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The Beast is at the shop getting some work done on it.    I went for a ride yesterday, and it was making the most dreadful cracking/clacking sounds from the bottom bracket.  Every turn of the cranks created a noise.  It started out quiet enough, but by the end of the ride, it was so loud, people could hear me coming behind them!  Pedestrians were actually turning around, with a WTF look on their faces, because they could hear me from 20 metres away.  I was embarassed and ashamed to be on my bike.  Whenever I approached other bikers, I actually stopped pedalling so they'd think I was having a rest instead of thinking that I was riding a clapped-out shitbox. 

So I took it back to the shop, and the guys there have admitted it to their bike hospital.  The sales dude, Jeremy (the guy I've dealt with the most there), mentioned that they're having a 14% off everything sale in order to celebrate their 14th birthday.  Oh, god, the temptation to spend was overwhelming.  But I was good.  I told Jeremy that cycling is a bottomless money pit and that I'm trying to wean myself off spending.  Plus, with Giftmas coming up, it's best not to buy anything for oneself.  Last year, I got a load of trouble from mum and MaxBabe because by the time Giftmas had come around, I'd already bought myself pretty much everything I'd wanted!

Speaking of Giftmas presents, I've been perusing the Primal site, and this little number has caught my attention:

MaxMumSanta has been advised

MaxBabe's sister is back from her conference, and is heading home this afternoon.  It's been nice catching up with her.  After we drop her off at the airport today, I think I will head downstairs to dust off The Noble Steed.  Hopefully my body won't object too much to the change in riding position/dimensions!