I think the rival and force groups are pretty much mechanically identical except for weight shaving. Which is pretty cool because it means that rival operates just as well but is more durable because its slightly heavier.

I really didn't get why all those ghosts and big heads were walking around in a circle. Freaked the crap out of me

anyone gonna be around t.dot for the weekend? up for a ride?

HOLLA!!

I tell ya wwwheeeeeeeeeee with the tailwind from the east.
There were special private sacrifices in Kensington.... look for specials on Goat and Goat Roti.

'.....designed to help the god Marduk tame the monsters of chaos for one more year.....
but who knows for sure...ask your local wiccan preist

hehe I think I tasted that tailwind going the wrong way. I almost got stopped by a gust in the middle of the front/spadina intersection.

You know where Shaw splits into two at Dundas? I arrived at that intersection going south well before any cars arrived there, still, I moved to the left enough to let right turners by. The light changes, nobody is next to me so I enter the intersection, and then bias towards the road divider on the left side of the road because there is parking all along the right side of the road (I like to eliminate the chance of dooring). Then up on my right comes some silver hatchback thats about 6 inches from my right leg, so I start madly waving it back. It seems to stop passing me for a short while, but kept sitting about a foot behind my wheel most of the way down to queen before they could zip into some empty parking spaces and pass me to get to the red light. I pull up next to the car and stare in the window expecting some macho jackass and its this diminutive teenage/twenties girl and she won't do anything but look straight ahead of her despite me waving right in front of her window. I didn't bother to knock on her window because she looked kinda scared. I hope maybe she learned a little lesson about intimidation, because I was being forced by her to ride over wet manhole covers and had I gone down she would have run me over with both of her left-side wheels.

When they look frightened it's because they know they've done wrong....that's usually when you can have a conversation with them and school them as to what a safe following distance is and how it change's with the weather. It doesn't need to be an angry conversation. She wouldn't have followed a car that closely why is OK to follow you that closely. With the parking that section of Shaw is sketchy, if the driver isn't a complete ahole I take that section. As it is I don't like driving down that section for the exact same reason.

If you're waving it back, and it doesn't back off. Get right in front of it, so it no longer freaks you out. I hate the corner of the bumper being so close I can see the scratches from the other things they've run over. I don't mind being buzzed but don't shadow me, for exactly the reasons you describe....if I go down ...you hit me guaranteed.

To all my fellow Bike Forumites. Stop by the shop tonite (6ish) for some Holiday cheer. Beverages and snacks will be served with the usual discussion of safety. Any who cant make it, have a great Festivus. Cheers, Keith.

I'd love to come but I've got to be at the airport at 6:30 and have a number of last minute errands to do between when I get off work at 2pm and then. So yes, may we all spread cheer around the festivus rod this year, and be triumphant at any wrestling matches.

The news doesn't stop for holidays unfortunately but a happy holidays to all, think of me working while you watch the queen's speech on Xmas day, I love double time and a half...

Yeah yeah mr. surf holiday. merry kwanza to you too.

Thanks Keith. I'll try and swing by. If I don't make it have a great holiday. That goes for all the rest of you bike nerds too.

Hmm, where abouts on campus was it? I remember I think. We rode south for a bit from St. George and Collegeish or around there. Was this "teeny tiny black bike" a black powder coated Fuji Track with flipped/chopped drop bars? And was I riding my black road bike?

Nah Holidays are to be taken when there aren't a bazillion people swarming a place so i work over xmas and then leave usually at the end of jan/start of feb.

Edit: Is campy gear cheaper in Italy the same way/amount NJS/Shimano/Japanese gear in general is cheaper in Japan?

Just take yer Italian speaking ass to Vincenza with a bottle of good Grappa in hand. Yer In! A swooning description of yer love for Fausto Coppi will help also.

I got no italian skillz but I do know people who live there perhaps they can assist me in my search for components...excellent.

Did anyone bring a lantern?

to all those taking off for the weekend / holidays, have a good one. for those of you staying around TO, shout if you want to go for coffee runs.

if it stops raining later i'll swing by for the festivus safety meeting.

Correct, sir. Happy 22nd, everyone!

Question regarding the scotch night, I know its American and a blend but will my bottle of Jack Blue be allowed under some sort of "Well it tastes good" clause? Just curious I have a real bottle if so needed as well.

Kon ni chi wa!

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6158/makino01ox3.jpg

I will use this photo to ascertain where you live and then I shall unleash my cloned vat ninja to steal it for me. Yes...that is the plan. Or you could just post nice closeups so we can all drool.

Keith... loads to do ....doubt I'll make it out there.
Happy festivities to all!!!!
Dominique!!!! so nice to see you post again. Came up for air did you?

Okay... here are some teaser shots...

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/4710/makino05hv0.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4075/makino04ck3.jpg

if you have a real bottle, why are you holding out on us?

Because the real bottle isn't nearly as good as the Johnny Blue (jack blue? am I high? No one answer that) in my opinion. Its "real" as in a single malt, but Johnny Blue is well better even if it IS a blend. I was just wondering how hard and fast the rules are.