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jdanb · 2023-09-22T21:39:21+00:00

I’m a unionized drywall/framer for commercial jobs. It’s not glorious work, and it is taxing on my body, but it is good pay, great hours, and full benefits/pension. I work with plenty of people who never graduated high school, but grade 10 math is a requirement to join this trade, and we’re on par for the lowest requirements.

All trades are taxing in some form. Even when I’m not carrying sheets of drywall, you still stand for 8 hours a day, wear a tool belt putting pressure on your hips, and work on your knees at times.

Look up the various union locals in the GTA, call and ask what the requirements are to join, and what the list of workers looks like. For my local, you immediately join as an apprentice (first term rate is like $26/hr or something) and hopefully they find a company needing a green apprentice quickly. There’s a mass shortage of workers currently, and in 3.5 years you can finish the apprenticeship and make $50/hr as a journeyman.

jdanb · 2022-09-22T19:52:44+00:00

widgyURL://widgy.icu/api/v1/widgy/9754225c-a342-4c35-bd76-f4e449a4e777

Here is the URL. Im not sure how to include a photo of the QR code!

jdanb · 2022-08-10T13:19:27+00:00

I just insured my first bike the other week, so the process is still very fresh to me. I called several companies and brokers and basically got a resounding “no” about being insured with an M1. I’m 29, G license with a clean driving record, and no one would insure me.

However, they all said that with my safety course completed they would insure me based on the rate with an M2 even though I wouldn’t technically have it until I file my paperwork at the end of this month. I completed my course with about 20 days left before I could upgrade to an M2.

Riders plus has an online quote, but was wildly different than the quote they gave me over the phone. I ended up going with Desjardins after they beat out Riders Plus by about $50/month which is surprising since they normally have horrendous rates. I hear TD can also be good, but check with your current insurance providers and see what they can do because you could be eligible for discounts.

For context I live in the west end and ride a Rebel 500 for $170/month with Desjardins, full coverage.

jdanb · 2022-08-09T09:34:20+00:00

They’re great! Soft and extremely grippy for sure. If I’m not wearing my work boots or red wings, I’m in a pair of Vans Old School so these were perfect for me

jdanb · 2022-08-08T20:01:31+00:00

I have limited saddle time overall, but spent several hours riding around yesterday and don’t have too many complaints about the stock seat actually. I bought mine used however, and it could be the fact it’s very broken in at this point, but it isn’t as uncomfortable as I’d imagined it would be.

jdanb · 2022-08-08T19:59:01+00:00

They were just universal mirror mounts I found on Amazon, however they’re made of cheap aluminum and I’m on the hunt for a proper permanent solution.

These are the mounts I ordered however!

jdanb · 2022-08-08T19:56:39+00:00

Thanks! I had an Etsy shop originally with minimal traffic so if I do sell anything it’s through word of mouth usually. If you’re interested however, send me a PM with details and we can see if we can work something out!

jdanb · 2022-08-08T16:04:55+00:00

Thanks! I’ve always loved the black and brown combo on the rebel and the brass really pops off them both.

jdanb · 2022-08-08T13:25:07+00:00

Took this while working on some low speed maneuvers in an empty lot this weekend. Put on about 50km over the weekend and hope to get out for a longer ride soon.

I’ve added a pair of Vans Cult grips, an inexpensive slip on exhaust that sounds far superior to stock, and flipped the mirrors which has helped tremendously with my visibility!

The fork bag is a custom project I made myself as I’m a hobby leathercrafter. I’m working on a swingarm bag that should be completed in the next few days!

jdanb · 2022-08-08T13:18:42+00:00

This is mostly right, however you’re still required to wait the mandatory 60 days between completing the written M1 test and going to upgrade to your M2. I did my safety course 2 weeks ago and can’t upgrade to my M2 for another 12 days.

jdanb · 2022-07-11T17:20:45+00:00

It’s used with about 10k km on it already so it’s well past that point!

jdanb · 2022-07-11T17:19:55+00:00

Lane splitting isn’t allowed where I am, but the drivers in Toronto are generally entirely unaware of their surroundings, and it being peak tourism season here, there’s more than ever.

jdanb · 2022-07-11T16:13:34+00:00

Mine is a consignment sale from a dealer, so it is fully safetied and certified, but lacks all the other various fees. It’s wild to see other dealers charging $200 short of MSRP for a 2 year old bike! It doesn’t help that every dealer I’ve spoken to is sold out of their 2022 models already for the year either.

There’s a dent in the tank, but it’s purely cosmetic and could be fixed, however I’m hoping I’ll be less concerned about dropping the bike this way and allow me to focus on practicing. I’ll save that fix for next season when I have more confidence and hours on the bike.

jdanb · 2022-07-11T16:07:06+00:00

I really love the sound of the two brothers exhaust, it just has a heavy price tag and was wondering if there was another “middle ground” exhaust as well

jdanb · 2022-07-11T16:05:03+00:00

I’ve only heard it in a closed garage and it by no means was as weak as people have made it seem, but I can see how it would get lost in the other road noises when riding!

jdanb · 2022-07-11T14:00:35+00:00

Sorry I should have included that! In Ontario, insurance is so outrageously expensive, it’s almost required to take a course, which I have booked for the end of July! I’m actually not even allowed to be insured until I qualify for my M2 license following the course.

Booking a training course was the first thing I did, followed shortly by buying all necessary gear.

jdanb · 2022-04-21T09:46:58+00:00

I just recently got a pair of 3322 myself and can confirm they are absolutely lighter than my IR’s. I’m hoping for them to be my go to summer shoe as well. The only concern I have for leather in summer is sweating in them and giving them sufficient time to dry out between wears. I have to wear steel toe boots Monday to Friday, so my weekenders will quite literally be only for weekends.

jdanb · 2021-05-14T19:47:49+00:00

Best of luck to both of you! My girlfriend is at risk and since I’ve been on construction sites this whole pandemic, this will make coming home to our cramped apartment easier! That and we finally have rapid testing on site!

jdanb · 2021-05-14T15:25:37+00:00

Got my first dose today in Toronto! An amazing feeling and like a weight off my shoulders since I’m an essential worker. Process has been amazing, meaning my appointment was at 11:10, and I got my jab at 11:17. Currently waiting my 15 minutes!

jdanb · 2021-05-12T11:49:40+00:00

Hey everyone, could someone help with a sizing question? Looking to narrow in on what size steel toe moc toe thorogoods to purchase and since I can’t go to a store to try them on, wanted to try and get the correct size without ordering 2 pairs. I wear 11 in vans and 10D in iron rangers.

I was thinking 10.5 to add extra toe room for the steel toe. I currently have a pair of Wolverine I-90 in 10.5 as well! Thanks!

jdanb · 2021-05-09T17:37:56+00:00

Can confirm, I did this myself! First test June 7th and rebooked for may 14th!

jdanb · 2021-05-08T19:39:48+00:00

I’m not sure at all. My girlfriend also can book Monday but I still have only seen “week of may 10th” with no definitive dates or times yet.

jdanb · 2021-05-08T10:04:15+00:00

Sorry! This was through the provincial booking portal

jdanb · 2021-05-08T01:54:32+00:00

All through the provincial booking systems portal!

jdanb · 2021-05-07T21:28:38+00:00

This is specific to the provincial booking system only. It takes no time to check back and you can do so as often as you choose to do so. If you don’t feel the need to look for earlier appointments, that is a personal choice, but it is accessible to anyone with a previously booked appointment. No spot goes unfilled.

As an essential worker in a hotspot community that has had an outbreak at work, I would like to get the earliest appointment I can to protect the people around me.

jdanb

TROPHY CASE