I just saw a few problems with that video

There are no bikes in city centre either (well, you can walk them)
that bus setup looks ***REALLY*** dangerous
no bikes on the road (makes things hard for speed demons)

You definitely need a feeling of community for this to work; people really need to work together in harmony. I feel we are all too individualistic and selfish here (as well as ethnically diverse and economically stratified) for this kind of approach to work right away. I know I'd be pissed waiting behind slower cyclists, but thats just because I'm not used to it.

They definitely have the right idea and some of the best cycling infrastructure in the world though.

Someone just emailed this to me: "I was just at a bike shop at Gerrard and Broadview and they have the biggest bike I have ever seen. A 70 cm Panasonic and nice. $250."

70 cm!!

how tall would a 70cm frame rider be? Good Lord!

I'm guessing around 7 feet. I wonder how long the cranks are?

That's just up the street, I'll have to swing by for a look tomorrow.

You will learn all about it soon enough. Its often worth it.

If you watch closely you will see some folks blasting ahead by ducking into the traffic lanes but not as wide open in some respects. But again, it's what your used to. I also imagine they filmed at prime commuting time. I also get a little cranked behind slower cyclists, particularly the pedal and coasters. Maybe that's just a general sign for us all to slow down, at least when it doesn't matter.

And welcome nerdsgirth. I used to do a daily ride to Steeles and Leslie, so I know what's it like riding where people have never seen a bicycle before. It was always a pleasure to see the rare cyclist.

I remember seeing a pic of Bill Walton straddling his custom road bike. I thought at the time how the head tube was as long as a regular sized bikes seat tube. Mutants.

That would be amazing.

My lovely wife has the perfect solution. Take it to a shoe maker, dry cleaner, or to someone that does alterations and such. If they can't do it, they'll tell you who can. That's keepin' it simple and it won't cost much.

Welcome Home BTW

My 2 cents on the orthotic thingy:

How can you buy orthotics from someone else? I thought they were generally custom made to not only fit better, but to correct postural problems which are specific to each person.

In other news. This nice weather has got me to thinking that I really don't know if I want to live through another Toronto winter. This city is so much more fun in the nice weather. I love nice weather. I want more of it dammit. *sigh*

In other other news. I go sleepy time now. Later mstrb8rs.

That's a really misinformed opinion. Labs figure surprisingly prominently in biting statistics, while most pitbulls are extremely sweet towards people. There are standard temperament tests to determine the level of dog's aggressiveness and other behavioural problems, and pit bulls score better than most breeds. I used to have similar misconceptions about the breed... but then I became a volunteer dog walker for the Toronto Humane Society and pit bulls just won me over. Despite the fact that the THS pit bulls have had a way rougher life than most, they are still amazing doggies. Some of the smartest and nicest dogs I've ever seen have been pit bulls. Their bad reputation is due to the aggressive pinheads who buy what they think a "tough dog" and then abuse it and train it to be nasty. Nobody buys a lab to turn it into a killing machine, so labs don't get all the bad press. But a properly socialized pit bull is a wonderful creature and certainly no more dangerous than any other breed.

WOW! this is nice, I want. 20.5 lbs :eek:

http://seaotter.mtbr.com/wp-content/...4/img_4896.jpg

Here are more pics.

Yeah, right... The cyclists who get chased and bitten sure do. Interestingly, I've NEVER had a problem with a dog in the city (despite encountering many dogs - I seek them out, 'cause I absolutely love them) and have been chased by a dog in the country more than once (and I know enough of dog body language to tell that at least some of them weren't chasing "just to play"...) From what I've seen, I conclude that country dogs are poorer socialized and more aggressive and territorial than the city dogs. It makes sense, given the different environments.

oh i dont care how they figure...in my hood the d00ds with pits hang em from trees and shock em with shock collars if they dont rip apart toy targets...the labs are all owned by cabbagetown peeps who spoil them...any dog can be aggressive....it just so happens in my h00d i have all the idiot drug dealers and fake.gangsters who have 2 or 3 pitts each that they abuse and let run free...unfortunately those stats dont figure in to my reality at the moment...i think given the right circumstances ie. responsible pet owners any dog can be good.

Well... there you go. I think we basically agree, except in your original message you placed a focus on a breed as opposed to irresponsible (and worse) ownership, so I had to speak up. :)

BTW, spoiling a dog is not that good either. :) You may mean it in a good way (as in "treat well") but actually letting the dog run the house is one thing that makes dogs bite. They figure they're the leaders and if anyone ever tries to do anything they don't like... they'll defend their "leadership". That's one reason dogs like cocker spaniels and labs account for surprisingly many bites each year: people who get them don't know how to be firm and that can lead to a host of troubles in no time.

Well, there are variables. Some breeds are known to be on average more aggressive than others - but pitbulls on average are LESS aggressive toward humans than most (unless, of course, you abuse them and train them to be mean). But they do have a high prey drive which means they're more likely to chase small animals (and love to play fetch :)). They can also possess dog-aggressiveness which you can't train out of the dog that easily. It's not that most of them will go rabid and start a fight with any other dog, but if there is ever a brawl among dogs to figure out who's the leader, a pit bull won't usually back off. But while there are some general tendencies among various breeds, variations within the breed are huge, and a good responsible owner is what really makes a difference...

hahahahaha I hear you Chephy but I dont put my faith in stats as much as i do my own common sense and instinct...as a father and dog owner i dont have that luxury. the reason i place focus on the breed is not press...just personal experience...I have seen the odd good pit but for the most part they arent nice here.

i didn't do any sewing, just a length of webbing for the belt, and then another shorter piece attached over top looped through d-rings. that way the holster is adjustable for lock size. i suppose i could sew something if i were really serious about it...i've got some time now; maybe i will.

no kidding; let me know what the deal is. if it's actually a buy-orthotics-get-sidis no funny business i'm off to get a note from my doctor.

the "sport sewing shop" on gerrard east near woodbine should be able to sort you out; they work on all kinds of backpacks and heavy-duty gear, and have all necessary accessories. they are (were?) contracted by MEC for repair services. i have had stuff done there, no problems.

http://toronto.ibegin.com/retail/sport-sewing-shop

man, that is big. i thought i had the record with my 67cm frame.

I quite like bull terriers (Staffordshire's are probably my favourite dog ever - little land piranha's with a heart of gold) and I can vouch for the generally more territorial nature of farm dogs. I usually judge a pitbull or Roti but what's on the other end of the leash. Camo pants, hat on backwards, gangsta chains? No, I probably won't be asking to pat the dog. My stereotypes run to the twolegged variety. Italy has restrictions on 92 breeds, but at least they ban ownership for delinquent types.

i still think people are less uptight in the country dog-wise than they are in the city. my dog gets away with all sorts of ***** when he's at my folks cottage that he would never get away with here. maybe it's just a more general relaxed attitude, who knows.

I had a neighbour who was about 98lbs soaking wet yet she had two pitbulls that were each heavier than her. She wouldn't be able to hold them back if there were ever a problem and these things were vicious, barking at everyone/everything and always chomping at each other. I always thought that it was pretty stupid that she had these dogs but she always maintained that they were for her protection.

From her I learned that often it is not the dogs that are the problem but the owner. I think certain breeds attract certain people and I always feel bad for those pitbulls or bull mastiffs that get bought for the wrong reasons. It is very sad because they can be great dogs.

man.. my health benefits suck balls. You'd think a unionized position in a huge local would have a decent plan, but you'd be wrong.

My dog was traumatized by a pitbull when he was a puppy and never really wanted to socialize with dogs again after that, meaning we have a very very very wimpy dog. Now he really only likes hanging out with people. He was attacked a few times by pitbulls in riverdale farm since then, and now he basically shys away from any other dog (he is okay around some labs and larger dogs though).

I always thought it was weird that people bought a dog they knew they would have to muzzle... Any dog can flip out and go crazy, but I can overpower my lab's jaws, but theres no way in hell you could get a pit bull off of your leg/arm/face. They're pretty damn ugly looking too.

I don't know.. I think I'd rather have a 21lb full-suspension.. :) (or $10k.. you know.. whatever)

http://www.scottusa.com/i/images/products/205193.jpg
http://www.scottusa.com/category.php?UID=645

Or a <20lb hardtail

http://www.scottusa.com/i/images/products/205197.jpg
http://www.scottusa.com/category.php?UID=215

Of course, those numbers could have simply been pulled out of a marketing department's collective ass, but either way I'm sure they're all pretty light. :)

Carbon fibre mountain bikes just seem like a bad idea to me. Especially if you're the one paying for it.

I'm sure it is. My orthodics bought at another place were $275 all in. So $500 plus 'free' shoes makes sense. [in reality they were $140, since I only needed one...but you get the idea.]

after seeing someone fold a rocky mountain hammer offroading I agree!