This trip just became much more fancy. I was in the bike shop this past weekend bouncing ideas off the staff, and seeing what I would officially need to get my bike ready for a 26 day run. Well, it would seem that I should sink about $300 into it, and that still wouldn't do anything for any possible underlying issues with the frame. That fact, plus this quote from the guy; "I wouldn't trust that bike to go to Victoria and back" kinda hit home. So...

... I bought a 'new' bike! It was a resell to the store, but was still new enough to have mold lines on the tires. It also came with an under the seat pouch with a spare tube, patch kit and multi-tool. It is a Secteur Sport Triple from Specialized. [See equipment for specs] I was able to knock off a decent chunk of the price by paying cash. I asked about getting a kick stand for it... and I received an odd look, accompanied by "Road bikes don't usually have kickstands..." My Bad!

I am super pumped now with the addition of the rack and panniers, as well as the custom rear light and the other accessories. Took it out for a spin tonight [ROUTE] and it definitely feels MUCH smoother. I was able to clock a trip speed of 24.6 Kph with a flat speed of 28.3 Kph. I am interested to try it on my way to work to see if it will cut down on the average trip time of 30mins.

The issue with getting a new bike is that I am leaving my 'ol girl behind. Would like to call this the 'nostalgia factor'. I have had that bike for 7 years, and it has gotten me through a lot with very little grief. The funny thing is that the bike is essentially worthless. Would be lucky to get $50 for it? *Sigh* The other issue with it, is that I have to go through and re-adjust EVERYTHING again. Found that out pretty quick on tonight's test ride!

The trip is coming together, and I AM STOKED!