Won't really buy you anything. You could test for conversion after 60 and mash for longer if it's not done, but IMO all you're doing is adding half an hour to your brew day.
Them's fightin' words here in Canadia... ;)
My vote goes to Bon Jovi. Horrible, horrible songwriting. Two things made them famous: Jon's looks and Richie's hooks. That is all.
^^ This. I generally throw my crystals/carapils in the mash, but something like black patent or Carafa you might want to add late in the mash, for just those reasons.
Fermentation temp might have been a bit high, depending on the yeast you used, but after only a week it is still pretty young. I would give it a few weeks for that sharp taste to smooth out.
Sudz, my experience with the reduced hop bill is that the beer still has a firm hop character but I would not describe it as bitter or overly hoppy at all. The Columbus worked out great, btw, I'd recommend it as a great sub for Chinook in this recipe.
^^ Mtn bike is fine; fit is more important than the style of bike. OP, I agree you should pick up a good-quality used bike with a sturdy frame. Steel rides better than aluminum if you are not going with suspension. Buy a good brand, not department store crap.
Brewing yet another batch of this tomorrow. Can't find Chinook anywhere, so subbing Columbus, though I'm backing off the amount a little more since they are 17% AA(!) and going back to the SY1007 from S05.
I've been wondering the same thing, and would prefer to avoid dipping something in my kettle, more out of convenience than sanitation.
I would think it okay to mark the inside using some sort of large punch to dimple the kettle wall such that one could still reliably clean it.