Most of the photos you were looking at were prolly from the colder months. They keep the heat turned down to save on costs so it gets a bit chilly in there in winter. From a protection standpoint all that extra clothing won't really stop you from getting road rash if you fall. And as the track organizers will tell you in the pre-riding orientation chat...you will fall....maybe not today or tomorrow...but eventually you WILL fall. It doesn't hurt...............much. :D

I read on the site somewhere that it gets cold in the winter. It's also in an old rinkhouse though afaik, so it's likely to be on the cool side. It might be worthwhile to bring arm/leg warmers if you have them.

shiznaz: I'm bringing eggbeaters and mountain shoes.

cavernmech: I'm renting.

yea. I heard the same about if you go forest city for your first time, expect a crash.
that gets me thinking.... I guess I'll just leave my bike at the shop so it can live to see more happy days with eyefloaters pake.
and I'm just bringing my eggbeaters w/ road shoes. (anyone know how much it is to rent?)

*rule of thumb* First time out on anything new..... rent
it's 10$ i think

Has/does anyone ride with a particulate mask? Feelings?

It's $30 including the rental.

I was wondering about those as well. I've always been curious as to what the white filters look like after a couple weeks of use.

Former home of the OHL London Knights, cousin!

my thought is that it would be much too hot to wear one in the summer and would probably restrict breathing. i've also read that they don't actually filter out any of the really harmfull airborne toxins. i've been experimenting with herbal supliments the past few years that aid in cleansing the respritory system. to that end i take nettle leaf suppliments. nettle is a air purifying plant that you often see growning next to highways for this very purpose (it grows like a weed). don't ask me how if works but all i know is i'm clearing my throad a lot less during the summer. could be the placebo effect, but then again so is the mask.

EDIT: duh, i wrong herb. i was thinking about Mullein leaf. Nettle is for seasonal allergies.

Eyefloater
you work at cycle therapy right?

Thanks for the kind words all.

Well I had it with me and the prof was droning on about loop invariants and boring stuff so I looked over at my bike and I was like wtf. Did you sign up for Sunday with Joe?

This was a new one. I had a hairline crack on the downtube on the top side but when i revealed the paint it didn't seem to be a crack but this one is on the bottom and I could definitley see that it was cracked :|

Anyways, my Bianchi has a 55~56 seat tube, 56 top tube all c-c. I'm definitley going to get that tube replaced, just need a week or so to compile the necessary funds.

So for now, is it ok to ride on? Am I going to faceplant at 30kph?

*sniff

Knowing that you tend to ride on the fast side I wouldn't. It does depend on how bad the crack is tho. I have known guys to ride on cracked frames for extended periods. They typically just keep a close eye on the crack to make sure it isn't getting worse. Steel doesn't usually fail catastrophically but tends to slowly get worse over time. All that being said not riding for a week or so...while sucking mightily... is nowhere near as crappy or expensive as dental work and root canals.

ya that's true about dental work

rob, see if parts unknown has a warranty! seriously though, my condolences. i've been having bikes woes lately myself. i think i would stay off it. not worth taking the risk. do you have anything to ride in the meantime?

I have nothing to ride except this Canadian tire mountain bike (which really sucks). In a picture I took a month previous I think I already see the crack on the downtube. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention to my bike and it took revenge on me.

Maybe gokiburi can rent you his Nishiki Olympic.

TJ: Respro filters are pretty robust http://www.respro.com/popup_filters.php
http://www.respro.com/urbancommuting_cycling.php

I am seriously considering getting one. The exhalation valves ease breathing somewhat. In terms of heat and comfort, I'd have to try it out. On the other hand, once you get particulate matter in da lungs, it's there for life. I just don't relish sucking diesel exhaust with a high humidex when climbing -- which seems to be happening a fair bit.

And if I get the nightsight mask, using some judicious electrical tape may give it a great Skeletor tm look.

Re: Operator's bike, good luck! Sucks to the crack! (snicker... crack)

Re: complaints about party invites, please address your concerns to Sirrobinofcoxly, I had no part in your social rejection.

ouch

POS server..... anyway, what I have been trying to post is that I have an old, ****ty lugged frame that is yours if you want it. Not sure of the size, I'll check.

Erm. Cavernmech, if I invite you to my party, will you give me good news about those two rear wheels? :D

Yeah, my comment was aimed at him. I'll have to drop by the shop and give him a piece of my mind. ;)

Although, it being a Monday night, I too would likely have wussed out. :P

if you invite me to your party I'll give you good news.. it may not be "accurate" news, but I can guarantee it'll be good*! :P


*Note: This guarantee is not a guarantee.

ps. I can't remember if I posted specifically about this yet or not, but it looks like the weather forecast for tomorrow has improved, so I'm planning on hitting this up:

Thursday June 1
Let’s Bike to the Ex! BBQ & Music
6:30 to 11 p.m. @ Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place
The 4th annual BBQ celebration of bicycles and sustainable technologies. Hear the soulful beats of Totally Committed. Free Admission, burgers, beverages, beer, and wine. 416-263-3555

I'm on my own for dinner tomorrow night and I'm going to be out (for a haircut) after work anyway, so I figured I'd head down there for a burger and some beer. Anyone else want to drop by?

depends on the caregiver for my Dad and if that goes well I will show up for a Burger and Guieness with you

Thanks for the offers for frames guys, i'm going to get the downtube replaced (cavernmech ftw!). With $ going into frame repair i'm not sure I can make the June 10th velodrome partay.

Are we at capacity for car seats? If so someone else can dibs my seat.

I was actually looking at that site this morning as well.
Urbane carries the Techno model it seems.
Respro also sells the reflective sticker kits as well..
I'm going to check out Urbane and see if they have more than what was on the site.
80 bones but if it keeps a summers worth of smog trapped sulfuric acid particles out of my lungs I think I'll win. I hope to be able to try one at the store to gleen an idea as to how it will be trying to hoover air during my adventures in traffic. I don't think any of us are of the non-elevated heart rate type riders and it would deal breaker if I can't suck air.