Leave It To Murphy's Law...

You'd think the bastard would let me have one day void of incident, but NOOOOO!
Day was going so well.  BUT.... Remember I had mentioned that I picked up a vintage Roadmaster ladies cruiser?  Well it's outfitted with a gas tank style top mount, capped off by a stylized built in dual light kit...Pr should I said....had.
Yea.
 I had it in the rack, and had just finished stripping everything else except the tank. I turned around for a brief moment to place the chain gaurd on the table and....
crash.
And doesn't it figure it landed RIGHT on the light casing.  the plastic light casing.
um hmmmm.
Well I recovered most pf the pieces, and tomorrow will have to utilize some fiberglass resin and cloth to rebuild it.  It's just WAY to cool a look to not try.
Well aside from that set back, it was otherwise an awesome day!  Met a wonderful lady recently retired from the teaching gig, and starting up a garlic business at the local farmers markets. Yum!  I LOVE garlic!  There's nothing better then sauteed onions, green peppers mushrooms in butter with a whole clove of sliced garlic! 
Now you know why my cholesterol went way up. 
Anyway... She picked up the vintage Schwinn cruiser we had and in trade?  Well lets just say that there are some bike shops that don't believe in matching up the rider with the right bike.  They tend to direct them more towards the higher ticket items.  Well, this (see pic below) was not the right ride for the lady!  She's happy with her sweet new cruiser and we got (after a lot of cleaning) a SWEET hardly ridden Trek 3700!  Also, thanks to Scott.  A returning customer and a happy success story.  A while back he bought a vintage Power King 3 speed from us as a casual cruiser.  A young gentleman with an eye for the vintage rides discovered he not only really enjoyed riding but determined it was a more useful mode of transportation then his car.  With that in mind he decided to upgrade to something a little more prone to speed.  He is now the happy owner of the vintage Schwinn Continental 2!  YAY!  Also, I didn't think the Panasonic would last too long, but it didn't even make it past the morning.  A gentleman perusing Craigslist stumbled upon our adds and came in to see if we could  repair his Schwinn World, but checked it out and decided to trade up instead.  So now we have ANOTHER sweet Schwinn road bike! She'll be out tomorrow!  Also got out another "Daily Banger Special" so there's that.
Well, another day has come to a close, so have a wonderful eve!

2009 TREK 3700
ONLY $195.00!!!

"DAILY BANGER SPECIAL!!"
ONLY $40.00!!

If Today's Media Covered The American Revolution.

Dateline London!  1774!  The Empires Colonies, a prosperous extension of our Kings benevolence seem to be having a spot of trouble with a scant few unruly dissidents.  An unkempt, unshaven and all together unruly lot representing a "Marginal" special interest group seem to be completely unappreciative of the blessing bestowed upon them by our magnificent King.  As their message is somewhat befuddled and drowning in rhetoric, and none can agree on even the slightest point or directive  it is all together lost on their more intelligent counterparts in Parliament.  So in an attempt to appease the rather contemptuous sot's, our beloved governance has dispatched a small contingent of "Peace Keeping" troops to sort out this whole Hul-a-baloo.  Of course their presence, as completely well meaning as it was, has been met with unjustified and all together "un-sportsman like" resistance by the unwashed rabble!  And  we are informed by Parliament, an incontestable source has provided "secret" evidence that the colonists have been stockpiling "weapons of Mass Destruction"* And although they can not, for National Security, divulge the source, or evidence, or information, or so much as a momentary looky loo, because our Government says it's so, it MUST be!
Film at eleven!
Yes, yes I know I have once again been sucked in to world events!  Can you blame me?  This is beyond the realm of "fixed and rigged" elections or the forgotten promises of our elected officials, and extends beyond the realm of a scant few controlling financial interests.  This is a bottom floor movement.  It's like the foundation of the worlds largest building, every pillar, every bit of re-inforced slab of concrete crawling out from under the oppressive weight and saying to the pent house "we are SO tired of holding you up, being crushed by your presence, walked on, ignored and pumped full of refuse (hey that's where the sewer pipes end up) You try and stay up there without us!  This thing is MASSIVE!  World Wide.  And what does the media show for it.  You know, the Rupert Murdocks of the world.  Well, google it.  See how few news agencies are actually covering it.  Well yes, a few more NOW are, but check the date stamps on the reports.  This thing started in mid September for crying out loud.  Will it amount to anything in the end?  I'd like to think so, but if history is any marker, and forgive me for saying this as I am NOT a revolutionary, but the past has shown that only armed revolution brings about substantial change.  The only other choice we have, the more SANE choice I might add, it economic revolution.  Think about it, what will the high muckety mucks have if EVERY one of us pulled all our cash out of the bank's?  Closed up our accounts, paid cash for everything.  Cut up the credit cards.  Look at how terrified Bank of America got when just a small group of account holders in New York tired to do this.  They CLOSED THE BANK!  And posted guards at the door, denying their OWN customers access.  They even shut down the website!  Claiming "hacker" interference. 
Food for thought.
ANYWAY!
On to more personal stuff!  Finished the Panasonic as promised yesterday and MAN is she a PEACH!  New tire's, tubes, FULL re-furb and a nice new set of double sided clip less pedals.  Sold one of the GT to a wonderful "horse trading" couple!  Hope you enjoy!  And as always the bread and butter of our little enterprise, THANKS for the re-pairs!  We do SO appreciate your patronage! 
On today's slot!  Another ladies "Daily Banger Special" that Specialized Hard Rock I keep wanting to tackle, and if time allows a men's "Daily Banger Special" as well!

OUR LATEST STRIP! (FINALLY!)

You all have a great day, and please brave the impending rain and come give us a visit!

PANASONIC 12 SPEED ROAD BIKE
ONLY $160.00!!

THE COVER TO OUR SOON TO BE RELEASED MINI-COMIC!

Joy's of Sunday!

Wow. 
Without (much) much of a hitch.  Yesterday was a good day.  The kids were on their best behavior (granted there "best" loosely translates into "nothing was detonated, leveled or transported by emergency vehicle).  We hit Downtown Dunedin, garnering the usual looks from passerby, you know the whole "are they all your kids?" And first thing hit the "Boxcar" for a couple coffee's.  It is called the "Boxcar" as it is a coffee shop IN an actual boxcar.  Sits right on the Pinellas trail as it crosses Main street.
Speaking of  crossing Main street, this message goes out to all my fellow cyclist's who frequent the trail.  SOME of you are the reason why cyclists on the trail get a bad rep!  Yes, I usually ball out autoist's, but today, my brethren....it's your turn!  The Trail is not just for cyclist's, there are pedestrians as well, and as a car travels faster then a bike, a bike travels faster then a walker.  So it behooves you, upon descending into a populated downtown SUCH as Dunedin, to pay attention and SLOW DOWN!  Upon reaching the cafe, I sat the wife and kids on one of the adjoining benches and proceeded to turn around to go into the place when some middle age spandex clad die hard almost sheared off my nose as they whizzed by, STRAIGHT through the stop sign without so much as a tap on the brakes.   I have ridden the trail, many times from end to end.  There are MANY long stretches where you could open up your 8 gram ten million dollar carbon fibre wafer thin mint, but through a densely populated, and much traversed area such as Dunedin...not so much.  I fully endorse Chip's attempts to lower the posted speed limit (yes there IS one) and truly think there should be bike mounted cops out there to endorse it! 
ANYWAY. 
Once acquiring our caffeine we proceeded to the park.  This one's well equipped for family, and since right on the water.  Cool breezes all day and had fun playing with the little guys.
Oddly, was not difficult to monitor where they were and what they were doing for two reasons.  1:  Our kids are the tallest in their age groups, by at least a full head. 2; Our kids are the loudest in their age groups, by at least a full octave.
And they are quite social.  They get that from their mom...not me!  Upon arriving they asked "can we go make friends?"  Sure, why not.  Better then being an awkward social leper (HI OH!) like their father.  Well after lunch, angi and I were sitting  watching them all play, when Owen walked up with a new friend.  Roughly the same age (a head and a half shorter) and introduced us.  This child was clearly an adrenaline match for Owen as he too, was slightly vibrating with thinly disguised hyper energy.  When I was introduced, he looked at me oddly then quickly remarked "Wow, HE'S your dad?  He looks just like my Grandfather!"
*ouch*
Well at least it gave Angi a good chuckle.
Me...I was attempting to calculated the necessary force required to catapult the young man  some thirty yards into the waters inlet.  And contemplating the possible likely hood of a shark presence.
ANYWAY.
Justin did real well his first solo trip.  The shop was surprisingly cleaned and organized when I arrived this morning.  He was doing mainly repairs as well keeping everyone rolling.
Today I tackle the Panasonic, and from there?  Well, wherever the wheels take me!
See you all soon!

Alzheimer;s

No I won't be as crass as to make light of such a serious malady.  I just have genuine concern that it will become a real concern as I get older.  As now I see to be having difficulty remembering things like names, and high points of conversations others swore that we have.  And I'm not just talking about forgetting the talks I have with my wife when I'm really not listening, but blowing her off (that's part of the marriage bylaws, somewhere in "Love, honor and ignore" I think) but important stuff!  I picture myself ending up like Patrick Stewart in "Safe House". (check it out,  GOOD movie)
Well, Izzy has hit an interesting "stage" in her development.  One we have never experienced with any of the other children.  Now no child likes being told no, but with her if you even utter the word, she begins to ball like she just witness you killing her favorite puppy!  I mean, tortured face and real tears, almost fear induced.  I am, as my wife continues to lament very guilty of spoiling my girls.  Daddy has a real hard time (nigh on impossible) punishing them.  So for me to see her cry like that, well you'd get less of a negative reaction from me spooning my gut's out!
Speaking of forgetting.  My apologies to the wonderful lady who called today in response to yesterdays blog, as I forgot her name.  However she had the misfortune of having two of her bikes stolen a few weeks back, and in an attempt began to peruse Craigslist in the oft chance that she'd see them advertised there (hey, it happens far to often) and happened upon one of our adds.  Well apparently she has now become a regular reader!  I thank you for the audience, and for the very pleasant conversation and compliments!  She was inquiring about the Panasonic I had mentioned, as she remembers her father having one.  So please keep an eye on these pages as it will be the first bike I tackle on Monday.
Thanks to Chris for coming in and scooping up the Ladies Diamondback we had just put out today.  We picked it up from a gent from North Carolina (sadly he, as so many other needed cash to make it until payday) Unfortunately I have nary a pic of the bike, as I said it was just put out (still wet from the wash) when he happened in.  But it was an AWESOME looking pink hybrid.
We managed to get out five new goodies aside (those pic's ARE below) Happily, another nice "Daily Banger Special", a men's 26" MTB.  A cute little older Kent BMX with fiberglass rims.  A ladies "Daily Banger Special" a 26" MTB. and a SWEET 26" Men's 6 speed Cruiser with full fenders, and a Way-Cool 26" Men's older Raleigh MTB!  that one was a recover from a scrap truck, that I was somewhat dubious about it's being able to be redone good enough...BUT it came through with flying colors!
Well tomorrow marks are first FULL family day!  Justin will be flying solo at the shop.  He's earned his wings.  Since past disappointments I have been rather reluctant to trust anyone but family with sole control of the helm.  But it will be nice to be able to enjoy a day with all in attendance.  We start out small, with a trip to downtown Dunedin, for a picnic in the park, some playing and ice cream at this cute little old school "malt shop" type place.
So, as I ended up working late tonight to finish the Raleigh, I will be signing off.
night!

OLD SCHOOL RALEIGH
$85.00!!

CUTE KENT BMX
ONLY $55.00!!

SWEET MEN'S CRUISER
ONLY $70.00!!

"DAILY BANGER SPECIAL"
ONLY $ 60.00!!

"DAILY BANGER SPECIAL"
ONLY $55.00!!!

Happier Than Glass Maker In A Hail Storm!

Not to far from the truth.  Read an article about a man in Sacramento California that was breaking windows to drum up business for his other wise slow glass repair business.  Well what he lacks in reputability, he makes up for in deviousness.
ANYWAY!
Today was a peach of a day! Many more awesome folks swinging by our hip pad.  It was Far out! Thanks to John for stopping back by.  Met him a couple days back.  He had questions regarding parts availability for an older Schwinn tandem he's wanting to restore, and when I told him "No problem!" he said he'd be back.  Well...he came back!  And bringing along not only buckets of the parts needin' fixin' but brought us a (soon to be) SWEET Panasonic road bike for trade!  Oh I love these!  Sturdy and lightweight, perfect for single/fixie conversions.  And as I'm writing this I just had a brainstorm!  Chip brought us in a drum braked hub, that he re-strung on a 27" painted red/black front wheel.  Could be a real sweet match up! 
Thanks to Stan and his lovely wife for popping in and grabbing up the Ocean Pacific cruiser.  He's also on the look out for one so they can bang about together.  We WILL be in touch! 
And to Cindy, she did the smart thing and called in about the cute little 20" MTB we had, and came on down and made her son a VERY happy camper!  And as always, thanks to all the folks for bringing in the usual Friday pre-weekend re-pairs.  Gonna be a lot of happy trail riders out this weekend!
NOW, onto the happy me!  Not only did we get in the sweet Panasonic, we also picked up three more bangers (people LOVE the inexpensive yet fully functional rides. And we have been sorely understocked on them as of late) but we also got ANOTHER (soon to be) nice 6 speed men's cruiser!  Already in tear down and cleaning mode!  And to top it off, the PRIME piece of peddling pulchritude...(drum roll please!) A GORGEOUS vintage (early 60's) ladies Roadmaster cruiser!  Complete with rear rack and integrated dual headlights!!  Oh she is SO FINE!!  Gonna need a lot of clean up, chrome polish (batteries) and a new set of tires but I am tickled!
So keep an eye on theses pages!
All right, time to be moving on, as it's Friday night movie night!
Tonight...GREEN LANTERN!!!

My Two Cent's

(or at the current market value of the dollar it would be more like 1/100th of a cent)
The benefit, as I see it to advancing age, and parenthood is that you have achieved a certain level of maturity at which point you can offer up, on whim unsolicited advice. 
So here goes.
Given the events I witnessed last night (see previous blog) and the comment's left by our wonderful Mrs. Chili (I know her real name) it got me ah thinkin'.  Now mind you, not knowing the true reasons the ladies from last night were in their predicament I am not putting blame on them, in no way, shape or form.  But it did give pause for thought, and reflect on the current state of economic decline in this country.  As I have said before we all have to share in the responsibility of this mess.  May it be our over obsession with material possessions, addiction to petrol and automotive transportation, dependency on expectant wealth (credit, and credit cards) getting sucked into the whole mentality that we HAD to OWN a home regardless of how ridiculously over inflated the prices were. I sadly and ashamedly profited in that whole debacle as a home remodler for 10 years.  All these thoughts were unconsciously rattling around in our brain, though when we started our enterprise and REALLY shaped how we do business.  Low, reasonable prices, standing behind our product so as to not create ANOTHER disposable commodity, helping out folks when needed, establishing our business in our community, NOT excepting anything but cash, trade or barter for payment (we don't want you to pay a penny more for one of our bikes, and some multi-zillion dollar bank shouldn't get 18%+ of your money,  nor profit one iota on our work)
What's this all have to do with the price of tea in China?
Well here's my unsolicited common sense approach to making it.
shop for what you need.  Thrift stores, yard sales.  Keep away from unnecessary chotzskies.  These places offer a great selection of good clothes, shoes, household equipment,  bedding etc.  for a fraction of retail.  if you need new, try online.  KNOW what you'd pay retail and see how much of a savings (don't forget to add shipping)
cut up credit cards.  Sometimes you need them for online stuff, or reservations, but you can pick up a prepaid credit card almost anywhere.  There's no interest to use them, and your spending only what you can afford to put on 'em. 
forget about credit score. having a good one only lets you spend more money you don't have, or you hope you will have.  And if your score is bad, rebuilding takes to long and to much cash.
park the car at home take off the tags, cancel the insurance, and turn it into a play place for the kids! (all right, maybe for some that's a little TOO radical) At least consider that if you are within 10 miles of where you have to go, take a bus ($4.50 for a full day pass on PSTA, beats the cost of gas, hands down!) ride a bike, or walk.
When you buy, consider what you NEED first.  Don't get sucked into advertisements, or unnecessary coupons.  Coupons are good, but do the math.  If a 32oz jar of Prego Tomato sauce is $3.37, and you have a coupon for 50cents off (wow, remember when keyboards had a cent key?) BUT a can of the 32 oz house brand is $1.99?  Which one is the bargain?  You'd be surprised how many people miss that.  OH, and by the buy, something some supermarkets are doing now, to make more money?  Check this out!  They will put a 32 oz can on SALE for $1.99, BUT 2 16 oz cans are .89 cents!  Do the math!  That's $1.78 for 32 oz, split up!  I gotta credit them for creative marketing!
look for free stuff to do with the family. Yes, splurging for Chuck E' Cheese's for the day, make you Super Dad!  But they'll be just as happy hitting a local park, with sandwiches and a climbing crib.  Bring along a Frisbee.
I'm sure I could go on, but you get the general gist. 
Now I leave you with a recent E-mail from our buddy Chip.  He chimed in about my recent post regarding the Gas price question a customer inquired about recently.  This mans an expert, and paraphrasing his comment would not do them justice.

   It's a sad state of affairs when $3.29/9 a gallon is seen as "cheap" gas, but yeah, gas prices are down a little- But not a lot. Traditionally, gas prices climb for the summer, for the traditional North American Driving Season ("NADS", hehehehehe...) that lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Demand, and therefore price, drops after that as the kids all go back to school and everyone hunkers down for the winter. If you look at a map of the world, most of the seriously motorized countries are above the equator, so we're all out driving at the same time. And then we aren't.

   As gas prices drop, and we transition into winter, the price of heating oil and natural gas become more important as we drive less and stay home more. Above I-10 (North Florida), heating the home in the winter becomes a major expense as the price of heating oil and natural gas go up with the increased demand. In the long run, the expense and then the scarcity of these commodities is expected to fuel (no pun intended) a mass migration of northerners to warmer climes as they will no longer be able to heat homes and businesses in the Great White North. (Eh?)

   So for now, yes, gasoline prices are "down". Well, down-ish. Barring the Saudis and Iran going at it (which is very much NOT out of the question this week), look for gas prices to stay low and mostly stable through the winter, only to rise, as always, with the warmer temperatures next spring.

So, Is This What We're Coming To?

So our shop sits in the Sunset Square Mall.  We share the space with an assortment of shops, such as an auto parts store (where we buy most our paints and tools) Subway (coffee, and Breakfast) The Chinese restaurant (lunch) and Sweetbay (multi-purpose).  At the back of our shop our door opens up into the rear courtyard, where we wash our bikes (do painting in the cooler months) and test drive the bikes (bumpy enough to give them a good rattle test.  Also, as with most plaza's, here is where you will find all the many dumpsters.  Well, while testing out the last creation of the day (another sweet ladies GT Timberline) I was buzzing back and forth, testing the shocks on the speed bumps when I caught some movement up behind Sweetbay.  Someone was by the dumpster and I didn't think to much of it at first, thinking it was just an employee throwing out produce.  Continuing my drive by, as I passed I noticed three ladies, with the dumpster lid open.  One middle aged woman and the other two being older teenagers.  As I passed headed around the corner I noticed that not only were they not wearing uniforms, but they held bags in their hands...that they were filling.  Well, I'm not that quick in the awareness department so what I saw didn't register in my head until I rounded the front of the plaza, so I whipped around and headed back.  I really wasn't sure what I intended on doing, perhaps offer help, or a better alternative, but when I returned, apparently spooked by my presence, they were gone.  At times like this you can't help but feel thankful for the blessings you have, but you also feel a twinge of guilt.  See, I remember what it was like a couple years ago, when the older boys and I would travel, via bike to the local food pantry to help supplement our meager food budget, and at that point, they were pretty slim pickings, and long lines.  I can only imagine how much worse off they have become.
What's my point?  Well, I ask any of you who are making it nowadays, find out where your local food pantry or soup kitchen is, and the next time you stock up your pantry, put aside an extra bag and drop it off.  Trust me, these folks are good at figuring out who needs, and it will get to the right folks.  In Clearwater, look up the RCS Food Bank, at 700 Druid rd E, downtown (727) 443-4031.  These folks are SUPER good, with a LOT of volunteers waiting to help!
OK, so today we had another quite day, but pounded out some SWEET rides!  I'd like to thank Micheal for the wonderful donation of the GT Timberline.  He'd brought it in last week...in a bucket to have us assemble it and do some new part install.  He'd been planning to fix it up and sell it, but after completing the rebuild, we discovered the majority of his drive train was shot.  Once we let him know what it would take, cash wise to replace it all, he opted out (wisely) and donated it to us.  So, not wanting an otherwise fine bike to go to waste, we put her all back together, and she's ready to go home with you!  We also put out four more BMX'ers and are working on another two!  Got in a couple more bangers as well, and they'll be hitting the floor tomorrow, as well as an old school Specialized Hard Rock (in a bucket) that I'm dieing to dig into! 
And, as always a special reminder to anyone scoping out the blog, if you see something you like and are serious to buy please call first!  ESPECIALLY if you have a distance to drive.  But if you don't, PLEASE don't verbally abuse the help!  As we've said many, many times, bikes this good, priced this low are a bargain that people are looking for, and they DON"T last.
OK, I'll stop stomping the equine!
Well as tomorrow is another "No-School" day, the kids are waiting to watch a movie, so I'd better close the book!
NIGHT!

LADIES GT TIMBERLINE
ONLY $120.00!!

MONGOOSE BMX
ONLY $45.00

NEXT CHAOS
ONLY $55.00!!

BEGINNER BMX
ONLY $35.00

BEGINNER BMX
ONLY $45.00!!!

It figures...

Rarely at times, as had occurred last week, a bike comes through the shop that I fall in love with.  Such was the Puch (thanks to Chip for identifying the make for me!) last week that now is undeniably MINE!  But it has never happened when we get in another  so soon that I am equally infatuated with!  Such was the Diamondback I listed last night.  I took it on a long road test and being that it is the second such make and model we've had i knew I would not be disappointed. BUT, I refuse to allow myself to be so selfish as to claim another so soon.  And as I am a real sucker for vintage, I'll stick with the Puch.  BUT, it would not have broken my heart if the Diamondback stuck around for a little while.  Purely for testing purposes, of course.  But as fate would have a very nice gentleman, monitoring the blog caught wind of it and swooped in a plucked it up!  Ah well, at least it goes to someone who can appreciate it for the fine machine it is!
I would like to thank all the awesome folks who came in today!  Wow!  I'll tell you if we get more compliments like these my head won't fit through the door!  Thanks to the gent who commented on the "Personal touch" of the blog.  Truth be told, I just like to talk to a captive audience (especially when I'm the only one talking! hee, hee!)
Seriously, it always helps when the kind folk stop by and talk up the blog when Angi's present.  Gives me more excuse to be on the computer!  Thanks to Walter for being such a joy with his re-pair!  It was so cool to have someone so excited about riding again!  Glad we could get his ride on the road again.  Thanks to the gent coming in for the tire and tube repair.  He was admiring the family photo that graces the front of the shop, and had a nice chat with Angi.  I do appreciate all the kind words, and look forward to seeing him again.
Had a real odd question today from a young man stopping in for a minor adjustment, and I hope my ill conceived (and somewhat brisk) response did not offend.  He asked if we had seen a decline in bike sales and service since the price of gas went down.  Well, truth be told I have no idea how much gas costs these days.  It's been about seven years since we had to buy any, but I retorted "Anyone with half a brain must realize that it won't stay down for long!"  Gee, I sure hope he's not a car driver.  But that's my one character flaw (all the other quirks are called "peccadillo's...not flaws) I have occasional "brain to mouth" miscommunication.  I am the epitome of "politically incorrect"
Today was a blur of production!  I played Scrabble early, and got it out of the way so I could focus on work!  We put out a sweet, "Like New" Mongoose Estes dual shock MTB.  It was less then three days old when the folks who owned it had a rear end run in, and sold it to us.  We fixed her up pretty and she's out.  Also, we had a bevy of kids bikes starting to pile up in the back room.  In an attempt to make room we banged out seven of 'em!  It's almost to the point where you can walk back there!  Next major task is to get the wheels weeded through...again!
Oh, speaking of movies (sorry, couldn't come up with a cleaner segue than that) couple nights back Angi picked up a copy of "Across the Universe"  A musical put out in 2006, that I never had heard of.  I'm not much into musicals, but gave it a look any who, and I got to admit it was a real kick!  Set in the tumultuous 60's and with the backdrop of the Vietnam war it utilizes all Beatles songs(enjoyable even though I'm more of a Monkees fan) , sung by the actors to help tell the story.  Eddie Izzard does a real cool rendition of Mr Kite.  And wait until you see the military induction!  WEIRD!  So I leave you them as I once again forgot to take pic's of the bikes!  Sorry, they'll be up tomorrow!
Night, night!

It's Finally HERE!

THE AVENGERS TRAILER!!!

Got fooled so many times on you tube by (sometimes kinds nicely done) fan made trailers!  But this one's official!  I am so psyched about this one!  Now if DC will just get off their buts and put out the Justice League!

Well today was a day of quiet reflection and contemplation on highly spiritual matters.

NAH!  Just pulling your lariat!  But we did manage to put out four new ones amongst the many re-pairs (thank you so very much!) Got an awesome  Diamondback 21 speed hybrid.  Totally tricked it out with full re-furb, new seat too!  Also another 24" "Daily Banger Special" MTB.  A real sweet Ladies GT Timberline also graces the floor and Justin pumped out a Kool Kustom Kruiser.  We had bought it as a real clunker.  Someone had bastardized it with 20" rims and you couldn't even pedal it.  BUT she's a real trooper now!

Well I'd love to wax rhapsodical but it's the end of the day, and my mind being the sieve it is, is out of anything important to say.

Night!

LADIES GT TIMBERLINE MTB
ONLY $110.00

DIAMONDBACK HYBRID
SWEET!!!
ONLY $180.00!!

"DAILY BANGER SPECIAL"
ONLY $40.00!!!

"WICKED SWEET" LOW RIDER!
ONLY $120.00!!

"Those who fail to learn from the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them"

It's Monday, so I'm gonna get the downer out of the way and move on to cool stuff.
The one slightly pessimistic streak in me that occurs in occasional discussions regarding current events sprung up recently while talking over the events of  "Occupy Wall Street".  My wife, being the lovely little subversive radical she is was all in agreement with the sentiment from the crowds gathered in response to the crushing disparity that has eroded the middle class and left the poor, poorer and the rich WAY richer.
My only concern is, if once the many factions come together and formulated a directive and cohesive, all inclusive goal,  what then?  Lets just say that historically, as I see it protests and activists have not always brought about concrete and total change.  Sure, cosmetically to appease the masses governments have passed laws which on the surface seem to justify the sacrifices of many.   But in the end, institutionalized racism is gone, but racism isn't.  And if you think ALL are equal?  How come Gay marriages aren't happening every day?  Check out the percentile of White inmates in prison vs. black.
Yes, yes i know changes have been made. But what about now? My opinion (just one of  billions of varied opinions) is this.  It has never truly been about religion, race, sexual preference, age or gender.  It's two simple things, "Haves and have nots"  Every war, every demonstration, every riot every regime change has been about those two groups.  We unfortunately have bought into the lie.  And as we continue to fight amongst ourselves...they win. 
Whoops, digressed there for a minute.  My point is this, after reading about the chaos in Egypt (an event that lent inspiration to OUR current movement) has me again pondering the question, "What would be left if you tore down the current system?"  Nature abhors a vacuum, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Food for thought.
OK, enough of that, on to funner topics! 
Sunday was a blast!  Sadly, miniature golf was out of the question, as it was raining when we woke up and continued to do so for the whole day.  BUT, not wanting to give up, we opted for Chuck E' Cheese!  The adults excuse for OD'ing on Advil!!  I gotta give the little guys credit though, I guess after last weeks debacle they learned their lesson and (for the most part) were on their best behavior.  And it really gave me a chance to do a little bonding time with Izzy.  She's very much the mamma's girl, so it was nice for her to be wanting ME to pick her up and hold her for a change!  And as independent of their parents you think your kids get, Rozy reminded me that they still need their folks.  As we got there and I filled their little hands with tokens, I told them when they needed  more to come find me.  Well I guess i should have told them i may be walking around with Izzy, because a little while later as I was showing Izzy the "Toddler Zone" Rozy came up to me crying.  At first I thought she may have gotten hurt, but it was because I wasn't at our table and she got scared that I left.  Oh, MAN talk about having your heart break!  I was so tore up to see her cry like that, but had a little selfish daddy twinge that said "Hey, they DO need you after all!" 
After awhile we had to get going as the rain was not abating, so the place was filling up WAY past fire code with a bevy of agitated parents and irritated kids.
Tell me this (and yes, I realize after my behavior last week this seems slightly hypocritical) why do some parents take out their kids, to an OBVIOUSLY KID place, and act agitated, irritated and annoyed...that their acting like kids!  You want an excuse to get annoyed with them, take 'em to an art opening, dress 'em in a suit, and yell at them for spitting out caviar on their wing tips! Don't take 'em to the rat, and piss in their post toasties!
Well, Angie and the older boys had a HUM-Dinger of a busy day!  And for a rainy Sunday?  Amazing!  Ned came in and picked up the Redline BMX that Justin had finished up!  Black on black, real slick!  I'm sure glad his son was happy with it.  Debbie choose the Diamondback cruiser for her new ride. And Lenna wanted the slick, flashy red cruiser!  She'll be styling on that ride! And Sam, being of obviously sound, sophisticated taste choose the custom Cannondale MTB we have had for longer then I had anticipated!
And as always, thanks to the drop offs yesterday.  We'll be getting to them post haste!
So (wow I have a lot to say today) after winding down the kids, Mom and Dad plopped down in front of the wide screen to veg out to a flick last night.  Now I'm in no way a fan of slasher flicks, let me say that up front, but a new one is hitting the theatres and we got to watch an advancing screening on Zune (we love Zune) (and NO, it's not pirated!)  The flicks "Tucker and DaleVS Evil" and the only reason I'd agreed to watch it is one of my FAVE actors co-stars in it, Alan Tudyk.  He played the part of Wash in "Firefly" (you've heard me blather on about that show!) (die, FOX DIE!) but I really became a fan slightly in reverse when I watched the flick "A Knight's Tale" where he played Wat, squire to Sir Ulrich (Played by Heath Ledger, may he rest in peace)  I've loved everything I've seen him in (Watch him as Dutch, in Transformers 3!  He STEALS the film!)
ANYWAY!
Dale and Tucker are a couple of sweet hillbilly friends who buy a derelict cabin in the Virginian mountains as a "Vacation home" and on their way to fix it up cross paths with a group of rowdy college students away on a Memorial weekend camping trip.  Well this sets the stage for a reenactment of every cliche' slasher film staples with a twist, it all starts because of a simple series of misunderstandings! Yes their is gore and their are ALOT of deaths (think Shaun of the Dead, but not so quirky) but the humor far out weighs the need for the occasional "Horror movie glasses"  I definitely recommend the watch!
All right!  I think I best be getting to work, as we are in desperate need of stock!
PS>  Here are pics of two of the new ones from saturday!

LADIES 26" OCEAN PACIFIC CRUISER
ONLY $75.00!!

20" 7 SPEED MTB
ONLY $55.00!!

Blustery Saturday.

Lot's of goings on!  A "heavy on the re-pairs" Saturday.  Very cool, but somewhat strange thing for a Saturday.  Thanks to all the returning friends.  It's a cool feeling to be able to say "regulars"! 
Funny thing happened on the way to the bike shop...  Seriously.  Had a young man bring in his Trek for a front tire repair.  He had blown a couple spokes, and wanted us to replace and true.  Well when Justin set to do it, as he tighten the first spoke "TWANG!" another one popped and flew across the shop.  At that point he inquired as to whether or not that was normal.  Well, no.  So I checked and sure enough several of the spokes had rust cracks in them.  Sadly, the only options at that point were to replace ALL the damaged spokes, or replace the wheel.  And considering the amount of bad spokes it was cheaper to just replace the wheel.  Well, slight problem.  His ride had dropped him off and were on their way to Tampa and had only left him with enough cash to pay the original quote ($8.00).  Well, I couldn't let him ride off on a wheel that could fail on him, so we told him "No problem" just bring the cash back when he could.  Well he was kind of surprised by this, and somewhat incredulous.  I had to explain to him that my karma was worth a little more then twelve bucks.  And knowingly putting him at risk, or forcing him to walk the distance home wouldn't help me out in the afterlife!  Besides, if he stiffed us the cash, HE'D be the one with the dead karma albatross around his neck! 
Pay it forward.
Well thanks to Chip and Joanne for the surprise Saturday visit!  And bearing gifts no less!  Seems they cleaned out a neighbors yard and brought in some interesting bike goodies!  A three wheeler (in DESPERATE need of a major overhaul!) and a....well...a...hmmmm?  Let's just say someone had some left over parts and frames, and a spare welder, and decided to make their own tandem.  Frankenbike.  A very....unique looking ride, to say the least.  Made from a dual shock MTB in the back and a kids BMX in the front.  See the shifter and brakes are in the back, but the kid up front steers.
Interesting.
Should make for a rather...different rebuild project!
Also got the skinny on his latest book that he was nice enough to send me an advanced "reading" copy this evening.
Well, Angi sold the sweet little Schwinn 18" whilst I was off on an elongated test ride today.  Apparently the son was quite taken with it!  We managed to get out three new re-builds.  Justin FINALLY finished the Redline BMX.  I gotta admit he did a real good job with it, too.  But he'll have to work on his building time.  2 days a LITTLE to long for a BMX.  Also put out a nice Mongoose MGX 20" MTB, and a sweet ladies single speed cruiser.  An Ocean Pacific/Sun cross breed.  Wish I had pics, but forgot to plug my phone in!  Sorry!
Well, as the day is done and I'm preparing for tomorrows newest adventure with the youngins (yes, I'm trying it again!)  This time...Miniature golf!
Wish me luck!

Oh you, pretty, pretty boy...

It doesn't happen to often. They come into the shop every day but I hardly give it a second thought.  I mean I see them, of course but rarely indulge...for myself that is.  But every once and a while one happens by and I just can't help but think on how it would be?  You know, guilty pleasure.  Perhaps he's meant for someone else, but you just can't deny yourself..
Such was today!  And I feel so sinfully elated!  I know I should just pass him up, let someone else have him... but it's been soooooo long!
And he's so big!  And Black!!  
And the graphics on the frame remind me of an old pool cue I used to own.
Hunh?
What?
Yea, a bike.  What did you think I was talking about?
anyway.  This was the bike donated to us by a wonderful gentleman the other day.  An old Austrian 3-speed, imported for Sears.  Haven't dated it but probably late 60's to early 70's.  Was real ruff when he came in, but had LOT's of potential.  I gave it a FULL re-build and re-paint.  Same color scheme, Gloss black, but when I was done took him for a test drive and  MAN!  Like butter!  Usually my test drives are once around the parking lot, once through the gears.  but I must have just tooled around for like a half hour!  So in the end, I have decided to add another to my collection.  Haven't done that in well over two years.   I guess I'm due.
Would like to thank all the cool folks for coming in to visit today!  Saw many new faces and some old favorites.  Finally found a gentleman's diminutive wife a great bike in the form of the Cignal 24" MTB!  She seems quite thrilled, and it's the third one they've picked up.  Also like to thank Phillip for the trade of the 20" MTB on the Trek 24.0 for his son.  And also, again VERY sorry you had the problem with it.  Seems the rear derailleur cog was bad and we missed it!  ARRGH!  Hate it when we miss something.  But no worries!  He brought it back and we'll have it up and running with a new derailleur tomorrow!  Again, VERY sorry!  Also like to thank Logan and his folks for "Moving on up" to the Diamondback 26" MTB!  And a special thanks for the cool bit of horse trading!  I love the barter system!  They had 3 pairs of cool shoes (sketchers and Vans perfect for OUR kids, plus a big 'ol stack of Comic Books for Dad!!  Heh, heh!  I love it when our customers know us, and we know them!  Can't wait to spoil myself with some quite reading time! 
Justin's been working hard on his first scratch build.  Let's call it a "RE-Cycle learning experience" that every new mechanic has to endure himself.  Somewhat a "rite of passage" thing.  He started with an older Redline BMX frame, and has diligently been digging around for all the right parts.  MOST of the stuff around here is organized, but we do have one rather intimidating cart of "what-not" parts that he has to dig through>
I try very hard not to chuckle when he can hear me.
Oh, I'm a bad man.
Anyway!  Have to be off as it is MOVIE NIGHT!  So ya'll have a great night!  And check out my new ride!

And the connection is....?

You know you're hitting middle age when this..

Looks better then this...

So I'm perusing my Yahoo this morning and for some reason take notice of those annoying flashing messages and ad's that are ever present.  As I poke around the days news there they are again.  Everything from Penny stocks, to further education, car insurance etc.  But they all have one strangely familiar theme.  They all feature some scantily clad young female model.  My question is "What's the connection?"  Other then a pretty girl causing a fender bender because the male driver was rubber necking.  But penny stocks?  Further education?  Quite frankly (and no offense to any ladies reading) but it doesn't look to me like education is of a paramount concern to these vacuous individual.  And the thought of them being capable of making a wise stock choice, much less be able to read the NYSE info....? Not so much.

I just find the whole "Sex sells" mentality of the ad world to be rather nauseating.  And offensive.  Not that i have anything against the opposite sex, it's more so the blatant insult to our intelligence.  Hey, stock's are boring.  Insurance may be necessary, but it to...boring. Embrace your minimality!  Reminds me of an older movie about an ad exec that has a nervous breakdown, gets committed, but finds he needs to work.  So he enlists the help of the other patients to begin writing ad campaigns with such slogans as "Volvo: Their Boxy. Their Ugly. But they're safe.  And, Metamucil; "Drink it, or you'll die."  And it turns out to work like crazy!  (pardon the pun) 

In the end, keep 'em covered. 

ANYWAY!

Had another Fantabulously busy day yesterday!  Thanks to Justin's friend Shawn for picking up the dual shock MTB we put out yesterday.  Had a bit of a race to buy on that one!  As he was looking at it, had a gent from USF on text wanting us to ship it to him, as well as another guy looking to come in and grab it!  Yes she was a beaut of a ride!  Also, thanks to Jim for giving the "Rolls Ross" a good home!  She sat here longer then I thought she would for a "Big Boy" bike! 

As always, thanks to all for the continued trust in us for doing your re-pairs! 

Also thanks to the anonymous gent for the wonderful donation of the older 3-speed touring bike and box of parts!  WOW!  We've already re-painted and cleaned her up and will be reassembling today!

Speaking of GORGEOUS Vintage re-builds check out this SWEET Schwinn Continental 2 road bike from Dec of 1977!!!  Picked it up last week in trade!  She'd been sitting in a garage for the last decade or so and in dire need of a major overhaul, but the body was GORGEOUS!  And wow, what luck!  When she came in, both the front and rear derailleurs were shot!  (Sad face!) But after an extensive exhaustive search of the many forgotten nooks and crannies here at RE-Cycle, we found the EXACT same vintage!!!!  SWEET!  Not only that, but when she came in had no seat, or seat post!  AHHHHH!!  Anyone who has worked on a vintage Schwinn knows that trying to find one of them (due to their narrow diameter) can be a challenge, but once again lady luck was smiling on us, as we had ONE left!!!  SOOOO, everything except the seat is vintage (oh, sorry had to due a cable and housing replace as the original were WAY to far gone, as well as new tubes of course) and we were left, after two days work with one PEACH of a ride!!!

So, check it out as I begin my day anew!

1977 SCHWINN CONTINENTAL 2
ONLY $220.00!!!!

Crawling Out From Under My Rock.

Any of you reading this banter may recall that at one point in my life I was a die hard news junky.  From the mid 90's through the 2004 election (when I lost all faith in the  the political system, not to mention seriously questioned the intelligence of the population as a whole) I swore of news of all kind.  I discovered much to my amazement that the old saying "ignorance is bliss" is by far one of the truest sentiments ever put to paper.  So you'll understand why i have been in the total dark when it comes to the events unfolding in New York.  I check my yahoo home page for quirky news, or human interest stories but tend to shy away from the big stuff.  But as is and has been the norm, mainstream media has it's policies regarding movements that are subversive or deemed contrary to the status quo.  Cover it marginally, and only interview the few crazies in the crowds.  You know the ones, faces painted or outlandish costumes spouting off conspiracy dogma in an incomprehensible manner, the camera crews shooting only at the fringe of the demonstration as to not show the true volume of people in attendance.  Giving it an air of a minor extremist fringe of loonies.  Even the anchorperson gives their little sarcastic smirk, and lighthearted guffaws underlining the sense of "silliness of it all"  So it was no surprise when this morning I checked my yahoo news and discovered NO mention of the protest, at all.  Even though yesterday several Unions and student lent their numbers to the growing throng of irate people occupying Wall Street, swelling the crowds into the thousands.
Hmmm.
When I arrived home last night, Angela who has been following it from it's inception, merely assumed I knew what was going on.  She has some online friends involved in the less radical ranks of Anonymous who keep  her updated. So she proceeded to educate me.  After four hours on line watching it all unfold, I was dangerously close to becoming addicted once again!
All I can say is, it's about time.  This movement has been 234 years in the making. Ever since the first organized gathering of a elite group of rich old guys sat down and mapped out how they were going to get out from under the thrones thumb, and start making some serious bank for themselves without having to give the kings his cut and came up with some clever rhetoric and catchy catch phrases to motivate a population of servants to do their bidding.  Out and out lying to the masses, promising pay and a better life.  Has it been good or bad?  I guess it depends on which side of the fence you lean.  But the one truth is we are all responsible for it's victories and it's woes.  We should embrace that.  When you work a solid week, and pay your debts and patronize a local business your helping out.  When you drive an 8 MPG Escalade to a "Earth Day" celebration your not.  When you bring canned goods and clothing to a hurting family you are engaging.  When your joining the throngs in the local Wal-mart spending your income on cheap Chinese crap that will break in a week...not so much. 
Look, I could ramble on (and I do) for some time, but in all seriousness this movement has just begun, and is both exhilarating and scary.  This is not a fringe group of people venting grievances.  They are, at the onset somewhat disorganized but they have a ringer.  Something that most prior protests have lacked.  They are bolstered by the presence of the middle class.  For a long time content to sit in their pleasant suburban households, with their two car garages and job security they now find themselves shoulder to shoulder with the folks that cleaned their homes, mowed their yard and served them burger and fries on the way to the Hampton's for the weekend.  As well as the newly graduated and completely unemployable students.
As they are chanting...
"We are the 99%"
"Expect Us."

Before I go....

Just finished up this gem, and wanted to share it with all my wonderfull friends!

GORGEOUS DIAMONDBACK MTB
ONLY $110.00!!!

It's a Happy First Hair Cut Day!!!

I know, odd time for me to be posting.  I usually do it  in the morning or at the end of the day, but we had a busy morning!  Right from the get go.  Then I (thanks to the other computer freezing up) had to redesign new flyer/cards as the last batch went REAL quick!  It's flattering though, when folks visit they always want a card to hold on to!  Check out the new batch below as well as the new goodies we have put out from yesterday and today.  The shocker of them all is a rare '83 Redline Race Inc 24" BMX cruiser!!!  WHOA!  Found this gem (like so many other) in the back of one of our scrappers trailers!  Also got a cute little 18" Schwinn with training wheels!  Christmas gift that never got used.  Brought in on trade as he's now interested in riding.  Also a "cleaned up real nice" 26" dual shock MTB.  Also have another 26" Men's cruiser!  SWEET!
Well today was Izy's first haircut!  (Mom's trim doesn't count)  She was a real trooper, and know we can see her pretty little face (and she'll be able to walk across the floor and not bump into things!)  I got profile shots as she wouldn't look directly at the camera!  Oh well!
Shout outs!  Thanks to the returning lovely ladies, who have been looking for a good, inexpensive bike for ones grandson to get to and fro work!  Thanks to Greg for coming all the way out here to pick up the 24" dual shock MTB last night!  Enjoy man!  Also same greetings to John for shooting up here from Saint Pete.  Guess he checked all the shops down his way before coming up and getting a real deal on the sweet 26" GT MTB we had!  Good choice! 
Also, as always a very grateful thanks to all the re-pairs!  Thank you so much for the trust!
And Hello to the returning Chip!  Hadn't seen him for the regular "Monday's with Chip" as he's been busy!  I didn't get the whole skinny, but he's apparently got another book in the works.  Can't wait to hear more! 
All right, I'd best get a move on as I have a Diamondback in my rack calling me!

'83 REDLINE "RACE INC" BMX CRUISER
$280.00

"THAT'S MY LITTLE PUMPKIN!"

DUAL SHOCK ALUMINUM FRAME MTB
ONLY $85.00!!

ALUMINUM CRUISER
ONLY $75.00!!

"LIKE NEW" SCHWINN!
ONLY $45.00!!

IN HOMAGE TO MY COMIC BOOK YOUTH!

Flattery Will get You everywhere!

Like with any other job, regardless of how much you may love it, there are times you are reminded...it's a job!  One requiring commitment, labor time and toil.  Sometimes to a point of tedium.  But then there are the times when you are gently reminded of why you do what you do.  In our case, those reminders always come from the folks we service...there bikes I mean!  The other day was a good case in point.  A gentleman attending SPC, studying renewable resource development brought in an older GT MTB for us to reassemble and rebuild.  In trade towards his bill he brought along a "Bike In A Bucket"  An older Specialized Hardrock, 90% complete, and in need of a good re-furb!  he also brought along a bevy of compliments.  Obviously, in accordance with his major, he shares in our desire to reuse what the Earth has already provided, and was genuinely giddy to have found us.  His burning question "Why aren't there more places doing what we do?"  Good question.  Personally?  I think it's only a matter of time.  I meet people every day that in some way are thinking twice before discarding this or that, in lieu of holding on for some possible future use. 
Also i would like to thank one of our new friends, not only for letting us rebuild the SWEET trek road bike that everyone wanted, but also for his kind donation to our friend John of some canned food!  (no yams!).  you'll be happy to know we are starting to accumulate quite a bit of goodies for him.  Angela's "Mommy Network" (pause briefly:  My wife furthers the whole "re-use" theory with a group of local moms, who trade and donate clothes and toys and such, back and forth and are always looking to welcome more "families in need") came up with a couple of boxes as well!  We'll be having them all delivered to John by the end of this week.
Well we managed to put out three more yesterday.  A 24" trek MTB.  This one's an older  cromoly frame, and runs like a champ!  Also, a 24" dual shock "Daily banger Special" MTB as well!  And to top it off a GORGEOUS Vintage Ladies Raleigh three speed!  pretty sure that one's sold though, but we're going to pic it below anyway!\
ALSO!  Got some exciting new additions yesterday!  A (soon to be) nice men's 26" Diamondback Sorento! A banger BMX (we are REAL light on BMX's right now!) And the best of 'em all, in trade for the unicycle we've had, like   FOREVER a SUPERSWEET Vintage Schwinn Continental 2 Road bike!!!!   KEEN!  That one's going on my rack post haste! 
So on that note, I'd best get hopping!

24" TREK MTB!
ONLY $70.00!!

DUAL SHOCK "DAILY BANGER SPECIAL"!!
ONLY $45.00!!

VINTAGE LADIES RALEIGH 3-SPEED
ONLY $140.00!!

Lot's and lot's

Been a couple days since my last epic poem. The shop computer had a fatal meltdown. Working on a loaner now as we wait to see if the old one can be saved. I surely hope so considering how much sh...tuff we have on it!
Well the first touch of autumn hit Saturday, or as I like to call it "fake fall". In Florida, we have a bout of about a week of pleasant cool mornings, an almost content flow of gentle breezes, and pleasant days. Then it goes back to being hot briefly, until the weather dips into what I like to call "Space Suit Weather" The phrase coming from the fact that I get to dig my bibby insulated coveralls (well worn as they are) out of the closet and look like a REAL mechanic for a while!
Anyway. As the weather was very mild yesterday, and the kids had been (relatively) good this week we decided to take a sojourn to the mall and spend the day. Well I'll tell you the whole experience has me reeling! I even had a hard time sleeping last night, as I felt real bad about the whole thing and quite guilty. See, to be totally honest, I'm a sap! I hate discipline. I just want my kids to be good, respectful and well behaved but not have to be the one to put them in line! Don't get me wrong, I do it, it's my job. but I feel like crap for days afterwards!
We get to the mall, and understandably, they are all excited to just be out! Summertime limits what you can do outside, so to avoid the hassle, we pretty much hibernate. They were, well saying "hyper" is to put it mildly. And as we entered the mall the chaos began. Once through the doors Owen ran in one direction Rozy in the other and Kaleb started complaining about me not letting him wander right off. Once i corralled them, had the "talk" about outside safety, which pretty much fell on deaf ears. because as soon as we started walking, it all began anew! To put it briefly, trashed the Disney Store, knocked over an elderly lady on a walker, trashed the bathroom, knocked over a servers sample tray...and that was in the first 10 minutes inside. Well...I lost it. And I became "that" parent. The one dragging the kicking and screaming kid out of the mall, with the others behind crying and pleading for another chance, stopping to pick up the screaming one as he flops to the floor! Oh I was a wreck! I don't usually loose my temper like that, and certainly not in public! Once back out to the bus stop, I was reading them the riot act, when the security showed up to see if their was a problem! LORD! I don't think I could have been any more embarrassed! Well, needless to say things calmed down, and considering the wait for the next bus was more then an hour and a half, I hesitantly gave them another shot, on the belt loop law. All but one behaved admirably after the debacle, and he will not be attending miniature golf next Sunday, I can tell you that!
Anywho! Had a busy weekend in re-pairs and sold several more rides as the perfect riding time is upon us! We'll be pumping out more as the day progresses!
Have a great day!