New bike!
As some of you know, recently, Rocinante was uncerimoniously taken from me from off the top of my car in San Francisco. But, fear not - I'm sure she will live a fine life on the streets of San Jose, or wherever she ends up. She's a trooper and a wanderer. However, if I'm going to ride 3800 miles next summer - and I am - I need a bike! And here she is! A Serotta titanium bicycle. Yes, that's right - I finally decided to just invest in the top of the line. Used, of course - bought it off eBay and assembled it with my own two hands. I already love it. Titanium is the creme de la creme of bike materials: incredibly durable and light, and ready to take whatever the trail dishes out next year. It's already been great just on the Bend roads, which are covered in gravel in the winter (to aid with defrosting).
Now - I know what you're asking: What's its name? Well, Rocinante, of course. Like the waiters at Victoria and Albert's, Rocinante has become more of a title than a nomiker. Every road/touring bike I own will, by definition, be Rocinante. Until I stop tilting at windmills (which is never). Perhaps you can think of this one as Rocinante II.
Speaking of tilting at windmills, I would love love love if you could accompany me on my ride with a small donation towards the cause. I'm riding 3800 miles for Multiple Sclerosis: all you have to do is click this link! Http://tinyurl.com/BikeAcross. Do it for everyone who can't ride!