Circus Freak Ramblings

My cheese has been moved

Found a new job outside the automotive industry - Chrysler laid me off about 5 weeks ago. Found a suitable replacement source of income -- more $, better benefits all-around. I be happy.

On top of that, I'm sponsored by 2 cycling teams. Everybody's looking for a fixie racer for their team. The bike stable is consistent at 6 bikes. Still no word on the custom fork or custom MC frame. Might dump the Titus full suspension bike as I don't ride it too much.

Workwise, my proverbial cheese has been officially moved -- I'm geeked about the new job. Considering all that, Alex and I are doing well. Alex is officially a year older, as of yesterday. I'm a year older as of October 12th, and approximately 10 lbs heavier than a year ago. Need to work on that...

Deliver what you promised

Regarding MC, I've received no updates nor replies to emails in well over a year -- yet MC has plenty of time to update his myspace account a couple times a week. Almost 25 months have passed since he cashed my deposit (and with practically zero contact) -- multiple friends have offered to buy my spot in the queue. I'm starting to think I could ebay it. But I've waited this long...........

And then there is Black Sheep -- it's been almost triple the quoted time (4 weeks) for a custom unicrown fork. I sent them a freaking drawing, no less. No response to my followup email in over 2 weeks.

If you guys are reading, get to work. NOW.

Lumberjack

Apparently, I'm feeling my age. The previous weekend was a 100 mile mountain bike race on 99% singletrack with me riding on a rigid fork on a seriously bumpy trail and no ability to coast.

The course was run backwards from previous years, with lots more downhills (i.e. more pain) More braking bumps, more riding the brakes and ultimately, way more shock to my wrists.

After 2 laps (50 miles), I couldn't squeeze the brake lever, and common sense dictated that I simply turn in the towel. I've had enough. It was glaringly obvious that after 2 white knuckled 28 mph descents on a 2:1 gear ratio, I was being beyond masochist, even for me. After the end of the race, endurance racer Alex offers to buy me a normal bike with his own money. I have to question my pain threshold.

So, the following weekend, I purchased a new Titus Racer X bike frame - quite a serious paradigm shift from what I've been riding for the past 3 years. Full suspension with gears and the ability to coast.

3 creature comforts that are way too much to digest in one simple ride - I'm not sure what to do after torturing myself for so long. After a 100 miles logged this week, I still ask, "How does this shifting thing work?"

The nerve damage along my ulnar nerve is starting to subside.

40k visits

Wow. I'm famous.

Dogs

Adopted a Jack Russell Terrier back in January. His name is Alex - he's doing fine. Adopted a second one, they did fine for the first 2 days. The new one, Toby, drew blood on the first dog's ear 2 days after his adoption. Returned him to the Humane Society the same day.

Lots of walking and exercise, with over 6 pounds shed from my fat arse in the first month.

Ale is a hyper breed - I'm getting Athlete's foot in the process of keeping him occupied. Worse than having kids.