Dave’s Good Stuff

I got my helmet and some sunglasses today. The weather was nice enough to get out for a little bit even. There were some alignment issues with the front derailleur, enough so that at one point it kicked the chain off the cogs and onto the bottom bracket. This happened while going uphill, and as I slowed to a stop, I forgot about the new cleats/pedals, and fell right over on my side.

Pride notwithstanding, I adjusted the front derailleur, and I think it’s ready for another, longer ride.

I *really* need a truing stand, and a work stand. If I’m to do even the basic maintenance, that would make it SO much easier. I was originally thinking of a bench mount stand, but I don’t like the idea that only one side of the bike is easily accessible. A good solid professional quality stand that folds up for easy storage would be ideal.

Next paycheck… clothing. The check after that… a work stand. Odds and ends in between.

The weather is getting warmer again. I may finally be able to get out and try the new bike! I think I’ll wrap it entirely foam padding so that when I fall, not knowing how to really use the new (at least to me) clipless pedals, I won’t scratch it.

I do have a camera now, thanks to Stu, but I haven’t used it yet. Maybe today if the sun is out when I get home and before pool.

The illness that yet plagues many here at work and elsewhere yet troubles me. I hope that the drainage and hacking won’t last too much longer. Verily, I tire of such things.

My 4th… maybe 5th season at Side Pockets BCA-style 8-ball ended tonight. We had our pants beat most decidedly and effectively off tonight by a team called "The Untouchables." This has become the norm for the team, aptly named "Used Karma." Our last place status has become almost expected these last couple of seasons, and has admittedly made a dent in the fun-factor of the evenings.

Given that, talking with Chris and Jon tonight, we decided to dissolve the team and use Tuesday nights for cycling. Not everyone on the team knows this yet, but I think everyone will be OK with it, with the possible exception of one. I’ll talk with him tomorrow if he’s at work. This is quite a melancholy evening for me. It’ll be the first time in years that I’ve not been part of a pool team. Going from 5th place at Nationals in Vegas to last place at Side Pockets hasn’t been easy. I’m sure, if I asked, that another team would take me on. But frankly, right now, I’d rather spend that time cycling. Summer is coming up, there are several rides I want to get in on. I can play pool at lunch every day at the Fox and the Hound for free with a meal, and spend my evenings riding instead.

That’s what I think I’d rather do.

It’s still weird, though.

I got my shoes today. I picked up the Sidi Genius 5 Lorica® road shoes. I wanted the best shoes money could buy, and though they aren’t the top of the line Sidi’s, they are, just like my bike, more shoe than I really have the right to.

Once I recover from buying the shoes in a couple of weeks, I’ll look into the helmet and shorts. With those, I’ll be set to ride just in time for it to get really really really cold again.

She’s here! I was going to wait until I had a camera to take pictures of the Opening of the Box, but that fell through and I couldn’t wait. So I unpacked and partially assembled her. She is a beautiful thing, yes she is. I’ll have pictures of my own up soon to compliment those that Paul took.

Now, I bend my mind towards the things I need to get up and rolling:

Helmet (1)
Shirts (2)
Shorts (2)
Shoes (1)
Gloves (1)
Tools (some)
Lubricants (this is starting to sound vaguely pr0nographic)

Were I of the mind, I could easily dump another grand into all this. I don’t think I will.

Thanks Paul, for hanging in there with me while I figured out how to afford what was already an incredible price on what was being offered.

It’s on it’s way! I saw it on Fed Ex!!