Rat Rod Riders Round Up!

Today is the big Dunedin Rat Rod show, and some of the kiddo's and I are preparing to head out (waiting to juice up my phone so I can grab some pics).  Have already chatted with a few people that went earlier this morning and they inform me this one is pretty good size.  Hopefully I can find out the time of the next one so we can get a booth set up to pimp out what we do.  Got the Clown Bike up and running yesterday and took her around the block a few times to test my rusty mounting and dismounting skills.

  Still a tad bit shaky, the ill result of the bad fall from the last time I rode her...um four or more years ago.  But, after a few minuets it was just like riding a bicycle...um, wait, what? 
Hope to see some of you folks there, as well, and when your done, feel free to come pay us a visit!  Okay, gonna head out and when we get back, I'll have some pic's to share with you!

WOW!!!  That was AWESOME!!!  And what a perfect spot!  On Edgewater drive just before beautiful downtown Dunedin in the auxiliary parking lot of the church, nestled beneath a beautiful canopy of trees, providing ample shade for all in attendance.  Looked to be a good amount of folks in attendance, all of like minds!  And MAN, were there some beautiful rides there!  I was DAH-ROOOOOLIN'!  One bike was up for raffle, a replica of the classic Western Flyer! 

Several of the rides in attendance were straight forward classic, full of charm accented with the patina of age, some were straight up rust buckets, filled with the mystery of a long life. 

Of course, there were some gorgeous restorations and others praying for the chance to shine again.

Not to mention some newer factory customs...

And home made customs full of whimsy and character!

"What "Tank Girl" would ride...if she didn't have a tank!"

"obviously a light meant for blinding pilots!"

Of course, as would be expected being held so close to the shop, we saw a lot of our regulars there and made many new friends.  Had a good talk with the coordinators, and got the info into their bike club the Rat Riders.  They invited me to tag along on their next outing, but not sure if I'll ride the Clown Bike for that!  They mainly have a convoy of sharp cruisers out bar hoping, and....well, I can't imagine navigating that ride through narrow Dunedin streets after a few brews! 
After seeing all those WAY cool customs...OH...I got the ITCH!  Definitely going to the drawing board! I have a concept in mind, which will not be a small bike, and a full custom frame build.  And, no surprise, inspired by Firefly!  SO, keep an eye out for that...hopefully.

What was a REAL hoot was as we were wandering about, I began to notice something very flattering, all total, I saw about two dozen bikes there that we had rebuilt and sold!  Oh, some had been taken and fully restored, while some were just being flipped. One in particular, the Pepsi bike we sold about two months ago for $80.00, the buyer had out for $350.00!!  I wish him luck! 

OH!  And I did buy a few things! Funny though, the thing is, they had nothing to do with bikes!  A gent had these buried in a box at the corner of his table, but when I saw them a FLOOD of nostalgia hit me, as I LOVED reading these things as a kid!  I had to have them....

And, even though we didn't win the Classic Western Flyer in the raffle, we DID win this....

I don't know if any of the vendors made any serious cash, didn't see a lot of visitors walking away with parts stashed under their arms or wheeling out rides, but everyone there seemed to have had a good time.  Of course, my ego was stroked at all the show stopping glances I got on the Clown, and parking it out front, a lot of photos were snapped of her!  There was only one other tall bike there, a double decker but, nope, ours is still the tallest!

  And I only fell once!  Well, not fell, had to bail off when we were headed out because the kids were all higgly piggly about me.  They don't follow direction very well at times.  All in all though, the guys in charge ran a real awesome show, and I am quite thankful for their efforts.  The more folks out there willing to do things like this to promote the lifestyle and addiction THE BETTER!

And finally, MY pick for BEST IN SHOW (but it only took third place) is this crazy concoction resulting in a SWEET little piece of STEAM PUNK!!

Now, I'm gonna take a moment and connect with the Rat Riders and find out their next run, then it's back to the grindstone!  See YA!

It All Comes Out, With Bleach, In The End!

This happens so frequently that I long ago just excepted the phenomenon as just a pleasant aspect of doing things the way we do, but for some reason it just struck me as rather odd, yesterday.  Oh, humorously odd, but odd no the less. 
More than a few times this week we have had some real nice folks bring us in some much needed repairs, and in the process, informed me they had been referred to us by one of the local bike shops.  We get a lot of that over the last few years from many of the "new" bike shops around (at least the ones who don't hate us 'cause were such neat folks!)  and are thankful for it.  The customers tell us one of only three reasons why they refer them to us, that either they're told their bike is "not worth it, and they'll sell them a NEW one", or "we don't work on box store brand bikes" or the more frequent, they were just WAY to high priced!  Now, for the record I am SOOOO not looking a gift horse in the mouth and I hope for our sake some of these other shops "stay snooty" and don't get the picture that customer service is EVERYTHING, but I just have to ask; "is your business doing SOOO well that you can afford to not only turn away a paying customer, but to alienate them from ever wanting to patronize your establishment again?" I mean, sadly, the amount of bicycle riders IS finite in this state, AND most bike riders have FRIENDS who are bike riders.  Those friends might even be more inclined to send MORE business your way, so does it really make sense to denigrate the Huffy rider because your only wanting to tinker on Trek's?  Not to mention, simply, it just ain't right to treat someone disrespectfully  because they can't shell out BIG bucks for some flashy carbonataniumpolymodulatedchromiumnated road bike! I mean, seriously!  You're a mechanic, dude, don't fear the grease, man!
No, no, no...I'm serious about that last one folks!  Funny story: back when we had the shop at the old plaza, I was looking for another part time tinkerer to help put out rides and do repairs.  Had this one, middle age gent come in and apply for the job, and I took a look at his resume, and he had EXTENSIVE experience in the field of bicycle mechanics, and had worked for some time as lead tech for a couple of racing teams!  Why the heck you HERE, man?!  We're a bunch of wrench turning, shade tree grease monkeys!  I tried to dissuade him, the hours were light as was the pay, but he insisted he could handle it.  So, the next day he came into start, and brought in his rolling tool chest.  Cool.  My very first hint of reservation was how he was dressed.  Oh, look, I aint gonna mock someone's personal taste of attire, and where as a pair of Khaki cargo shorts, and a navy blue polo shirt may be nice, appropriate attire?  TOTALLY out of place in OUR shop!  No...you HAVE to wear clothes you have little money invested in and care nothing about! SO, as I am in my bay, rummaging through my scattered tools looking for a crescent wrench, I kept one eye on him as he prepares to work.  At least he had enough snap to put on a workman's apron...like THAT would help much!  Then he opened up his tool chest (black foam padding with the shape of the tools cut into it...Oh boy) and methodically place his standard stuff on the work bench provided for him.  Once his ritual was done, he clapped his hands together and eagerly asked "what do I start on first?"  I nodded my head to Miguel and asked him to dig out a rebuild from the pile.  Miguel grabbed an old Huffy MTB and handed it to him, and I watched as his nose wrinkled briefly in disdain.  Now mind you, he was totally briefed on how we did what we did, and this was a baptism of fire.  I'd told Miguel ahead of time to start him off with the worst one in the bunch to see what he could do.  Heh, this one was BAD.  Having sat in the elements for some time, it was...icky.  If the weeds growing through the wheels and chain were not indication enough of some of the stuff we bring back to life, when he flipped the bike upside down on his stand and a small cascade of stagnant water spilled down his apron, I'm sure that gave him a clear idea!  To his credit, he really did do a good job of refurbishing it (albeit taking twice as long as we would normally take) but the whole time his bay filled with muffled expletives and heavy, frustrated sighs.  The real kicker was, like every five minutes he was washing and sanitizing his hands!  Once he finished, it was near to closing and I thanked him for a good job.  He acknowledged appreciatively as he scrubbed furiously to get his hands clean (he had a FINGERNAIL brush?!   Really?) then, once satisfied all the filth was removed, he started, with the same meticulous manner, to pack up his tool box.  I told him it would be fine if he just left his tools in his bay until tomorrow, but he stammered out a "oh, that's Okay, I may need them at home"
We never saw him again.
Sad thing is, I've visited many of the local shops...and...THAT'S pretty much how most of their mechanics are!  "not that there's ANYTHING wrong with that!" (insert Jerry Seinfeld nasal whine)
Nope, you can't do this job if your a germaphobe! 
ANYWHO!
Yesterday was all about organization and trying to get all of our marketing ducks in a row.  Heavy internet usage, you know.  Today, more of the same, but I will be taking some time in a wee bit to get on the Clown Bike for tomorrow!  Yea...I'm a procrastinator! And Elijah is bringing up the truck for some much needed TLC.
SO, until later, see ya sooner...then later!

Ode To Old Friends

There comes a point, in every mans life, when his mind chooses the time to reflect....reminisce, about the choices, and the mistskes he's made. That cresting point where you teeter upon the heaving wave, looking out upon the unexplored waters that comprise the remainder of your life, and wonder..."how the hell did I get up here!?!"
(Don't panic. This isn't the malaise you may expect)
This is what I have been doing for a little while now. I wouldn't call it a mid life crisis, as I have no desire to color out the gray, buy a sports car and try and woo some twenty something for her favors! No, I'm talking more an evaluation of the twists and turns my personal choices have lain about before me, and  in what I have, versus what I left behind.  As much as I love and enjoy the creative aspect of what I do and the scores of people whom I have touched, through that, over the years, but would it interest you to know, that by the age of eight, I KNEW  what I wanted to do...and what I am doing now...never even entered my mind!
No, at that tender age, my entire being wanted to emerge itself in comic books!
Every facet of the medium, the industry, the creative output was the very life's blood of every waking moment, that came to fruition at the age of twelve.  On a sojourn to the Newington flea market in New Hampshire I stumbled upon a both selling old comic books!
At that point I came to realize, while I may not posess the talent to write or draw them, I could still dive deeply within their world. I tentatively approached the vendor and began a slew of wide eyed euphoric questions.  The young man, sensing my eager abandon, compassionately humored my eager fanatasism.
Over the course of the next few months I took every opportunity to travel the distance to visit him, and his patients never wavered.  Eventually he employed me, on credit, to perform perfunctory tasks to assist him,  which I eagerly embraced.
Eventually, he opened a storefront, in Portsmouth NH, naming it "Comic Relief", and offered me a position, one which I willingly left school to accept.  He was the keystone in my approach to customer interaction and willingness to go to the greatest extant to please the customer, and filled me with the joys of the business.  I had the privilege of being there, and running the sales table at a convention in Portsmouth that featured the first release of a then, little known, and easily dismissed New Hampshire created comic book.
Maybe you heard of it?  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
Oh yes...I was the FIRST person to try and hock the book to the first crowd to view it!
The next few years of my life were spent in that shop, but eventually, I moved on.  Staying in the business for almost twenty years.  But, with a growing family, and moving south, well...things changed.  And so did I.  No, I don't regret where we ended up.  Sure, the tasks and occasional frustrations of running ANY small business, can be taxing, but the joy of being capable of bringing back a bike to it's original glory, and all the mechanics and creativity of doing so, is in itself, quite satisfactory.  Not to mention, the high kudos we have received from doing so but, as I mentioned, recently I have been revisiting my past, and rediscovering people from it. Most recently, tonight exactly, I sought "him" out.  One of the biggest influences in my life...and found him!  Turned out to be quite easy, as he now owns and operates one of the most widely talked talked about, and five star acclaimed comic shops in New Hampshire!  Jetpack Comics, in Rochester, sports a HUGE amount of critically favored reviews and voted two years the best business in the town!  No small wonder for a man such as Ralph DiBernardo!  He always had a way with people and appreciated  everyone's love and affinity for the medium.
I miss those days,crawling over boxes of back issues, pizza and Jolt cola fueled all nighters to make "new book day" the best one ever!
And I miss Ralph.  His sense of humor,Yankee sarcasm and having to wake him up each morning for work with an open cup of  Dunkin Donuts coffee!
It's been close to thirty years since I last heard from him.  He had left his shop, moving on to other things, or so I had suspected, but when I stumbled upon a photo of him standing amongst a slew of comics and toys, I dug deeper and was thrilled to discover, that even though I have no idea what he had been doing in the ensuing years since we last spoke, he invariably had drifted back, at some point to his original love.  In 2005 he opened his shop in Rochester, and by all accounts and a slew favorable articles, has been doing quite well.  Not only that, through his efforts of hosting certain events within the downtown area, brought a lot of life back into the string of small shops in the downtown area. 
It really did my heart good to know that he never gave up.

We Want TomorrowLand...Today!

Yesterday was as predicted.  After my lengthy diatribe I had JUST enough time to finish up the refurb, and oddly enough, with five minutes to spare before heading out to get the girls, as I was putting the last two screws onto the ride, the young owner of said bike happened to stroll in to check on her progress!  What timing!  It's like, her bike called out to her; "I'm READY!!" 

Sweet!

We did have a few more looky loo's throughout the day, replete with bevies of question about what we do, how we do, and when we do...ETC, ETC.  More than happy to chit chat and pimp out the biz!  I still, have not gotten anything ready for the show this Saturday, sadly, and am chastising myself for my procrastination.  Hopefully tomorrow and Friday I can get the clown bike and truck ready to roll.  Today, well, I am taking it easy.  Unless (hopefully) some repairs come in, I'm just chilling behind the counter and am going to watch some MST3K on the YouTube.  Yea, lazy...but the last three days have been harsh.  After Working a full day Monday I came home early Tuesday morning to find a "under the weather" Miranda, still stirring about.  Well, she actually woke up when I came in, obviously feeling miserable, and rather than wake Angi, who herself seemed to have a bad cough, I did my best to get Miranda to relax and sleep, but she didn't end up passing back out until almost six AM.  once satisfied she was going to stay asleep, I just sprawled out on the couch and tried to get some shut eye.  My mind had just about stilled, and prepared to render itself to unconsciousness, when the other kids started to stir into life for school.

Ugh.

Well, hoping I could get them up, ready and out in enough time to get a quick nap, I quickly realized that was a no-go.  Miranda began to stir, with all the noise, then once everyone had finally left, Kaleb woke up, getting ready for work (yea, he found a job at Dairy Queen) and he is not so light on his feet as to not make a racket when he moves about.  By nine AM, I gave up the ghost and got ready for work. 

After ANOTHER full day....

Got home this morning, and due to my bodies propensity for self preservation, I hit a second wind around 12.30 AM at the plant, and needed to sit and chill on the porch with a drink and some light reading on the smart phone (Weird War Stories).  Again...no sooner had I felt the veil beginning to fall, did a suffering Angi came out of the bedroom with what could easily be "whooping cough".  I helped her back to bed, getting her some medicine to coat her throat and help her sleep, then of course Miranda stirred and woke up.  Angi began to rise out of bed, concerned for not only the baby, but as to whether or not I was going to be able to rest.  Well, chivalry may be dead, but I couldn't see her trying to do much of anything in her state, so after a short resistance on her part, the meds kicked in and she drifted off.  Thankfully.

Miranda wasn't awake for too long, and I finally hit the silk by about five AM.

SO...yea...today I'm gonna relax and wait for folks to come in and pay us a visit.

Speaking of folks paying us a visit, thanks to Dave Foot, on his way back up North, "ay" and for leaving more foodie goodies at the house!  See you next season, sir!

And to Uncle Chippie, for his weekly pass through.  On that subject, he recently posted a comment in regards to our post on the 25th about the state of school children, and offered up the calming words of, (paraphrased) "just relax and wait for the gas prices to go up" 

Well, I know it's meant as tongue in cheek humor, as I know, when it come to pro-actively "green" people, he wrote the book (no...literally he DID right a book on the matter...check out Amazon;  "Wearing Smaller Shoes"...oh, and "Peak of the Devil" if you want some good (scary) advice!)

BUT, I couldn't help but harken back to a year ago when the family and I watched the Disney flick "Tomorrowland" and Hugh Laurie's (Governor Nix) "IN YOUR FACE, STUPID HUMAN'S) speech!  It really spells out WHY we can't wait for the next twenty five plus years before the oil runs out.

Check this out (and for the lead in to explain his tirade, go rent or upload the movie....NOW!)

So yea...it doesn't get much clearer than THAT!

OKEY DOKEY!  Now, I put up my feet, sip some coffee and have some laughs until you folks glean on the concept of giving up your gas guzzler and come get a bike!

I'll be waiting.....

Sorry Mr. Spielberg, Your Moneys No Good Here.

Okay, first things first.  Last night at the plant Elijah got off work, and paid me his normal pre-return home visit as I started my shift, as it's the only time a day we actually get to talk.  Conversations range, but this time out we talked about a mutually fascinating subject, Movies.  One thing I have to say about this boy is he has an impressive ability to retain an ENORMOUS amount of information about the film industry, and not just in his preferred genre's.  Seriously, I'm not just a boasting father!  He can not only regale you with an impressive knowledge of not only ALL the current actors/actresses working on both the big screen and small, but directors, producers, writers...you name it!  Not to mention the majority of the projects they have worked on throughout their careers! I have NO idea how he does it, save a lot of time spent online on a variety of film sites.  So, it is he who I go to (whether I want to or not) to find the latest info.  Once lighted upon a tid bit of info that peaks my fancy, I delve deeper into it, as with most folks his age, they tend only to read the headlines, teasers or highlights.  One such eye opener he alluded to was that Nathan Fillion (FIREFLY and Castle) was to be in the next installment of "Guardians of the Galaxy"!?!  Well, not a huge shocker, as he was in the first one.  Oh, if you didn't catch his cameo in that one, don't knock yourself out, I missed it until I watched the credits.  His pass through this Universe was as a voice over for the Big Blue Alien in the Prison the hero's were sent too, you know, the one that had his eyes set on Quill as a "Bunk Mate" only to have his nasal passages cleared out by Groot.  The sad part, was his voice was so heavily modified to appear much, much deeper, you couldn't even recognize it was him(?)
ANYWAY!
Photo's released clandestinely by a fan on the Internet, who was staking out the set in Cartersville, Georgia, shows a movie theatre featuring a film festival dedicated to Simon Williams, portrayed in movie posters, by Nathan Fillion. Now, for those "not in the know", Simon Williams is the secret identity of "Wonder Man"!  Wonder Man was a former Nemesis of the Avengers, as a member of the "Masters of Evil" and brother to the Grim Reaper.  Later, he rejects his evil ways and eventually joins the Avengers, even so far as to eventually spearhead the formation of the "West Coast Avengers".  As he is one of Comicdoms few true pacifists, he eventually gives up super heroing and becomes an actor! Now, as the scene is meant as a backdrop for what speculation and gossip has predicted is Star Lords return to Earth, the Movie Posters may be nothing more then another "tip of the hat" Easter Eggs for fans...
or...
With the upcoming two part film "Avengers: Infinity War" (yea, we will finally see the culmination of all the machinations of Thanos from the previous films) reportedly featuring 67 Marvel Super Hero's, is it a long shot that Nathan may come to Earths aid and don the tights?  Who knows, but I for one SOOOOOO hope it happens!
ANYWHO...
That's a LONG segue into my (mini) rant.  I call it Mini, because the person I'm going up against, is none other then the great Steven Spielberg!
*shudder*
When I had finished the article on Nathan, there were a few links to related articles and one, in particular, caught my eye.  Apparently in an interview, Mr. Spielberg cast his opinion that "Super Hero Movies were a "passing fad".
Enh.
I just HAVE to disagree.  And although my opinion may seem somewhat jaded due to my love of not only the film genre, but the printed one too, there are a few more obvious reasons I don't think Mr. Spielberg gave much thought to.  And here's why.
He goes on to compare the current trend of Super Hero epics to that of the success enjoyed by the Western films from their heyday of the 30's-60's.  Now, while it is true, certain genres tend to dominate the spotlight in the fickle cinema, and who knows what the next decade or so will bring to the forefront, but there is reason to doubt the waning of this particular brand of eye candy.  First, superhero's have been an almost constant mainstay on both the large and small screen for almost a hundred years.  Yes...I said a hundred.  I'll explain, to get totally technical, the few noticeable marks of a "Super Hero" are; he defends the defenseless against all the ails of Evil, utilizing a set of skills or powers that exceed that of normal man, and as cheeky as it sounds, has an easily recognizable symbol to not only give hope to the hopeless but fear to the oppressors (boy...does THAT sound corny!)  SO, ipso fatso, Douglas Fairbanks portrayal of Zorro in the 20's fits the bill!  Not only that, but his character traits, the mask, the cape, the alter ego and the stylized "Z" slashed upon his conquests were all inspirations for the creation of "Superman".  Not to mention such other Stalwarts of not only film, but Radio...Buck Rogers, Mandrake the Magician, The Shadow...see my point?  Then, you have Batman and Captain America in the serials of the Forties, George Reeves Superman of the 50's, Adam West (yea...can't NOT mention that) in the 60's Batman (with the Green Hornet riding his coat tails), The seventies having seen Spiderman, Captain America, Dr. Strange and the Incredible Hulk, into the eighties and beyond with a slew of others (hey...it ain't a complete list...but you get my point) all enjoying a modicum of success (ok, maybe not Dr. Strange...with a "pornstache"?  Don't believe me...You tube it) There has always been a market for the medium, with each generations fans (if I am to be an example) slathering at the bit for the chance to see our print hero's "leap upon the big screen".  The ONLY reason the genre never was able to get a real foot hold, well, is a two parter.  FIRST, most folks in the film industry just never really took the subject matter seriously.  You can't produce what the fans really want to see if your not going to give it the respect it deserves.  It took them a LONG time to finally get that, and even to this day, SOME still don't get it (I refer you to the travesty that was Shumachers use of dead pan one liners akin to Adam West, not to mention day glow colors and "Over the Top" overacting by Batman's adversaries!) and most recently, the Fiasco of "Batman V Superman" (yea...not getting over THAT one any time soon!).  But, comic books were MADE to be movies!  I refer you to the comments made in the handbook "How to draw the MARVEL way" by Stan Lee, and I'm paraphrasing "Comics are merely an arranged set of movie still's, with the action and dialogue moving the story".  Another PRIME example of this (well two) is  Frank Millers "Sin City" which was a stylized film reproduction of the graphic novel, and the much lamented, but BEAUTIFUL (and with all due respect to the gruesomeness of the subject matter) "Watchmen".  If you get the chance, read the original Graphic Novel, paying close attention to the panels, then watch the film, and you will see the director shot the film angle for angle to the depictions in the book!  Phenominal! 
In my opinion, the first time the medium was treated with TRUE respect, and showed that; "yes, you can take a "funny book" and make a serious attempt at reproducing the concept without resorting to camp or overdone, pandering theatrics" was "Blade" in 1998. 
Ok, wait, I do have to give a nod to Brandon Lee's portrayal of Eric Draven in "The Crow" in 1994.  They did an incredible job of relaying the dark and brooding subject matter, but yet again, the bad guys were just a little to over the top.
Wesley Snipes really brought this little known "B" character into the limelight, with heart and gusto, and as the second film sported the opening "Marvel Flip" in my mind started the renaissance of the films.
The second reason is very simple.  All the throngs of fans were merely waiting for the film industry to develop the technology to depict the action necessary to propel stories of Gods and Hero's!  Seriously, how much can be offered with cheesy blue screens, wires, fades, stop motion, miniatures and "Old Web Head" swinging around on a nylon rope? 

see....

 
yea...pretty pathetic.
No sooner had the technology caught up, did we see the fans flocking to the theatres and dropping down ODDLES of cash to make thirteen of the top twenty five "all time highest grossing films" super hero movies!  Think about it...those numbers were in just the last sixteen years.  How long have films been around? 
Not only that, but, do you know what the MOST recognizable universal symbol in the world is?
And if you guessed the Cross...nope.  It's this....


Nope.  Not kidding.  Google it.
And now, with the characters we love so pervasive in our daily lives from movies, to merchandising and a plethora of interactive video games, each new generation will loving embrace this symbol along with many others.
SO, Mr. Spielberg, no, I'm sorry.  A century of a recognizable, and agreeable concepts such as the defense of freedom, the value of life, self sacrifice infused with the combination of heroics, drama, comedy, romance, horror, action, science fiction, etc, etc are ideals ingrained into our social and worldly conscience.  Ones we aspire to attain or if falling short at least give us the hope, that others share in that desire.  And as long as the helm of that story telling is given to people who not only want to produce a good yarn but one that gives the subject matter ALL the due respect that it deserves, I don't foresee there ever be a failing in it's popularity. 
And as a side note: The latest installment of the Captain America series "Civil War"  received 100% on the "Rotten Tomatoes" scale and is creating a LOT of buzz and a LOT of speculation.  Well here's mine...look for this one to give Avengers a run for it's money in the "Cash Cow" race!
S'okay, on to work!
Put up one newbie, then had a gent come in, newly returning to the Veloist life style (at the urgings of his well meaning lady) and snag up the Pacific I put out on Sunday, bringing in a trade of an old school, "Pre-Walmart" Mongoose MTB hybrid.  The poor thing had sat, unused, for quite some time so needed quite a bit of TLC (and tires) but in a record breaking hour, she was out on the line "shiny and new....so come aboard.....we're EXPECTING you!"  (a big NO-PRIZE for any of the over forty crowd that gets THAT musical reference!) and ready to roll!
Other then that, though, a quiet day.
Today, we have a full up refurb to do, and pandering to my own self interest, IE; the LONG blog rant, I think I'll have just enough time to do that...and not much else!
SO, see y'all soon!

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Monday Morning Cup Of Reality!

So, Sunday was, thankfully, a productive day.  It was kind of cool when folks, noticing we were here, double backed and grabbed their rides, hurrying in for some quick "Fix-me-ups"!  Mark even brought in two, one after the other, when he realized just how quickly the first one was done.  Also picked up two nice Bangers in trade, and already processed one out (pic below) that is a pretty nice, lightweight alloy frame, MTB with some "not so bad" components.  Say what you will, but Pacific does put a little more effort into their low end rides.  Also managed to weed through some more stuff from out back, thankfully, and will endeavor to continue today.  No, still didn't get to the Clown Bike, as much as I wanted too, the repairs were too "aplenty" this weekend, and folks wanting to get out and ride ALWAYS come first! 
Had a visit from Uncle Chippie this AM, and in our chit chat, he brought me up to date on his latest novel he's working on, which, given the subject matter, a group of young men in the eighties, rebutting technology, who decide to revert to a more Low-Tech era, the late 50's, as a way of life, brought about the inevitable Whine and Cheese festival over the state of affairs of our now, WHOLLY tech dependent society.  Of course, within that, we Veloist railed on about the total dependency upon motorized transportation prevalent.  One point in particular, the state of every schools parking lot when the kids come and go from school.  Here's my nag!  I don't know about the rest of the country, but here in Florida, if you live within a two mile radius of your child's school, no bus transportation is provided, and your child needs to find alternative transportation.  Here's the rub, first, we have, undeniably, a REAL problem with youthful obesity, right?  Not to mention, a real issue with pollution (a hundred or so gas guzzlers idling in one spot for a half an hour?) and on top of that....overweight adults?   And no, I'm not judging!  It's just I've heard enough at school gatherings of Mom's sitting about, pre-festivities, complaining about their weight gain, to be able to make the assertion.  Here's the thing, you are driving your children to school, because they live UNDER two miles from school.  Do you know how long it would take you to ride a bike with your kids, or walk with your kids...two miles?  Walking, about thirty minuets, Bike? ten.  And, too be fair, in a car? Six minuets (but lets not forget, you'll be waiting in line to drop off, about twenty minuets)  Hmmm?  only four extra minuets to ride them there, about a minuet to drop the bike off in the cage, then a hug and a kiss, and you're gone and back home, in less time then waiting to get in and out in your car.  On top of that you've had exercise, and in that scant twenty minuets or so, burned an average of 440 calories! That would sure help little Johnny or Jane burn off the Happy Meal they had for dinner last night (I said, "help", at 600 calories it'll take a couple more miles to burn it ALL off!)   Honestly, I think anyone could plan their day to be able to leave their house ten minuets earlier to get the kiddos to school.
OKAY, preaching over!
Now, I'd best get to work!
See ya soon!'

MEN'S 26" MTB!

ONLY $90.00!!!

Sunday, Lovely Sunday!

Welcome to Sunday!
Yep, as the season draws to a close the desperate dash for cash begins, and you'll see more of us opening up on our day off.  We SOOOOO don't want to go through what we had to endure last year!  YEESH!
No, keeping expenses down is a priority!
First thing, is weaning myself off the addiction to air conditioning!  I figure, my hide has been toughened over the last several months of working in the warehouse, that perhaps open doors and a fan will be enough to keep things comfortable enough around here.  Well, at least until mid June perhaps.  Then...we'll see!
And on the household end, Angi has done an admirable job of greatly reducing the electric bill AND the water bill at the house.  She is more able than I to deal with warmer temps, so rarely has the AC been turned on at all.  Not to mention, relying more on natural light and continuously monitoring the kids when they are home, by following them around and flicking off lights.  The TV...well, that's another battle altogether, but the weekly trips to the park, and some playing outside is helping.
OY!  I was looking through the last few months of blog entries (trying to find a bike we built some time ago) and I couldn't help but notice a PLETHORA of spelling and punctuation errors, a plenty!  Serves me right for not running a spell check!  So, sorry for any of the obscure, confusing passages!
Well, seems like we may be a tad busy today as a couple repairs have come in already, so I am going to get a move on, finish them up, then maybe start digging through the piles out back and weed some of it out!  I'm sure our neighbors would appreciate it!
See ya soon!

Oh, yea...here's a couple newbies from yesterday!  The ladies MTB is LIKE NEW!!!  Barely rode a few times then garaged!  Needed next to nothing but some tweaks on factory mistakes.  The Men's 26" "Tomcat" MTB (have NO IDEA who builds it) has a VERY unique feature...A head badge that proudly states "Built in the USA!"  WOW!  I had no IDEA we ever built them here!  We picked her up yesterday from someone who didn't even think we'd want to buy it, given it's condition, but a full tar down and rebuild later (with several replacement parts) and this is actually one really solid, lightweight ride! 

26" LADIES 18 SPEED "LIKE NEW" MTB!

ONLY $85.00!!!

26" "BUILT IN THE USA TOMCAT MTB!

ONLY $95.00!!!

Nope....It's a Banana...But I Am Glad To See You!

Got a bone to pick with stigmas!
One of our regular readers shot me a link the other day via Email, of a stand up routine he thought I'd get a rise out of.  Well, I did!  Twas a female standup and part of the routine was the predictable rant about the dating world of the twenty somethings.  Now here was the point my friend found quite humorous but I got my "Irk" on!  She railed on about the "financial viability" of some of her would be suitors, with emphasis on one in particular.  A young man, self employed who "rode a bike for transportation" as it was more ecologically friendly.  Instead of embracing the young mans efforts to protect the environment, she exclaimed that "No, it's because your credit rating is so bad, you couldn't finance a Kia!" too which the audience (females primarily) exploded in agreeable laughter. 
OKAY!  Folks (and pay special attention ladies) there are TWO points I'm going to make here beyond the basic reality that the act of commuting on a bicycle is BY FAR better for any human NOT TO MENTION the world we are currently calling home! 
First, you're REALLY not looking at all the benefits here!  If a HEALTHY young man chooses to get about town on a bicycle, he's one up on most other potential beaus, because he's healthier, has more energy not to mention.....STAMINA! On top of that, a guy on a bike has NO car payment, NO gasoline costs, NO insurance payments, NO vehicle taxes and NO repair costs!  SOOOOO, If he is, in fact, gainfully employed... HE HAS MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON YOU!!!!
And second!  Let's review the well worn, overly used old cliché about some guy jetting about town in a shiny new death machine, that is either fast, flashy, expensive or big.  Say it with me..."he MUST be overcompensating for something!" 
OKAY, keeping that in mind, and if the law of averages applies, the opposite, therefore MUST be true!  Ergo... if you see a gent jetting about on a Schwinn...he MUST be packing!!!!
Chase him down and hand him your phone number and get your hands on some Vilagra!
And trust me, looks can be deceiving, there are plenty of bikes out there with a price sticker higher then a Mercedes!
Yea... I gots me some issues!
Okay, so it's Saturday and it's a BEE-OOOO-TE-FULL Saturday!  I have a few things to bang on for bit, but then I'm bringing in the Clown Bike for an overhaul and a make ready to ride!  Oh yes....I'm gonna give her a spin today!  Been awhile since I've perched upon her, so cross your fingers I don't break my ankles...again.
Update on the "would-be" show bike we were trying to build: No Go.  Sadly.  After a couple of days worth of attempts, excessive "Daddy Language" some slight abrasions, and a nasty pull in my side we could NOT get the rusty old sealed bottom bracket out.  SO, sadly the frame left for the scrap pile yesterday.  I'm not giving up hope, though, as eventually I want to build a custom Cruiser road bike, just 'cause I think it'll look cool!
ANYWHO!!!
Best get my hinders in gear nd grind out some goodies!
See y'all SOON!

Now THATS a Box!

Yea..so?!  I'm a prepubescent, immature preteen. So sue me!  But tonight, while cutting through the electricians bay, I stumbled upon a box of parts that made me burst out into a fit of tittering giggles!  Check this out and tell me it doesn't make you revert to middle school snickering...

Right?  RIGHT!?  Now you're wondering where all those years of earned maturity went as well, hunh?  Either someone in their marketing department wasn't thinking....or they were REALLY thinking!
So, yea....it stuck in my head!
Today, was another quiet day, but we did send the Schwinn MTB we put together to a new home right quick.  I managed to build up that old school Schwinn MTB into a nice commuter but it took the day to do!
Once I finished, had about five minutes to get the girls and head home.
Tomorrow though...well, got a Gary Fisher in and I hope to have her prepped and out, then it's anyones guess!  For now, gotta cut it short, it's 4.21 am and a full moon is up, sooooo.... Miranda is still up. ..
Ugh.
See ya...later.this....morning?
Ugh.

CLASSIC SCHWINN HIGHPLAINS HARDTAIL!!!

ONLY $105.00!!!

Community Service Message!

So, the winter season is coming to a close, the Snowbirds have begun preparation for their retreat to milder northern climes, and the rest of us brace for another summer season slowly encroaching upon us.  As I rode in this morning relishing the sun and mild breeze my pessimistic thoughts ran to the dreaded expectations of another tropical summer, but I tried desperately to squelch them, and just enjoy the morning.  The prevailing thought became "preparations for summer riding" which is something I always have to consider as our families life choices mandate it.  Where we lack the option of rolling up a window and cranking the AC (AC on a bike is "RIDE FASTER" and get some wind!) we have to make plans.  For those of you who have chosen the Veloist lifestyle (and you are a wise hero in my eyes!) recently, or to remind those who have been for a while, or to just forewarn those who have made the odd choice to vacation in the tropics come summertime, here's a few tips for Summertime Cycling!

"Check the weather report before heading out!"  While not always accurate, if the report reads rain, plan on hitting the road in the Early AM, or later afternoon evening.  Most rain fall down here comes mid afternoon, a downfall just long enough to make the remainder of the day rather humid.  By nightfall things cool down a wee bit, to bearable levels. Don't give up on the day, just plan accordingly.

"Pack LOTS of water!"  Dehydration is a real risk.  Don't think you'll just grab when you're out.  Stop every couple miles, grab some shade and have a healthy swig. 

"Sunscreen"  Nope, I never use it, but my skins different then most, apparently, I never burn.  Most folks will, though, so be careful!

"Goody Bag!"  Get a fanny pack for under your seat (that's where your fanny goes!) Carry a couple spare tubes, adjustable wrench, Philips and flat screwdriver, tire lever, and a hand pump.  Spring and summer are BAD for sandspurs and they can take out the heartiest of tread.  Always make sure, if you have the misfortune of a puncture, that you check the inside of your tire before you put in the new tube!  These bloody thorns can and WILL stick in your tread awaiting to pop the NEW tube.  Seen it WAY to many times! And if you have the space, squeeze in a set of rain slickers (bright yellow is the best) And, for the more permanent rider, here's a tip, throw an extra change of clothes in a garbage bag then into a backpack and strap it to your bike rack (don't have a rack?  You should get one)  Even with a slicker some real downpours may leave you squishy in your shorts! 

"ALWAYS BE AWARE OF WHAT'S AROUND YOU!"  OK.  Keep the cell phone in your pocket, and keep one ear bud out and the volume down, don't let yourself get distracted!  "Right of Way" means NOTHING in Florida!  Sure, if you get mowed over at an intersection when you have the crossing signal by someone taking a hard right without stopping, you could sue...if you survive.  There are plenty of beautiful trails to explore with minimal interaction with the two ton death machines, best to stick too those.  BUT if you have to travel the roads...skip the bike lanes!  Car drivers pay no heed to each other. much less bike riders!  Best to stick to the sidewalks.  Just remember, always ride to the right and by courteous to the pedestrians and let them know you're coming. 

"Plan your time"  Remember, you my be good for a ten mile ride, but as one can guess, the heat can be taxing.  Don't push yourself!  For every mile you ride AWAY from your home...you have to cover it to get back!  Just keep that in mind!

"Tune-Up!"  Okay, this one IS a little self serving, but if you are in for a biking holiday or just preparing for another year, visit your choice of shops and have a skilled mechanic give your ride the once over.  Murphy's Law mandates, that if you don't, SOMETHING is going to break down and more than likely it will be just when you reach the farthest point AWAY from your return destination!

S'okay!  It aint a full list, I'm sure, but I hope it helps give some folks a leg up!
NOW
Ride hard, ride far, ride long....until you die.
Then coast.

Oh...here are the goodies put out yesterday.

MEN'S 26" SCHWINN SIDEWINDER!
ONLY $95.00!!

MERRACO BMX!!

ONLY $110.00!!

Another Good Sunday!

Oh, it's another Monday!  BUT, I can even overlook the irritation of dealing with the annoyance of bank and tax issues after such a wonderful Sunday! 
Once again the youngins and I took off to the grandeur of Philppee Park for the day (well at least for part of it) with picnic lunch, and kites in hand and had a blast!  Oh, of course, it wasn't without it's trials but even those ended up being some fun!  The LARPER's were not there, unfortunately for the older kids, who were looking forward to doing battle once again, but we made it work.  Our first stop was an area of man made rock (if there is such a thing) formations set about for climbing, complete with zip line's.  We all took too it, eagerly, even Miranda did a stupendous job on the smaller ones, and quite apt at the Zip Lines, while Izzy once again showed her physical aptitude for sports by successfully scaling each and every challenge.  Of course, she needed a little help getting down, but after only a few tries working with her on position and footholds she made the next few attempts on her own. 
After breaking for lunch, we meandered towards the water and broke out the kites.  Everyone took a turn and after a couple initial tangles (and trees) they learned not to fly too close together.  Miranda was amazing, as she took to it immediately, keeping hers aloft like a pro!
Once they started getting bored with flying, and began to wander, we packed up to move onto the playground, but not before Rozy and Miranda needed a potty break.  As the bathrooms were right behind us, Rozy lead the way and I turned my attention to picking up and packing up.  After a few minuets, wondering where they were, I sent Owen over to investigate, only to find they were not in the restrooms.  OKAY...brief panic ensued, and Owen and I went in search of them.  Sure enough, after about 90 seconds we found them down by the water.  Well...IN the water!  After the initial combo of relief and anger, I realized just how much thrilled fun they were having and couldn't bring myself to break it up.  Of course, once we alerted the other kids too having found them, they wished to join in the fun.  And, in difference to the "no swimming" sign, figuring as long as they didn't actually "swim" but rather splash and frolic, we were okay.  Luckily, it wasn't cold, as they had no bathing suits, or towels, and any brief complaining they had about being cold and wet once we were done, was quickly squelched once they realized Daddy had a ready made lecture on "You CHOSE to go in there!", and Heaven forbid they need to be subjected to a lecture!
Once I got them cleaned up (and changed one REALLY soggy diaper) we wandered again to the playground.  Here, in an relatively enclosed area, Logan and I could relax and play a couple quick games of Magic to relax.
Yes, a real fine day to say the least! 
Once we got back home, Angi and the older boys had taken the quiet time to redecorate the girls room.  When we did the switch a month or so back, a lot of the "boy" flair was still apparent in the starkness of the room.  Momma went all girlie and fixed it up nice.  Nice enough, that the girls actually slept in their own room and not on the couches last night!  YAY!
So, into today, as mentioned had to do all the Icky "Business Work" this morning, so I'm just now hopping back on the rebuilds, with hopes of putting out a few before I gotta split!
So...with that...see ya soon!

No....seriously...a size twelve CAN make it !

Okay folks! Don't let it be said I wasn't a busy little bee today!  I was a regular master blaster when it came to pounding out the goodies, by a LONG SHOT! Trouble for you heavy sleepers and lacklusters was,,,you were TOO LATE ! WOZERS GOLLY BOB HOWDY did we get some gems up in HEAH!! WOOF!
Okay, first things first, put out SEVEN today!!! Two of them were fifteen year old READY TO GO STARS!!! I'm talkin, hung up for all them years NEVER rode!!  They looked like the just came off the under paid child labor Chinese assembly lines!
Poo. Too much?
I'm in a mood.
Seriously though, they were PRISTINE! A PRE Wal-Mart Mongoose d40 that STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL nipples on the tires! Check out the pics!  She Was a gem! I say WAS because she was snatched up fifteen minutes after we took her in by a lovely couple with their two kuds, They came in for a couple kiddo bikes, saw her, and had to have her! I'm glad she went to an appreciative home!.
Oh ,and we had a ten minute rule TO BEAT THE BAND today! HaHAHAHA!!  A couple came in to check out cruisers, and we had just put out three more. They loved what they saw but, as fate will have it sometime, wanted to "think about it".  I'm talking THREE minutes later, a gent with a very proper English accent came in to check  out cruiser's, pulled them out one at a time, quickly looking them over and after asking how much, then realizing how much CHEAPER they were then any of the other shops in town, declared "I'll take them all!"
Hahahahaha!
Wow!
Ten minutes after the original couple came back in and it took some talking to get them to accept they were all sold!
On top of that, we sent another five to new homes as well!
WHAT A DAY!!!
So, I'm gonna leave you with pics of what's left and what you missed just to rub salt in the wound.
Hee,hee!
See ya Monday!
Oh, pee s...there's only six below, the road bike we put up found it's new home even before 're she was done so I didn't t as me a pic. Sorry

PRE WAL-MART MONGOOSE HYBRID!
ONLY $115.00!!

BRAN FRICKEN NEW!!! MEN'S 29"ER CRUISER!!!
ONLY $120.00!!!

NOPE!   GONE!

CLASSOC BMX!!!
ONLY $40.00!!!

NOPE....GONE

NOPE.....GONE!!!

Literally Lateral Literate Literature

Saturday should be the official day of "Movie Talk".  Friday being Family Movie Night and all!  Last night Elijah picked up a copy of the new Goosebumps movie with Jack Black playing the part of R.L. Stein himself.  Jack has done some hits and misses throughout his career (High Fidelity, a hit, Year One...miss)  as his "over the top" dramatics sometimes doesn't lend itself to the role he's playing, but this one was definitely a hit. I've sat down and watched some of the TV shows with the kids, and at times, some of them could get real creepy, but by and large they always reminded me of a more "Scooby-Dooish" kind of silliness.  But I'll admit, this one was just plain fun.  Probably made more so by the fact that all the kids really got into it.  I never realized, until that point, that Rozlynd has actually read ALL the books!  See, the movie isn't just (OPPS, almost forgot; SPOILER ALERT!!) another R.L Stein tale, it actually takes place in the "real world" where R.L Stein's creations had actually come to life, but imprisoned in the original manuscripts under lock and key, until an unwitting neighbor accidently unlocks one, which creates a domino effect, thereby releasing ALL the nasty's unto an unwitting small town.  Even though all the nightmares ransacking the town are scary, there is just enough of the aforementioned Scooby-dooishness to make the film accessible to even your smallest wee ones, while the humor keeps the older folks entertained.  Rozy was excitedly pointing out each critter even before they had shown up, with such glee it was entertainment in itself.  Definitely a good flick for Saturday entertainment!
Oh, while we are on the subject of films, after my review of Batman V Superman I got a LOT of feedback, and yep, it was universal...the movie SUCKED!  And you thought MY opinions were strong?  WOOF!  I didn't use any of the words I have heard to describe this stinkburger, nor did I issue any death threats!  WOW!  In retrospect, DC REALLY did themselves a disservice, while striving to get some of the gold, like Avengers did, I think they put the bar SOOOOO low at this point, the movies to come in their new franchise are going to have a HUGE stigma to overcome!  When will these people ever learn that while their fan base is quite large, they are not as forgiving as they seem to hope!  And honestly, while I was somewhat charitable to Mr. Affleck for his turn in the cod piece, that opinion was not shared!  They may want to rethink Ben's contract if they hope to make JLA fly.  The only dimly flickering high point of the flick, while totally out of place, was the portrayal of Wonder Woman.  She looks to pull off the character well enough, and watching her glee while in battle?  Could be some hope in her turn up to bat.  (opps...did I say "Bat"?)
On to work stuff!
Yesterday was a better show than the remainder of the weak (yea....I spelled it right!) had been, by a long shot.  Several "getting ready for the weekend" repairs came and went, and sent the Boss Cruiser to a new home.   Also, put out a gorgeous Specialized Hard Rock, aluminum frame, with loads of upgrades!  Not to mention a rescued ladies Giant Simple Seven that apparently languished in storage for FAR to long, but once stripped, cleaned and rebuilt (with new cables, tubes and such) looks almost as good as new! 
Today has been equally busy first thing, with several more pick ups and fun visits (one gent came in with the sole purpose of putting in his disgusted two cents about the "Bat-failure" but was in complete agreement that "Deadpool" kicked butt!) and I'm gearing up to do some more "house cleaning" by finally putting together the other sweet, classic Schwinn MTB (although I'm going commuter with this one!)
(Heh.  Just for the record! I know I write with a lot of exclamation points!! And I know, in the literary circle, too many !!'s are simply unacceptable! But...a few years back someone who worked in the field of literature actually took great offense to my "casual" writing style and EXCESSIVE USE OF CAPITALIZATION, not to mention exclamation points!  So...heh, heh...I JUST STARTED DOING IT MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!)
It's my darn blog!  Don't like it...there's more on the web to read, I think?
oooo, I digressed again.
So, today, first the Schwinn then I just snagged a beat up hybrid good for parts so I can finally get this sweet older Mongoose hybrid together, FINNALLY!!! (take that Mr. Literary Critic!).
And, least but not last, the show bike.  Well, ended up with no time to bang on it yesterday, but gonna TRY again today as I need it all the way stripped so's I can take it to the sandblaster Monday.  Alrighty, now I best get too it!

GORGEOUS SPECIALIZED HARD ROCK!!!

ONLY $170.00!!!