Some days I just do things because I can. No real reason, now real logic. For example, the other day I rode up Cypress mountain. The spring rain, that turned into extremely thick fog, which turned into cold wet snow.. didn't phase me, I just kept climbing. Silly, really considering the cars probably couldn't see me as well. Opps.

After all that hard work, here is the lovely view:

I created a forum thread for any fixed bikes, fixed friendly frames or related gear...here

Feel free to add to it... comment on it, share it... I have enough bikes (for now) but I know there are others out there who are still hunting.

Let's see how this goes... most regional forums have a Craigslist/local buys thread to keep an eye out for fixed (or fixed friendly) bikes for sale.

People will either be inclined to share for the better good of the community or hoard the deals for themselves... I'm hoping the former!

For starters here's some good links...

Craigslist (duh!) - http://vancouver.craigslist.org/bik/

You could also post any local eBay deals and comments on previous posts.

Midnight Mass is taking the tunnel [album]

I went to my first Midnight Mass as part of Bike Love Weekend . And I must say it was pretty cool. About 40 or so riders showed up to pound the streets of Vancouver once the rest of the sensible folks were fast asleep. Right after the clock struck twelve a mass of riders crashed the streets to reclaim the night.

This was probably a good time to pop that cherry as we were lucky enough to get an extra Midnight Mass due to Bike Love Weekend. As a result there were a lot of out of towners in attendence. This was especially true for minibike contingent, as there was a HUGE representation from Portland minibike crew, who have just come up for some Canadian loving this weekend.

Bicycles rule! [album]

Well it was quite the rush to make it on time to this ride! (On time being a relative term.) Between the problems at work and last minute rushing around, I ended up having to hop the SkyTrain to downtown. Don't start, I realize I'm taking transit to a bike ride. So go figure I arrive at the Vancouver Art Gallery all of 20 minutes late...don't see a soul with a bike.

I roll on over to the hot dog stand and ask the guy which way the bikers went. Just as he starts to tell me this dude on a lime green mini (and I mean tiny!) bike goes flyin' by like a bat outta hell. Through the doplar effect I hear a faint "follow meeee!" Alrighty, away we go.

From: Adam
Subject: Hey dude, come to midnight mass

Yo, I met you outside of MEC and heard about your blog. I really dig it. Me and a bunch of other kids go on another ride thats kindof like critical mass, but its also kindof diffrent. Basically, we dont crawl at the speed of wood. Theres always a mix of styles and ability levels, but alot of people are fixie riders or aspiring roadies. You have mad skills. Wanna come bless us? Come to the midnight mass.

midnight-mass.blogspot.com

Hey... I do recall our conversation of a while back and the fun, funky, folk down at Momentum Magazine have mentioned your rides to me before, so yes I would love to bless your mess this coming thursday. Plus it will be good for me, so I can get my mind off the fact I totalled my race road bike this weekend in the Crit stage of the Fantastic Four Stage Race!

I'm not entirely sure these qualify for this blog... they're single-speed all right, not quite sure if they count as "bikes" or not though. Anyway, King Arfa and Lindz and I built three of these somewhat bizarre things and rode them through the (pedestrian-only, no bikes allowed) mall a few weeks ago. No-one tried to stop us, but that might have been because they could find their breath for laughing.

Yes, the first two shots are in our favourite bike shop. The owner was rather impressed (?) at our creativity (? should that have been stupidity?).

Heading to Hayward Lake Damn

I have been stressed lately. T-minus 8 days before I write my comprehensive exams for my doctorate (eek). I deserved a rest, so today I decided to take most the day off and go for a century ride with local pro rider and FG reader Damien.

In total we did a century ride (100miles/160 km) on the day (Damien, I get an extra 14 km for me to get to and from your house... I win!). He had wanted to ride to Stave Lake as he never rode out that farther East. Since I grew up in that area, guess that makes me a good guide.

Burning the midnight oil

Lately, we have been pretty lucky weather wise in Vancouver. Despite the odd shower or two, over the last month we have been blessed with some sunny weather. Sure its February and cold, but this is of little consequence when rain stops and the sun shines. In response to this lovely weather, I have been taking the opportunity to commute to SFU via the trial systems available in Vancouver. Basically, everyday when there is sun, regardless of how cold it is, I hit the trails on my way to SFU. Since I often ride up early in the morning, I often get to catch the sun breaking through the forest as I hit the top of the mountain. Plus trail conditions have been fantastic since, well, the ground is frozen on most days.

About the only drawback is the fact I am often up on campus late, which means a lot of solo night riding for me as well. Oh, sure, I could play it safer and ride on the road, but whatever, my soul belongs to dirt and damn it I am not riding the road unless I am forced.

So right now I should be doing my course work and studying for my Comprehensive exams. But whatever, it was sunny on sunday and I needed my Sunday fix. So I through a line out to Fixed Vancouver:

fixedvancouver

@

yahoogroups.com