Being young & relatively poor like me means that big purchases, things researched, thought out, tested, saved for, are very big deals. Nicer, Bigger, Shinier-- not mine-ier though. My new bike is a 2007 Bianchi Volpe (Italian for ‘fox’, by the way) I had been fixed in this decision for many months now, but (attracting much scrutiny) I waited until April, or, 2 months before the start of our trip. Its pretty hard for me to part with $3, a thing ingrained from the Jeanne McIntyre School of Frugality (sorry ma) Parting with $1000 yesterday, though, was no big thing. I’ve had the sum fixed in my mind for so long now, that it is not my money, my earnings anymore, just an accounting difference, sifting around a few digits. I can’t really process that I’ve bought this steely thing, which so soon will be the focus of my life.

I gained ownership over my current bike, Anne-Marie, a Peugot UO-8, by tearing her down and building her back up again, all army-like. I scrubbed her with a toothbrush & built her wheels, and now there’s this clean, fresh-faced newcomer with shiny seductive parts, all ready to go. All it took was handing over my debit card. I kind of resent this bike for being able to coast. Its just so easy. Except for the gears, which I have no idea what to do with. They have a little window though with an orange bar though (only new feature of the 2007 model.) A little window into its new, polished soul.
The buying experience was less than enchanting, due to bored/sullen/condescending bike store employee syndrome, but that topic will be addressed in viscious detail later, I'm sure.