Record Store Day

First - hi there. Its been awhile. Most of my blog buddies round these parts are athletes. I have not been athletic, so no posts. The bike thinks I've forgotten it. I've got to get something going. At this point its going to be like starting over.

Now to the subject at hand. Saturday was Record Store Day. Much like the Hallmark holidays, I think this was dreamed up by the Coalition of Independant Record Retailers to get folks into the record store. Downloading and on-line shopping in general has taken its toll on the traditional record store, just like everything else. I contend the record store will never die, same as the book store won't. I could be proved wrong, but I think they will be around for the forseeable future.

Anyways, record stores have always been a second home for me. I love music. I'm a little less involved these days, but I still enjoy the trip downtown. So, in celebration of a fake holiday, I will now honor the record stores of my life.

There were many, some I don't know the name. There was the hole in the wall in Franklin, VA where I would go and buy a 45 when staying with my grandparents. There was Harmony Hut, but I can't remember if that was the one in Regency Square, or the one that doubled as a headshop (not uncommon) on Parham. The mall store kind of blend together, even if I did get most of my records there when I was young.

The first proper record store for me was Peaches. I spent much time and money in Peaches. Peaches is where I got Van Halen 1 before anyone knew them. I got the Clash "London Calling" there as well. I'm sure I got a handful of Ramones records there as well. The hallmark of Peaches, however, was the cut out bin. That's where the stupid west end kid could find Patti Smith "Horses". All sorts of 999 records, Buzzcocks, Sham 69. All the British bands folks in the west end generally didn't know.

We now move on to college and Columbia, SC. School Kids was the regional chain in 5 points, along with the independant Papa Jazz. School Kids always had coupons in the college newspaper. I know I got Def Leppard High 'n Dry there. I'm actually sure I got much of my mainstream releases there. Then X Records opened. This would be the beginning of hanging out at a record store. Issue was that Ron had sporadic hours. When Amy started working there it was more consistant, but if she had class, it wasn't open. I had discovered "real" metal by now and X was the only place to get it. Imports, black gold, satanic metal. I bought much stuff there, including the 2nd pressing of REM's Radio Free Europe single that netted me $150 on ebay a few years ago.

Its hard to separate stories at this point, so take the leap of faith with me. The metal records disappeared from X and ended up at the college radio metal djs house. I distinctly remember being at his house buying some records and saying "you've got enough stuff here to open a store". He smiled.

Which brings us to Manifest Discs and Tapes. If I have a regret in life, its that I didn't stay in touch with Carl. I spent tons and tons of time at Manifest. I'd hang out and organize the records while Carl did other things. I loved that place. I spent much money there and Carl taught me much about music and business. I always admired him. I also worked record conventions with him, where I could acquire even more stuff. I really can't explain what this place meant to me. Heck, my last tattoo was of Einsturzende Neubauten's logo, a band Carl introduced me to.

When I left Columbia for Charleston, there was quite a void. There was a store there, but I can't recall the name. There was a punkish store up in North Charleston, but I never really felt right there. Eventually a friend told me he was going to open a record store and did I want to help out. And I did. Twisters was born. We started basic enough, but soon I convinced Paul we could sell alternative music. I called Carl and got his contact and off we went. Soon, I was Charleston's alt music guru. Ok, maybe that's a bit of an overstatement, but it felt that way. It was great.

It ended when I moved back to Richmond for a "real job". Plan 9 had been open for awhile. In fact, I had been shopping there since they opened. You know, when I was home for summer, spring break, whatever. I shopped at the laundramat location, the one further down Cary, the long lasting Bob's Hobby Shop location, and the current one. I went in the one they had on southside once, but I don't cross the river, so ......
Randy helped me out there. He loved Foetus as much as I, and was the one who convinced me to listen to Ministry's "the land of rape and honey". Randys gone, and I don't really know anyone there, so I don't get much advice. But I still like it. Even if the kids are 20 years younger than me, I still want the approval.

Part of shopping in a record store is the look you get from the clerk. You walk up with the latest Daughtry, you'll likely get the look of disdain. Walk up with Sonny Rollins, Nick Cave and Bullet for my Valentine, you might get a nod.

Nods are good. Online sucks. Long live the record store.

Just a Tease

So, the rainy 10k is over. No, I didn't run. I sat in the rain while the wife walked it. Not so much fun not participating, but I don't run.

Man, I've put on weight and feel like a slug. No biking. Where's REB??? We need to start some after work biking soon!
I'm going back to the gym tomorrow, no choice. And I've got to stop the snacks. (as I go get a slim jim. Protein isn't bad, is it?)
Last week involved some team bonding, woohoo.
Anyways, a couple of photos.

Here's the motorcycle after all my fix up.
Here's the newest bike in the stable


The kid finally rode her little bike, so we got her that one. Its a tad big, but it'll last longer.

When I got my bike fitting done, I got compact handlebars. Here they are:



Thats all I've managed to upload. Maybe once I actually do something, I'll have more to write about.

edit: I've got to remember what size photos I can use....sorry.

I Owe

Photos, but you aren't getting them still.

Just a brief post. Finally managed to go for a ride today. Reb and I headed out for an easy 20. I've been off so long, I wasn't willing to do a long one. Let me say it sucked. We headed out and it was colder than I thought. I felt like crap. Even in Reb's draft, it sucked. My lungs were cold, legs were still and I guess there was a head wind. Ugh. Twenty wouldn't be done fast enough.

The bike, tho, felt good.

At one point I glanced back looking for traffic and AAAAAHHHHAAAAAA. There was someone right on my wheel. Note to self: announce yourself when you approach someone. Scared the crap outta me. Didn't help they were in black so it looked odd at first glance. Really shocked me.

I led the way back. I kept a decent pace, though I haven't looked to see what it was. The ride back was way better. I'm not sure what made the difference. Wind? Finally warmed up? I don't know, but thankfully it was better. The end started to suck when we got back to where we were more out in the open, but it wasn't as bad.

Verdict on the bike is that the fitting was great. The whole thing felt way better. Now if my body would just feel the same....

She's Goooooooooooone........again

So, I decided to heck with it. I called back and said, "uh, tune up?" They said they missed it, so I've taken it back. I was going to do it myself, but I just don't have the time and I feel like someone who knows what they're doing should go through it this first time.

Getting back adjusted to work has been a bear. Resuming normal life after being away is tough. I'll give a brief recap of the trip later. Heck, I haven't looked at the pictures yet.

It's Gotta Be Me

Seems like I am always disappointed. Maybe my expectations are too high.

When I'm working on something, I call it the Medusa Touch. Its not that everything I touch gets 8 heads, but it does seem to turn to stone. Witness my recent wheel issues which will now find my grinding my brakes down.

This evening I went to pick up my bicycle. I really enjoyed the experience of the fitting. While the bike looks a little less sexy, I'm sure its going to be more comfortable. It is going to take a bit to get use to the higher seat.

So anyway, I get the bike and go to check out. I really don't know what its going to cost because I spent way less time than I thought. I did know what the bars cost. I was surprised with the bill. It was cheaper than I expected. I didn't get the work order, only a reciept. And, as an aside, I didn't get the old bars back.

So, I roll the bike out on the street, kind of glancing at things. Hmm. I don't think they tuned it up. That would explain the price. I got to the car and took a closer look. Nope, no adjustment. I rode it around the lot and decided to bag it and take it home.

Now I'm left with having to go over the whole bike. I guess I should have planned on it anyway. I had just hoped they would pull the cable through and check the wheels for true. Clearly not.

To be clear, the last thing I talked about when I left the bike there, after the fitting, was what I thought was wrong with the bike. I went through the various things I wanted adjusted. Hell, my saddle isn't even level.

Once again, I'm dissappointed with service. Back out will come my torque wrench and I'll sit around with bike on the stand for awhile tweaking things.

Service sucks.

Its done

So, Sunday was an awful day. I'm glad its over.
After causing some problems for myself, I ended up with some horrific stomach thing last night. I have no idea what was up. I didn't sleep any, so I stayed home until lunch and went to work. The aftermath lingers, but thankfully it seems to be over.

This afternoon I went down to Carytown Bicycles for my fitting. I sure wish I could live down there. Ok, I realize I could, but I don't see it happening for various reasons. I just like it down there.

The guy was nice enough.
The questions started
So, why are you here? Uh, cause I think my fit could be improved.
Any complaints then? Uh, no. Toes numb, fingers numb, but no real pain.
How much do you ride? Couple hours a week.

It was at this point I realized I was out of my element.

After I complained about toes, he took a look at my shoes. Said my cleats were too far forward, and I went through the story of how I could never clip in. He ended up telling me he loved these pedals, but agreed they took awhile to get use to clipping in.

On to the bike I went. First thing he did was raise the seat. Once I was on the bike and could see the mirror, I thought I was too low. He used a protractor to get my height right.

Then he pulled out the plumb bob to set my seat fore/aft. While all this was good, I can't say I noticed a ton of difference. May notice less fatigue on a ride tho.

Next we moved to the riding position, based on the handlebars. We got into the discussion of front end geometry. He explained I was really leaning too far forward and my arms were stiff. This would also account some for my hand getting numb as I couldn't hold my body in that position without my arms. And while the drops were usable, it was a real stretch.

So, while we can't change the head tube angle, you get to the stem. Problem is, my stem was as short as he likes to use, anything shorter makes the bike darty. So, out came compact handlebars. I can't quite explain the difference, but its quite dramatic. I guess the drop doesn't go as far forward before it comes down. Let me tell you, this made a huge difference. It was so much more comfortable. He also changed the angle on my stem.

So yeah, I bought the bars, but they weren't bad.

It only took about 30 minutes, which wasn't bad at all. They'll be installing the bars and doing a tune up on the bike. I think think the drive train is fine, it just needs adjusting.

I have no idea how much I'm in for, aside from the bars. But, I use my bike a fair amount so its worth it. Besides, I need to keep up with TG40.

They are very nice at the shop. They have a good manner and customer service. I didn't feel like an idiot. They don't have a ton of accessories, but it is probably a good move since you can order that stuff so cheap on the web.

Can't really make the call until a ride, but I think this is worthwhile. If you bought your bike from a shop with not so much service, this is worth considering.

She's Goooooooooooone

And I'm not talking about "chubrub".

Windy, rainy morning. No riding. Errands. Laundry.
Load the bike.
Lunch.

Get in the car and drive. Still much wind to fight, but the trip was pretty short.

Arrive.

It was kind of dark and a little scary. Quiet. Wheeled the bike towards the back of the store.

A heavily tattoo'd woman asked if she could help. I said yes. Please take my bike from me. I will be back Monday for a fitting.

And I left.

I didn't look back.

I didn't even cheat and look at other bikes on the way out.

I hope they take good care of her.