Rides and Races - Toronto Fixed

I don't know if it's just me being drugged out but i'm starting to get bored of beer.

Everything in moderation my friend, everything in moderation.

ps. waiting in the start group this morning when someone pointed out that my rear tire was flat. D'oh! I managed to limp to the parking lot where Keith loaned me a while (130mm wheel in a 135mm frame ftw). Got back JUST in time for my group to take off. Not the best way to start a race! :P

pps. the culprit was a safety pin. I was tempted to ride around and look for someone with 3 pins holding their number on and sock 'em in the nose. :P

Hiya

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/Keithipoo/DSCN0809.jpg


Very nice, are those Open Pro rims?

I don't know if it's just me being drugged out but i'm starting to get bored of beer.

Hey just remember, the doctor told me a little secret about you and alcohol. Take it easy out there. Thanks for the leather gunk <3 and flats.

Hey did you know that Fender makes shoes? I got a pair a rad pair from winners for 25$. Turning it up to 11.

Also, Pyze, Jeremy, or anyone, could you please give me a lesson on poaching the perfect egg? I want to achieve that restaurant quality.

Hey just remember, the doctor told me a little secret about you and alcohol. Take it easy out there. Thanks for the leather gunk <3 and flats.

Hey did you know that Fender makes shoes? I got a pair a rad pair from winners for 25$. Turning it up to 11.

Also, Pyze, Jeremy, or anyone, could you please give me a lesson on poaching the perfect egg? I want to achieve that restaurant quality.
A little vinegar in the boiling water.

Race photos are up: http://flickr.com/photos/shapelike/sets/72157603090067476/.

Also, Pyze, Jeremy, or anyone, could you please give me a lesson on poaching the perfect egg? I want to achieve that restaurant quality.

I'm sure I will be corrected on this, but I find that often restaraunts serve coddled rather than poached eggs. But 1+ on the vinegar if you're going to poach.

Also, Pyze, Jeremy, or anyone, could you please give me a lesson on poaching the perfect egg? I want to achieve that restaurant quality.

make sure the water isn't too hot and either use fresh eggs or add a bit of vinegar to the water and try it once, then practice 100 or so times and you should be able to get out a good egg or two.

it's something that's easier to show than explain.

yeah... mine always wind up looking like jellyfish. I cheated once and put them in little plastic wrap blankets.. :P

mike: easy on the contrast slider there, buddy. :) Nice shots!

ps. thanks again for the wheel loaner, Keith. You're the man.

**** you, Mr. Art Critic! *simmers down* ... I like to try out different stuff each week. This week's theme was bright and cheery.

I actually really like the shot of you coming downhill (the first one of the two). They look better at full size ... you lose a lot of tonal information in those snapshot previews.

</photo snob>

word. Yeah, I bet some of those would make really great prints actually.

Race photos are up: http://flickr.com/photos/shapelike/sets/72157603090067476/.

Those look great!

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/Johnny-Monkey/IMG_3921.jpg

My first thought when I saw this: they're hurting the bike.

/sigh

I want those brakes though.

make sure the water isn't too hot and either use fresh eggs or add a bit of vinegar to the water and try it once, then practice 100 or so times and you should be able to get out a good egg or two.

it's something that's easier to show than explain.

I find it best to have the eggs already cracked into custard bowls, swill the water gently to create a whitlpool effect and then pour the egg into the swirl. Holds the egg together and avoids the jellyfish problem. And add vinegar, tablespoon or 2 should be about right.

I find it best to have the eggs already cracked into custard bowls, swill the water gently to create a whitlpool effect and then pour the egg into the swirl. Holds the egg together and avoids the jellyfish problem. And add vinegar, tablespoon or 2 should be about right.

Why does adding vingear make it uber?

Why does adding vingear make it uber?

I'm a chef not a chemist.

The vinegar is an acid and helps to coagulate the proteins in the albumen (egg white) thus keeping the whites from spreading out. Fresh eggs have a thicker albumen and dont thin out as much when cooked, making for a better poached egg as well. Swirling the water helps the white to wrap around itself and stay tighter. All three together and perfect poached shall be had.

I just came across this on Pink Bike. Would anyone here be into setting up a carpool weekend to Ray's Indoor Bike Park in Cleveland?

http://www.unafraid.ca/

http://www.raysmtb.com/

oh, and the eggs should be at room temperature before cooking.

From today's FGG (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/nov/5/EoinMurphy.htm). I think this looks familiar to everyone. Got to love the literature on the source"

"Jan and 'High Park' have been in business in Toronto for over 35 years and are one of the most successful and celebrated independent bicycle stores in the country".

Uh, yeah...

Bonus "**** off and die" points awarded for this gem:


The bike is currently for SALE and remember fixies aren't just for filthy dirty couriers RIGHT!

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/bik/476100562.html

Yet another FG on Craigslist... is this the summer-trendsters now all getting rid of their toys?

Re: the Colnago... not sure I like it, chainring looks ****ing colossal on that thing too... 56T? The whole tone of that letter seems uppity/holier than thou, screw that noise.

Edit: bleh I feel a hippocrit in the largest sense now that I think about it... not even a hint of my own FG here and I'm still criticising.. I think it's fair to say that this day can firmly go **** itself... Though I did my stand to attention for Nov. 11th, I didn't don my uniform.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/Johnny-Monkey/IMG_3921.jpg

My first thought when I saw this: they're hurting the bike.

/sigh

I want those brakes though.

That was your first thought???!!$%@%???!!!!

From today's FGG (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/nov/5/EoinMurphy.htm). I think this looks familiar to everyone. Got to love the literature on the source"

"Jan and 'High Park' have been in business in Toronto for over 35 years and are one of the most successful and celebrated independent bicycle stores in the country".

Uh, yeah...

Usually I take the zen approach and just shrug. But I want to punch whoever wrote that blurb in the nose. **** that is so lame. And ignorant. What the **** is up with the "filthy dirty couriers" line? It's like he just wants to make sure he pisses off everyone who might just not waste their time otherwise. What a ****ing tool. I'm tempted to email the jackass to tell that to his digital face but it's not like he has an ounce of respect or will even give a ****. So I guess I won't bother. Man this really bothers me.

Edit: I just emailed the guy. Haha this should be funny. I'll be sure to post any response that I get. Here's the text of my email:

Your Fixed Gear Gallery entry featuring the pink Colnago makes you
come off like a huge tool. If I have misread your blurb, then I am
sorry as I don't want to get you wrong. Having said that I would just
like to say that it comes off as holier than thou which is made
hilarious in the way that it shows how ignorant you are of the history
and character of this bike and the bike culture of Toronto. Your
comments about High Park Cycles are incorrect first of all, just ask
literally ANY cyclist who lives in this city. High Park Cycles is not
"celebrated", rather Jan has a reputation for being dishonest and
shady. There are many people who will not even go there. If by
sucessful, you mean that he still has frames that he hasn't sold since
1986 then I guess you got me on that one. Your comment about "filthy
dirty couriers" makes it seem that you are ensuring that you piss off
even the people who would otherwise ignore this crap. No self
respecting courier would ride this bike in its current configuration
because it is completely impractical, uncomfortable, unsafe (disk
wheel is unsafe for street riding) has crappy parts on it (in spite of
claims made otherwise) and clearly time has been spent making it
look... I don't even know what adjective to use I mean I think it is
ugly but that is completely besides the point. The point is the time
and effort put into making it look a certain way, as opposed to making
it actually functional show that this is not a bike intended to ride
but rather show off. Even that in itself isn't bad. Basically the
problem is this. If you are new to something, respect the people who
have been there before you, who know more than you, and can tell in a
second when you are talking out of your ass. Then maybe you'll learn
some new things, make a few friends etc. The approach you seem to
have taken is to attempt to appear to be knowledgeable, but end up
sounding cocky and condescending. Thus, you come across as a tool.
Also, as an aside, a frame that "pops" is undesirable and most likely
unsafe. Do whatever you want/makes you happy but don't expect people
to respect you when your attitude is the way it is.

Sincerely Dan from Toronto

He posted in here ages ago. He bought a no-name frame from Jan for a large sum of money, if I recall correctly. Anyone who has ever walked into High Park Cycle knows that that write-up is a load of crap but I bet he sells the bike for a pretty penny.

edit: found it!

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=4130450#post4130450

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/mar/EoinMurphy.htm

Thanks for the poachin insight. I never knew about the significance of egg temp and the swirl. Booo jellyfish.


Usually I take the zen approach and just shrug. But I want to punch whoever wrote that blurb in the nose. **** that is so lame.
Sincerely Dan from Toronto

AWES! can't wait to hear a response.


http://toronto.craigslist.ca/bik/476100562.html

Yet another FG on Craigslist... is this the summer-trendsters now all getting rid of their toys?


Most likely an upgrade. Speaking of stock bikes, saw the rocky mountain "bouroughs" in MTL on a wall, looked nice.

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/mar/EoinMurphy.htm

"pixie courier chic"?

i don't remember seeing any pixies when i was on the road. i guess that was just me.

"pixie courier chic"?

i don't remember seeing any pixies when i was on the road. i guess that was just me.

http://www.bikeicons.com/images/1960s%20Schwinn%20Pixie.jpg

I've never seen one on the road, but apparently they exist :D

Toronto CL is getting dumber every day..

First, there's the $400 80's road bike (http://toronto.craigslist.ca/bik/475963221.html) that's too small for the owner, without a size in the ad. Oh yeah.. "Columbio" frame, and a backup for a famous anonymous Canadian Cyclist.

However, that doesn't compare to the ALIMINUM CARBO RAPED BAR (http://toronto.craigslist.ca/bik/475628497.html).. truly the nightmare of every violated cyclist on a diet that values "bling" over function.

1. Now that Sympatico's admitted to throttling bittorrent traffic, I'm on the hunt for a new dsl provider. Teksavvy look like the best option currently, but anyone know another company I should deal with?

2. I was browsing through Dave Chappelle clips on YouTube last night and came across some Def Poetry Jam segment. TWO HOURS LATER I had gone through almost every clip on the whole site. Who knew, apparently I really like poetry ... whatever genre of it that I saw was, at least.

3. ****ty bmx freewheels can create a knocking sound not unlike bottom bracket play or loose crank arms.

Sympatico is hampering torrents? I haven't had any trouble...

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071105-bittorrent-blocking-goes-north-canadian-isp-admits-to-throttling-p2p.html

I love how they constantly poopoo cable internet as being 'shared' and then admit to throttling p2p apps so that heavy users don't affect casual user's internet connections... oh, marketing.

1. Now that Sympatico's admitted to throttling bittorrent traffic, I'm on the hunt for a new dsl provider. Teksavvy look like the best option currently, but anyone know another company I should deal with?

Try forcing only encrypted traffic in your torrent client (uTorrent definitely supports this).

I've heard Beanfield (http://www.beanfield.net) is decent, but I'm personally on Rogers and have no issues.

yo...just had to share this dopeness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1IuD6F3R5I)as someone shared it with me...check that bass solo while dancing and singing!! what! bring it!

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20071105-bittorrent-blocking-goes-north-canadian-isp-admits-to-throttling-p2p.html

Ah, I have everything set up to run overnight so I guess I'm out of the "peak" hours. I use encrypted utorrent if that matters.

I did get an email forwarded from sympatico once saying I should "cease and desist" sharing episodes of "quantum leap" but haven't had any trouble since.

http://toronto.craigslist.ca/bik/476100562.html

Yet another FG on Craigslist... is this the summer-trendsters now all getting rid of their toys?

Re: the Colnago... not sure I like it, chainring looks ****ing colossal on that thing too... 56T? The whole tone of that letter seems uppity/holier than thou, screw that noise.

Edit: bleh I feel a hippocrit in the largest sense now that I think about it... not even a hint of my own FG here and I'm still criticising.. I think it's fair to say that this day can firmly go **** itself... Though I did my stand to attention for Nov. 11th, I didn't don my uniform.

It may be something or not, but the other day on my way to work I saw a obvious non-cyclist riding his bike and pushing/holding a Giant Bowery along Pape. I figured it was a stolen bike, but by the time I was able to stop and turn around he was off on to side streets and I couldn't find him. I was waiting for a CL post about the bike, but I have seenj afew in the city so I guess this could be a legit posting.

Ah, I have everything set up to run overnight so I guess I'm out of the "peak" hours. I use encrypted utorrent if that matters.

I did get an email forwarded from sympatico once saying I should "cease and desist" sharing episodes of "quantum leap" but haven't had any trouble since.

I agree with them. Quantum Leap?! I guess we all have our guilty pleasures. I like Triumph myself. A little Magic Power anyone....

yo...just had to share this dopeness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1IuD6F3R5I)as someone shared it with me...check that bass solo while dancing and singing!! what! bring it!


SO ILL!!! POW!

I did get an email forwarded from sympatico once saying I should "cease and desist" sharing episodes of "quantum leap" but haven't had any trouble since.

Someone actually wants back episodes of "Quantum Leap"? Wonders never cease. Tho that Scott Bakula is pretty dreamy!
By the way...that cease and desist message was from "Ziggy"...he is watching out for his royalties.

SO ILL!!! POW!

POW indeed. I would love to see a real live version of that song. Me thinks that is a serious lip-synching goin' on.

Someone actually wants back episodes of "Quantum Leap"? Wonders never cease. Tho that Scott Bakula is pretty dreamy!
By the way...that cease and desist message was from "Ziggy"...he is watching out for his royalties.

You seem to know a lot about it yourself! :p

"On November 12th, 2007 stephane marcotte says:

Ted Ingram (cycle-solutions) is catching air on page 3 of the Metro newspaper. "

"On November 12th, 2007 stephane marcotte says:

Ted Ingram (cycle-solutions) is catching air on page 3 of the Metro newspaper. "

Catching air indeed: http://www.metronews.ca/uploadedFiles/PDFs/20071112_toronto.pdf

You seem to know a lot about it yourself! :p

It's all about "The Google"

From today's FGG (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/nov/5/EoinMurphy.htm). I think this looks familiar to everyone. Got to love the literature on the source"

"Jan and 'High Park' have been in business in Toronto for over 35 years and are one of the most successful and celebrated independent bicycle stores in the country".

Uh, yeah...

I liked this bike when I saw it in the window of Inabstracto but now I’m going to have to put it on blast. We all post our bikes online for other folks to geek out on and/or offer commentary, sure, but come on now; do we really need to write a ****ing press release? Dude, it’s a bike – an interesting one but not an extraordinarily cool one (in its current form) and certainly not a useful one.

Well I got a response back. It's pretty funny. I'm not sure if I should post it because there are very few non curse words in it. I'm tempted to respond line by line, but seriously I can't be bothered. I'm feeling much less confrontational now and I really don't want to get caught in some pointless pissing contest. But yeah. Here's the funniest part at least:

"... if i have to explain why everything is the way it is for you.. you don't get it."

Yeah ok buddy it's me that doesn't get it.

1. Now that Sympatico's admitted to throttling bittorrent traffic, I'm on the hunt for a new dsl provider. Teksavvy look like the best option currently, but anyone know another company I should deal with?


A buddy of mine from Law School set up a co-op ISP that is totally open. He's a good guy, he did a lot of work for the EFF.

http://www.boingboing.net/2005/10/25/toronto-isp-encourag.html

Yeah ok buddy it's me that doesn't get it.

Maybe now that the bike is on BikeSnobNYC the owner will realize that he is the only person who gets it. By any chance did he mention a price in the email?

post it!

The gear ratio might look big to you, but as an orangutan I have a tremendous strength-to-weight ratio....

Hhehe, the rest is here: http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/