UPDATE: "Daddy Boot Camp"

As some of you may recall from installments earlier this year:  During the previous school year do to some shenanigans from the two older boys at school (some of which required....er...um...intervention) resulted in me pulling them from school and putting them in Daddy Home School.  Well, apparently for once my ill-conceived plan worked!  Exposing them  to the harsh realization that they would have to spend all their time with dad, either doing school work, chores, or work at the shop (where Daddy is not, shall we say, understated when he is dissatisfied) seems to have paid off.  They returned to public school this year, with the caveat that should any of the ill gotten behavior continue they would be returned to the salt mines.  Well, I'll be the first to express my shock and awe when I received their first progress report.  Not only has Elijah not missed a day or even a class, but he is only a half a grade away from making the Principals list!!  WOW!  And even though Kaleb had a couple minor slip ups in the very beginning, he to has been receiving c's or better!  Color me impressed!!
Here's hoping for the future!  (please mark the date on your calender to refer to in the event that this current information becomes null and void.
SECONDLY:
Where did all these lizards come from!  No kidding.  I have about 14 little gecko's in various locals in the store just hanging out.  They don't seem fazed by us at all.  I get right up to them and they just blink at me.  We used to work out doors in our garage for crying out loud and I don't think I saw this many!  Oh well, at least I'm not lonely!
Well managed to put out only one today.  Sorry, have been very busy with repairs, THANKS so much! And many, many, many a looky loo coming in to see what's up.  Nice to see you! But the one we put out is way overly nice!  Some real higher end goodies on this one!  21 speed Shimano equipped, with shift indicators (I've only seen these things on Trek Navigators!  SWEET!  Also got something of a treasure in a scrap buy we did the other day, and didn't even realize what it was until i was about to scrap it out.  Check out the pic below for a before view!  It has been completely tore down and ground down to bare metal.  We're treating it to a candy blue paint right over the bare aluminum, gives it a real unique patina.  It appears to be an older Cannondale MTB!!  WOOF!  Check our pics tomorrow, we should have it all done up!  Well, I'd best be on my way home for dinner and story time!  Logan's reading "Holes"
Night!

FULLY RE-FURBED CIGNAL
ONLY $90.00!!

LIGHTWEIGHT, SEEMLESS ALUMINUM BODY WITH FEATURES IDENTICAL TO AN '85 CANNONDALE ROAD BIKE WE DID A COUPLE YEARS BACK!
KEEP YOUR EYE'S PEELED FOR THE "AFTER"!

Kevin Smith is All Grown Up!

For those of you not familiar with his work, Kevin Smith has directed such celluloid treasures as "Clerks" (a project made after leaving film school early, receiving rave reviews at Cannes) and "Chasing Amy" (arguably my favorite, centered around two independent comic book creators acted by Ben Affleck and Jason Lee) as well as 4 more in the "View Askewuniverse" (a Post-"Good Will Hunting" Ben Affleck and Matt Damon" play two fallen Angels in  "Dogma", another great one)
But most recently (as Angi and I viewed last night) was his latest project "Red State"
Based on the Baptist Zealot Fred Phelps, of the Westboro Baptist Church, it is a riveting, although graphically disturbing representation of the dangers of rampant adherence to fundamental religious theologies, and the post 911 governmental policies regarding them.
Caution, several SPOILER ALERTS!
Self distributed, this film purportedly marks the beginning of the end of Kevin Smiths film directing career.  Sighting many reasons, in short he seems pretty fed up with the film industry machine, and  the fact that marketing a film should not cost four times as much as the film itself, a situation he has described as "both decadent and deadening"
released on "Video on demand" we picked it up on Zune.  On Angi's part, she did not like it...at all.
Very much a switch as the film is billed as a horror movie, but quite frankly I cannot see the reason.  I'd have to categorize it as Action/drama/comedy.
The film relates the tale of three high school boys, utilizing the Internet to "get some".  they hook up with a "next town over"  stereotypical middle aged "trailer trash" Southern girl.  That's when things get creepy.
Seems the old preacher has set up his "followers" to use the latest incarnation of "wanton sin and degradation" IE; The Internet, to ensnare "Godless Homosexuals, and Fornicators"  Well, it's a system that seems to have served them well, as they have ensnared and executed 19 of the aforementioned "insects" (just as a side note the words in " " are there words NOT mine!) and you are witness to the 20th.  and the 21st...the 22nd....etc, etc.  After a series of happenstance set forth from the beginning of the film, law enforcement shows up at the compound, and in turn so does the ATF.  That's when things REALLY get intense!  I'd tell you more but why spoil it.  Suffice to say  The actors give exceptional performances, the writing is filled with Kevin's thought provoking diatribes and wisdom.  The direction and editing borrow from many sources.  The intense pace of a "Bourne-ish" style chase scene, fish eye POV, steady cam, Still cam wide shots that lull you into a sense of tense inactivity, occasional cut and paste editing to quickly move through shots!  WOW!  And in the end a completely surprising, out-of-place, in bad taste but otherwise darkly HILARIOUS climax!  In the end clearly a man of deep opinions regarding religion, government intrusion, and a clear commentary of the innocence of "collateral damage" in any conflict, I have a great deal of respect for this film maker considering how much hate mail he received from the religious sect after filming Dogma (and three death threats) to have the courage to not only go there again, but several paces beyond!

Maintenance Tip!

If you are one of many unfortunate bike riders stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire DO NOT use Fix-a-flat on your tire.  For that matter stay away from that Wal-Mart Goop stuff to!  Fix-a-flat is meant for "tubeless" automotive tires.  When it comes time to replace the tube (which will be quickly) you will have to have the tire cut off!  Spare yourselves unnecessarily spending money.  Carry a spare tube, a tire lever (DO NOT use a screwdriver) and a small tool kit with you when you go ridding.
I mention this as our shop currently smells of burnt rubber from just such an endeavor.  Cutting blades and an angle grinder.  There is no substitute!
Well what today lacked in visitors (although much thanks to the many re-pair drop offs!) we made up for in production, and buying!  Picked up quite a few goodies!  And put out four more gems!  Check 'em out below!  Nice (albeit, heavy) Free Spirit Road bike!  Use this tank as a trainer and when you get on a light weight you'll leave the competition in the dust!  Plus you'll have calves that look like Popeye's forearms!  Also put out a Banger mens MTB, a full-rebuild Old school Huffy MTB (can't kill 'em!) and a GORGEOUS SUPER CLEAN, garage stored find in a ladies Huffy MTB!  As well as a couple more bangers on the racks!  So we are DEFINITELY filling up!
Would like to thank Justin for coming in for a while today.  Fresh off the baby assembly line with barely a few hours of sleep, he still came in and helped out.  Although his real motivation, was to get away form it all for a while I'm sure!
Why do you think I work so much!  JUST KIDDING HONEY!!!
All right, I'd best be getting home!  Night ya'll!

STONE MOUNTAIN HUFFY!
ONLY $70.00!!

SWEET BEGINNER ROAD BIKE
ONLY $95.00!!

DAILY BANGER SPECIAL
ONLY $50.00!!

SUPER CLEAN LADIES MTB
ONLY $75.00!!

YABBA-DABBA-DOO"WHAT?"

Like many neolithic knuckle-draggers, I am unashambably a fan of Seth Macfarlanes "Family Guy".  Since it's onset I thought it was a brilliant concept of unapologetic brashness.  Not only stepping over cultural taboos but thoroughly squashing them under it comedic heel!  My wife, bless her heart cannot understand the appeal, and quite frankly refuses to allow me to watch it when shes around.  Granted there have been a few moments when even my iron clad constitution was put to the test (Check; "Partial Terms Of  Endearment") But by and large, I am in gut splitting guffaws whenever I get my turn at the DVD player.
But the latest news I picked up on yesterday has me in a bit of a quandary.  Apparently in a joint venture between Fox and Hanah-Barbera, Seth has gotten the green light on a reboot of....The Flintstones.
I'm not to sure how I feel about that.  I know what limited tidbits I have seen regarding his using The Flintstones and the Rubbles in cutaway scenes in Family Guy as well as "Cavalcade of Comedy" (Where Seth REALLY obliterates ALL boundaries of good taste) and I feel trepidations in regards to his intentions.  Should the Flintstones just become Peter and Lois in animal skins I will be insulted.  (even though Peter and Lois are really just a modern version of Fred and Wilma) And as it is planned for a nighttime "Fox" time slot...well it's anybodies guess!  Now that's not to say that the original Flintstones didn't skate the edge from time to time...OH NO! Check out this subtle little jab at male genitalia that seemed to have escaped the sensors way back when.  And NO, this has not been doctored, It was how it was written and ran....

Not to mention that all that time ago, when people were convinced that smoking wasn't a bad thing, they would run cigarette commercial on TV....

Ahhhh, the innocence of the 60's.
Anyway, Seth whatever you do don't screw up an American Icon.
ANYWAY!
thanks for keeping me hopping with re-pairs yesterday!  Glad I could be of help!  And A shout out to Chip, for his paying his Monday visit and for cluing me in on a TV Show from WAY back in 1975 "When Things Were Rotten" A short run series (15 episodes) By Mel Brooks, Starring some of the alumni from "Get Smart" that takes place in Sherwood Forest.  Yep, I never new that Mel had done the whole "Men In Tights" things 20 odd years before!  I checked it out on You-Tube.  Yep, they have a couple there!  Check it out!
Now, i had better get busy!
Opps, almost forgot... Here's the male version of the Murray Condor I promised!

TEAL GREEN WITH BLACK SPOTS AND YELLOW CABLE HOUSINGS!
WHAT COULD BE MORE MANLY!
ONLY $70.00!!

A New Birth!

Quite literally!  Congratulations to our newest family members newest family member!  Don't worry mom, we didn't have a new baby, Justin did!  he welcomed his first child, a little baby girl into the world around 4.30 am Sunday morning! (why do baby's always come so early in the am) The funny thing was, his wife was set to be induced today.  Apparently the little one couldn't wait.  Needless to say he's taking today off, so I will be flying solo.
But that's OK, I have plenty to keep me busy.  Angie had a productive day yesterday, two of the bangers sold out right fast, and she gave a lucky young man a sweet deal on the GT bump.  He was quite ecstatic to say the least (I'm sure he was well aware of just HOW good a deal he was getting) also have the traditional bevy of Sunday re-pairs to catch up on, not to mention the re-pairs from last week awaiting parts!
Yesterday was a lazy day for me and the kids not much to write about.
So I will just be getting a move on, and hopefully have exciting things to re-port tonight!

Well it may have been rainy, but at least it was real humid!.

Nope.  NOT a misprint.
Sarcasm.
Well, as the rain wained some folks risked it and headed over.  Sold the DBS to a young gent in need of "getting to work" transport.  And Justin's sister came in and picked out two of the little princess bikes we have a plethora of!  And as ALWAYS thanks for the opportunity to help keep you all rolling!  But remember NEVER...no ALWAYS ride with brakes on your bike!  Are you listening kiddos?  I know it's the cool, hip thing to strip the brakes off and use your feet to stop (or shove the toe of their shoe between the top of the front wheel and the fork!  no....I'm not kidding.) but you don't always stop in time.
Sometimes, large, solid, rigid structures have a tendency to jump out in front of you at incredible rates of speed.
Such as the brick and concrete pillars outside the bike shop.
They're real tricky, and like to sneak up on boys on BMX's who aren't paying attention, thusly not being able to stop in time.
Yes...Kaleb is recovering from his minor injuries, nicely.
Oh, please....don't get me started.
On the lighter side of the news....
Seriously, he's OK.  Bruised finger, couple cuts and a nice but of brick rash on his face.  (trust me he gets off lightly with this stuff.  Anyone else would have been in traction)
Managed to get three new ones done today!  A real, real, real sweet looking vintage men's Free Spirit 3-speed re-furb/re-paint!  A nice little banger BMX, and the female in a pair of Murray Condors (the men's should be done Monday) Oh these things are SO precious!  They are spotted Condors!  Whoever came up with these paint schemes apparently was color blind and had free rein!  But I have to begrudgingly admit...I like these wild color schemes!  Very Retro!  (sad when the stuff you grew up with is now retro!
All right, Angela is asking me "How much longer" so i had better get a move on!
NIGHT!

BANGER BMX
ONLY $35.00!!!

"IT'S SO...CHROMEY!"

"I WASN'T KIDDING.  VERY COLORFUL!
YES, THE CABLE HOUSINGS ARE YELLOW
ONLY $65.00!!!

...Maybe I should sell canoes and rubber rafts?

Did they transport us all, en-mass to Washington State as we slept.  I saw this once.  Star Trek, Insurrection.  Where they were going to sedate all the inhabitants and transport them to another planet on a hologram ship.
The rain is enough! 
Granted, gives us PLENTY of time to build bikes, but I don't think we have had a dry day in over a month.
OK, OK I'll stop crankin'!
Well, thanks to the folks who came in with the donations yesterday.  The admissions nurse who was a HUGE help to my wife when she was being admitted into the hospital earlier this year remember us and our shop and while cleaning out their garage found an old pair of his and hers Murray's.  Cute little numbers, teal and black spots!
So if you have nothing better to do, throw on your slickers and pop on in!  Save us from our mutual boredom!

An Epiphany After More Than 33 Years!

We all have achievements in life we are proud of.  Some may change the world, topple Governments or earn gold medals, but by and large they are comprised of little, personal ones.

Mine may seem trivial to some, but beyond the birth of my children (which in all honesty I have to share a little of that glory with my wife.  She helped.) one of my greatest feats I am most proud of?  

I saw Star Wars 126 times.

Empire Strikes Back 87 times.

Return of the Jedi 112 times.

Yes I know, in today's day and age of technical marvels and on demand TV, but kiddo's let me tell you a secret (and my kiddo's can't fathom this reality) this was back BEFORE VCR's, Beta Maxes, DVD, or Blue Ray.  No downloads or Internet.  OH NO!  If you wanted to see a movie (edited films on TV not withstanding) you went to the Theatre!  So seeing a movie THAT many times, in the theatre not only drained your allowance (for several months of advances) but took some creative maneuvering!  Especially growing up in a town that had only ONE screen!!

So why do I bring this up? (desperate for writing material) Because today for the bazzilionth time I was watching my well worn VHS set of the films as we were working. Chip stopped in to say hi, and to drop off some goodies and as he noticed what we were watching told us he had seen a T-shirt at the mall depicting a Storm trooper with an angry face and the caption red "I had friends on the Death Star!"  Well for some reason that started le thinking...Luke Skywalker was a JINX!!

I mean think about it.  First his aunt and uncle get it.  Some guy kickin' it with his buds in some dive listening to tunes gets his arm sliced off,  Ben picks a bad fight and sacrifices himself after he just met the guy (OK you find out later on he helped hide the kid, but really).  He then toasts the Death Star and waste untold thousands of lives!  I mean could you imagine.  Here's some schlep who can only find work scrubbing garbage mashers (and how come if the Death Star is so new, the garbage mashers are SO rusty?) to send cash home to his family on Hoth so they can pitch in for heating oil and Taun Taun meat, and he get's toasted for it! Then Han gets pickled in carbonite just so Luke's dad can test the freakin' thing!  Then, all the folks working on Bespin are OUT of work, just because of some Shakespearean fratricide!  SO Now we got poor Yoda, wasting away (literally) and all Luke worries about is "Oh my god!  I wanted to bang my sister!? Then a bunch of shag rugs dressed in bones get burnt up cause they're only crime was covering for him so he could have a weekend at Dad's place!  And in the end, the son of the other poor schlep who now has to work on the NEW Death Star cause for some reason dad's checks stopped coming in, buys the farm as well!
Seriously, you see this guy coming. RUN!
Yep.  These are the things I think about while working on bikes!
Speaking of which (that's called a segue!) got three new goodies out!  The sweet tandem!  A really fine 2009 GT Bump, and another banger which quite frankly REAL sweet, considering EVERY component on that thing was rusted SOLID!
Must have been stored on the Death Star!
NIGHT!

FULLY RE-FURBED FOR TWO!
ONLY $185.00!!

LIKE NEW!  ALL ORIGINAL!
ONLY $110.00!!

NOW...SHE'S NEW!!
ONLY $60.00!!!

Pummeling A Deceased Equine!

I mean no disrespect to the casual cyclist who still requires internal combustion to propel themselves to and fro.  Or the Occasional rider who would not relinquish there automobile for the same emotional reasons we Veloists anthropomorphize our cherished (albeit somewhat less then new) bicycles. But at times situations arise around the camp fires here that are a sad statement on current world affairs, and bear repeating.  Especially when it happens twice in one day.
First.  A wonderful lady visited with some treats in the back of her 2000 and something Suburban.  Three potential bangers rescued from the confines of their garages hidden nooks.  Her reasoning for the sale?  Cleaning the garage ostensibly, but the underlining reason?  Gas for the remainder of the week until her check comes in.  Hey, no shame there.  We have ALL been down that road at least once in our lives.  (I shudder to think just how many of my power tools now sit in someone Else's garage as I had to pawn them to pay a light bill, or buy diapers!)
Shortly there after had a gent visit driving a rather pristine looking little sports car (Hyundai I think)  Jutting from the sparse trunk space was a high end Specialized.  Appearing as though it had barely been ridden.  Looking to sell for a reasonable (although a little to rich for our blood) price.  We unfortunately had to pass.  I felt poorly too, as his reasoning was needing to raise capital to pay his car note.
The morale of our story?  Well, I do not wish to appear as if i am making light of these folks situations, I merely mention them to make a subtle (as if I can ever be accused of being subtle) point.  Perhaps, if you find yourself in a similar situation, you could pause a moment and take account of your dilemma.  Whereas selling your bike (or computer, TV or tool collection...whatever) may provide a temporary solution to your problems, if your problem is keeping and maintaining or running or insuring or fixing your car is your problem, is it worth the sacrifice?  Think of how much the current resale value of your vehicle is.  If it blue books for $10,000, could you sell it to a reseller for $5,000?  Or Craigslist it for $8,000?  And how much would your current predicaments improve with an extra few K in your bank account (not to mention all the green you'd save on gas, insurance, re-pairs etc.)  And how better would you feel shedding a few pounds by riding or walking to work each day?
Look, I know it's not for everyone, and some would have to be dragged, begrudgingly, kicking and screaming  away from fossil fuels. But give it some thought

So...there you go.

I have a household of sickies I have to get to.  So tonight is a short.  Got three close to done!  A ladies 5 speed cruiser, another tandem and a vintage mens free spirit 3 speed.  We did finish a Mongoose Holligan, but no pic as that one sold before I could even take one!  Also finished another Big Boy!  This time a Riva!  So check out the goods and talk at ya soon!

"BIG BOY" 6-SPEED COMMUTER
ONLY $95.00!!!

Another Fun And Productive Day!

Put out three new gem's today!  And got the latest Tandem cleaned and painted and ready for assembly, as well as another Riva "Big Boy" ready for assembly tomorrow first thing!  Would like to thank a returning customer Diane.  picked up her third bike!  This time she chose the beautiful "Ike Bike" custom!  Her son is in LOVE!  PLEASE make sure you keep it chained up when in school!  And would like to thank Vicki for coming in to outfit some of her family.  They left happy campers with the ladies "Daily banger Special" the custom B<X, and the sweet Mongoose beginner BMX!  Also as always thanks for all the trust in your re-pairs!  And man were we FLOODED with those today!  WOW!  So check out the latest additions, as I swim home for my shower!
NIGHT!

"DAILY BANGER SPECIAL"
ONLY $55.00!!

SWEET BMX WITH FULL SET PETALS!
ONLY $60.00!!

DUAL SHOCK, 6 SPEED COMFORT CRUISER
ONLY $70.00!!!

 And please check out the latest strip!  I LOVE what Paco did with the perspective on this one!

I Think We Could Do With A Little Less "Character Building"

As the old saying goes "Adversity Builds Character"  Hence the lessons of ABC.  However when that adversity come's from a combination of issues which we saw coming but choose to ignore.  

Due to time constraints and the organization of our household, I don't do much grocery shopping of late.  For a while to be precise.  I don't even pay much attention to how much my wife spends on preparation of meals.  The other day however my elder boy, Elijah did the customary stop off at the shop on the way to the grocery store to get that evenings dinner (in our home we shop each day for meals.  These are children that if you left butter in the house for more then a few hours, they would eat it!) So I handed him $40 for dinner, milk and soy for the baby and sent him on his merry way.  Several minutes later he re-turned, stating he needed $20.00 more as he was short.  Well of course in traditional "Daddy" fashion, I spouted off!  Accusing him of "getting to much!" and "Not Shopping wisely".  He stood blank faced until I finished my tirade, then took the twenty anyway.  Upon arriving home I questioned Angela, and she assured me that prices were going up.  WAY up!  

I was skeptical to say the least.  

Forgive me, as I am sometimes a little behind on the times, but this morning I caught this little news gem that has me a tad concerned!

4 Rising Food Costs That Will Hurt Your Wallet

Angie Mohr 
Tuesday, September 6, 2011

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Prices are on the rise in grocery stores across the country. You may not notice the changes right away; that loaf of bread may be only a dime more expensive than it was last year. The soda you buy may be the same price but it's now 1.5 liters instead of two. Many of the major cereal manufacturers, such as General Mills, have warned of impending price increases.

Why Are Grocery Prices Going Up?

While almost every grocery store aisle is affected by rising prices, a large part of the reason all comes down to two commodities: wheat and corn. Both food staples have been hit hard for the past two years - a combination of climate change, natural disasters and crop disease. Russia has experienced severe drought for the past two years and had stopped exporting wheat altogether to ensure enough of a domestic supply. They have resumed limited exports as of July 2011 but supplies are still short. A disease called wheat rust UG99 has wiped out crops across Africa and is spreading to other wheat-producing countries at a rapid pace.

There have been many corn crop failures across North America also, but the real culprit for corn is that it is being used to make ethanol, an arguably sustainable fuel. Hundreds of thousands of acres that once grew corn for people now grow it to power our cars.

At first glance, it may seem like these increases will only mean you'll be paying more for a few grocery items like bread and popcorn, but wheat and corn are included in the vast majority of foods that you may eat every day. Here are four areas where you will see rising prices.

1. Cereals, Breads and Pasta Products

Most processed cereals are made from corn and these will be hit hard by price increases in the next year. The commodity price of corn has nearly doubled since 2010 and is rising again due to the massive drought Texas is facing. Breads, rolls, cakes and cookies will all rise in price from the steep jump in the price of wheat. According to food manufacturers, the industry has been holding back from increasing retail prices but cannot absorb the costs any longer.

2. Sweets

Most processed "sweets," from soda to cookies to jam, are made with high fructose corn syrup. The lack of corn supply is causing prices in these areas to steadily rise. Watch out for shrinking packages, as well. Many companies will keep the same price point but drop the amount you get.

3. Beef, Pork and Chicken

Almost all industrialized meats fed on corn, mainly because it was the cheapest feed available. As the price of corn rises, there are still no cheaper alternatives, so the price of meat rises because of the higher input price.

4. Cat and Dog Food

Pet food contains grains in one of two ways: processed dry food often contains corn as one of its primary ingredients and canned food contains meat chunks or wheat-based thickeners. It's not just the cost of human food that will go up.

The Bottom Line

You might not be able to do anything directly about rising grain prices, but you can shop smarter. Look for loss leader sales on those groceries that you purchase regularly. Make more of your own food directly from raw ingredients, such as cookies and rolls. Pet food can be stored for six months to a year so stock up when you can find a good price. Paying more attention to prices in the grocery store will help you stretch your food budget the farthest.

OUCH!

 I can only say we have been a tad bit Polyannish.  I do recall warnings regarding genetically modified crops, that had not been suitably field tested.  Could that have had anything to do with the strain of crop killers?  Also In the Presidential debate in 2000 (remember that travesty?) the right side of the isle boasted the benefits of Ethanol.  MANY warned of the possible ill-effects of dependency of a food product for fuel.  Especially one SO important a staple in our current food chain!  So odd that all the warning and cautions the "Tree Hugging" alarmists that were so harshly marginized and ridiculed now seem to become realized.

hmmm?

in the end, it is definitely past time to make some harsh changes in our lifestyles.  Not wanting to sound like a profiteer, mind you but as I have stressed in the past one sure fire way of saving yourselves some green, while becoming green is park the gas guzzler and start walking or riding a bike to work.  But it here, or somewhere else, that's fine.  But do as so many are starting to realize is the wise choice.  Help save a corn field today!

The Taco you save, may be your own!

New goodies!

I have to head out early today to take care of things around the house.  The lovely Miss Angela coming in to round out the day!  Managed to put out four new sweeties for your perusal!  A 9/24 tooth racing BMX with orbital braking, A cute 16" boys "Power Rangers" BMX, A BRIGHT green 24" MTB hard tail, and a 24" dual shock MTB! So enjoy, and I'm out!

"POWER RANGERS GO!!"
ONLY $30.00

SWEET RACING BMX
ONLY $85.00!!!

"CAN'T MISS THIS ONE IN A CROWD!"
ONLY $50.00!!!

DUAL SHOCK MTB
ONLY $55.00!!!

must Have Been At The Beach

Although with all the rain, you must have been under a cabana!  Pool Boy! Mai Tai!
So, needless to say it was a little echoey in here.  But that's cool.  I played some scrabble, watched some MST3000...and...Oh YEA!  Got some work done too!  Check out the pic below!  Also have two Bangers almost ready to go as well!
Well, I better swim home.  Ya'll have a great night!

"BIG BOY" ROLLS ROSS!
ONLY $110.00!!

Here Be Dragons

If nothing else, watching movies, especially fantasy with children makes one pause for thought.  As motivation for rational thought there questions can give pause, for reflection.  Just such a moment occurred Sunday, as the children and I vegged on the couch watching "How To Train Your Dragon" A very good animated flick containing Vikings and , you guessed it, Dragons.
Let me pause briefly, to say at times I can be somewhat of a Killjoy.  Sad but true.  long ago in the fledgling years of our child rearing escapades, my wife and I discussed, as all parents should, the guidelines for rearing our children.  Most points we agreed upon.  However, there was one sticking point that took extensive debate.  let us call it the "Childhood Mysticism Factor"  Or in layman's term, when to tell the truth.  My argument was, there was no "Acceptable" falsehood to bestow upon a child, that includes Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, The Easter bunny...and other Mystical creatures.  Well in retrospect, thankfully I acquiesced to my wife, and for awhile, Santa has come down the Chimney, the Bunny leaves plastic eggs, and the Tooth Fairy, keeping up with inflation, leaves a dollar for every lost tooth.
however:
I had to draw the line at "things that go bump in the night", "Dark Dwellers", "Closet Monsters", and other daemons of dark ages.
That includes Dragons.
So when Owen, excited over the movie and hopped up on some kind of stolen glucose, asked me if HE could have a pet Dragon, I unceremoniously informed him Dragons did not exist.
The conversation then tail spun into a series of "did they kill them all off" "where did they all go" etc,etc.
A conversation that just about all there had a part in. Trying to explain superstitious history, the middle age fanaticism and religious paranoia.  The pre-enlightened discovery of fossilized dinosaur remains was not an easy task. In the end I realized that sometimes belief is so much more acceptable then fact, especially in the eye of  a child.
So I just shut up and put in our copy of Hellboy 2.
In the end, another error on my part considering how "they" depict the true mythology of the Tooth Fairy.
Thank heavens they haven't made a movie about the "real" Mermaids!

Anyway!  Thanks to the folks coming by yesterday to take a peek!  Thanks to Janelle For picking out the Ladies Cruiser for her ride of choice!  And to Chris for picking up the Pink Girls MTB, presumably for someone special in his life.  Also I'd like to thank the Gentleman from Crystal River who made the long trek down here as he has been following the blog and decided to visit with us.  Sorry I missed my chance to say "Hi".
on Today's slate is the completion of the "Rolls Royce" and a couple of 24" bangers we got on Saturday. as well as (hopefully) the vintage ladies Schwinn in Justin's bay!  So without further delay...off to the races!

Well, It's About Time!

Ok, ya'll read this little tidbit first, then i'll go into my usual tirade bit...

Green Day singer ejected from flight over pants

Reuters, Sep 2, 2011 8:33 pm PDT

Green Day rocker Billie Joe Armstrong has complained that he was booted from a Southwest Airlines flight in Oakland, California, because of the way he wore his pants.

Armstrong, 39, said on the website Twitter on Thursday, "Just got kicked off a Southwest flight because my pants sagged too low!..."

The flight was going from Oakland, California, to the Los Angeles suburb of Burbank, said Brad Hawkins, a spokesman for Southwest Airlines.

Cindy Qiu, an associate producer at Bay area television station ABC7/KGO-TV, was on the flight and described the incident on her company's website.

She said that Armstrong, when he was initially approached by a flight attendant and told to hike up his pants, said "Don't you have better things to do than worry about that?"

He then tried to take his seat but was asked to leave the plane, Qiu said on the ABC7 website.

The situation appears to have been soon resolved.

"As soon as we became aware of what had happened, we reached out to apologize for this customer's experience," Hawkins said. "He elected to take the next flight."

The Oakland-born Armstrong is the lead singer for the punk band Green Day, which came to fame in the 1990s with songs such as "When I Come Around." A musical called "American Idiot" based on the band's music is playing on Broadway.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

Done?
OK, here's MY spin on this little report.  First off, Why the HECK (insert strong expletive here) did the airline apologize?  I mean is there policy that no one should dress in an otherwise offensive, socially unacceptable manner?  Or was it the fact that the one ejected happened to be identified as a "Star"!  i am more inclined to believe the latter.   Honestly, I applaud them there social conscience.  Frankly I get REAL tired of seeing young men have to hold onto the front of their pants as they walk around, and have, on NUMEROUS occasions had to inform such young men that prior to entering our establishment they best cinch up their belts!  And i can't count the number of atomic wedgies I have given Kaleb for just such an offence (thank God he's out growing it) I think the Airline should have stuck to their guns.  Look, dress however you like but have the common decency, should someone ask to just pull your britches up!  Apparently they did that and in effect he refused.  So size 9 meet butt!
And as a point of historical note: the practice of wearing your pants low, was begun in the American prison system amongst a certain "sector" of the population.  Wearing your pants thus identified you as another inmates "woman".  I apologize to my more delicate readers, but it was useful for "access" as well.
Soooo.
Well today was a bit on the hustle and bustle and Many a re-pair (thank you so).  Laura picked out the RM, for her little Tom Boy, after killing her other (which we took in trade for rebuild).  Please, girl give mom a break and go easy on this one!
Managed to get out another RE-paint on a sweet looking men's GT MTB!  "Lucky Charm!" Check it out below! And we have another ladies vintage stripped and cleaned and ready for assembly as well as an old Ross tank I'm giving the Rolls Royce treatment!  Should be SAH-WEET!
Well I'd better get a move on before momma skins me for being late!

What a 21 speed GEM!!
only $135.00!!!

Sign of the Times

I have to give my son credit.  As a parent I am always thrilled to find a moment to be especially proud of any of my children (as they reach teenagers it gets harder and harder).  The other day My high schooler Elijah really threw me for a loop.  Recently going back to his Sophomore year, and getting back into the swing of things, his school had a "mandatory" pep rally in commemoration of "Tolerance day".  Well color me SHOCKED (I am SO behind on the times) But it was in celebration of differences in sexual orientation.
wow.
I am by no means old fashion (at least not when it comes to sexual preference) but it came as a bit of an eye opener to realize that (at least his) schools have "come out of the closet" and realized that prejudice against homosexuals can no longer be swept under the rug and ignored. But rather acknowledged and excepted (I HATE the word "tolerated" as if to imply it was something unnatural)  Our children have long been taught to except a person for who God made them.  Most have them have attended "Pride" in both Houston, Texas and here in Saint Pete, as Mom and Dad were once members of PFLAG, in solidarity with several friends.  Two of Elijah's best friends are gay, and last night he approached me to ask if it would be all right if he joined the schools Gay/Straight alliance.
Color me impressed.
See, I can remember high school.  Plain and simple diversity was shunned and ridiculed.  Homosexuality didn't exist. ( Hell, they use to teach the girls that if a man attacked them not to fight back but lay there and let him have his way with them!)  Yes folks, Barbaric.  If you were different, you were labeled gay of a "fag".  Such identification was a death sentence.  So for my son to be brave enough to face such possible hostility with a "screw it!" attitude, my applauds abound!
Yes, sometimes they really surprise me.
Now If I can just get them to clean up the bathroom after themselves....

It's a WHAT weekend?

Someone mentioned that this weekend was a Holiday?  Well i know it's not Christmas, It's not Thanksgiving and it's not gene Roddenberry's birthday, so it can't be much of one.  needless to say we WILL be open Sunday and Monday!
Lord knows we need to work as today was a BUSY day!  Many more re-pairs came in...and went back out in our usual well organized fashion (hold on...trying to...swallow...that one!! *koff,koff*) And Many a ride left to new homes as well!  First off would like to thank Bernie for coming all the way from Saint Pete to snatch up the Peugeot fixie!  And also to apologize for the confusion regarding our address!  I have to qualify that apology by stating that in now way was it her fault, or ours for her getting (slightly) lost.
Oh no.
Apparently sometime in the past when they were laying out the streets in our fine 'burg someone on city planning either had a sadistic sense of humor or was indeed...daft!
I'll explain.  We are located at 1893 NORTH Highland ave.  Well The HIGHLANDS start at East Bay Dr running North.  It starts off as South Highland, then Highland then North Highland (us)  Well they saw fit as to start the numbers OVER again each time the name changed.
I know, I know, but bear with me...
So there is an 1893 South Highland and an 1893 Highland and an 1893 NORTH Highland (us).  When folks google us, apparently they like to drop the North in Highland.  So again we apologize to Bernie but thank her for visiting the lovely Church...
at 1893 HIGHLAND.
Anyway!
We'd also like to thank Richard for coming in and picking out the sweet Nishiki MTB for himself and the nice looking ladies 6 speed cruiser for his bride.  After a long debate (via cell phone) she decided against the Pink Schwinn single speed in lieu of the 6-speed.  Apparently a choice she regretted as she was back here just before closing to pick up the Schwinn, the pone she wanted in the first place.  SO, to the nice folks and their daughter who came in (as the Huffy was going OUT the door) looking for the self same 6-speed...IT'S BACK!  So if you're still interested give us a shout!
And also thanks to Bernie (different Bernie, but he was in the shop the same time as the other Bernie...confused yet?) For choosing the Old School Huffy 10-speed MTB that I was in the process of washing after just having built it.  I include it's pic below as proof that we were indeed working!
And thanks to Kelly and her hubby, a couple of our local bike enthusiast who have been regulars since back in the garage days!  they got hold of a gem of a Motobecane road bike they brought in for an overhaul, and a friends ride as well!  Thanks for continually trusting us!
Well with (all) that being said, I had best be getting a move on so as to not screw up Angie's dinner!  AND movie night!

Un-Freakin-BAH-leevable!!

Ever have one of those nagging projects that seems so incomprehensibly HUGE you find every excuse in the book to avoid doing it?  You'll go 3 miles AROUND a 50 foot trip?  Well as I had mentioned before, when I work with someone who is a hard worker and motivated it inspires me to fire ALL thrusters to escape the G-forces of letharGy!
Well that was today.  Smack dab in the middle of a build I ONCE again became frustrated at my inability to locate some needed tools.  As I have an overabundance of tools, most of which just take up space in my tool chest, we dropped what we were doing emptied it all out and organized just that which we use on an every day basis!
WOW.
Talk about GENIUS!
(it's called, sarcasm)
Can't believe i put off such a vital chore for more then two years.
Oh I am the POSTER BOY for Procrastination Anonymous!
Anywho!  We managed to get out four newbies today!  Managed to finish the simple "Basic Black" Fixie, built on an early 90's Peugeot frame, shes a stripped down gem ready for your personal touches! (we realized a long time ago that the folks that ride these bikes (VERY brave souls) like to personalize them) Also got in a BLOODY SWEET Ladies Schwinn single speed cruiser!  WOW!  What a LOOKER!  As well as two new "Daily Bangers!"  And as the day winds down, gonna put another coat on the Polka Dot Bike, as well as a "Frosted Lucky Charms" GT MTB (Green is the color of Leprechauns)
FINALLY got in all the parts I needed for some of the re-pairs we have had sitting about and got all but 1 done.  Try and finish that before I head out as well.
Would like to thank Sue, for not only providing us with the sweet Schwinn, but also for going Ga Ga over the Ladies Free Spirit we just put out!  We know that one will work better for her pooches. And a shout out for Tim, as he picked up the Schwinn as HIS bit for a greener world!  It will now become his newest back and forth for work!  YAY!  another CONVERT!!!
So with that i leave you with pic's of the new goodies!
P.S. thanks to Chip, my bike Guru, and historian for the Not-so-gentle suggestion of RE-NAMING the Custom Cruiser we finished yesterday and named the "Ikeman", to "The Ike-Bike"!  Obviously I had forgotten the more nefarious and sinister Nazi of similar title.  OH CRAP!  My Bad!  If I in ANY WAY offended ANYONE...well color me stupid!
Good night y'all!

BASIC BLACK PEUGEOT FIXIE
ONLY $120.00

SMOOTH AS CREAM!!
ONLY $110.00!!

"DAILY BANGER SPECIAL"
ONLY $60.00!!

"DAILY BANGER SPECIAL"
ONLY $45.00!!

Witticism of The Day!

"A Vision Of Things To Come"

"Someone took our motto "Kill You Car" VERY seriously!"

our idea of "Public Parking"!

My wife, bless her heart sends me little snippets and pics of fun little goodies most every day and I have a chuckle and set them away in a cyber-folder.  Well in my never ending quest to be hip and topical (if not a tad bit driveling) I now will share a couple (occassionaly with you)!  What, you may ask has any of this to do with bicycles?  Good question.  Answer:  Not much!
It's just fun!