You don’t often (ever?) see me refer to information from a proper cycling publication or go on about any of the Grand Tours – one of which we happen to be in the middle of.  That’s because I’m not paying attention.  I’m ignorant by choice but there’s a reason.  I like gadgets, gizmos and technology.  “New” things captivate me.  I have an addictive personality.  In this way, ignorance is bliss.  Allow me to explain

A lifetime ago, one of my customers was the owner of large Chevrolet dealership.  While bantering about all things automotive one afternoon, I asked him what he thought of the new Z06 Corvette – the then-current pinnacle of GM’s performance offerings.  “It’s unbelievable!” he said, “I’ll tell you what – you come down on Friday and I’ll throw you the keys, you bring the car back Tuesday after the long weekend and tell me what you think”.  As a gearhead – and a Chevy gearhead at that – the offer was irresistible.  I couldn’t believe my luck!  Before I could say yes, my brain raced into overdrive imagining a weekend with such a potent car.  Drifting through the off-ramps, blazing tires down deserted streets, the envious looks from not-so-lucky gearheads.  The impromptu drag race, the sudden loss of control, a telephone pole…

The pie-in-the-sky scenario – the absolute best possible outcome of this offer - was going to be a large pile of money spent in gas and an overwhelming, all-consuming desire to own a car which was slightly more than twice my annual income.  The worst case was the very real possibility that one of us – the car or me – or both would not survive long enough to see Tuesday.  I’m not sure what geographical area of brain real-estate is occupied by the prudence and sense process, but mine is historically a remarkably tiny one.  That I managed to eek out a deceptively calm thanks but I’ve got plans response is still a mystery.

Had that car been in my possession for the weekend, I’m certain I’d still be haunted by it today.  I’d have experienced it in full, unhinged, heart-pounding, chest-thumping fury and then been forced to walk away from it.  I would no longer be ignorant – I’d know exactly what I was missing.

Avoiding the bicycle mags and forums isn’t exactly the same, but it’s close.  I don’t worry about my gear, my bike, what kind of frame I have, how much my spokes weigh or how aerodynamic my forks are.  I still don’t know how many style faux pas I make every time I get on the Rescue Bike.  By not knowing about all these trivial things, I enjoy what I have and despite all of the rabbit chasing and SCR-ing (Stupid Commuter Racing), I remain in competition with only me.

Now having said all that, I do want a new bike, mostly due to being un-ignoranted by happenstance.  The Rescue Bike is great but I don’t need a mountain-bike fork and I’d like some taller gearing for the road rides.  Oh, and bigger wheels – apparently bigger wheels are faster thanks to their lower rolling resistance – same effort, more speed.  I like speed.  Have I said that before?  I have?  It bears repeating – I love going fast.  I’m tempted by offerings from the local bike sellers and possibilities from overseas.  I want.  Cogito Rapido Ergo Sum

I’ve spent some time at one of the local bike shops and inquired about a specific model I didn’t see on their floor.  How much is it and how soon can I have it.  “I’ll take your number and call you”.  They didn’t.  So I went back and bugged them again – “yeah, sorry – didn’t hear from the rep so we didn’t call you.  We’ll know in a day or two and I’ll give you a shout”.  It’s been two weeks.  They haven’t.  While visiting them one evening, Adam learned they had an oddball frame but no customer for it.  It sounded like something I’d be interested in so he passed them my contact information (again) and suggested they contact me.  Any guesses?  That’s right – they didn’t.  “Oh – well, you have to express some interest before they’ll talk to you about it” Guru Thomas informed me.  Erm.  Okay.  I’ve been down there three times, been specific about the style and features I’m after and even the precise model.  I’d have presumed that qualified as “expressing interest”.  I drafted up an email expressing my interest (again) and fired it off to “my buddy – he runs the place”.   Result?  Mmmm…yeah.  Silence.

I’m not saying I won’t buy a bike from them – they haven’t been rude or crass or pointed out the obvious heft around my midsection while snickering at my “want to go faster” request.  They’re just nice guys making me do all the work to give them my money.  It did open up avenues that otherwise wouldn’t have been explored though.  Go figure.