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Michelle pointed this guy out because she hates emos, and I admit he makes some pretty great points about the internet too.

When a vehicle isn’t an extention of oneself…

 …make it one with a vanity plate!

Rained Out!

This is completely last minute, but I told Ace that if he did it I would too. We’re going to do the Ride for Karen on Sunday and opted for the 160km route. I’ve been itching to do a long ride for a while now and this seems like it will be good. I’m going to go grab a 13 or 15 tooth cog to slow down my spin a bit and to even things out on the climbs.

You can sponsor me if you like by clicking this link -

Expect pictures!

- b.

Ryde For Charlie

I’m one of the many that didn’t know Charlie personally, but knew of him through message boards and word of mouth. The rumours-turned-reality that he was biking across Canada—twice—shocked me, but also made me a bit envious, I think anyone who rides a bike wishes they could pick up, leave and just test one’s limits over miles and miles of countryside, so I’m sure that I’m in good company. Charlie was dealt what can only be referred to as a raw fucking deal when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver while on his way back from the West Coast. Tonight there was a memorial ride for Charlie and it was great to see so many people out, obviously his reputation as a dude of dudes was spot on. It was a critical-mass type ride and while I generally veer away from these things, it was great to see the odd person reading the pamphlets that some of the crowd were giving out explaining Charlie’s story and ‘getting it’.

(right click/apple click to view full size shots)

jet fuel was hosting the gathering

crowd forming

ryan showed up

David Suzuki showed up and helped us out a bit (people, LISTEN TO HIM)

that crowd goes back for a long time

end of the line, great to meet some new people and all of that

Ride safe kids.

- b.

Breaking The Law: Part 2

My coworker recently got dinged for not having a bell and reflectors on his bike. The total damage was a $145 ticket. The issuing officer also threatened to charge my coworker for an improper turn which as he said “would go against his demerit points.” BULLSHIT. This is completely a fabricated lie by a Toronto cop who has nothing better to do than harass a cyclist biking 4 blocks down the street to get a smoked salmon sandwich. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, “the demerit point system does not apply to bicyclists.”

Can authotarian cops please fuck off already? Toronto is North America’s 5th largest city with a crime rate akin to major US metropolitans (and guns are illegal here). Please earn your salary by busting the crackheads in Parkdale or the Portugese wanna-be-thugs who fight in playgrounds. Don’t harass mortgage paying, upstanding citizens who decide to stay healthy and save the environment. That’s what cocksucker bullies do.  Oh wait…thats what Toronto’s finest does…you hire cocksucking bullies with small dick syndrome.

For all Torontonians, here’s a PDF of the OHTA pertaining to cyclists.

From Bushman to Businessman.

Yesterday I got my haircut for the first time in what must feel like forever for Brandy. It’s been about 3 months I think… possibly longer. It’s definitely a bad habit of mine to let my hair get to the point where strangers actually say stuff behind my back while they think I’m listening to my ipod. Haircuts are old news, nothing special about that, BUT, if you are a guy and live anywhere near Roncesvalles and Queen and are in need of coup-ing your cheveaux I suggest you go talk to Luigi DiMarco over at Luigi Barber Shop.

For $22 dollars you get to feel like you just crossed the ocean on a steamship to the old world where Luigi compliments your hair, gives you a little neck and scalp massage, and tells you how “asharpa y’look when Ima done wit chou” while smoking a hand rolled cigrot. An hour later you’ve been shaped up, shaved down (straightrazor’s are scary), and massaged to a sleepy mess. He’ll also regale you with 55 years of hairdressing history, 20 in Italy and 35 right in that shop in Parkdale, that’s right… he’s over 70 and still has the steadiest hand I’ve ever seen.

He loves Sri Lankan’s too, so he can’t be all bad. Viva Luigi!

Summer’s Here, We Have Your Bicycle!

Transcript from the wall:

“Auction! – Whatever you may need, including this extremely desired location (buy or lease) some reduction of stock is imminent”

“Celebrating 15 years

- Environmentaly unmatched

- $20 per year maintenance

- $30 per season

-$50 per year

You may join the eager brigade and make money while cleaning the city

- Free lessons, (repairs and maintenance)”

The part I find funny is ” You may join the eager brigade and make money while cleaning the city” – loosely translated, “If you steal a bike, I will buy it from you.”

Igor’s is open again. Watch your shit.