me on a bike

I went in early and got off work early today-- earlier than I expected, so instead of riding the trainer, I took the TCR out for a spin. I decided to challenge Bailey, a short little climb (less than a mile) that I use as a benchmark. I rode it in 4:05.4, 5 seconds slower than my best, with an avg HR of 163. True, I was hoping to see 3:50something when I hit the top, I'm not entirely disappointed, given that it's not even January and I haven't done any speed work yet, and my previous best was done in mid-July.

The main difference I notice with the TCR is the responsiveness. It doesn't resist you, it does what you want it to do. "Like I like my women... strong, and hot... with a spoon in them...." ahem, okay, you can thank Eddie Izzard for that little quote. Anyway, it also descends really smoothly. I feel a lot more in control, and I also feel I can corner more quickly. The Campy gruppo shifts really smoothly, and I really like being able to jump 3-4 gears in one shift. More to come...

Last year, Naomi surprised the heck out of me by giving me the cash to buy my first bike, which I turned into a Giant OCR 1. A year and 5000 miles later, I was outgrowing it. I was starting to realize that I would notice a difference with a new bike, with higher-end components, stiffer reaction and a racing geometery. I'd been contemplating buying a used bike from Chris-- the manager of nearby Pacific Bikes-- but wasn't sure how I'd afford it. I even test rode it once, and it was swee-eet. You touch the pedals and it takes off, really brilliant.

At Christmas, Naomi gave me a nice $100 bill, "to put toward my next bike." I was pretty surprised and pretty happy. I didn't know yet how much Chris' bike was, but this would get me on the way.

After Christmas and driving through a blizzard to Lafayette for Boxing Day, we opened our gifts with Naomi's folks, as is our tradition. (I got some pretty cool stuff, including a new motorcycle jacket, but that's for a different blog). Anyway, we get to the end, and Naomi says, hang on, there's one more present. She leaves the room, and I'm not really paying attention until I hear... ... the familiar sound of a Campagnolo gruppo ticking away as a bike is wheeled around the corner. And, it's my new Giant TCR 0! Tricked out by Chris himself, Record Gruppo (save the brakes), freshly cleaned, waxed probably polished with diapers, and treated like the beautiful baby she is. (Chris does know how to take care of a bike.) As soon as I get a picture, I'll show ya. Hummmmmm!!!!

# posted by Arik @ 7:11 PM