OK... disregard Wednesdays. Swofford's schedule is also changing, so he's now covering Wednesdays instead of Tuesdays.
So Tuesdays are now open.
Anyone?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Schedule Changing
Who wants to be a courier on Wednesdays? Shaggy's days off at his other job are changing, so he won't be able to cover Wednesdays any more.
Anyone?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Anyone?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Must be the fenders...
Bernie went out for a few hours and I watched the shop. He had all that nice high end rain gear on. Came back soaked. I left about 2 minutes later for a courier run. Same weather, didn't get wet at all. Finished the run, got in a few miles and met the wife at the train station. All in all a pretty good day.
I guess those Planet Bike Hardcore Freddy Fenders really do work as advertised!
I guess those Planet Bike Hardcore Freddy Fenders really do work as advertised!
PCB: Commerce and Advocacy Can Go Hand in Hand
I'd be willing to put money on the odds that Panther City's the only bicycle messenger service that was being dispatched from the state capital in Austin on Texas Bike Lobby Day this monday. Bernie went down to "represent" on behalf of all of us here in Fort Party Worth asking Texas lawmakers to consider cyclists in bills supporting safe passing, safe routes to schools for kids who bike, and general cycling-friendly transportation enhancements. So tell Bernie "thanks" and support Panther City Bicycles because they support all of us!
It was a pretty slow monday though, which is probably good so Bernd didn't have to take a bunch of calls while in Austin. I kept busy in between runs helping Jason hook up an air compressor hose for the repair stand, doing a tube change, and enjoying some Palermo's Pizza and Rahr Blonde...so no complaints here.
It was a pretty slow monday though, which is probably good so Bernd didn't have to take a bunch of calls while in Austin. I kept busy in between runs helping Jason hook up an air compressor hose for the repair stand, doing a tube change, and enjoying some Palermo's Pizza and Rahr Blonde...so no complaints here.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Bicycle Gloves Product Review
Ok,
So I'm one of those people that's hard on gloves. No, really. I mean brutal with them. I can wear out a pair of fancypants gloves in about a month or so (and I have, many times over). I don't know why this is the case, it's not like I'm dragging my hands along the streets as I cruise along. I just happen to be one of those people that wear out the palms of gloves very fast.
With that in mind, Bernie told me he found some gloves with leather palms that just might last a little longer. I told him to order them up and let me know when they come in.
About two weeks later (March 9) I happened to be at the shop when they arrived. I remember this date because we were headed out to see the movie 300 and I was worried that Jason was going to leave without me (let's just say that I'm not real quick at doing bike repairs under pressure).
The gloves are the Planet Bike Taurus. They retail for around $20.00 and have a leather palm, crochet back, and the terry cloth thumb for wiping the brow. At first they were a bit stiff, but broke in quickly enough. Very comfortable, and don't suffer from too much padding. Also, a cool factor here... there is a section of the palm that is Kevlar. This is great for little things like; running your hand across the top of the tire to clear out any thorns and glass bits, or keeping your skin intact in the event of a fall.
I have to say that these gloves still look like they did when I got them. The leather may have stretched a bit, but they are still comfortable. More importantly... they are still intact. While 6 weeks might seem a bit premature to do a glove review, you would appreciate it more if you could see how my other gloves have fared in the same amount of time. Plus, I ride quite a bit and wear these gloves just about every day.
I'll keep you up to date on the lifespan of these gloves and periodically post pics of their condition.
If you need a tough pair of gloves that will last, and you don't mind the old school look of crochet gloves, these could be the gloves for you. Give 'em a try and don't let the idea of spending $20.00 scare you away from crochet gloves. The lifespan of these gloves will probably save you some money in the long run.
I don't think Bernie is stocking them as of yet though, as I think he was waiting to see how quickly I tore through them.
So I'm one of those people that's hard on gloves. No, really. I mean brutal with them. I can wear out a pair of fancypants gloves in about a month or so (and I have, many times over). I don't know why this is the case, it's not like I'm dragging my hands along the streets as I cruise along. I just happen to be one of those people that wear out the palms of gloves very fast.
With that in mind, Bernie told me he found some gloves with leather palms that just might last a little longer. I told him to order them up and let me know when they come in.
About two weeks later (March 9) I happened to be at the shop when they arrived. I remember this date because we were headed out to see the movie 300 and I was worried that Jason was going to leave without me (let's just say that I'm not real quick at doing bike repairs under pressure).
The gloves are the Planet Bike Taurus. They retail for around $20.00 and have a leather palm, crochet back, and the terry cloth thumb for wiping the brow. At first they were a bit stiff, but broke in quickly enough. Very comfortable, and don't suffer from too much padding. Also, a cool factor here... there is a section of the palm that is Kevlar. This is great for little things like; running your hand across the top of the tire to clear out any thorns and glass bits, or keeping your skin intact in the event of a fall.
I have to say that these gloves still look like they did when I got them. The leather may have stretched a bit, but they are still comfortable. More importantly... they are still intact. While 6 weeks might seem a bit premature to do a glove review, you would appreciate it more if you could see how my other gloves have fared in the same amount of time. Plus, I ride quite a bit and wear these gloves just about every day.
I'll keep you up to date on the lifespan of these gloves and periodically post pics of their condition.
If you need a tough pair of gloves that will last, and you don't mind the old school look of crochet gloves, these could be the gloves for you. Give 'em a try and don't let the idea of spending $20.00 scare you away from crochet gloves. The lifespan of these gloves will probably save you some money in the long run.
I don't think Bernie is stocking them as of yet though, as I think he was waiting to see how quickly I tore through them.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday...
Bernie's theory was that the weather was so nice people were just taking their packages themselves to get out of the office, but whatever the reason, I didn't make a single pick up or drop yesterday. A day at PCB can hardly be considered bad though, it was still fun hanging out talking bikes, working on a couple of bikes and riding to and from.
Speaking of, Atticus was up at the shop replacing his skid worn rear tire and since we both stay in the same 'hood - he decided to wait and ride home with me. I'm thinking, "That'll be cool, a leisurely ride home, chatting on the way." What I got instead was a) a realization that I too am an OLD ASS, b) a realization that Atticus is insane, c) a realization why Atticus rides brakeless. We started off for home and Atticus whips down the street leaving me in the dust, but I think to myself, "I'll catch up at the light." Well, no such luck, because (what is Atticus's nickname??? - I vote for 'Finch') he instead takes a left up the wrong direction and merges into traffic coming up 8th. I tried to follow and he waited for me at the top of the hill. Then it was off down Zoo hill where I tried to tail him close, but he kept throwing me off skidding and dodging all the potholes with erratic turns. Then came the realization why he rides brakeless...the son of a gun NEVER STOPS for ANYTHING. I followed him up University pedaling my wuss 44/18 combo like mad to keep up with his 48/16, we cut between lanes of traffic to the intersection (which is no problem but that's about the extent of my "daring" city skills), but then he keeps going full tilt through the red light with traffic coming in from the right and he looks back and gives me the "it's clear" wave to come on through. It's NOT CLEAR though, you can't do the wave if it's not really clear! Anyway, I'm still spinning away (Improving my pedal stroke though, according to Bernie) and Finch starts riding with no hands to answer his cell phone.
So instead of my leisurely ride, I got to sweat a lot, partially out of pedaling so fast and partially out of sheer terror. I have to admit it was a lot of fun though, thanks Finch (or whatever the guys are calling you).
Speaking of, Atticus was up at the shop replacing his skid worn rear tire and since we both stay in the same 'hood - he decided to wait and ride home with me. I'm thinking, "That'll be cool, a leisurely ride home, chatting on the way." What I got instead was a) a realization that I too am an OLD ASS, b) a realization that Atticus is insane, c) a realization why Atticus rides brakeless. We started off for home and Atticus whips down the street leaving me in the dust, but I think to myself, "I'll catch up at the light." Well, no such luck, because (what is Atticus's nickname??? - I vote for 'Finch') he instead takes a left up the wrong direction and merges into traffic coming up 8th. I tried to follow and he waited for me at the top of the hill. Then it was off down Zoo hill where I tried to tail him close, but he kept throwing me off skidding and dodging all the potholes with erratic turns. Then came the realization why he rides brakeless...the son of a gun NEVER STOPS for ANYTHING. I followed him up University pedaling my wuss 44/18 combo like mad to keep up with his 48/16, we cut between lanes of traffic to the intersection (which is no problem but that's about the extent of my "daring" city skills), but then he keeps going full tilt through the red light with traffic coming in from the right and he looks back and gives me the "it's clear" wave to come on through. It's NOT CLEAR though, you can't do the wave if it's not really clear! Anyway, I'm still spinning away (Improving my pedal stroke though, according to Bernie) and Finch starts riding with no hands to answer his cell phone.
So instead of my leisurely ride, I got to sweat a lot, partially out of pedaling so fast and partially out of sheer terror. I have to admit it was a lot of fun though, thanks Finch (or whatever the guys are calling you).
Monday, April 16, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A new golden boy...
Hasty hasn't lost his crown, but he has to share the title now. Atticus equaled Hasty's mark today...
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Bike to Work.
Now that the courier service has picked up some new clients and our older clients are using us even more, working as a bike courier at Panther City has become just that - working! Don't get me wrong, It's the most fun work I've ever done. However, after five runs before even going by the shop to check in, I was ready for a little breather. Hopefully the momentum will keep going and we'll all be working like that throughout the day...with a minute here and there to eat and rest the knees of course.
P.S. If you want to keep up with my bike nerd/non-courier shenanigans, I have started to post more often onWhistle Defense System
P.S. If you want to keep up with my bike nerd/non-courier shenanigans, I have started to post more often onWhistle Defense System
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Awkward moment.
So, Shaggy arrived at one of Fort Worth's high-rise office towers this morning to make a delivery; as he approached the bank of elevators, he hit the "UP" button.
Much to his chagrin, the button popped off when he pressed it, fell on the floor and started rolling away. Shaggy, being quick of wit and deft of hand, scooped up the button before anybody saw what he'd done and continued on his way.
Much to his chagrin, the button popped off when he pressed it, fell on the floor and started rolling away. Shaggy, being quick of wit and deft of hand, scooped up the button before anybody saw what he'd done and continued on his way.
Monday, April 2, 2007
What makes a Record Day?
Had a pretty busy day today. Apparently enough runs to make for a record day.
What makes a record breaking day:
76.2 Gear Inches on the Fixed Gear
31.21 Miles
7 runs for the day
4 were done between 1015 and 1115
3 multiple zone runs
2 trips on the Trinity Trails
1 bottle of sport "Pickle Juice" (my system is still reeling from the shock of it!)
Of course my two favorite events of the day...
Blowing my Storm Whistle at a Police car that encroached upon my lane- he immediately shifted over and gave me plenty of space. Saying this whistle is loud is an understatement!
And the number one event that made my day...
A guy outside the Bombay HQ building that asked me if my document tube was a pipe bomb! He was serious too!
Finally, what does a record day look like???
This:
So sayeth the Golden boy...
What makes a record breaking day:
76.2 Gear Inches on the Fixed Gear
31.21 Miles
7 runs for the day
4 were done between 1015 and 1115
3 multiple zone runs
2 trips on the Trinity Trails
1 bottle of sport "Pickle Juice" (my system is still reeling from the shock of it!)
Of course my two favorite events of the day...
Blowing my Storm Whistle at a Police car that encroached upon my lane- he immediately shifted over and gave me plenty of space. Saying this whistle is loud is an understatement!
And the number one event that made my day...
A guy outside the Bombay HQ building that asked me if my document tube was a pipe bomb! He was serious too!
Finally, what does a record day look like???
This:
So sayeth the Golden boy...
Sunday, April 1, 2007
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