What's old is new again...

Backpack review, K9 Style...

Tobias, the model mutt.

I recently read a review on another webiste that I like to read about a Dog Pack they had tried.  Funny enough, my wife and I had the same pack before this one, so I knew just how crappy it was.  That is why I had to write this review, because this pack is awesome!

We purchased this a long while back at a shop in Victoria (Capital Iron), and we've been impressed with it ever since.  The pack is very durable, and it looks and feels this way in the shop.  It has great padding along the straps, and under the whole pack, it seems very comfortable, and Tobias certainly loves it.

The padding is soft though, so your dogs hair is going to stick to it.  Along with hair, the soft surface also absorbs water, and therefore your lovely wet dog smell to go with it.  A trip to the washing machine will solve this issue in a hurry though. 

All cool dog bags have buttons.

The pack has two great compartments for storage.  They are plenty big to hold whatever you could possibly want in there (remember to only load your dog up with a MAXIMUM 10% of their total body weight. 40 LB dog = 4 LB carry weight.).  We like to have Tobias carry his water and dog bags (and if he's lucky some treats).

The price of the bag is reasonable as well.  Right around $50-$60 depending on the size you need.  This was actually less than what we had spent on our first bag, so we were really

happy with the cost. 

The bag has held up great.  We use it almost daily, pretty much everytime we go out the door we throw his pack on him.  The zippers and buckles all still function perfectly, and he has worn it in all conditions you can think of.  Muddy hikes and bikes, nice long day walks in the sun, and anything in between. 

If you are thining of getting a pack for your pooch, Granite Gear is what you want.  The price is right and the quality is top notch.

My 29'er... A Love Affair

Took a few pics on the new cam, and Sheena put a pretty sweet vid together.

Well I haven't wrote on here in quite some time, and today I'm writing about something I haven't wrote a lot about on here in the past, but I sure am excited about it.  Mountain Biking has always been something I have enjoyed, and after some good friends coming out here and visiting my last September, I've really stepped back into the sport.

Growing up in Ontario, we would watch countless videos of guys doing incredible things on their bikes.  Most of it didn't seem possible.  Huge drops, zooming fast manuals, giant ladders, and stupid-big tabletops were just some of the things we loved to watch our favourite riders conquer. 

We watched video from all over the world, but over and over again, British Columbia would be showcased in these videos.  Whether it was the crazy networks in the treetops, or the giant trees and boulders that dotted the landscape, we always knew we had to get out there and ride.

I'm lucky enough to call B.C. home now, and it was those good buddies that I used to ride with back in Ontario that really inspired me to get back into riding, to take advantage of this wonderful province and what it offers the outdoor enthusiasts.

The opportunity came shortly after my friends had to leave to purchase a 29'er.  I had read a few things here and there on them, and from what I was reading, I knew I had to have one.  I've always loved hard tails, it's what I am used to, and to get a faster hard tail with the ability to just roll over things?  Sign me up.


I lucked out completely when I came across a link on the Oak Bay Bikes website, they were selling off their demo fleet "aggressively".  I was at the shop the next morning, waiting for them to open.  A 2009 Norco Jubei 2 was waiting inside patiently for it's new caretaker.  I had a ride planned later that morning, and as soon as I got to take that bike for a test spin, I knew I had a new set of wheels for Hartland that day.

A couple hours later, when we put rubber to dirt, it took less than twenty minutes for me to proclaim "I can't believe I've been riding 26 all my life, I feel ripped off!".  The bike rolled amazingly.  Pointing it down was so much fun, the big wheels feeling plush under me, I've never rode full suspension, but this thing was feeling like one, absorbing the roots and drops, picking up speed.  Fast, fast, fast.  And when you pointed it up?  Same thing.  You keep those wheels moving, you feel like you can ride over anything.  Rocks that I would have never attempted to climb on my Cindercone felt like no match for the Jubei 2.  I felt like a superhero that whole day, riding lines that weren't there the day before.  Suddenly my whole riding experience changed. 

It was a rosy honeymoon stage with my new steed, and I have to admit, I'm still in it.  The ability to throw the big wheels up rocks and climb so aggressively feels amazing.  I spend more time in the saddle of this bike because it can keep up with the terrain, going up or down.


Down may be where I was most surprised.  As I mentioned earlier, after going from a 26' hard tail to this 29' hard tail, it actually feels plush.  The first few drops and downhill runs I took, I couldn't believe how the bike felt like it just floated over the trail.  I knew I was the same rider as the day before, but I felt like I was on another level.  This bike did nothing but build confidence for me.

Now as the months have wore on, and I've gotten a chance to really put her through the paces, the negatives have made them self clear as well

I don't have the clearance from my crank to the ground that I used to.  I'd love to tell you the geometric reasons for this, but I simply don't know (I'm not a big spec guy).  It could just be this model, or maybe it's a 29'er thing, but it's definitely worth mentioning (strongly thinking of going to a 1 x10 set up in the near future, this would help).


Also, starting from a stand still is a bit more work that you're used to.  The big wheel needs some power to roll over, so if you slip out half way up a climb, chances are you will have a hard time getting started.  These are really the only two negatives that I've really had to deal with while riding, and for me personally, the positive far outweigh the negatives.



So I guess what I am trying to say is that I love my 29'er, and I would strongly recommend you give one a go.  I know they are easy to joke about, and it might not be the "cool" thing to ride in the Pacific Northwest, but who cares about that?  Faster is faster, and that's all I've got since riding the Wagon Wheels.

Summer Shows

Hello all, it's been too long :) Thanks for clicking over, since it's been so long between posts.  Originally I wasn't even going to post anything, because it's been so long, but these people have got me off my lazy ass, and here we are.

Dan Kosub is lighting up Lucky Bar this Saturday evening (July 23), releasing "Jacobs Island" to the Island faithful.  Dan's been super pumped for this show for months, and it should be a great night at the downtown Victoria establishment.  "Aurelia" is probably my favourite tune from Dan, mostly because I grew up in "Orillia, Ontario", and the words sound the same.  I didn't say it was deep, I'm just telling you why I like it ;).  Dan is a really nice guy, and I'd love to know his hard work was rewarded with a killer crowd this Saturday, so get out there!

On Wednesday July 27, Mr. Something Something will be coming through town as well.  They have a really fun sound, and their live show reputation is nothing short of awesome.  A great local music promoter Nathan Ambrose put me onto these guys, and I'm glad he did.  Get over to Metropolis for this Mid-week night out.

Well I don't have much more than that right now, just had to make sure I got these two items up.  Hope you guys dig it, enjoy your summer and see you soon!

A whole bunch of stuff while I'm thinking of it...

I've been busy, whatever...

Well, how many posts can I start this way?  It’s been way too long, but I’ve finally got something together here, to share with you wonderful folks out there.  This is gonna be a pretty random, and completely packed post.  I figure I’m just gonna write about everything I want to share, rather than try and save any of it for another day (cause who knows when the hell that will come?!).

First up is Sidney York, and her brand new album, Apocalyptic Radio Cynic.  With no shortage of musical experience, Brandi Sidoryk has put together one beautiful full length.  She is calling a few spots in Western Canada home right now, and I'm sure they are all very proud of the talented songstress.  Funny enough, the self titled "Apocalyptic Radio Cynic" is probably my favourite tune on the album, it's just    effing gorgeous! Look for it at the end of the month.

More new music to sick your ears on is coming to us from Vancouver, as the McAloneys’ and their group Cupla have a couple of awesome new tracks up.  This is just a group of super rad people, so to hear them putting out such awesome music is amazing.  It’s a group that makes it very easy to cheer for and become a fan.  Check out "Path Unknown", that'll bring up your day.

Speaking of “easy to be a fan”, everyone’s favourite Saskatoon rock outfit, The Sheepdogs, are still in the running for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.  Get over and vote for our fellow Canadians!

Another fellow Canadian I expect to have a great summer is Bodhi Jones.  He’s got lots in the works, and judging by our favourite VanCity Busker’s blog and twitter feeds, he’s stoked about life right now. 

As for us Vancouver Islanders, there is plenty to be stoked about these days as well.  Personally, I’m beyond excited for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings playing here at Alix Goolden Hall at the end of the month.  June brings plenty of talent into town, and I’m really excited that Sasha Lewis will be one of those acts. Keep an eye on her to find out exactly when and where, but plan for mid to late June. 

Another act in June worth your time is Jessica Benini.  The Victoria talent will be releasing her album June 9^th at Upstairs cabaret.  With the pipes this woman has, this may be a downright inspiring show to check out.

Also today, presale starts for Rifflandia.  They have added Royal Athletic Park to the list of venues, sounds awesome.


And there you go all, a quick and dirty run through of everything that has my attention right now.  Plenty of great Canadian content in there, and probably even better then all the mentioned acts music, would be their personalities.  Seriously people, how lucky are we to be Canadian and have all these great acts represent us?

From the WTF files, I.S. allegedly sits down with STW

Ben Worcester of Said the Whale
talks with Island SoapBox

Well due to some circumstances that we really don't need to get into, I was a little slow on setting up the details of an interview with Said the Whale, while they were in town this past week touring with Dinosaur Bones and Tokyo Police Club.  Now just because I didn't get this thing set up in time doesn't mean that you, the reader, should suffer.  So I've decided to do the next best thing, and that is just make shit up for them! So here it is folks, the interview with Said the Whale's Ben Worcester and Tyler Bancroft, that never happened, but might as well have ;) (Please note NONE of this is real)

It's great to finally meet you guys! When I started setting this thing up (the interview), you guys were Juno nominees, and now a few months later, Juno Champs!  Has there been enough time for that to really sink in?  You guys have had some major accomplishments over the past 6 months.

Worcester and Bancroft sit in ridiculous lazy boy recliners (they added 5 Burgundy suede recliners to their Rider after notching the Juno), Worcester plays with his phone through my questions, cheering and cursing the Canucks every move (when women come near, he mumbles non-sense about overseas stock markets), he's not heard one word of mine.  Bancroft, unbelievably, is eating grapes from the vine as his new assistant feeds him.  Through Gold plated aviators, and after staring at me just long enough to make me think he wasn't going to answer, Tyler offers up his thoughts.

"Let's face it, waiting for the weekend of the Juno's was just a formality.  Who the hell else would have won that Juno?  Hollerado?  What, cause they made a music video in 5 and a half minutes?  No it was gonna be Tyler Bancroft and Said the Whale the whole time, we knew this."

Not even Bancroft's complete exclusion of Worcester from the Juno talk can get Ben's attention.  At this point he's busy working the venue manager, apparently the wrong sparkling water has been supplied for his tooth brush.

A little taken back from their demeanour, I decide to ask them about the upcoming election. How they feel about the whole process, and this election in particular.  I look over at Ben, hoping this will get him going.

He whispers something into Tyler's assistant ear.  The assistant hurriedly runs off to get his own personal assistant.  This assistant quickly informs me that Ben wants Tyler to answer this question.  Tyler spits grape seeds into his assistants open hand, and begins to answer.

"We think the election is garbage.  There is no doubt this country needs a new leader, and there is no doubt Ben Worcester is that leader.  When the election was announced, Ben was ready to take the "Independent Music Party of Canada" straight to the top.  He had people ready to run in 400 ridings.  That's more than even exist.  But then the big Media Consortium decided that Ben could only be involved in the CBC Radio 3 debate, mediated by Grant Lawrence.  When it was found that only Elizabeth May would meet at the R3 event, we said screw it.  We're god damned Juno winners, and they want Ben to play second fiddle to the Green Party and Elizabeth May?  Forget it.  So now we're more interested in the American Story, and possibly helping Donald Trump with his campaign down there."

With one more answer looming before I can get to my seat to enjoy the show, I decide to take the easy way out, serve them up a real beach ball that they can knock out of the park.  I ask them, "What's next for Said the Whale?"

Worcester has the correct water for his toothpaste now, and is brushing his teeth, complete with spitting onto the Sugar Nightclub floor.  His assistant wipes his chin.  Tyler thinks about his response as his assistant tries to shine his sneakers.  Finally he starts.

"This is probably it for Said the Whale.  I mean you can only be on top, and stay on top for so long.  So this is as good as time as any to shut it down.  I don't think there's any question now about who the greatest independent band with the word "whale" in their name is, or ever was.  So what's left?  No one can afford us, the stuff we write now is so astoundingly good, that no one can even "get" it.  It's a shame to let someone listen to the best music they've ever heard, and have them not have a clue.  The ignorance is mind numbing.  It's time to get out before we just go mad."

Worcester has bailed on the interview long before this point.  He's actually stopped Dinosaur Bones in the middle of their set to let everyone in the audience know they won't be getting any leadership worth while May 2, and they should "mass exodus" to the U.S. to support his upcoming campaign with Trump.  Bancroft's assistant wipes my outstretched hand with disinfectant before Tyler shakes it.  The end of my strangest interview that never was had come.

*****Please remember that none of this happened, or was even somewhat close to happening.  I have nothing but respect for Said the Whale, and so does the rest of Canada!  If there is one thing you should take out of this ridiculous post, it's that you should CHECK OUT SAID THE WHALE!

Top photo courtesy http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7811214/charlie_sheens_bizarre_interview_on.html

A Small Town Eulogy that will bring a tear to your eye

Well thanks again to Meg from Rock Me Joe, we've got some more amazing Canadian music to spark your interest.  Perhaps not surprisingly, I'm taking us to Toronto yet again, where we can feast our ears (does that even make sense?) on Graydon James & The Young Novelists.  The group has released a four song E.P., there first collaborative works, entitled A Small Town Eulogy. 

Graydon has done plenty of writing and recording in the past, but these 4 songs mark the beginning of a total group collaboration.  They have certainly picked great tracks, showcasing a great ability to change speeds and feel.  The album really gets the imagination going as to how good their live show must be.  Plenty of members with an abundance of talent makes for a great act, and I suspect these guys don't disappoint. 

All four songs are certainly worth checking out, and like many bands these days, they are using a "name your price" campaign on bandcamp.  Whether you pay a dollar or a hundred dollars, you'll never think twice.  Graydon James & The Young Novelists are worth every penny.