June 25, 2007 by Ceolwulf.

OK this is getting mildly ridiculous.

Of all the inquiries I have sent to various auto sellers (both private and dealers) in the US, I’d estimate only about a quarter have received any response whatsoever.

Attempting to work with a dealer in Nevada now, for a promising Q45.  I’ve been trying for three days to get them to send me some photos of it (there are none in the listing).  You’d think this would be a half-hour job at most … but no.  I hate to think what making the deal might be like if a simple task like emailing some pix is like pulling teeth already.

But at least they are somewhat responsive.  What’s with the rest of them?! “Um … okay, I have this car for sale, I need the money, ok here’s a guy that is interested in buying it … what to do … right, I’ll just IGNORE HIM COMPLETELY”

Argh.

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June 20, 2007 by Ceolwulf.

I can’t figure this out.  I haven’t taken a photo since the little trip to Windygates almost a month ago, and before that not for several months.  I am even carrying a camera now all the time.  Nothing.

What is wrong with me and how do I fix it?!

Oh and for those that are attempting to follow my slightly random car search, the E36 is pretty much off the list, now looking at A6 exclusively - well, unless I go for this one particular Audi Cabriolet.  Told ya it was random.

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June 15, 2007 by Ceolwulf.

So, I have tentatively calculated how much I have available for my next car, including shipping, taxes, etc.  Also called Menke’s in Walhalla and they said no problem for receiving a car there, so that’s taken care of.  Financially it doesn’t look nearly as good as I had hoped, largely because I want to have a decent amount left over from the MR2 sale, so that I can start building the workshop.  Looks like the Q45 will be out of the question, and I am now looking at BMW E36 coupes, Audi A6 ‘93-’97 sedans, and one or two oddities.

So I’ve gone from planning for an A8, to hoping for an A8, to planning for a Q45, to giving up on the Q45 in favour of an old 3-series.  Bleh.  I suppose I’ll end up with an old Sentra or something.

Anyway here’s one E36 I have in mind.

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June 13, 2007 by Ceolwulf.

Just thought I’d mention that if anyone cares to follow my training (it’s pretty boring really) I have a diary started on the Morden tri forum here.

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June 12, 2007 by Ceolwulf.

So the guy I mentioned before was just as interested as he seemed. The fact of it was it was a family effort to get him a car. Really nice family and a good guy, I’m glad it went to someone like him; he really appreciates the car if his smile when getting in was anything to go by! I didn’t get quite what I hoped for it, but I think it was a fair price overall, if perhaps a little favouring the buyer. But you never know if you’ll get another offer so I decided to go with this one.

Off we go into the sunset …

Here’s more pix if you’re interested.

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June 8, 2007 by Ceolwulf.

So, rode the Eyre again today; still dialing in the position, I have it a bit more comfortable now but just as fast, maybe faster. Really pleased with how this project turned out - it’s just how I wanted it, fairly cheap, utterly bling-free, but highly effective.

Don’s bachelor party is tomorrow … I dunno about this, I’m such a hermit I really am not good at these things at all. But I think we have a pretty good evening lined up. I am basing this partly on the fact that it’s virtually identical to Dave’s bachelor party two years ago! But really, indoor karting at 50 km/h, with lap timers and everything, you can’t go wrong with that.

And before that, planning to meet a guy that is supposedly very interested in the MR2. That would be quite something if I could get it sold this weekend. Next up I think is a Y33 Infiniti Q45 (1997-2001). Good deals to be had in the US. It won’t look half as good as Mikey’s here, but you get the idea. Check out vipstylecars.com if you like the style.

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June 4, 2007 by Ceolwulf.

Well I’ve been kinda run off my feet lately, but yet not that much of interest happening … the MR2 is for sale now, guitar recital is done and went better than it could have but worse than it should have (does that ever change?!), planning Don’s bachelor party which is a bit bigger task than I really expected (it should be good though), etc.

And, this little rocketship is done.

No, it’s not remotely comfortable.  It isn’t bad for about 20km though, which is the longest distance I ever plan to ride it, except for the Morden 30km bike leg.  Ride quality is quite good, it’s just the position that hurts a bit … it’s okay though when you’re hammering, and that’s all this thing is meant for.  And it definitely is very very fast.  Having said that, I am still dialing in the position and I think I may try going down and back a bit.  It isn’t UCI legal now, not that I’m worried about that until next year at least, but it is a point to consider.  I need to get video so I can do the “eyeball wind tunnel” analysis.
So:

Cervelo Eyre Tri frame

Ritchey Probiscus integrated aerobar

Drivetrain is a mix of Ultegra derailleurs, Dura-Ace shifters, 105 crank, Dura-Ace cassette (nine-speed)
Campagnolo Mirage monoplanar brakes operated by Cane Creek 200TT levers

Wheels are Velocity Pro Elite 650C rims, Wheelsmith spokes, Ultegra hubs; 24h front, 28h rear; carrying Clement Criterium tubulars.

Titec El Norte seatpost, Profile Tri Stryke saddle.

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