boomana

^ Hah. I really like mine, but with my foot issues, I need more support for the longer rides. I'm keeping my Trek as a commuter, and will wear these sandals with the SPD cleats. Perfect for FL. Nate, that does look like a nice ride. I'm charging my Garmin right now, and watching youtube vids on how the heck to program this thing. Did you get that map from the software? The website? I haven't done anything with mine yet.

Absolutely not! Thanks, guys. I just took it out for six miles. Love the way it rides, and you were all right: I needed to stop being a wimp. These Speedplays are actually easier than the two-sided SPDs I had been using. it took a couple of times to figure out where the cleats were on the bottom of my shoes, and where they needed to align with the pedals, but after that, it was like I'd been using them for years. Sadly, I have a hair appointment in a few minutes, so more riding will have to wait.

Jim, Keen does make biking sandals. I own a pair. Just left the shop 3 1/2 hours later. Here's John and Vince of Racers Edge with my completed bike. Tried out some other saddles, but the Brooks is still the best for me. I'm eating right now and then out to ride.

I'm at the bike shop waiting for my cleats and pedals to be put on. Going Speedplay Light Action. And the only freaking shoes that fit me out of the seven pair I tried on, are, of course, not cheap, but the are being custom molded to my feet.

Happy birthday!!!

I suppose. Mike, did you get the Acorn bags today? The ones I bought came. I'm really impressed with the construction. I've been using SPDs, so and far have had only one fall, on my second day, because I was so busy looking at a driver I knew didn't see me, I didn't notice I'd come to a stop. Plop! I have no problem unclipping, but I so have problems clipping in, which has made for some seriously wobbly freakout moments when the light turns green, and I, as Mike as noted, am a fraidy-cat wimp. I haven't been on a road bike since the 70s. I was thinking I might want to get used to the handling of the bike before being locked into it. I dunno. I guess I'll find out tomorrow. I'll get right on that.....uh....maybe later.

Great thread and opening post, Tyll. Today, I had three great beamer moments: 1) Found a four-table, hole-in-the-wall soul food diner and kissed my diet goodbye with Dave's Famous Cracked Conch. Fried yum. 2) Stopped by my bicycle store to get a look at my new bike. I felt like a little kid sneaking a peek at Christmas presents on Christmas eve. It looks even better than I thought it would, and I can't wait to get it tomorrow morning. Smiles all afternoon. And the best: 3) One of my patients, a Seminole kid, a combo of baby-boy sweet and hardcore gang banger with No Love tattooed on his eyelids and a money symbol on his cheek, came bursting in my office at 5PM. I'd helped get him a job a few weeks ago (I usually don't help anyone, but with his felonies and tattoos, I made some calls), and he had his first paycheck ever in his hands. $177.67. He was beaming, and couldn't stop smiling and staring it. I've known him for six months and I've never seen him smile unless he was trying to charm you into co-signing something very very wrong. It was a beautiful end to a very long week.

I visited my new bike during lunch at the bike store. It's beautiful, even better than I thought it would be. I'd bought a second Brooks B17 saddle for this bike, but decided to try out the Selle Italia Diva. I can return whichever I like least, and I already know I like the Brooks. I only need to decide on pedals. Right now, I have the two-sided SPDs with platforms on one side because I'm still nervous about clipping in when I'm in high traffic areas (ride with one foot clipped in, the other on the platform), but I'm wondering if I should just stop being a wimp and change to another, regular clipless, pedal.....but should I go road or mtb pedals? I don't know. It's all so confusing when you don't know what you're doing and are also afraid. Blech. Anyway, am still excited to get it tomorrow.

Happy birthday!

He was great!

Happy birthday, Al!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday!

I kicked ass and took names.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday!

Great pic!

Interested.

Although all might not agree with me, I think hockey seems like a good way to spend an anniversary. Congrats to you and Mrs. Bozebuttons!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Sorry, Haj. That's no fun. At least you don't have the flu. Today, I put SPD pedals on my bike and tried them out for the first time. I don't know why I was so nervous about clipless pedals. They're pretty easy once you've clipped in and out a few times. I'm not sure what pedals I'm going to get on my new bike, but at least I'm not afraid anymore.

Yup. Happy birthday wherever you are.

Shelly, your setup looks great. Enjoy! Mikey, have fun

Congrats to Claire! Hope all you sickies feel better soon.