unscheduled talking heads interlude

Well, not really. It's just my favorite talking heads song covered in a manner that captures the emotion in it perfectly.



On a bike-touring related note - what the hell is with all of the awesome touring bikes on craigslist lately for under three hundred dollars, but always two cm too big for me? Sweet jeebus.

Reconnected

Well, after several weeks netless I'm back online. We managed to negotiate a wireless sharing agreement with the downstairs neighbors (nothing unlocked in the neighborhood, unforunately), and I picked up a wireless card and installed it today (holy dodgy few minutes with the PC case open and magnetic screwdriver fears, batman!)

We've also settled on the name for our live-work space that should soon be open to the public: The Franklin Office (if you've come to visit us, you'll understand why). We're planning on hosting a variety of free workshops and seminars, as well has hosting a lending library (want to join? You need only donate something to be a member!).

Open classes to look forward to:
-Electronic music composition workshop
-Felting Workshop
-East Van History Class
-Bike workshops of all stripes
-projection film nights

All this and more, hopefully by mid january. I registered our domain name today, but we've yet to pair it up with any hosting. Keep your eyes peeled for franklinoffice.net, soon to host an online schedule of activities and events.

peas and carrots, kids!

New Bike Day!

Of late, my miniature bicycle breakdance burlesque crew, Brakes has been upgrading their bikes. Black Brake Morgan's BMX experience has paid off for the whole crew who've been improving our repetoire of moves, while increasing all of our skill on more basic abilities like jumping. As we've gotten better, we've developped the need for better bikes. Starting with Morgan, who scored a 16" Haro true bmx (ie, tiny bike with frame and parts designed to take real stress, not just some old kid's bike), one by one Brakes have upgraded our fleet.

Rolling overseas, I was a little late to the game. My little green Arashi mini has been getting more and more wobbly. And though I've been reticent to retire it (I bought it immediately after returning to vancouver from my first trip to Portland, where my mind was thoroughly blown by the zoobomb experience), to take Brakes to the next level an upgrade was necessary.

Enter Sailor and Maitland. They spotted this juicy little number languishing at sports junkies. Too small for BMXers, too serious for little kids, it sat ignored. It's a late '80s/ early 90's 16" GT BMX, with virtually all original parts. Morgan's head just about exploded when he saw the thing - and his enthusiasm translated into these rad photos.






A loving hand and some fine grain steel wool is called for to clear out some minor rusting - but that aside, the thing is in incredible shape. Moreover, the little bastard is a dream to ride. It's completely solid - a real bike designed to handle real riding. I'll probably remove that front brake and replace the back one. Adding a longer cable to the rear, or maybe just cutting the zapstap holding it to the frame should give me enough mobility for tailwhips and some other fun moves. A couple of green accents will make the bike some nice Brakes style.

I've started riding it around the neighborhood, and it made a special guest appearance outside of Waazubee where I locked it up and admired it from the bar window all night while working. Handling liquor all night while staring at the little guy gave me some inspiration name wise - owing to its GT make, I think I might call it Bombay. Or maybe the Bombaby.

Either way, look out for me rippin it up on the roads, mini style!

In the mean time, take advantage of Morgan's extensive BMX and bike-historical knowledge, plus see some more pics of the little guy over at Projekt-B

a new view

This is my first post in a while, and first post as non-touring civilian...

Life's been crazy since I hit the ground in vancouver- working two jobs and seven days a week to get back in the mix. Things are starting to come together though... Like the new work/live space that Liam and I have set up.

Check out the view...