Belguim: more than great beer!

Finally picked up my new Ridley Crosswind this week!


She's my first foray into the modern world of aluminum and carbon fiber (not to mention Shimano shifter/brake levers....what are these? Joysticks?). The last time I rode an aluminum frame was around 1996 on my old 1993 Cannondale (which replaced my 1987 Cannondale). Dang these frames have come a long way! Took her for her maiden voyage on Tuesday up the B-G and even then I could tell that this was one mighty fine bike. Bumps? Gravel? Dirt? Like buttah!! Seems like those carbon fiber forks live up to their reputation and aluminum isn't just the thick, beer can tubing of years past. So THIS is why people ride fancy modern bikes!!

Next we went to the Wed night CX training (holy hell I'm outta shape!) and she handled and rode like a dream - no jackhammering like my other steel frames that left my hands numb. And gears! Wow, when did those get invented? They're GREAT! Too bad I'm still so winded from 3 weeks off the bike and crud in my lungs to give this bike a true run for its money. For now it will be lots of play time and $20 training rides on Sunday mornings. And rides on the dirt during my commute! Grrrrrr.....outta my way joggers!