Cogs, Stouts, Pucks, and Shouts

Ah, revisiting my old blog....

2011-05-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I posted. Moved back to Corpus Christi. Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. I opened a bike shop.
Ready for the Stanley Cup Championship. Now that the Bolts are out, I am defaulting to a rooting for the Bruins.
Before I discuss that, I have to acknowledge how incredibly bad ass Steve Stamkos is.

Whatever the case I have to cheer for Boston as Tim Thomas is amazing:

and Luongo is a bitch.

Enough for now...I am hungry.

Watched This Today. It's Pretty Awesome.

2010-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Beer Pancakes from Backpacker.

2009-08-03T18:14:00.001-07:00

Bicycle Film Festival in Austin

2009-08-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

BFF is coming to Austin August 5-9.

New Blog

2009-07-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't spent much time here as I have started a new project.... 30 NHL Arenas by Bicycle.... Stay tuned.

NHL Playoffs

2009-05-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

Okay the playoffs have shaped into something pretty special(as usual). The Sharks have been eliminated in true President's Trophy curse tradition.

In the West you have arguably the two best goaltenders in the NHL going head to head. Roberto Luongo and Nikolai Khabibulin.

A very young Blackhawks team ready to bring pride back to the Chicago hockey fans. The Wings and the Ducks duking it out. Already getting bloody.

In the East Ovechkin and Crosby up against each other. An offensive epic ripe for a league frothing at the mouth for new fans. The Bruins ready to test the once Cup worthy Canes.
A good chance for an Original Six Cup run.

B.U. and Boonen

2009-04-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

NCAA championship finale was amazing right down to the OT game winner.

Boonen three peat on the rocks!

Lance, The Giro, & The AFLD

2009-04-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Update on Lance's Injury, Response to Drug Testing Allegations -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Okay I'm not a fan of Lance. I really don't want him in the only Giro I'm gonna get to see in person, but the AFLD (Agence Française de Lutte contre le Dopage) tactics are bullshit. I just don't get it. If your gonna take him down, do it fair.
Jeez, proven French dopers are heroes. Take for example Richard Virenque. I really hope Lance is legit. Not because I like him, but because a lot of decent people believe in him.
You won't catch me rooting for Astana this May or July.

Put a Fork In It This One's Done

2009-04-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

With an OT shootout loss to the Ducks the Stars end their season. What a crap turd disappointment!

Clown Dog Anniversary Party

2009-04-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Shed Alfred, Magnifico, Woodgrain, Damp Heat, Chinga Bueno, & Brass Ovaries playing at the Scoot Inn celebrating Clown Dog Bikes Anniversary And Yellow Bike Benefit.

Stars Win!

2009-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Three games to make up. Five games left. Preds, Blues, Wild, & Oilers in the way. In a perfect world the Stanley Cup march has begun. The reality of my life indicates not.

2009 Season

2009-03-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

Seven straight losses!

Dallas Stars Season Winding Down.

2009-03-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Four straight losses when the Stars need every point they can get. Outlook grim. Tippet's job secure? Maybe Hully 's looking at Carbonneau.

Moving On Up!

2009-02-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

Number seven in THN's Power ranking! Dallas deals the Preds a notch in the L column. Jere and Ribs are firing on all cylinders. Good net minding from Turc. Avery is becoming a bad memory. Dallas has pulled to second in the Pacific division. Bring on the 'Yotes!

Mmmm. Stars are Playing much Better.

2009-02-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

I now the Ranger game was an anomaly, but things are still looking much better. 7-2-1 in the last 10 games and currently finishing with the Preds.

The Elusive XC Pro Crank

2009-01-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

Damn it! Why can't I get a an old XC Pro Crankset for a reasonable price? Ebayers suck!

Breaking Up is Hard to Do...Hockey & Punk Aint

2008-12-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

So I've been stuck in Ike ravaged Galveston Area for a few months and am back in Austin. My girlfriend broke up with me on December 7th...A day that will live in infamy personally for reasons other than Pearl Harbor.
Came back to Austin and watched the Hanson Brothers (NOMEANSNO incognito).
The next day I went to see the Dallas Stars lose to the Coyotes. Marty Turco stood watching as the game winning goal floated into his abandoned net. To salt up the wound a little more an empty netter to end the game.
I was sitting next to some little punk wearing an autographed Turco sweater. He had been verbalizing his 12 year old coaching commentary. It was quite annoying. When Marty let in the game winner, I stood up and yelled profanity that Turk had to of heard. This kid parents left the game early. Good for them.
Took the train back to Fort Worth.
The Stars currently have an IR full of All Stars.
I got Lehtinen's number put on my sweater at the Arena. At least that was cool.

Traverse City Prospects Tourney

2008-09-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Cool to watch the future of the Dallas/Texas Stars franchise today. James and Michael Neal shined. It was also nice to see the Ludwig name on the blue line again. They honored the Stars sweater by knocking off the St. Louis Blues for co-manager and Blues/Stars legend Brett Hull.

Bear Vs. Teacher on a Bike = Internet Wins!

2008-09-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

Photo by MICHAEL GALLACHER/Missoulian

Jim Litz has a broken bike helmet and bruised ribs to show for the 25-mile-per-hour collision with a 300-pound black bear Monday morning while riding his bike to work from his home in upper Miller Creek. “I was lucky. I was truly lucky, because I accosted the bear and he let me live,” Litz said, while recovering from his injuries Tuesday afternoon at his home.

Jim Litz is accustomed to pedaling past 300-pound black bears on his morning commute to work.

“I've come close to them this time of year,” Litz said, clutching his side and grimacing. “I know bears. The entire creek bottom is just hammered by bears. That's the beauty of living here. But typically, they're crossing the road and I have plenty of time to avoid them.”

That wasn't the case during Litz's Monday morning ride down Bear Run Creek Road, up above Miller Creek. The 57-year-old man passes slender serviceberry branchlets and dogwoods festooned with bear feed, and frequently spots the animals noshing berries on his way to work at Target Range Middle School, where he teaches science to seventh- and eighth-graders. Usually, the animals barrel off the road and out of sight.
*
This time, however, Litz was clipping along the dirt road at 25 mph when he came upon a rise, spied a massive black bear 10 feet in front of him, and pedaled directly into the animal, T-boning its broad side.

“I didn't have time to respond. I never even hit my brakes,” Litz said.

He tumbled over his handlebars, planting his helmeted head on the bruin's back, and man and beast went cartwheeling down the road.

The bear rolled over Litz's head, and its mass cracked his helmet. As the duo toppled over one another, the bear clawed at Litz's cycling jacket, scratching his flesh from shoulder to buttocks before scampering up a hill above the road, where it stopped and whined.

Litz's wife drove by soon after and took her husband to Community Medical Center, and he immediately called Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to report the unusual collision. Game wardens told him they didn't think the animal was seriously injured, but was more likely suffering from some bruised ribs - just like Litz.

“Yep, that's my bear story,” Litz said Tuesday afternoon, too sore and bruised to go to work, but certain that he'd be back in the saddle by Friday. “That day it just happened to be on that particular corner of the road, and all the stars were lined up against me.”

The rib contusions are painful, and the scrapes down his back aren't pretty, but Litz figures he made out on top given the circumstances.

Litz's wife rides her bike to work, too. But she drives down past the feeding gauntlet on Bear Run Creek Road and parks along Miller Creek Road before pulling her road bike off the roof of her car.

As for Litz's bike, a cyclo-cross, it survived unscathed aside for the front wheel coming slightly out of true. But pointing to his cracked helmet, Litz hopes the story inspires his students to wear their helmets.

“I was lucky. I was truly lucky, because I accosted the bear and he let me live,” Litz said. “I truly respect them. They're beautiful creatures.” By TRISTAN SCOTT of the Missoulian

Politics?

2008-06-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

During a conversational 15-minute speech, Obama poked fun at himself telling the crowd that when he was photographed last weekend riding a bike with his children, he looked like Urkel.

Obama Pledges Funding for Cycling

CHICAGO, IL (BRAIN)—Barack Obama, in a private 20-minute meeting with members of the Bikes Belong board of directors, told them if he were elected president he would increase funding for cycling and pedestrian projects. And the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee also said he would support Safe Routes to Schools programs.

He also told them he seldom makes promises on what he would do if elected president, but that this was a promise he would keep. Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong, laid out the industry’s position on boosting funding for cycling-related projects and for Safe Routes to Schools at the meeting.

Stan Day, SRAM’s president, said that Obama “gets it.” He pointed out that Obama understands that bicycles can be part of a solution to issues as diverse as health care, obesity, energy and environmental policy. “He does his homework and he can connect the dots,” he said.

Tom Petrie, president of Velimpex, who flew to Chicago Thursday afternoon, said he didn’t expect to hear Obama lay out a specific agenda for the bicycle industry. “However, it was refreshing to see somebody trying to unite the country instead of trying to divide it with wedge issues. I find it refreshing and, frankly, necessary,” Petrie said.
—Marc Sani

Okay, based solely on this issue (and there are others I care about), I am supporting Barack.
However, lets examine bicycles in recent politics.

When John Kerry was running for president he was photographed riding a Serotta Ottrot. It is a $8000 custom road bike. Obviously very specific and something an avid cyclist would choose for himself. Note the Sidi Genius cycling shoes.

W rides a Trek Fuel 9.8. A carbon fiber $3100 "American" mountain bike. Who the hell rides carbon fiber Mountain Bikes other than racers and douche bags? Note the running shoes. The bike was sent to him by John Burke of Trek. Do you think you would ever see him ride this anywhere other than his ranch? Probably not.

Here's a picture of fomer President Jimmy Carter on a Rivendell. Note the casual attire, no helmet, and loafers. I admire his sense of style. No longer a focus of media attention, he looks like he riding for fun.

The image of Barack shows him on a Trek Hybrid. Much less expensive. He's wearing everyday clothes and pulling a tag-a-long with his kid. I won't bitch about the low rear tire pressure and cross shifting (rookie mistakes). Looks a lot like what an average voter can afford and would most likely ride. Kudos to Obama. Urkel aint so bad.

You can also get these sweet spoke cards at www.obamaspoke.com

Star's Season Done

2008-05-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Good grief.

TURCO!!!

2008-05-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Marty stops 38 shots on net, comes up big with his first professional win at the Joe Louis Arena, and he assists Joel Lundqvist to a game winning goal. Spectacular. Perhaps, I've been too hard on Turc in the past, but I've only wanted him to succeed.

STARS FORCE GAME FIVE!!!

2008-05-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Eriksson gets the first one. Modano gets the game winner. Morrow ices the cake. Turco locks it down with 33 saves! Eat your brooms detroit!

In a Hole But Not Dead...Osgood's an Amazing Actor

2008-05-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, Ribeiro's slash was cheap, but Osgood's butt-ending Ribs was neither an accident nor "professional". Osgood's rolling around on the ice was comical at best. I wonder if Chris Osgood believes his own bullshit.

FINALLY BRING ON THE WINGS!!!!!

2008-05-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

Oh my God! 4OTs. Eat my ass Roenick, Cheechoo, Marleau, Pavelski, Thornton.
MMMM. Victory!!! Morrow and Turco are Superheroes!!!
Richards played well... Damn, I'm tired.

I Don't Really Wanna Say, But...

2008-04-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Stars Own the Shark Tank.

2008-04-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

San Jose worked hard all year for home ice. The Stars are thankful. Dallas dominates the South Bay Ice. Dallas has posted an incredible 8-0-1 record over its last nine games at the HP Pavilion.
The Sharks couldn't capitalize on a one point lead going into the third.
Brad Richards effortlessly stole the puck from Joe Pavelski to sink it past Nabokov and erase the Sharks lead. Mike Modano picks a sweet spin around feed from Zubov to one up the tally. Richards sends Hags a biscuit from behind the basket. Hags lathers it with enough butter to slide it through Nabby. Nabokov is pulled. Hags salts the wound with an empty-netter to send another California audience home miserable.
Josers prepare for a Texas Blackout!

Morrow Comes Up Big in OT!

2008-04-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

First period is a duel of net-minders. Both Nabokov and Turk block ten shots each.
The San Jose Sharks score first in the second frame. Mike Modano rips a one-timer off of a pass from Ribiero to even things up. Ribs wraps the puck around from the back of the net to set up a Morrow tap by Nabokov for the lead.
After a barrage of scoring chances, Cheechoo muscles through Robidas to get one past Turco and sends it to overtime.
Robidas feeds the puck from behind the net to Norstrom. Matty offers Morrow a sweet one-timer hungry for the back of the net.
Dallas starts this series with positive momentum.
Of course none of this has anything to do with my new "Spirit of '99" Surly Cross-Check that I built up for this series. Photos coming soon.

Stars Advance, Heros Emerge, Sharks Must Die!

2008-04-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Dallas Stars eliminate the previous Stanley Cup champs in six games. The series mirrored the 2003 Ducks victory over Dallas. Retribution! The Stars dominate every third period and get performance from suprisingly outstanding rookies as well as seasoned vets. Zubov is skating. Robidas is a superhero. Two goals in game six in 52 seconds to send the Ducks home miserable. Mike Modano drops off an empty netter for salt in the wound. Purty!

Up next, the hated Sharks. This will be good. Two Pacific Division foes to start this run. We know this cast of characters. We have a history with Jeremy Roenick. Thornton, Cheecho, Marleau, Ozolinsh, Nabokov... Prepare. We are about to shit in your Shark Tank.

Lock It Down Boys!

2008-04-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

I knew the Ducks weren't going to lie down and give up the cup. They came out strong and brought it to us. The thing I find encouraging was the strong finish. Two third period goals by the Captain. I'm excited for game four. Win the next two and make the fifth game hurt in Anaheim.

"Lock it down" is the theme in the room this year. In the arena, we are told to 'Believe'

Let's make the AAC mean something. Take it to em Reunion Arena style!

Blackout!

2008-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Stars forward Steve Ott said the players are pushing for a "blackout" in Games 3 and 4 at American Airlines Center by having all fans wear a black jersey or black T-shirt. Other teams have had "white-outs" and "red-outs," but the Stars are wearing all black at home this year.

"It's something we're trying to accomplish," Ott said. "If everyone does it, then by a few games in, we should have a pretty neat looking blackout out there."

-Dallas Morning News

The Scorpions cover looks like someone getting cross checked into the boards hard.

5 Goals, 5 Different Players!

2008-04-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Ducks squander home ice advantage. The Stars are hungry and feasting on Duck! Scoring came from Richards, Erikkson, Modano, Lehtinen, and Ribiero. Bertuzzi didn't hurt anyone but himself. Turco is again excellent. Damn, I'm glad March is OVER!

We got History....

2008-04-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

Granted none of these guys are even playing for the Stars anymore, you learn to hate that Duck logo even though it's a flapper now and not the quacker. I love both Severyn and Sydor, but Darryl was a fool to come back and scuff with Brent.

Ducks Demolished

2008-04-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ott, Erikkson, Lehtinen, and Morrow light the lamp. Turco puts on a clinic for all to watch. Dallas was physical and punishing. The power play is Kicking. Pass the Beer and Doritos, it's ganna be a good run!

Playoffs Start for the Stars Tomorrow

2008-04-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

I'm getting tired of first round knockouts. I hope the boys are hungry this time. I seem to recall the last time we faced the Ducks in the playoffs, we could not get a puck passed Giguere. I smell Duck blood.

It's time to drink from your cup once again. The playoffs are on, Baby!

Holy Crap, General Motors Bought Specialized!

2008-03-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

The company that gave us the Stumjumper and the 1998 TDF Great Festina Doping Debacle is merging with the company who brought us the Hummer. I really don't know what to think about this. I threw away an old pair Specialized gloves today. Maybe that was an omen. What does Ned Overend think? This has got to be an April Fools joke.

WTB Stout 29er

2008-03-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just discovered this tire from WTB. It looks so good I could just drink it. My Monkey needs a new pair of shoes!

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

2008-03-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

RETRIBUTION!!!

Dallas demolishes the Kings 7-2. The Stars hold a lead in the third period! Robidas, Eriksson, Barnes, Morrow, Hagman, and Lehtinen all show team effort in bringing it to the Kings. Hopefully they can use this as a spring board for success in the playoffs. Yes, I know it's the worst team in the West, but sometimes you need a little confidence booster when you are slumping this late in the season.
I just got the new Reebok black sweater. I wore it for the first time. I'm sure this has nothing to do with the win. Okay, maybe that's a lie. ;)

GUINNESS BIKE AD

Make March End!

2008-03-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

March 1, 1-3 loss to Preds
March 5, 1-2 loss to Coyotes
March 8, 1-3 loss to Avs
March 9, SO the Avs 3-0 (an anomoly)
March 13, 3-5 loss to the Red Wings
March 15, 3-4 loss to Canucks
March 19, 1-2 loss to Ducks
March 22, 2-4 loss to the Kings
March 37, 2-3 OTL to Sharks
BELIEVE?

The Stars continue to fail miserably. The King's game Saturday, I had to endure in person.
San Jose last night, Oh my God! Modano's breakaway with no results. What the hell is going on here??? Mike had Nabokov beat! One point OT loss. Still sucks.
BEWARE THE ICE OF MARCH!!!

What the Hell is Wrong With the Stars!?!!

2008-03-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

It's looking like Dallas will play Anaheim in the first round of the playoffs. Dallas has lost six of the last seven games. They've gone from first to third in the Pacific. Most of these losses are Dallas being on the wrong side of on one point games. Yes, Norris Trophy nominated, Sergei Zubov has been out since January with a foot injury, but The Stars should be dialed and seasoned for a playoff run at this point in the season especially against division foes. I blame myself for not following closely enough. I am off to Dallas to fix things with my fan support. I'm hopping a train to Dallas for the Kings game. I'm sure I will be the difference! Of course L.A. is the worst team in the conference, but usually crummy teams like to battle it out for pride and spoil shit from the outside looking in. Whatever the case... KILL KINGS!!!

...More to come.

This Video...

2008-03-18T06:57:00.001-07:00

makes me wanna dance like Steve Zissou.

Do The Test

2008-03-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Went to the Air Raid Show the Other Night@Red7

2008-03-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Saw Naked Raygun,Complete Control,Hex Dispensers,Shot Baker,Municipal Waste,Cancer Bats,Dub Trio,Iron Lung,The Architects, and Fight Amputation.

I went to see Naked Raygun, but I enjoyed quite a bit that night.
My favorites were Fight Amputation from West Berlin, New Jersey; Iron Lung from Seattle, Washington; Cancer Bats from Toronto, Ontario; The Hex Dispensers from ATX; Municipal Waste from Richmond Virginia,; and of course Naked Raygun.

I didn't bring my camera, but I caught some video with my phone when I remembered during Naked Raygun that I could...I may add this later via Bluetooth.

I got to the show relatively early and really enjoyed Fight Amp. Slow and heavy, but bright and catchy..if that makes any sense.

Iron Lung is a two man, guitar and drum band. Really fast and relatively brutal. The drummer rants with a witty snip as entertaining as they are relentless.

The Cancer Brats are a super high energy metal band. The vocalist brought as much energy to the stage as I've seen in a long time. While the music might have lost me the performance wouldn't let go.

The Hex Dispensers delivered a wonderfully nostalgic retro punk with full respect to The Ramones and the era when that shit got me really pumped. Driving drums and and catchy vox set to faithful rhythm.

Municipal Waste took the stage and true to reputation, wreaked havoc on an adoring audience. Lots of beer bong, snide stabs at the band performing behind them, Body surfing, Ceiling dives, and slam dancing like I haven't seen since the 80's. They music fast, tight, and fully charged.

By the time Naked Raygun came on I was exhausted. They totally rocked as I would have expected and remembered (I saw them sometime in the early nineties at The Cannibal Club). I stuck around for several songs and heard my favorite, Walk in Cold.

My beer budget for the evening, strained back, jammed thumb, and jacked knee all needed me to go home.

I mounted my Specialized- commute -hopper and split.

Weird thing ...I have never seen so many Brooks Saddles downtown. I felt so incredibly hip!

My Pista

2008-03-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

My Bianchi is getting a lot closer to kick ass with my new cranks.

Campagnolo Record Pista cranks
Deda Pista Bar and Stem. Campy Record Headset.
Brooks Swift for good measure, as Merckx looks on.

New Ozone Jerseys

2008-03-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Today's "Group" Ride

2008-03-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Rode this Bianchi 928 T-cube Veloce. Vytis was sick, so I woke up and went to the shop to lead a group ride. No one showed up. I decided to do it anyway.

Brad Richards 5 Points in Opening Debut

2008-03-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist come to Dallas for Jussi Jokinen, Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern, and a 4th round draft pick.
In Richard's debut he gets five assists, he helps Hagman get his first NHL hat trick, and allows Turco to have a sloppy ending.

The Surger!

2008-02-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

Pretty damn awesome.
The Guinness website explains the details, The Surger is an ultrasonic device that activates the dormant nitrogen in the Guinness Draught Surger can.
www.guinness.com/us_en/surger/

Campagnolo Record Pista Crankset

2008-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, I will receive my new Pista cranks from QBP. I bought the bottom bracket over a year ago anticipating this purchase. Finally, I'll get them! Big Grin.

Western Conference and Zedneck's Throat

2008-02-21T07:20:00.001-08:00

Although Dallas lost to Calgary in last night's game, The Stars are two games ahead of Anaheim in the Pacific Division, 8-2-0 in the last 10, and number two in the West just behind Detroit (who they beat on Network TV Sunday).

Adrian called me at work to ask if I had seen this. This is by far the most gruesome thing I've seen in NHL hockey. Richard Zednik is out of the hospital and doing fine, but this will remain in his head and our minds for a long time to come.

Village Alamo Drafthouse

2008-02-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

I went to the Alamo to watch Back to the Future the other night and discovered this kickass dessert.

GUINNESS MILKSHAKE 6.99
GUINNESS AND AMY'S VANILLA-ALCOHOLIC

MMMM.

Bike Boxes and Bodum Coffee Press

2008-02-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

I found this website through Commute By Bike:
www.bicyclecoffeesystems.com
The Bodum travel press seems like a nice little upgrade to my Soma Morning Rush set up.

These bike boxes are the shit and spreading.

A bike box renaissance in America?

Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on January 10th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Freshly installed bike lanes
and bike boxes in New York City.
(Photo by Clarence Eckerson)

For years, several U.S. cities have dabbled in an intersection treatment that is ubiquitous in many European cities: the bike box. Unfortunately, most of these boxes, including the one in Southeast Portland, have been more of a forgotten experiment than a clear sign of a new paradigm in how traffic engineers and road users treat bikes at intersections.

The intent of a bike box is to provide a safe-haven for bike riders at intersections. Cars must wait behind the box, thus allowing bikes to come to the front of the intersection. When the light is red, cars are not allowed to turn right. This gives bike riders greater visibility, a head start through the intersection, and eliminates much of the risk of the dreaded “right-hook”.

But there are still many people don’t know what a bike box is because there has never been a coordinated education effort around them. Portlanders that pass by the bike box at SE 39th and Clinton report that only about half of motor vehicles stop behind it (which they should do). Others, like this one in San Francisco, lack the clear marking and necessary upkeep to keep them effective.

But there are signs that this lack of respect for bike boxes is about to change. Yes, 2008 might be America’s year for a bike box renaissance.
By this spring, 14 Portland
intersections will look like this.
(PDOT graphic)

Almost simultaneously, New York City and Portland are embarking on serious bike box campaigns that will change the face of their city streets.

New York City, with its very bike-friendly commissioner of Transportation, Janette Sadik-Khan, has undergone a sea change in its approach to improving bike safety.

Filmmaker and activist Clarence Eckerson of New York City has been covering all the developments. He posted a film on Streetsblog yesterday on how to use a bike-box and earlier this week he snapped photos of a New York City intersection that has been striped with two bike lanes (on each side of the one-way street) and bike boxes.

According to Eckerson, the NYC Department of Transportation has already installed 60 bike boxes around the city.

And closer to home, the New York Times published a story today about Portland’s impending bike box campaign, which calls for PDOT to install fully painted bike boxes and new signage at 14 major intersections by this spring.

The bike box, much more than just bike lanes, will send a clear message to all road users that bikes are not only welcome on city streets, but that real measures are being taken to improve their safety.

Will bike boxes improve safety, increase bike use, and lead to a paradigm shift in traffic engineering in this car-centric country? That might be a tall order for a square, painted box — but I see them as just one of many small steps in a larger revolution that is brewing in Portland, in New York City, and hopefully in many other cities across the country.

From:

Niner Top Cap

2008-01-29T22:06:00.001-08:00

I haven't decided how cool this is or not. Whatever the case they put a Guinness cap on it, so I thought it was worth mentioning. Seems you could figure out some way to do this without this setup. Beer and bikes are always cool.

Stars One up Anaheim

2008-01-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Dallas Stars take over control of the Pacific Division. Dallas gains one point lead over the Ducks after 5-2 victory in Dallas.

New Years In Chapel Hill, NC

2008-01-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

Arrived in Raleigh on Sunday. Went to a pub called Linda's. They had real cheap Sunday night specials. A pint of Guinness and a Yuengling were both only five bucks. Grabbed a six pack of Hop Devil IPA afterward at a liquor store called TJ's. Really nice not to deal with Texas alcohol restrictions. Not being able to buy beer at a store when you can buy it a bar always seemed stupid to me.

Awoke the next morning to my girlfriend surprising me with the news I would be going to an NHL game. Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders were playing in Raleigh. Very cool. We (Liz, friend Cate,and I) sat next to a media booth. Inside the booth was an inaugural era Dallas Stars home sweater. I felt right at home even though I was amongst a sea of red Canes fans. All the red gave the eerie feeling I was at a Detroit home game. Grabbed a Sierra Nevada Pale and some popcorn. Checked a line-up list. I always look for former Dallas Stars for whom to cheer. The first period was uneventful as neither team scored. The Canes played an undisciplined game and they were penalized for it. The Islanders stung them three time quickly with power play goals. John Grahame was pulled and replaced with Cam Ward in net. I found Billy Guerin's number 13 on the line-up list and mentioned to Liz to look out for him. Seconds later he scored on on Cam. I was happy, although the majority of those in attendance were not.

Left Raleigh to attend a dance party at a basement bar called Hell. What better way to usher in the New Year then in the depths of Hell. Good time, cold Guinness. Stopped by a house party briefly. Grabbed some late night pizza and ventured home.

After a Waffle House breakfast. We spent the day checking out the lovely town of Chapel Hill. Stopped in to a music store called School Kids. Then caught Walk Hard at the Varsity Theater. Later that night we stopped at bar made of some old rail cars. Really cozy place to drink an a cold Carolina night.

I must acknowledge NC looks like an awesome place to ride a bike. All the bicyclist I've seen seem to have really wide smiles. We are gonna check out some bike shops today: The Clean Machine and The Bicycle Chain.

I fly back to Texas tonight.

Evel Never Dies

2007-11-30T16:21:00.000-08:00

Lance Hahn Dead.

2007-10-26T17:45:00.001-07:00

Lance passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2007, due to complications from kidney disease. He was much-loved, and his friends and family are working to plan a memorial service in Austin, Texas at this time, the details of which will be posted soon.
http://lancehahn.blogspot.com

Karate Monkey as I Built It...

2007-10-25T18:01:00.001-07:00

Karate Monkey:
Avid Ball Bearing Mechanical Disc Brakes
Avid Single Digit Ultimate Levers
Chris King Headset
Profile Racing Crankset w/Imperial Sprocket 36t
White Industries Eno Freewheel 18t trials
Wipperman white star Chain
Thomson Elite stem and post
Odi Lock-on Rogue Grips
On One Mary Bar
Brooks Team Professional Saddle
Schwalbe Little Albert 29" tyres
Salsa Delgado rims
Surly 1x1 disc hubs
Profile Racing tensioner

Peter Forsberg in Dallas?

2007-10-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

Stars wooing Forsberg. Desperate to add scoring punch to their lineup, the Dallas Stars are actively courting former Avalanche star Peter Forsberg.

Stars general manager Doug Armstrong and his assistant, former NHL star Brett Hull, met with Forsberg over the weekend in his hometown of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden.

Forsberg, 34, is practicing with his former Swedish team, MoDo, in rehabilitation from offseason ankles and hernia surgeries. He has said he'll play in the NHL this season only if his body feels good enough, but that he hasn't made a final determination.

Forsberg is an unrestricted free agent, and many teams are interested in signing him. The Avs are not commenting about their interest.

-Denver Post

.... God, I love this shit!

Austin Moonlite Cruz 2007

2007-10-01T17:54:00.001-07:00

The night was killer fun. I left Trudy's after sucking down a Margarita with Andy Dugas and Vytis. Rolled down to the pedestrian bridge. Picked up some more riders. I was rolling my old Rockhopper with a B.O.B. trailer loaded with Lone Star. I picked up a recycling bin at the Fire Station earlier. Trudy's was nice enough to load it with ice and we bought the beer. Met up with Tommy and a lot of other friend's at the bridge. Then we were cruisin' We lost Vytis early as he helped a kid who wrecked and waited with him until an ambulance picked him up. Took over sixth street. Most people are confused and don't really know why there are so many nuts riding bikes through the street at 2 am. Kept cruisin until the first grocery. The Moonlite Cruz is like a rolling party. People were dancing and chatting. An MC from http://rockthebike.com/ was spitting bike related rhymes through his pedal powered PA.
The night eventually ended at a parking garage by the Capitol Building. We all drink and had a great time. Then APD came and started trouble. A fellow biker crashed head first into a squad car, which didn't really even need to be there. The attitude the Austin Police showed towards a relatively tame group of party goers, was totally out of place and unnecessary. Everyone was peaceful. The police were militant and embarrassing to the tax payers who provide their salary. This ride is one of the many things that make A-town what it is. The police force again displayed how far our city still has to go to wipe away the awful relationship it has with our community. Austin storm troopers strike again.

Interbike ...Vegas Baby!

2007-09-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, and there were some cool bikes too.

Birthday Continued, Hockey Pre-season Begins, and Preparations for Interbike

2007-09-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

So the party rolled on, I went to Halcyon as they were supposed to have a customer appreciate night with free booze and food. Tommy, Brandon, and I hung out drinking Mexican beer (Dies Y Seis, Bitches!) The free part was bullshit. Brandon went home. Tommy and I went to The Onion to talk to our friend Josh and score some pizza. We hung out an had a Tecate. Then we went to Jackalope and transitioned into non-Mexican beers. Eventually we hooked up with Josh at Mugshots for a few more beers. I noticed some dude from earlier in the evening who had pissed me off, so I said "Hey!" as I punched my fist into my hand leaving a bruise. Decided it was time to move on. We ended the evening with some girls from Albuquerque at The Side Bar.
Today Dallas plays St. Louis. Preseason hockey gets no respect at the sports bars. During the Stanley Cup I have to fight for the smallest tv in the corner of the bar. During the preseason hockey gets all the attention of Curling or Cricket. Who cares I'm pumped. I love the sound of Razor an Strangis.
I'm going to Vegas next week for Interbike. Ready to ride some kick ass shit, drink some beer, and check out bike stuff. Oh yeah flirt with convention chicks.
...more to come.

Birthday and Punk Rock Flashbacks

2007-09-16T15:55:00.001-07:00

So I'm walking out of Ozone Bikes and I see this guy wearing a Plaid Retina shirt. I say those guys were great. We chat for a bit and he says hes in a band with the bass player. Kinda strange as the band wasn't huge (but very well should have been) It was cool just to think about their music again.
My coworker, Tommy, tells me his room mate decided to have a party at their place. We ride over to the house and get some beer. As we load the fridge with the beer, I notice an issue of Cometbus on the fridge. He says it's his room mate's. I later ask her her about the issue as it is not very common to come across one. She says her ex was friends with Aaron. I explain to her how much Crimpshrine meant to me growing up.
She has some friends from Chapel Hill, NC and as a long shot conversation starter I mention the only thing I know about Chapel Hill. Have you ever heard of Hellbender? To which she replys, "They played at my 16th birthday party. I tell her we (Laughing Stock) played with them a long time ago at the Blue Flamingo. They were really great. I bought their cd and eventually lost it. I later struggled to score it the vinyl on ebay.
Weird way to lead into my birthday. I ate some pizza and had a pitcher of beer for lunch with Brandon(my coworker). Then she stopped by the bike shop to bring me an Oreo cupcake with twenty candles on it. Awesomeness!
This already a good one. Now, I wanna listen to some old stuff.

New Sweaters Continued....

2007-09-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I love the black sweater. The white one is kinda boring, but Dallas accross the chest kicks ass! Oh jeez!!! Tuesday the Stars play the Blues. Pre-season! Hockey's back M-Fers!

New Sweater for the Stars!!

2007-09-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

The black one kicks ass!

Hell Yeah!

2007-09-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

JERE and SLAYER

2007-07-04T11:36:00.001-07:00

Relocated and Ranting

2007-07-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

I've been offline for a while. I just had internet set up at my house. Why am posting this? I don't know.
Well the Tour de France is back on the horizon. Do we know who really won last year?
I still like CSC. Basso is out so I don't have to root for Discovery.
Why do I still like CSC? Dave Zabriskie shows much promise.
I like Carlos Sastre, Jens Voigt, and Stuart O'Grady.
All the racers I've cheered for in the past are out.
Basso, Hamilton, Landis, all out with murky doping allegations.
How much damage has been done to the credibility of professional cycling?
Who knows? However, the Tour's epic battles are entertaining regardless of synthetic testoserone, EPO, or steroids. I'm still watching when possible. My Grande cable doesn't come with Versus.

Japan and such....

2007-04-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Wandered around the streets of Yokosuka yesterday. Found a little pub called The Milestone near the JR train station. Pretty cool place; sat down and had some Guinness Foreign Extra, 7.5% by volume. They had a Texas flag hanging over the door to the lavatory and Miles Davis records on the wall. Bought a can of Kirin from a vending machine near my sisters old house.
Went to some Buddhist temples in Kamakura and the Landmark Tower in Yokohoma.
Tonight I am going to some Keirin races and tomorrow Tokyo.
Lots of bikes here. Most of them utilitarian folding bikes or stepthru frames with fenders and racks. Apparently the locals don't understand the importance of tire pressure. Most bikes are completely flat. Have some pictures to post as soon as I get
home.

Stars are out!

2007-04-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

Dallas loses in game seven. Watching hockey in Japan is difficult. The only American sports are on AFN (Armed Forces Network). AFN is showing mostly basketball now.

Turco Responds Accordingly!

2007-04-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

After losing in a quadruple overtime heartbreaker, Marty Turco redeems himself with a 35 save shutout. Dallas looked great tonight as they did in the opener. This time the Stars stayed on the upside of the scoreboard.
Jeff Halpern scored in the first 24 seconds of the first period and Joel Lundqvist scored in the first 45 of the second. Turco gets his first shutout in 24 career playoff appearances.

AAARGH! 4OT Loss. Painful. Oh no Turco, Dejavu!

2007-04-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Outplayed the Canucks, then beat by a Goaltender.

Lord Stanley

2007-04-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

IT'S ON BITCHES!!!!

Corpus Christi

2007-04-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

CORPUS CHRISTI

In the beginning there was a void
except for the written word
But I was born in such foolish times
my guilt is guaranteed
now I don't want to burn in hell
John told me that I would
unless I went down to the water
my sins purged in his holy blood

see how they run, sheep to the fold
see how they fall, corpse from the cross

now I got my bleeding heart
and I wear my crown of thorns
and argue with the old men
about the tapestry was torn
I got to sacrifice my ego
it's such a small price to pay
I'm waiting for the resurrection
gonna find out what Christ would say

see how they run, sheep to the fold
see how they fall, corpse from the cross

read another bible story
I've got to find the truth
sending loads of telegrams to God
prove my faith is absolute
I'm going down, down on my knees and pray
maybe I'll buy a talisman
oh, something's got to save me
on the judgement day

see how they run, sheep to the fold
see how they fall, corpse from the cross
see how they run, sheep to the fold
see how they fall, corpse from the cross
kyrie eleison

Probably, one of the coolest punk rock songs ever.
The first time I ever heard it, Desperate Minds was covering it. I love it when a cool band introduces an amazing song to me. Ironically, it shares the name of my home town. Seems apprpriate for Easter.

Do You Smell That?

2007-03-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

Ah the sweet scent of playoff hockey! Dallas whipped up on Phoenix the other night with a 6-o victory. With that win they clinched a playoff berth. The Stars are battling with San Jose and Anaheim for the lead of the Pacific Division. Maybe I'll get some Stars boxers for the Cup run.

Karate Hand Luke & Philo Beddoe

2007-03-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

Woke up had some Grape Nuts. Started my day. Called Brandon to borrow a headset press, fork crown setter, cutting guide, and some American hex wrenches. Rode my grocery bike over to Walgreen's to buy some charcoal lighter fluid. Busted open my Tofurky Beer Brats. Lit the coals and sat down to watch George Bush and Nancy Pelosi duke it out verbally on CNN. Brandon showed up with the tools and my Kona Unit 2-9 painted green. Thanks Brandon for making my bike look incredible. But for right now I am feeling a bit Surly. The Kona is going to wait to be built up. Put the Brats on the grill. Started building up my Karate Monkey and flipped the channel to AMC. Cool Hand Luke was on. I decided if I had a son I would make him watch it and then have a discussion about it afterward. The movie was the pefect sound track to Monkey building. The Surly built up real nice and carried me into Any Which Way You Can. I ate the Brats with grill softened onions on some buns with mustard. Drank a couple of ice cold IBC's. Put some platform pedals on the KM and zipped over to Ozone to grab my birth certificate, which my mom sent priority mail. Showed the bike to co-workers. Fucking bike shop dudes. They always grab at your brake levers or second guess your building ability. But I could tell they thought it was snazzy. Rode back to the Speedway Post Office. Stood in line to submit my application for a passport. At this point I came home. It was warmer inside my house than outside, so I hopped on the KM again and rolled over to Clown Dog to hang out and show my new bike and apologize for being a drunken ass Friday night. Cruised home. I forgot what a cool fucking bike Surly's Karate Monkey is. I'll have pictures up soon.

Mustard Stout

2007-03-25T18:14:00.001-07:00

I was at the grocery the other day and came accross this stuff. Taste kick ass on my smart dogs. I should tell The Hot Dog KIng to keep some in his van for me.

I think I'm Going Japanese

2007-03-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

My sister is leaving Japan and asked me if I could take a week off to help her move. So I'm going to Yokohoma for a week in April. Woohoo!

Stars Sweep The Kings

2007-03-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Dallas Stars sweep the L.A. Kings. Eight games, 16 points. Next stop, Division leading Ducks. God! I can just feel the playoffs coming. This is the best time of the year.

S. E. Racing 29" Stout

2007-03-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

As the title of this blog includes Cogs and Stouts, I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention this bike. The theme is pretty cool, but already to many companies making a better thought out alternative. No sliding dropouts or eccentric bottom bracket, no integrated bottle opener, no rack or fender mounts, no funky cool handlebar. Oh well, a missed opportunity.
The Stout is an aluminum 29'er with horizontal dropouts, no disc tabs, and a chromoly fork. I already own a Kona Unit 2-9 and have a Hüsker Blü Karate Monkey on the way. I'll stick with what I have.
Well S.E., kudos for the effort and the other beer bikes: The Lager and Draft.

Monkeylicious

2007-03-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ordered and on the way.

SXSW '07

2007-03-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Went to the Hydrahead Records showcase at the EMO's annex (usually where a taco stand is most of the time). Suffered through the band Oxbow and an acoustic set by some artist whose name I would find out if I cared. Next up was Daughters from Rhode Island. The music had the sound of a carousel spinning out of control in a psyche ward. The vocalist was a highly energetic malnutrioned son of G.G. Allin who enjoyed spitting on himself: into his pants, onto his face and eyes, and dangling it from a string above the audience. Still quite enjoyable. Big Business took the stage. A dude with a fro and an excessive beard. He was wearing a black panther shirt and ripped at the bass like it insulted his grandmother. The drummer understated with what appeared to be gardening gloves wrapped with duct tape. Later in the set a guitarist joined them to fill out the already overwhelming sound. Holy shit! Very powerful set. Next was JESU. Really heavy, really boring. At this point the HOt Dog King down the street was calling. We ducked out to eat. The King had a Queen to help him for the night. I aske for onions while my buddy was ordering the dogs. She barked at me as if she worked for SXSW or something. All was cool. We went back to the show. Now they had a SXSW girl working the door. She informed me I didn't have the appropriate stamp to get back in. I showed her my stamp and she informed me that was for over twent-one and I would need to pay 15 bucks to watch the last band in the tent. Fuck that. We opted to listen and watch them from outside. Pelican was the last band an instrumental band. The were excellent, but I really prefer my metal with a voice. The night was done for me and my back and shoulder were worn. I hopped on bike and rolled home.

Tonight I'm going to see Public Enemy and tomorrow Mastadon free shows, but I have VIP passes. We'll see what that means.

Modano Scores His 500th

2007-03-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

Mike scores his 500th career goal. Mike picked up a rebound off a John Klemm slapshot. The goal turned out to be the game winner as the Stars beat the Flyers 3-2.

New Sweater

2007-03-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Okay so this new buying gig at the shop is addictive. I was special ordering a bib for a customer when the sales rep asked if that was all. Damn my weakness. Fortunately the evenings are still chilly enough to enjoy this really comfy wool sweater.

Ahh, Heel Clearance! Thank You Surly.

2007-02-26T02:59:00.000-08:00

Mmm. I almost feel guilty grocery shopping with so much luxurious heel clearance. The Nice Rack is truly a nice rack. I keep thinking I'm gonna hit, but it just doesn't happen. I gave my Blackburn EX-1 to Glen. I do believe I heard my handlebars smile.

New Look For The NHL

2007-02-20T21:57:00.000-08:00

Looks like part of the marketing of the New NHL is to shove a more streamlined futuristic look to the uniform. Of course we're told it will improve performance. Blah, Blah, Blah...The new authentics are $425.

Q: Is every team getting new sweaters next year no matter what? Are they all going to be new designs, or are they just going to be made of the new material and new fit? What about third jerseys? I know the Stars are now officially done with the old third jersey, so how long do they have to wait until they can make another one?

James

HEIKA: The NHL is currently planning to use a new sweater style for all teams next year. It will be lighter, tighter-fitting and have some sort of elastic in the underarm areas.

Because of the material, horizontal striping is not easy with these new sweaters (it will have to be sewn on, and that will compromise the stretchability of the sweater). However, the Red Wings and other traditional teams can make their sweater all one color, and they will be allowed to adjust the sweaters to make them look as traditional as possible.

Anyway, the Stars' "star logo" sweater will not work under the new format, and they will probably have new sweaters that are close to their practice ones, with white swooshes under the arms. I believe they are taking the majority of the green out and going back to black and white with green as a trim color. They might bring the green back for the "third jersey," but that probably won't be out until 2008-09 or even 2009-10

-The Dallas Morning News' Mike Heika

Not to big of a deal, but I like to bitch about the "improving" of an already perfect sport. I hate the Bullhead 3rd sweater anyway, and I've never been a big fan of the "Star" sweater, although have both the home and away version and wear it proudly.
I always liked the inaugural and North Star sweaters.

Epogen and The Amgen Tour of California

2007-02-19T19:31:00.000-08:00

How it works:

EPOGEN® is a recombinant protein that works in a similar way as the body’s natural erythropoietin — a glycoprotein produced by the kidneys that circulates through the bloodstream to bone marrow, where it stimulates red blood cell production. Red blood cells perform the essential function of transporting oxygen throughout the body. When the kidneys fail, production of erythropoietin decreases and the production of red blood cells is hindered, usually resulting in anemia.
EPOGEN® is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Advertising:

Advertising clients are predominantly, but not exclusively, for-profit corporations seeking to increase demand for their products or services.

Safe Bicycle Passing Bill SB248

2007-02-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

Summary
Requires a motorist to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist and requires a commercial vehicle to give at least six feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.

Background
An average of 50 cyclists a year are killed on Texas roads, about 20 of whom are hit from behind by vehicles traveling the same direction./2/

A motorist who hits a cyclist from behind often avoids liabilty by claiming “the bicyclist swerved into me." As cyclists are unlikely to swerve more than three feet, this bill helps establish liability for cyclists hit by drivers from behind./1/

Political Context
Similar language failed the senate by 4 votes in the 2005 legislative session. Sen. Staples headed the opposition./3/ This bill will be heard in Transportation & Homeland Security Wednesday, Feb 14th, 2007.

BRENT LILES R.I.P. (1963-2007)

2007-02-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

By Associated Press | January 25, 2007

PLACENTIA, Calif. -- Brent Liles, a former bassist for the 1980s punk rock group Social Distortion, was struck and killed by a truck while riding a bicycle, authorities said yesterday. He was 43.

Mr. Liles was hit on Jan. 18. No immediate charges were brought against the driver.

Mr. Liles, who was from Fullerton, joined Social Distortion in 1981 and played bass on the band's "Mommy's Little Monster" recording two years later.

Fed up with turmoil inside the group, he and drummer Derek O'Brien quit the band during a New Year's Eve performance in 1983.

Mr. Liles went on to play with other punk groups, such as Agent Orange.

Lepper Voyager

2007-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Mitch let me have his old Lepper saddle. Word on the internet is that the rails break at the spreader.

The concern- as I have read it- was that the rails did not "flair" out at the back of the saddle, so
the rear stretcher frame extends well beyond the rails, allowing the rider's weight to have quite a
bit of leverage on the welds as it rocks back and forth under pedaling.

Looks cool. I'm gonna see how goes for me.

Turco Pulled Again!

2007-02-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

Marty is choking early in the year this time. Hopefully he get's it out of his system before playoffs. Fortunately, Mike Smith has been a strong backup. We're still getting points in the win column in the Pacific Division and Western Conference.
Three straight wins against Minnesota, Anaheim, and Colorado.

Nirvana?

2007-02-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

When I was driving once I saw this painted on a bridge:
"I don't want the world, I just want your half"
-They Might Be Giants, Ana Ng

New Paul Levers

2007-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

This will look nice on my Pista. Sold individually! Someone's getting smart.

Park Evangelists

2007-01-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

The rest of the story...John 1:12 Yet to all that recieved him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God- 13 children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision, but born of God.

I took this quote from the Park Tool catalog. I have no problem with Christians, Muslims, Jews, or whatever.. but I really don't need scripture fed to me in my tool catalog. Park has been doing this for a while. I stopped buying the blue tools. Give me Pedro's yellow thank you very much.

I just watched an HBO documentary called FRIENDS OF GOD: A ROAD TRIP WITH ALEXANDRA PELOSI, I must say it was pretty scary. Religious extremist are dangerous. Look at the Middle East. People use religion to promote their own agenda. Does God really like this shit?

BICYCLE REPAIR MAN!

2007-01-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

Yes! Whenever bicycles are broken, or menaced by International Communism, Bicycle Repair Man is ready! Ready to smash the communists, wipe them up, and shove them off the face of the earth... Mash that dirty red scum, kick 'em in the teeth where it hurts. Kill! Kill! Kill! The filthy bastard commies, I hate 'em! I hate 'em! Aaargh! Aaargh!

Guinness, Hockey? Somethings are Just Made for Me.

2007-01-29T19:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this sweater hanging from the ceiling at Mulligan's in Corpus Christi. I've admired it under the influence of many pints. I found it online a while back. Only 350 bucks! Damn. Poverty sucks. Three hundred and fifty bucks would buy quite a few pints. Slainte!

BIKE

2007-01-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

(Barrett)

I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like.
It's got a basket, a bell that rings
And things to make it look good.
I'd give it to you if I could, but I borrowed it.

You're the kind of girl that fits in with my world.
I'll give you anything, everything if you want things.

I've got a cloak it's a bit of a joke.
There's a tear up the front. It's red and black.
I've had it for months.
If you think it could look good, then I guess it should.

You're the kind of girl that fits in with my world.
I'll give you anything, everything if you want things.

I know a mouse, and he hasn't got a house.
I don't know why I call him Gerald.
He's getting rather old, but he's a good mouse.

You're the kind of girl that fits in with my world.
I'll give you anything, everything if you want things.

I've got a clan of gingerbread men.
Here a man, there a man, lots of gingerbread men.
Take a couple if you wish. They're on the dish.

You're the kind of girl that fits in with my world.
I'll give you anything, everything if you want things.

I know a room full of musical tunes.
Some rhyme, some ching, most of them are clockwork.
Let's go into the other room and make them work.

Soma Fab

2007-01-28T17:54:00.000-08:00

Oppy X Double Gate Toe Clips
I just bought some Oppy X Double Gate Toe Clips for my old Rockhopper (with drop bars and slicks). I bought some crappy Cyclepro plastic clips in Corpus Christi a while back. I broke the strap eyelet and was never happy with the bulkiness of the toe box. These new steel ones are supe low profile and very comfy. I had avoided buying them for a while because I preferred the asthetics of my Old Mt. Christophe single gate clips on my Bianchi Pista. The Soma clips are way nicer. The marry well to my antique Deore DX pedals.
Woodie 11
I hate the MacGuyver aspect of multi-tools. They usually are crappy quality tools and are difficult to use, but I picked up this Woodie 11 a while back. It just looked too cool to resist. It fits perfect with my Brooks Challenge tool roll and Nitto bars.
Morning Rush
Coffee Mug
& Holder
This carries my coffee well. Soma has some really useful shit.

Mmm, Yummy!

2007-01-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

Stars Extinguish Flames 4-2

2007-01-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

Jere Lehtinen scored two goals including a sweet empty netter to seal the deal. The BLT line was in full effect. Barnes and Lundqvist scored the other two goals. Marty Turco catches up with the Eagle in most all-time victories in franchise history. Hopefully we can add Lord Stanley's Cup to his resume this year as well.