe ride around Center Island and fish the channels

I went upto Shepard and Leslie and back, making a detour for sultan of Samosa... bout 40k.
hit a 59.2kph on Eglinton going down towards Leslie. Some funky winds. At one point the leaves flew with me for about 50m was pretty cool.

mmmm... Sultan of Samosas.... Yes, very windy. I saw two shopping carts screaming across a grocery parking lot before crashing into a trailer. Missed the cars, although I was hoping for the Mercedes.

I just got back from going to hamilton and back, but my computer was set upside down so it thought the speed was cadence (it would have thought the cadence was speed as well, but I don't have the cadence sensor attached), so it said I was pedalling at around 180 rpm average, travelling at 0kph. As such I don't really know the distance. I thought I was going to die a few times going west on lakeshore with the headwind. When I crossed the humber bridge on the way over I was incredibly close to getting blown off my wheels into the railing! I got a few nasty leaves thrown in my face too which kind of hurt!

I think I was pretty well dressed for the weather, but I was sweating quite a bit on my upper body wearing a sleeveless bike jersey and thin arm warmers, a long-sleeved bike jersey, and my MEC jacket. My legs were fine with my lined winter bike pants and knee warmers, but my feet were definitely freezing in summer socks and sidis... Next time I'll need to wear warmer socks or get some booties as my sidis are on the small side as it is. I got some numbness in my hands so I think I have to play with the saddle angle a bit. I noticed when riding my geared bike today that my legs would always get tired before I got the cardio going (in fact I was having trouble getting the heart rate up). Its funny because on my fixie its the opposite; my heart is racing and I'm panting like crazy when I get to work in the morning.

Anyone have anything good to say about full on winter cycling tights?

Anyone have anything good to say about full on winter cycling tights?

Yeah no propensity of leg warmers to fall down at the most inopportune times.

P.S Look at this genius on CL http://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/227400118.html
Those could've been had for $20 shipped. NEW.

where can you get them for $20 new?

I'd like to get some if they're that cheap.

I just got back from going to hamilton and back, but my computer was set upside down so it thought the speed was cadence (it would have thought the cadence was speed as well, but I don't have the cadence sensor attached), so it said I was pedalling at around 180 rpm average, travelling at 0kph. As such I don't really know the distance. I thought I was going to die a few times going west on lakeshore with the headwind. When I crossed the humber bridge on the way over I was incredibly close to getting blown off my wheels into the railing! I got a few nasty leaves thrown in my face too which kind of hurt!

I think I was pretty well dressed for the weather, but I was sweating quite a bit on my upper body wearing a sleeveless bike jersey and thin arm warmers, a long-sleeved bike jersey, and my MEC jacket. My legs were fine with my lined winter bike pants and knee warmers, but my feet were definitely freezing in summer socks and sidis... Next time I'll need to wear warmer socks or get some booties as my sidis are on the small side as it is. I got some numbness in my hands so I think I have to play with the saddle angle a bit. I noticed when riding my geared bike today that my legs would always get tired before I got the cardio going (in fact I was having trouble getting the heart rate up). Its funny because on my fixie its the opposite; my heart is racing and I'm panting like crazy when I get to work in the morning.

Anyone have anything good to say about full on winter cycling tights?

once again, i think MEC is the answer. i've got a pair of the "whirlwind" tights that are really warm (windproof front panel) and come in tall sizes. i wear them under my jeans and i find them almost too hot to wear indoors. i think they're good value but as with all tights very snug in the buttocks.

Yeah no propensity of leg warmers to fall down at the most inopportune times.

P.S Look at this genius on CL http://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/227400118.html
Those could've been had for $20 shipped. NEW.

Hmm do tell. I just looked at chucks bikes nothing there. I swapped out my 400's for narrow bum bars (thanks for that reference jet) & would like to try the 800's or even better the nitto rb-021 (maybe)
Cheers

That wind was something today EH FEC riding into was a workout but what a SWEET tail wind comming home ..... here is what the bike looks like with the half fenders http://www.flickr.com/photos/steeker/283069118/

Hmm do tell. I just looked at chucks bikes nothing there. I swapped out my 400's for narrow bum bars (thanks for that reference jet) & would like to try the 800's or even better the nitto rb-021 (maybe)
Cheers

Sorry gone now, they were available from there for over a year. $12.50 + $6 USPS shipping. I already sold mine to lymbzero. They were ok bars but there wasn't really anything there to justify spending full retail on.

I switched to these at any rate:
http://www.chucksbikes.com/store/br007.htm

Sorry gone now, they were available from there for over a year. $12.50 + $6 USPS shipping. I already sold mine to lymbzero. They were ok bars but there wasn't really anything there to justify spending full retail on.

I switched to these at any rate:
http://www.chucksbikes.com/store/br007.htm

Yep i remember you had the 400's as well as I. The 800's have big time drop think i'll waste more time on evil bay?
Cheers
Your new bars do look slick/nice.

Yep i remember you had the 400's as well as I. The 800's have big time drop think i'll waste more time on evil bay?
Cheers
Your new bars do look slick/nice.

sweep the mail order guy! lack of fixed-friendly bike shops in kingston getting to you?

Did anyone present go to Nadirs La Carrera Party?

sweep the mail order guy! lack of fixed-friendly bike shops in kingston getting to you?

Yeah, how are the bike shops like in that area?

Did anyone present go to Nadirs La Carrera Party?

wish i could have; i was stuck at work.

wish i could have; i was stuck at work.

Bummer.

I had a ride as far as Virginia, but no farther:
Was hoping to see many peoples I have come
to miss over the years since the last HPR & CMWC.
Formerly from Kensington myself, now in North Carolina.

I would've gone had I known about it anytime more than 5 hours before it was supposed to happen :)

sweep the mail order guy! lack of fixed-friendly bike shops in kingston getting to you?

Hey aren’t we all mail order *****? So far no one fixed or shop but i’m sure they could order it! About 7 shops here & I like two of them.
Cheers
Good Monday morning all

now in North Carolina.

home of one of the best hiphop crews....Little Brother!!

edit: Good Monday morning back at you sweep! ughhhhhhhhhh hope its a good monday...

What kinda gear you lookin' for?

I am not looking for any specific gear, I just want to check out some LBS to get a feel for what is happening, it seems as though the scene is vibrant. Cavern Cycles, La Carrera is what I have found so far ...

Also, where should I stay while I am in Toronto? any specific area?

I want to be able to walk to many places and be out and about, I was looking at Queen's Park or Old Toronto? I am not sure, as this is from a Fodor's guide.

If you suggest any hotels please let me know, many Thanks ...

I am not looking for any specific gear, I just want to check out some LBS to get a feel for what is happening, it seems as though the scene is vibrant. Cavern Cycles, La Carrera is what I have found so far ...

Also, where should I stay while I am in Toronto? any specific area?

I want to be able to walk to many places and be out and about, I was looking at Queen's Park or Old Toronto? I am not sure, as this is from a Fodor's guide.

If you suggest any hotels please let me know, many Thanks ...

you know about cavern..
how about the urbane cyclist on john just north of queen. www.ucycle.com
cycle therapy too: http://www.cycletherapy.ca/

if you don't mind hostels, global village at king/spadia is good: http://www.toronto.com/hotels/listing/000-142-242
hostelling international has a location downtown: http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel011006.en.htm
right in kensington market: http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.1834

a buddy of mine has stayed in HI and said it was good. i work near global village and i'm in kensington weekly.. all these places are pretty busy and provide good hubs for checking out toronto. good to meet fellow travellers too. good luck!

ATTENTION TORONTO

got any pictures from your halloween CM on friday? in dc we do cm on the first friday of the month, but we have a halloween alleycat.
http://static.flickr.com/117/283236998_58dd53ef91.jpg
(i really want to see shiznaz's dinosaur/iguana/whatever)

I dunno if anyone took a pic of me in the full costume... Our HR lady at work took a picture of me in it, but I'm wearing a golf shirt and slacks so the effect is somewhat lessened. Maybe I can convince one of my housemates to take a pic of me in it while I'm busting a mad skid in the church parking lot tonight.

Its going to be a nice night tonight, skidding and beers anyone?

Did anyone present go to Nadirs La Carrera Party?

I went, it was a blast but really crowded, locals, folks from out of town, lots of people having fun...after partaking on the back porch I ceased feeling social at all and me n the wife walked home.

5 hours notice ain' enough...?! hmmm, I understand completely.

Well, here's 28 hours notice;

Jet Fuel Alleycat, 20th yadda yadda yadda. Meet at Jet Fuel 519 Parliament, race begins 8pm, racers should arrive 7pm to be certain of registration etc.

Checkpoint people are wanted, needed, loved, abused and discarded but not necessarily in that order. There are 20 checkpoints! So if the thought of 20 (complex) checkpoints takes the race right out of you come be a checkpoint person! Experienced get thier own checkpoint, inexperienced get to team up as needed/wanted. Fun gauranteed, standing in the wind & possibly snow! For hours maybe! Yeah baby. Then back to Jet Fuel for a rippin helloween party.

Checkpoint people need to arrive 6pmish at Jet Fuel. Desina is volunteer coordinator, if you don't know Desina conact via UTW news page. (http://www.under-the-weather.ca/News.htm) Showing up counts as perfect, no previous contact really required.

Speaking of races, though I'm not sure it's been announced officially yet I can't seem to care, it's official, Toronto will be hosting the 2008 CMWC! We're going to make it the biggest, baddest, funnest CMWC yet, & that's sayin something!

yea BOOOOIIIIIIII!!!!!!! ^^^^^^ woooohoooooo

Speaking of races, though I'm not sure it's been announced officially yet I can't seem to care, it's official, Toronto will be hosting the 2008 CMWC! We're going to make it the biggest, baddest, funnest CMWC yet, & that's sayin something!
most fun...

What day is the jet fuel race on?

28 hours would make it tomorrow evening

most fun...

What day is the jet fuel race on?

Halloween I do believe

Uh-oh. go train service suspended this afternoon. That means I lane split between stationary cars from Bay almost all the way to Bathurst. Going north on Bay would probably be just as bad.

Whats university like heading north during rush hour? I figure maybe university north, and then harbord west would be the best option on days like today.

University is brutal, do beverly to harbord and harbord across, even with the construction on beverly its fast. Huron is good too, smooth pavement.

so who's racing tomorrow?

I am not looking for any specific gear, I just want to check out some LBS to get a feel for what is happening, it seems as though the scene is vibrant. Cavern Cycles, La Carrera is what I have found so far ...

Also, where should I stay while I am in Toronto? any specific area?

I want to be able to walk to many places and be out and about, I was looking at Queen's Park or Old Toronto? I am not sure, as this is from a Fodor's guide.

If you suggest any hotels please let me know, many Thanks ...

not sure what's considered "Old Toronto"? Queens park is very central, not very neighbourhood-y. i'd say the suggestion of kensington is very apt, very cool place, lots of indy coffee shops, great cheap places to eat etc. i live in parkdale; it's in the west end but walk to everything from wherever you stay. if you feel like ponying up some dough the drake (http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/home.asp) is a great hotel experience. other than that a hostel is a great idea.

PS - Cam, nice seeing you this aft.

Yeah if your flush W and the Drake are two of the best hotel experiences in the city.

There are 20 checkpoints!

Sweet mercy.

PS - Cam, nice seeing you this aft.


Yes, good seeing you too, i wish I had more time to get out and ride with you guys. It was also nice to see Audrey Tautou vacuuming the coffee roaster. The alleycat looks like fun too, but I'm a workin'.

It is the 20th anniversary afterall.

Times like this I wish I had a nice geared rig, maybe a 52 up front and a good 8 speed cassette in the back. I'd love to race tomorrow but with just my fixed whip I don't stand a chance.

Maybe its time to think about a bike with gears again.

Its not about winning or losing!

Its a race, its all about winning or losing.

dang, you guys are having FUN! I still check up on the toronto thread when I have time.
oh man, I got completely crushed by my midterms which means I gotta study harder.

My biking goal is to ride through the winter on the gt.
I checked and I def. don't have enough clearance to put on some knobbies.

anyone have experience on riding throughout winter on road slicks?

dang, you guys are having FUN! I still check up on the toronto thread when I have time.
oh man, I got completely crushed by my midterms which means I gotta study harder.

My biking goal is to ride through the winter on the gt.
I checked and I def. don't have enough clearance to put on some knobbies.

anyone have experience on riding throughout winter on road slicks?

toronto streets aren't too bad, mostly just slush so thin tires cut through the nasty stuff. if you can fit 700 x 27 or 28 then vittoria makes a cross tire that's a knobby that works well in the winter.

Who are these cats (http://theboltsandnuts.blogspot.com/) and why have we never run into them. I sense a bicycle gang war brewing in the streets of T.dot

Uh-oh. go train service suspended this afternoon. That means I lane split between stationary cars from Bay almost all the way to Bathurst. Going north on Bay would probably be just as bad.

Whats university like heading north during rush hour? I figure maybe university north, and then harbord west would be the best option on days like today.

Good ****ing game. I get home and THEN shiznaz tells me there's delays from GO. I almost had a free trip to Georgetown instead of home. Luckily I was drunk enough to ask the lady next to me where the **** this train was going before the doors closed.

****ing go transti.

I also got sidewswiped going across Front st. by some asshat in some motor vehicle. Luckily I was not hurt, hopefully I scratched the hell out of their 2 doors and broke their side mirror.

Who are these cats (http://theboltsandnuts.blogspot.com/) and why have we never run into them. I sense a bicycle gang war brewing in the streets of T.dot

we must amalgamate our forces before they establish a presence. shall we send a liason to set up talks?

who are these guys? where did you find them?

Who are these cats (http://theboltsandnuts.blogspot.com/) and why have we never run into them. I sense a bicycle gang war brewing in the streets of T.dot

I know that Cinelli capped face.
A representative from both fixed gear wannabe messenger camps is indeed needed.

quote from that site: "Port Hope is basically the best bike town around..." Uh...yeah...

Who are these cats (http://theboltsandnuts.blogspot.com/) and why have we never run into them. I sense a bicycle gang war brewing in the streets of T.dot

The guy with the blond hair and glasses, wearing a blue Campagnolo cap in one pic is Tristan, he works at Urbane. Super nice guy. He's helped me with lots of stuff, especially when I was a total noob asking lots of annoying questions. The other guys don't really look familiar to me.