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New addition to the stable

Many months ago, maybe even a year ago, Dave said he wanted to get a cyclocross bike. I immediately protested. Where would we put another bike? Our bike-storage area is at capacity. We already have five complete bikes and many extra wheels, in addition to all the other parts and gear that two people accumulate over eight years of year-round cycling.

He ordered the bike anyway. It was a special team deal on a really cool bike, such a great value that he couldn't pass it up. He put down a deposit in the beginning of May. He is still waiting for that bike to arrive.

Then a month ago another fantastic deal came up from a different team sponsor. And I have been secretly wanting my own cross bike for a while. (Not really secretly -- a couple of the people I ride with have been listening to me talk about it for ages.) I am interested in trying cyclocross racing, and I also have long wanted a bike that would be good for trips around the city, for potholes and cracked pavement, for occasional trail riding. Something I'd be willing to lock up outside, which I'm not comfortable doing with my other bikes.

So I jumped on the team deal. I picked up my bike today.

I rode it around the sandy trails of Golden Gate Park for about an hour after picking it up from the shop. I felt like a kid again! Fun fun fun fun fun! I have almost no experience riding on dirt so I have a lot to learn. (Including which trails in the park not to ride... speaking of which, when did disc golf become so popular? And how long until it's an Olympic sport? Place your bets.)

My triathlon season ends in about six weeks, and as much as I love triathlon, I'm looking forward to trying a new sport. I feel dirty saying that. Triathlon, you know that I will always love you. I swear I'll be back in the spring. And I'll keep running and swimming through the winter.

Now I just have to find somewhere to put this thing.

August 13, 2008 7:06 PM