assembled and riding

With not a little frustration the bike is no longer parts spread across my living room but is a bike again. It's not my beloved, perfectly dialed in bike, but that will come. The fenders rattle and both derailleurs need lots of adjustment. I've been riding it three days now each day i make a few more adjustments. It's a little frustrating, but i know i'll get there. The new wheels will be here in a week or two.

I really missed my bike. My friend Kent was very kind to loan me a bike that kept me riding while the Bianchi was in parts, and that's a fun bike. But i missed my bike. This has happened to me before over the years, when i don't have access to my bike, MY BIKE, i tend to get depressed. I'm happy to have it back, even though it needs work.

And it looks GREAT. I've always kind of depended on NOT having the nicest bike locked in the bike rack. That might not be the case any more. On the first ride i took Adam down to Recycled Cycles in the University district and the clerks, one who i know, actually came outside to look at it. It looks great. Thanks to Seattle Powder Coat for doing a really good job.



Today i pulled up in front of Bike Works and started locking up my bike. There was a little girl, maybe six years old, who was kind of bored while her mom spoke to the mechanic (outside on the sidewalk). When i rode up she kind of hid behind her mom's legs, but was peaking out, staring at my bike.

Even though she was hiding from me and she clearly thought i didn't see her, that i would notice only the adults, she said something. I couldn't quite hear her what she said, so i ignored her mom and the mechanic and asked her what she said. She said again, "What color is that?" still hiding behind mom.

I said, "It's Sparkle Burgundy, do you like it?"

The little girl stepped out from behind her mom and almost shouted, "I LOVE IT!"

I told her that i like it too.