Etobicoke Riders 3.0

[BuFFaLoB]

I was gonna make it out but I got the runs.. The punk kids at the theatre probably left the butter out until it turned green

Wow, way too much info there....

[rydr4lyfe]

Friends and fellow Etobicokian riders,

It is with great sadness that I announce I will no longer be joining you for rides...unless you're going somewhere really cool and possibly pass through Das Hammer. Yup, that's right, I'm moving to Hamilton. Up on das mountain. About 5 minutes away from Ridge road, 15 from Snake. Feel sorry for me. I don't know what I'll do with all my free time not spent riding for an hour+ each way to get to a good road.

I'll see you all on the road west of the city!

[FiReSTaRT]

Awww you poor bastard.. Not only are you abadoning us, but you're abandoning us for those poor crooked substitutes for Bloor St., Hurontario and Islington, some of the finest riding roads in the world

[Flip]

burrito boyz!!! nom nom nom.
you guys mind if I tag along? im new to this site.
wanna say whats up

[FiReSTaRT]

Welcome aboard. Ofcourse you can tag as long as you know how to behave in a group (or are willing to learn if you're a new rider) and keep us posted on your licensing status (if we have M1 people in the group, we have to take different routes).. Obviously, it'll take some time before we do our first BB run of the season and we will be starting an Etobicoke Riders 4 thread

[Flip]

Good stuff! don't worry I'm a good listener lol.
I have an M2...
I'll watch for the thread. =)

[FiReSTaRT]

Basically follow this http://www.sunsethog.com/groupRiding.html (I think cutekill posted it up)... We ride in a stagger, no passing within formation, no stunting while you're in/around the group.. While we may not strictly stick to the speed limits, we usually like to stay within striking distance (under 20). Usually if a rider is uncomfortable with the general pace, we drop it to suit his/her needs but that has to be stated in advance as we're not mind-readers. 2 of my pet peeves when it comes to group rides:
1) Riders who get in too close (there's a reason for a stagger as I found out last season when I had a brain fart and would have caused a nice chain-reaction crash had we been riding in 2-2)
2) Riders who space it out too far (cagers love to bust in the middle of the formation)

Keep it at 2 seconds to the right right in front of you, which should be about 1 second from the rider who's in front and to the side.

[ViperZ]

I asked this question in the main forum, but since you guys are from Etobicoke... What's the best shop in Etobicoke to take my GS500F for safety, tire change (already have new tires) and possibly carb cleaning?

I live very close to Parker Bros. Personal experience is that they are knowledgeable with their stuff, but I had bad experience when they ordered front brake pads for me and those "never came" or "got lost" after like 2 weeks of waiting. The sales guy was very nice and offered me a discount on a helmet. It just seems that they deal mostly with KTM, so bring a Suzuki there may not be a good option.
2nd choice on the list is Rider's Choice. I have never been there, but my friend recommends that shop.
3rd - Rosey Toes - recommended by *some* people on the forum.
4th - Envy Rides. Again, personal experience with their sales guys is that they are very knowledgeable, but I have never been to their shop, and there are some bad reviews on this forum. They are also an official Suzuki dealership.

Thanks!

[FiReSTaRT]

Parker Bros is a great place and I wouldn't hesitate taking my bike their way if my top 2 choices were unavailable.. They're very knowledgable, great customer service IME and won't screw you over but don't expect to save too much over there.

Rosey Toes is a gritty no frills shop. Ted's a veteran rider, knows his stuff and will be the cheapest in the GTA. Most complaints are about the safeties not being detailed enough (I never had any safety issues on the bikes that he checked out) and that he scratches rims during tire changes (again, I've never experienced that). No reason not to go there, based on my experiences. He does all of my safety work and tire changes.

Pannon is in northern Sauga, but if you ever suffer a breakdown there, don't hesitate to have your bike worked on by Rob (the owner of Pannon). Very knowledgable, great customer service, great deals on gear and his pricing is about half-way between PB and RT (shop rates).

Whenever a wrench job is too complicated for me to bother with, I don't have the right tools (and they're too expensive to get) or the weather's not cooperating, I get my work done by Ken (kneedragger88 here on GTAM, just pm him). He's out in the sticks but he picks up and delivers your bike for free. He's the cheapest of the whole bunch but does great work and is extremely helpful with advice. He's a certified mechanic (fully licensed and insured) but I'm not sure if he does safety work. PM him and check.

[Baggsy]

Crimy Firestarter, I though you were posting up for a ride. LOL.

ViperZ, You could also try Cyclewerx east of Keele on Bloor if you're in east central Etobicoke. They certified my '84 Magna when I gave it to the brother-in-law.

[FiReSTaRT]

Lol Baggsy, you should have got to know me better over the years.. I'm the guy who grew up in southern Europe and is most likely to ***** and whine about cold weather... First freezin' my balls off riding in freezing weather and then washing off the salt wouldn't be my idea of fun, especially since I'm not allowed to lift more than 5lbs with my left arm for another 5 weeks and change

[Paul900rr]

Obviously, it'll take some time before we do our first BB run of the season and we will be starting an Etobicoke Riders 4 thread

When can we expect this?

[FiReSTaRT]

When can we expect this?

We might do an unofficial run this tuesday. It would be a good idea but I can't guarantee my attendance because I caught a cold. Officially, it should start on April 6th. Already posted a thread on that topic.

[Brian P]

Forecast for Tuesday looks OK. Burrito Boyz!!!

[FiReSTaRT]

Forecast for Tuesday looks OK. Burrito Boyz!!!

You mean this Tuesday, as in today? BMO @ 6:45.. Who's in?

[ViperZ]

You mean this Tuesday, as in today? BMO @ 6:45.. Who's in?

Don't we have a 4.0 thread in order??

[FiReSTaRT]

Ooops, my bad lol... Wasn't paying attention