Wow! The difference new parts make!

Got my bike rehabbed! New gears, chain, tires, etc. I didn’t realize how bad shifting had gotten! So, I really didn’t need a new bike. I knew that – one can always dream….
I have a great bike – I know – but just looking at all the gleaming cool colors… Oh? Color not a good criteria for judging a new bike? – hmmm. Reminiscing about my first road bike...

But, training – going great guns and feeling good. No lose of energy, electrolytes all good – no muscle cramps – consuming as much raw spinach as any person can (iron!!!) – day- light savings time around the corner!

Now, back to reminiscing… My first road bike. Trek. Ice Blue. Renyolds 531….
I remember the specs for every component on that bike! I built it piece by piece! Back in 1978 I could not find a comfortable fit to replace that old upright 10 speed Schwinn – the one I had put 1000’s of miles on in the 60’s & 70’s – while no one else was riding! But, it is now 1978 ish and everyone is riding - riding cross country – road racing …and I have a job with real money! Shopped & shopped for that new bike – finally found a beautiful Trek frame – gorgeous ice blue! I can go faster on a pretty bike – right? Did not know how that frame would feel as a bike, but I fell in love and there was no turning back. Took it home, begged, borrowed, and st?l? parts from cast-offs in friends garages! Presto! Rideable Bike! I did buy my own saddle (Avocet women’s). Over time, I bought new parts and gave back those old (rejected) parts from friend’s garages. I can itemize each and every part (like you care): avocet single forged crank, double walled wheels with sealed bearing hubs (not all good bikes came with those in the 70’s), still cheap spokes (like I knew better), finger tip shifters……Off to lala land…..

Ok, back to training…Took off early yesterday, taking off early today – more later.