K-57

Happy Thanksgiving (or What's been happening this week)

...For the few of you in the USA.

I've been pretty busy lately and my PC melting has not helped.
On Saturday I worked the trails at Morris Bridge (regular trail workday). The hurricanes knocked over enough trees to take two sections of trails out of use. We opened those trails Saturday by creating bypasses around the downed trees. Later, I took my 'blog post' (BP) time to visit the lbs (Local Bike Shop) and ride the new Cannondale Prophet. Nice ride but what can you tell about an off-road bike while on pavement? (I was obsessed with replacing my existing bike)

Sunday was slow. I woke up to strange smells around my computer and noticed a small plastic, slightly melted, toy sitting on the PC case! I guess that was my clue as to what might have happened during the night. So, the home PC is out of service for the next few days. I'll replace the power supply when I can.

Monday was fun after work. I spent my 'blog-post' time at the LBS making final arrangements for the new bike.... which I picked up on Tuesday and then spent my 'blog post' time learning about the new bike. I should have checked tire pressure too.

I left work Wednesday early to...have you guessed already?... For go for a bike ride. I spent my BP time recovering. Ok, sleeping. I can't remember the last time a bike beat me up so much. The tire pressure must be too high and perhaps the shock pressure is also too high. Even my heart rate was too high. I hit 90% of my max. 163 beats per minute and my "you better slow down right now buddy" alarm went off. Hurricanes. They kept me off the bike and I learned the new habit of not riding four times per week. I better change that soon.


Ok, great. You know what I DID this past week. Nice. Boring story. I bought a bike. Ok, so what? The emotional roller coaster I went through is the real story of this past week. Sorting out what is important and what isn't. What I CHOSE to do and what I thought was more important.

Any major purchase (anything over $150) causes all kinds of 'should I? / I better not' thoughts. Can't afford it. Need the exercise and need to feel confident on the bike. Better not spend any money just before the holidays. Maybe pay off my last bike first? What about birthdays? Saving money? Fixing the PC? OR..Living past fifty due to my great off-road exercise and enjoyment program?
I made a rash decision to buy the bike now. I didn't NEED to buy it now but at some point I chose to ride Thanksgiving on a new bike. Friday night I realized this was more important to me than anything else. I'll sort out the rest "later" (I always think that)
What's interesting to everyone (including me) is the fact that I have not yet been happy about the purchase. After all, I wanted a new bike. I wanted to be riding on a new bike today and by riding yesterday (and maybe later today) I'll have made my goal. It's a great bike but at what cost? I did learn that setting goals and constantly reviewing them can bring about just about anything you set your mind to.
While taking the bike home from the LBS I was listening to Marketplace where the commentator was talking about how Americans do not save enough.
Always something. In fact? Food smells are in the air so I better go help.

Today, I'll be spending by BP time eating.. Enjoy!

posted by Kev @ 11/25/2004 09:25:00 AM