FRESHIES!!

Posted on May 29, 2010 by Smoke

Finally…a new quiver. It took a while, but it’s been worth the wait. I’m back on Rocky Mtn. Bikes, and it looks like there’s been big changes since last time I was on their gear. I guess that’s what a couple of years of hitting World Cup podiums gets you.

Besides that awesome Flatline WC, I also get to use this Altitude for the pedally bits. So far, so good (although I’d really like a chance to try out that new Slayer soon).

Here’s another look at the Flatline. I did a custom build on it, with all kinds of sweet goodies courtesy of Chromag. Also I raided Wade’s Shimano stash, and Kurt at Freedom Bike Shop helped out a ton with gathering up all the shiny bits. Probably will do up some kind of review a bit later, but the first rides are in and they’re both great bikes.

Freshie!

Posted on June 3, 2009 by Smoke

I sure took my time putting this one together. As much as I want another big bike, all signs are pointing towards a more XC/AM rig this year. Still, I have to put my own spin on it, don’t I?

She just wouldn’t be my bike without some serious freeride capabilities, no matter how XC oriented.

Here’s the full spec:

Frame – Med. Endorphin
R Shock – Cane Creek Double Barrel
Fork – Rock Shox Lyrik U-turn
HS – Cane Creek
Stem – Chromag Ranger
Bar- Chromag Rootbeer Fubar
Grips – Brown, yo.
Saddle – Chromag Trailmaster DT
Post – Thompson Elite
QR – Chromag
Crank/BB – Raceface Atlas
Pedals – NRG Lo Profile Flats
Wheels – Mavic Crossmax SX
Brakes – Shimano XT
Shifters, R der – SRAM XO
Fr Der – Shimano XT
Tires – Maxxis Hi Roller 2.5" UST full DH casing

With a down year in the industry and tourism, I needed a lot of help getting this one together. Thanks to Skinny and Shroom at NRG, Dorothy at Cycles-Lambert, Ian at OGC, Kurt at Freedom, all the boys at Kelowna Cycles, Ian at Chromag, and of course Noel and Chris at Knolly.

Pics are from a rad little canyon beside my house. You’ll be able to buy this bad boy in the fall.

Freshie!

Posted on August 16, 2008 by Smoke

And now the conclusion to yesterday’s cliffhanger. Barb had gone in for a regular check as she was now 10 days or so overdue. Which is a long time. Seeing as there were absolutely no signs of her beginning labour, I fugured we were still a few days away from any action.

Well, my phone rang in the middle of the second run saying otherwise. I guess the doctor wanted to talk about hurrying things along, and someone sounded a little anxious. I shortly found myself unshowered and unfed, but wearing this badass teal ensemble.

Barb had an old friend to keep her company too.

She was definitely a bit nervous about the impending situation. Who wouldn’t be?

Barb, our awesome midwife, was on hand to explain things. The doc came by to reinforce it. As things weren’t even close to happening naturally, and with Barb’s size and what appeared to be a big baby, it looked like a C-section was the best course of action. We were all ready to try the natural route, but our chances of succeeding weren’t great, so we opted for the surgery. It’s a mild disappointment, but really…it’s about the baby not us.

So off to the OR we went, at just after midnite. Have a look at my Mom. See how youthful she looks? Next time you see here she’ll be a grannie.

Well, it didn’t take very long. Lacking in romance perhaps, but highly efficient. As I expected, we got a girl.

8 lbs, 14oz, and about 21″ long. Also, she shares a birthday with Madonna.

Barbara Anna, meet Anna Siobhan (you pronounce it Shivon. It’s gaelic, and as most gaels are completely illiterate you are allowed to get creative with the spelling).