Not much to say, I accidentally deleted the old GravelTech theme while updating the site. So, I've decided to just use this default one. When I get some time I'll look at rebuilding a custom theme.

While Portland is one of the best citys to ride a bike in, we've been following the story of Randy vs TriMet with interest as it unfolds over at BikePortland.org. Now here at GravelTech we don't take any shit riding, but when we're in the wrong, we're the first to apologize (see "Confronting a motorist" in BUI #2 page 25). We're hoping that Randy gets a nice check from TriMet and the bus drivers get mandatory "go ride this bike while we drive past and almost brush you with a bus mirror" training sessions.

Up in Toronto a similar drama is unfolding. The short story is motorist throws half eaten sandwich out of his car, messenger who was walking her bike picks it up and hands it back to him. Motorist throws cup of coffee at her and the she puts a small scratch in his car. He gets out and goes ape shit attacking her while someone with a camera documents the whole thing. Crazed motorists realizes he's been photographed as photographer takes pictures of him and his license plate, grabs a baseball bat and charges photographer who walks off. Cops come take statements and convince messenger that she shouldn't press charges for assault because she'd be charged with mischief. Photographer posts photos to the internet and worldwide drama emerges.

Ira Ryan, pictured here before killing a family of four, has officially launched his own frame building... thing. He's got a website, prices and all that. At least we'll be able to say we knew him before he had a two year waiting list.

The PortlandTribune has a collection of obituaries for the four cyclist killed in Portland in 2005. I hope you'll read all of them, but I've copied Kristine's below.

The Aussies know how to let loose, and the Australian Single Speed Nationals were no exception. Most of the participants were from Melbourne, but the Sydney crew was in full force representing New South Wales, two Americans represented just themselves, and one guy from Queensland represented definitive proof that beer and dancing don't mix. There were several noteworthy events and subsequent corresponding humor, such as the bright red gigantic bloomers awarded to the winner of the skidding competition. The twist being that they must be worn throughout the weekend, "Or else you don't even wanna know what'll happen to you."

The GravelTech site had been getting a little stale and I've been doing a little work with Drupal, an excellent open source content management system... well, one thing lead to another and now there's a new website. All the old content should be here, hopefully, a little easier to find.

After the last poker ride went so well, GravelTech is pleased to announce the New Year's Day Poker Ride.

What: A group ride/pub crawl stopping at four bars. Riders are dealt cards along the way. We're changing the rules a little to mix things up. The basic idea is that at the last stop you'll have to find another rider with a hand that compliments yours and combine cards to make the best hand possible.
When: Sunday January 1st, meet at 3pm, ride at 3:15pm. Hopefully, you'll be able to shake off that hang over by then
Where: Meet on the Esplanade, under the Hawthorne Bridge's east end.

I'm pleased to tell you that GravelTech's first poker ride was a raging success. I had two fears going into it, that no-one would show up or that 50 people would show up. Happily neither was the case. The fine folks at the Willy Week even saw fit to designate it their Saturday pick for the outdoors section.

Looks like there's some fun to be had at Melbourne's Cup Madness alleycat race hosted by wacky Australians. More pictures to come once get this new fangled computer figured out.