Being Precious About Your Favorite Bike

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Every summer I leave for five weeks or so. I drive across the country to our home states and spend that time with our families. Our kids get out of the desert and get to have lake life and grandma time and run wild. I have a Saris Freedom 4 bike rack, and I can/might take my Clem, my Platypus and the boys’ Clems. We get a lot of riding done up North, and with temps 110 in Vegas in the summer, I relish that riding time. Hassle though it is, I’ll bring our Rivendells. Four of them. 🙄

But which ones? 

I can remember last year as we journeyed out of Yellowstone, we thought it would be great to take the Beartooth Highway out of the park. One moment we were enjoying views from the top of the world and the next, we were in a June snowstorm that barely allowed visibility 20 feet in front of us. I worried for my dyno hub, and also that we’d be rear-ended. When we got to Billings, those poor bikes suffered through the most torrential downpour I can ever remember driving through. My son’s Brooks B17 Select still bears the scars (yes, it had a Randi Jo saddle cover). And then there’s the theft risk (we u lock them to the rack overnight on our drive), and maybe it’s higher in the Bicycle Shortage of 2020 and 2021. Oh, and the risk of being knocked over by exuberant little nieces and nephews as we jam our bikes into family garages…

The struggle is this. I don’t want to leave my most favorite bike ever behind for 5 weeks. The Clem is just not the same, and though I plan to bring it, I would really, REALLY miss my Platy if I ONLY took the Clem. But if tragedy should befall me, the raspberry Platy can’t exactly be replaced. There’s only one. 

Should I just take my chances because high risk, high reward? Suck every last drop of joy out of it and stop worrying, because after all, it is a bike, and it’s meant to be ridden? Or should I protect it, keep it safe like Gollum and his Precious? Just ride the Clem and pine for the Platy? I have hand-wrung about this for weeks. I decide, IT WILL BE FINE JUST BRING IT and then back to JUST THINK OF HOW YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOUR PLATY GETS HURT OR STOLEN. We leave Friday and the pressure is mounting.

Who has an irreplaceable bike and can relate and would offer an opinion?

Thanks!

Leah

[Doug H.]

Leah,

I don't have an irreplaceable bike but I can empathize with this conundrum. You enjoy the Platy more than the Clem and I imagine would love to show the family its awesomeness. My bikes have never been custom or one of a kind but like the Marine's rifle..." This is my rifle (bicycle). There are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle(bicycle) is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle(bicycle) is useless. Without my rifle(bicycle) I am useless. ~Full Metal Jacket

I say take it on the trip. 

Doug

[Eric Daume]

I think your biggest risk is leaving it on the rack overnight. U locks are easy to break. Take the bikes into the room, hassle though it may be. At least then you can admire them!

My Bike Friday easily fits into my trunk, so I don't have these kinds of worries :)

Eric

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[JAS]

Leah, I can't even imagine your angst if the Platy got stolen!  I'm with Eric...take it on the trip ONLY if you can secure it in your room at night.  Yes, it will be crowded and your family will think you're nuts (about that bike), but they already know that!

If I know I'm going to be traveling through a lot of rain, I remove the seat post, marking it well first so I can get it back to the perfect position.  I stuff a bit of plastic bag in the hole then cover it with the rest of the bag and secure it with a rubber band (wide broccoli type).  Storing the saddle/seat post makes for one more thing to fit into the car and in your case 4 things, but you won't have to worry about ruining your leather saddles.

Have a fabulous trip!  Kids "running wild" is the best...all kids need that.  Enjoy your family!

#RivSisters,

Joyce

[Yankeebird]

Keep your vacation simple. 

Bring one bike. 

Bring the Clem. 

On a functional (not emotional) level-- it's 90% of the Platy, and maybe more in some other directions (such as off-road capability a smidge more, but can't remember what size tires your are running on either.) The Clem solves most all your problems for this trip, over what will be a relatively short period of time, without the emotional angst if something happens. It's one less complication.

I have the Cheviot and the Clem. The Cheviot is for riding in New England/Maritimes as a daily driver or on specific bike-oriented trips. The Clem for longer-distance travel/trips that are not bike oriented but I would like to have one with me. 

[iamkeith]

Leah,

Yellowstone/Beartooth/Wyoming/Montana is my home territory, so here are my thoughts to hopefully put your mind at ease:

-  Other than keeping your saddle covered, which is always a good idea, don't worry about summer snow storms.  What most people don't realize is that it's as arid here as it is in Vegas.  As soon as the snow/slush/rain passes (which will be quick), everything will dry quickly.  Rust is mostly a non-issue.  Rooftop racks are better than hitch racks if you MUST drive through the rain, because the bikes won't get road spray on them, but they get bug splats otherwise.  But the same truth usually holds:  pull over, take a break, and the roads will dry out in no time.  Another nice thing to know is that hey don't use as much salt on the roads here as they do in other parts of the country where there is less snow but where constant  thaw/freeze cycles and humidity can create really slick conditions.  Beartooth doesn't even get plowed in the winter.  So the worst of the corrosion-inducing elements is also not a worry.

-  There was some sort of significant societal change in the last year or two, and theft HAS become an issue where it never was before.  It's probably still mostly crimes-of-opportunity rather than organized rackets though.  So cable locks are probably good for most things other than remote trailheads, but I agree with others:  Take your bikes in the hotel room at night, or at least leave the car parked somewhere well-lit.  Also remember that relatively few people realize what a Rivendell is, or recognize how good they are.  And most who do are kindred spirits who are  by nature, less likely to commit bike theft.  $7,000 carbon fiber and full suspension bikes are extremely common out here, where there's a lot of disposable income, or recreation priorities, or both - and THOSE are the bikes that thieves will target first.

So I say bring the bike you love, and make some memories.  Also, let us know if you end up in Grand Teton or Jackson Hole.  We can steer you to some nice family rides or maybe even join you.  (Also  my wife wants a Platypus and would enjoy seeing yours, I bet.)

[Clark Fitzgerald]

I'm with Yankeebird. Keep it simple and just bring one bike for yourself.

[Joe Bernard]

I'm in the Platy camp. I'm as precious about my bikes as anyone y'all know - to a fault that would drive Grant crazy - but he's right, his frames are outdoor equipment meant to be ridden on the cool roads you want to ride. Raspberry Metallic Platy for the North! 

Joe Bernard

[Roberta]

Leah,

I know how much you love that bike. If you think you'll pine for it the many weeks you'll be with your family,  if not having it will lessen your enjoyment too much, then bring it.  If you think the Clem will keep you “happy enough” I then bring it, instead, and leave your worries at home. 

Overnight theft is probably the biggest risk, so take the bikes into the room with you and your fears will be greatly reduced.  I've never left my bikes on my rack overnight; they’ve always come into the room with me.  I think just this peace of mind will be enough to help you make your decision. 

Roberta

[Roberta]

(Continued). Ultimately, which decision will let you to sleep better?

[Leah Peterson]

Thanks for all the thoughts, everyone. I find every one of them useful. I’m still undecided, but I’m going to see if my Platy fits in the back of the van this week, and if so, can we get our luggage around it? 

Keith, you are so fortunate to live in that territory - I simply cannot imagine a more beautiful place. Wild. Free. Breathtaking. We are arriving in the wee hours of Saturday morning in Jackson Hole, sleeping at a hotel and then continuing up through the park to see the sights Saturday morning. We won’t be riding there - Yellowstone always ends up as a quick expedition as we conquer the 28 hour drive up to lakes country in Minnesota. We need to take a dedicated 4 or 5 days to do the real hiking and exploring. At least we get to visit the geyser basins, the falls, and see the bison. I’ve read about the reintroduction of the wolves (my favorite is a tie between the 06 female and her granddad, Wolf 21, The Super Wolf) and would love to see the packs in the Lamar Valley one day. [And if anyone would like to whet their appetite for learning about the wolves of Yellowstone, here’s a brief article about the Super Wolf here:

 https://www.salon.com/2015/07/04/the_perfect_wolf_twenty_one_was_a_legend_he_never_lost_a_fight_and_he_never_killed_a_vanquished_rival/

Also, the books by Rick McIntyre are excellent AND this episode from the Podcast Snap Judgment, where Rick is interviewed, along with Doug Smith: https://www.scpr.org/programs/snap-judgment/2018/06/14/61326/.  ] All that to say, it will be tough to coordinate with you, Keith, but I wish I could because I’d love to meet you and your wife and hand her the Platypus for a test ride. Next time!

Sorry, back on track. You all had excellent points, and that is the problem. 

Still undecided, but grateful for the feedback,

Leah

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 13, 2021, at 12:12 PM, iamkeith <keith...@gmail.com> wrote:

Leah,

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[Brian Campbell]

I would vote to take it with you. I have a Legolas that I ride regularly and travel with attached to the back of my car. Its worth is in the riding, not the fetishizing. If it gets stole, you know how to replace it. 

[ascpgh]

Precious versus valued.

"Precious" limits your use of the bike you love, valuing it acknowledges how well it serves you now and for your future riding. 

I don't ride my Rambouillet to work too often because the trade off of thirteen to fifteen hours of exposure in a rack (in a garage) exceeds my peace of mind for the 20-30 minutes of riding there or home after provides. My Surly commuter eases my mind and is drab rack bait despite the Brooks saddle and SON hub, both of which have been through the apocalypse from a precious bike perspective. Beausage versus beausavage. 

I have thought about this quandary when I see people with their cars or trucks (which may be worse) that are over the line of too fancy to use in the life they live. Sort of relates to shoes. You buy them to wear and if you do wear them, they will meet the world where your feet are. Even shoes can be too precious. We got a new car in December and it has been the dependable muddy dog hauler, our trusty foul weather mobility and all other things vehicles have to be if used realistically and judiciously (I commute by bike year round). If it were precious the pup would have gone back where he came from. He rode home in the car from this episode at the dog park. He's ours and so is the car. They met when it was three days new and he was nine weeks old. Both are quite valued and occasionally get dirty.

If you can relate to "valued" and all that it imparts to the relationship you have with your bike, you'll take it with you. You will take steps not to diminish it with risks of theft or pointless damage. You'll do your best and have it with you for time and riding that would be lessened by not having your Platy along. That SON hub is better off than many non-dyno hubs regarding weather and slop exposure. Just don't leave them out where they present the opportunity for theft or temptation that creates crime where it otherwise isn't. Don't leave crumbs and you'll not have mice. I've had the conversation with hotel folks who objected to me taking my bike into my room and ended it by quoting their sign in the parking lot "Not responsible for articles left in your vehicle". I should have a photo album of all the hotel, motel, B&B rooms (and that box with a door at a VFW in Haysi, VA) that I've taken my bike into for the night and photographed. I always had it in the morning. 

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

 

On Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 2:08:31 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[upyou...@yahoo.com]

Hi Leah,

My 2 cents...take the Platy.  You love her and she is your ride.  Meant to be ridden and enjoyed and have all the memories.  That's why you have her.  You have an emotional attachment to every mile with her.  Bring along what makes you happy.

As far as traveling with your bike.  I've done it for 30 years with bikes on top of my car.  I cover my seats well for all kinds of crazy weather and we take in the bikes EVERY single night.  NO MATTER WHAT.  Even if we arrive late and are dead tired.  EVERY MOTEL/HOTEL.  I even ride cheap bikes but they are my ride and super important to me and I don't want to leave them on a car attracting attention.  Thieves will go as far as removing your racks to take bikes.  It's happened to a friend.  

Finally...we look forward to all the Platy adventure photos that you will share!!!

Love, Kate

50 mermaid platy still in the build stage by RIV.  

Trenton, NJ

[lconley]

I would bring the Platypus, but I personally never carry a bicycle outside of a vehicle any longer. In 1980, when I was moving back to Florida from Colorado when the roof rack decided to take flight on the interstate with my precious only bicycle at the time, a P-15 Paramount (Reynolds 531 frame with chromed lugs, seat stays and forks, mostly Campagnolo equipped - still have it). The Brooks Professional saddle was scuffed as were the Campagnolo quick releases and handlebar tape, but it survived. Now I will disassemble a bike as necessary to fit it in a car or just put it in the back of the Element. I did use a rack in the back of a pickup for a few years, but I prefer not to have to clean the bike after the trip.

Have you considered an enclosed U-Haul trailer? There are pickup truck style bike racks that might fit inside, or something can be built from wood. I used to help with the Cross-Florida ride, we built racks that used fork mounts and wheel holders on wood crossmembers that we mounted in U-Haul trucks for the return trip. With four bikes in a small enclosed trailer, you could probably just use bungies and moving pads due to the time crunch. You could use the locks and chains/cables on the trailer and trailer wheels when you stop overnight. Weather-proof and the bikes are hidden from prying eyes.

Laing

Delray Beach FL

On Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 2:08:31 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[Lynn Haas]

I usually remove the fenders, wheels, rear derailleur, drop the saddle/seat post, wrap a plastic grocery bag around the drivechain, and turn the handlebars. At that point the bike(s) will stand on its head in a very small space and I can pack other stuff around it. Takes about an hour to put back together because I'm slow. The last time I carried a bike on a rear rack down an interstate highway I had to re-tune the whole front end and that took longer than breaking it down and reassembling it. If you arrive at your destination with a wiggly headset and broken shifters, you won't be enjoying your bike at all.

Enjoy your trip!

Lynn

[Jason Fuller]

If it were me, I would take the Clem and leave Rasplaty behind - and I would put it in the most unlikely room of the house that an intruder would visit, and I would lock the heck out of it so that the wheels cannot spin and it's attached to something large and/or heavy.  But I'm pretty anxious about these kinds of things, so it's overkill.  Then, when you return to your assuredly safe Raspberry Platy, you'll cherish the re-uniting, and while you're on the trip you won't be as stressed about the bikes. You'll still get to do all the same things on the Clem and since you'll be in vacation mode with all the exciting stuff going on around you, the fact that it's a little more sluggish will matter a whole lot less than on your familiar paths.  

[Patrick Moore]

I used to worry about this question, and I still do, though much less. I hung my "nice" 2003 Riv custom on the wall while I did 90% of my riding commuting 30-40 miles rt per day on beaters; nice beaters, but still beaters. Then I said to myself, "Why am I riding a beater to work when I have an unused Rivendell custom gathering dust on the wall?" Enlightenment ensued. I took the 2003 to Dave Porter who turned it into a fixed gear commuter. Now, I have always had in-office parking, but I did throw it on bus bike racks from time to time where it suffered a few minor scuffs. But it was one of the best cycling decisions I've ever made. Note that I also commuted from time to time on the best-bike-ever 1999 Joe Starck custom.

I'd advise, take the Platypus, take reasonable precautions, and if it gets damaged, you can always get it fixed.

[Leah Peterson]

I  read one post and think, “Yes, that is absolutely right. I’m leaving the Platypus.” And then I read the next one and I think, “THIS is absolutely right. I’m taking the Platypus.” 

I leave Friday morning and I’m no closer to a decision. I admit that it would take some of the stress off of my mind and body not to have that 4th bike, the Platypus, along. Less worry, and I’ll be loading those bikes up mostly by myself, and 4 Rivendells (3 with Bosco bars) is…work. 

😩😩😩

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 15, 2021, at 2:45 PM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:



I used to worry about this question, and I still do, though much less. I hung my "nice" 2003 Riv custom on the wall while I did 90% of my riding commuting 30-40 miles rt per day on beaters; nice beaters, but still beaters. Then I said to myself, "Why am I riding a beater to work when I have an unused Rivendell custom gathering dust on the wall?" Enlightenment ensued. I took the 2003 to Dave Porter who turned it into a fixed gear commuter. Now, I have always had in-office parking, but I did throw it on bus bike racks from time to time where it suffered a few minor scuffs. But it was one of the best cycling decisions I've ever made. Note that I also commuted from time to time on the best-bike-ever 1999 Joe Starck custom.

I'd advise, take the Platypus, take reasonable precautions, and if it gets damaged, you can always get it fixed.

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[Jason Fuller]

There comes a moment when your precious new Rivendell is ready to start taking on beausage. For some, it's on day one; for others, they need to hold onto that 'new bike' feeling as long as possible. 

I guess the question is whether you're at that juncture? I guess selfishly I would like to see the Platy in all these new places, but I think it's important that you'll be ready to 'let go' just a little bit so you don't diminish your enjoyment of the trip

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[Joe Bernard]

Heck I can't decide, either, and I'm just some idiot out here offering opinions. Remember when I said she should take it? I've changed my mind! Platy stays home and there's one less bike to fiddle with on that rack. Then there'll be a glorious homecoming and ride on The Precious. It's so romantic! 

[lucky...@gmail.com]

Well if we’re just idiots with opinions now: Platypus sold out in like six minutes with nary a raspberry in the crate. When do they come back in for sale? No time soon. 

You’ll remember what you like about the Clem and it’s fun to have a camping travel bike you don’t mind leaning on a tree. 

Unless the trip us about the Platy, I’d leave it home.

Alternately you could ship it to Grandma with lots of insurance. 

A vacation with bicycling is a treat! Hope y’all have fun!

—Lucky (to be going camping with the Stumpjumper, not the Atlantis) 

On Jun 15, 2021, at 21:51, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

Heck I can't decide, either, and I'm just some idiot out here offering opinions. Remember when I said she should take it? I've changed my mind! Platy stays home and there's one less bike to fiddle with on that rack. Then there'll be a glorious homecoming and ride on The Precious. It's so romantic! 

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[Melanie]

If anything untoward happens on vacation, wouldn't you rather it happen to the Clem? Let the Clem be your beausage bike and let the Platy be your precious.

Have a relaxed vacation!

Melanie (who is about to go on vacation, sadly sans any Riv at all)

On Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 2:08:31 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[Leah Peterson]

Ok, here’s the compromise. If this bike is inside the locked van, good enough for me! Can you believe this long bike fit?! Everyone, quick, go buy a Honda Odyssey!

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 16, 2021, at 7:17 AM, Melanie <myo...@gmail.com> wrote:

If anything untoward happens on vacation, wouldn't you rather it happen to the Clem? Let the Clem be your beausage bike and let the Platy be your precious.

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[Jeffrey Arita]

Since 2016 (except for 2020 of course) my wife and I have rented minivans to transport our rigs to faraway places.  Minivans, in my opinion, are a fantastic invention.  Lots of room!  Once we get to that location, we drop the vehicle off and start the adventure.  We tend to do this if the start point is > 500 miles away.

Around 2016 we learned about Rok Straps and how useful they are on a bicycle equipped with a rack.  For us, they have since become a *standard* part of the entire rig.  We have used them to secure additional water bladders, bottles, drybags and even firewood to a rear rack.  While transporting the bicycles with a minivan, another use for the Rok Straps is to secure them to the minivan's many anchor points.  They work quite well securing the bikes inside a moving vehicle (especially while making turns).  I realize you have a sidestand, but it certainly would help secure your Platy from potential beausage.

Have fun!

Jeff & Lori 

Claremont, CA 

[lconley]

My plan for retirement is an AWD Chrysler Pacifica. The middle and rear seats all fold into the floor - so it is the equivalent of a cargo van with the just the two front seats if needed. Or the number of needed seats can be raised from the floor. kind of a larger version of the Element.

Laing

Delray Beach FL

[Patrick Moore]

Do you want room? I'll show you room. This is what I rented (by mistake) last month. Plenty of room for bike, dog kennel and suitcase, and for twin bed, small table and chair. And it would carry at least a couple Platypuses. A Ford Transit (esp the stretched and tall version) is not the same thing as a Ford Transit Connect!

It was considerably cheaper than other categories of motor vehicle, but it got only about 13 mpg at 80 on the freeway.

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--

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

[Joe Bernard]

That works! Ok forget the part where I changed my mind and said leave the Platy home cuz I was right the first time. I think the lesson we all can learn here is...don't listen to me! 🤪

Joe know-nothing Bernard 

[Leah Peterson]

I did NOT think this long bike would fit, but it does. I just slammed the bars and angled the bike. Inched the bucket seat forward a hair. I will wrap some pool noodles around the frame, tuck the suitcases around it, and boom, done. I’m packing light this year, just bringing some dumbbells besides the suitcases so I can keep up my weightlifting routine. The 3 Clems on the rack will still be at risk, but those I can replace. There’s only one raspberry Platypus, and I doubt windows will be smashed in when the 3 bait bikes are in view. But still hoping to arrive to and from with all 4 Rivendells! 

I really appreciate every point of view offered here. You were all valuable to me. I love this community.

Leah

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 16, 2021, at 11:16 AM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:

That works! Ok forget the part where I changed my mind and said leave the Platy home cuz I was right the first time. I think the lesson we all can learn here is...don't listen to me! 🤪

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[Eric Daume]

You could save the weights and just lift one of your Clems above your head :)

Eric

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[Leah Peterson]

Gotta keep working on that. I might be able to get that Clem up higher now. Will report back. 🤣

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 16, 2021, at 4:35 PM, Eric Daume <eric...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Dorothy C]

Leah, I find personally, as a 61 year old woman, that if I lift my Cheviot with the stem in my right hand, then reach over the bike and grasp the middle seat stay in my left hand, at about fender level, the center of gravity seems more balanced front to rear, and I can lift it more easily. I have pretty long arms for my height, so the saddle doesn’t get in the way. 

[Leah Peterson]

Here is the situation:

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 16, 2021, at 8:39 PM, Dorothy C <doroth...@gmail.com> wrote:

Leah, I find personally, as a 61 year old woman, that if I lift my Cheviot with the stem in my right hand, then reach over the bike and grasp the middle seat stay in my left hand, at about fender level, the center of gravity seems more balanced front to rear, and I can lift it more easily. I have pretty long arms for my height, so the saddle doesn’t get in the way. 

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[Joe Bernard]

Ok that is some serious quality work. All tubes labeled for easy removal and reinstall..and color matched! 👏👏👏🏆

Joe "is not easily impressed but here we are" Bernard 

[Eric Floden]

No offense intended, it reminded me of this Far Side

https://www.cardcow.com/841829/far-side-now-that-should-clear-up-few-things-around-here-gary-larson/

[Leah Peterson]

Lol, it reminded me of a fat-tubed department store bike and it reminded Roberta of a kid in a snowsuit. 🤣

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 17, 2021, at 10:57 AM, Eric Floden <eric....@gmail.com> wrote:



No offense intended, it reminded me of this Far Side

https://www.cardcow.com/841829/far-side-now-that-should-clear-up-few-things-around-here-gary-larson/

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[Garth]

OMG Leah ..... Go for ride around the neighbourhood like that. If someone asks if you got a new bike, reply "yeah, it's my new pool noodle bike I made in my spare time. It looks great doesn't it ?"  Oh the reaction would be priceless ! 

[Jon Dukeman]

Looks like the "Michelin Man Bike". I'm glad you Matchy matched the bike with the protective foam.👍 

I think you are ready to go! Have fun.

Jon

"FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS RIDE JUNK "....

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[Ana Candela]

Leah,

Take the Platypus. Your precious will become more precious the more you ride not the more she stays behind. But please please, like everyone has said already, take all bikes with you in the hotel. Do not even leave them inside the van. If anything, do it for MY peace of mind ;)

On a different note, #matchymatchy -- be still my heart!! You have upped the game with those raspberry frame protectors! Now I look at my gray ones, and they look so dull and unexciting. But #rivsisters unite: I also label them, but only abbreviated: TT, DT, STT, STB, SSL, SSR... It does help when in a rush at the train station :-D

Enjoy your trip!

-Ana

[Jon Dukeman]

I agree with Ana.

TAKE THE BIKES INSIDE THE ROOM AT NIGHT!!😉

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[Matthew Williams]

Reminds me of Ralphie's little brother!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKxsOlzuH0k

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[Leah Peterson]

One raspberry Platypus inside, a trio of Clems outside. Don’t they just look fun? Let the summer begin!!!

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 18, 2021, at 1:43 PM, Matthew Williams <matthewwil...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Joe Bernard]

What I most love about this is the question was only about whether you would take the Platy, too. There was never a doubt the Clem was going and now you're headed to the North with both bikes. That's some serious commitment to Rivendells and riding! 

Joe Bernard

[Jason Fuller]

Agreed, it's a riot that you're bringing both bikes.  You're one of a kind, Leah. 

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