diff --git a/StarSs_testing_install.sh b/StarSs_testing_install.sh
index 0b77968..8d7881f 100755
--- a/StarSs_testing_install.sh
+++ b/StarSs_testing_install.sh
@@ -30,6 +30,12 @@ else
     fi
 fi
 
+# you *may* also specigy a git repository
+if [ -z ${GIT_REPO} ]; then 
+    GIT_REPO=hlrs-gitolite:hlrs-text
+fi
+echo "Getting source for repository $GIT_REPO"
+
 COMPILER=gnu-4.5
 if [ ${TARGET} = "hermit_cray" ]; then 
     COMPILER=cray
@@ -73,7 +79,7 @@ fi
 cd ${WORK_DIR}
 
 if [ ${TARGET} = "laki" ]; then
-    git clone hlrs-gitolite:hlrs-text
+    git clone ${GIT_REPO} hlrs-text
     cd hlrs-text
     git checkout -b ayudame origin/ayudame
     cd ProgModel/SMPSs_repository/starss