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Bev had another first today. We met Johnny and Richmond and did the ride out to Bull Gap. Bev did fine. We didn't manage great speed but averaged 13.4 mph for the 30 mile round trip from the house to there and back. This was the first time I've ridden it this year. I thought I'd do a lot more than this. It would really help my strength if I did. The extra riding this week has left us both a little tired. Having the light new fast bike has prompted us to ride a lot more distance. We rode a little more because we knew we wouldn't get much exercise while on the cruise. Perhaps they will have some spin bikes we can get in a nice sweat on.

The new Tandem is wonderful. The ride is as good as I can imagine a bike to be. It is comfortable. The steering is quiet and sure. It tracks well in a corner. The input gives quick acceleration. Bev's ride is so much better. We increased our average speed by 3 miles per hour over our usual ride. The fit is good. It looks good. I don't know if is worth the price but it is a better ride than my $1200 Trek!

We go to Tandems Limited tomorrow to pick up the Santana. Perhaps we can get in something of a ride once we get home but I doubt it. But Thursday, I am hoping we can do the loop down to Fayetteville and compare the ride to the old tandem. Tomorrow I can get the computer off the old tandem and put it onto the Mountain bike. Maybe I can get up a good ride for Wednesday morning. Paul is usually ready to do some riding by then. This time maybe we can do a mountain bike ride. It has been a while since I've had it out on the trails. I am thinking I might should have got the Cannondale Tandem so we could afford a mountain bike tandem. Maybe we could do that next year. We need to go try it sometime before we buy.

After a lot of soul searching and second guessing, it all comes down to a Cannondale vs a Santana. Right now it looks like the Santana will win out.

I called and spoke with Barbara at Cahaba Cycle today. I asked if they had Trek Tandem in one of their four stores. They did not but she immediately offered to get one in and let me demo it. She also asked if it tested a Cannondale. I told her Tandems Limited didn't have a XL built that would fit me. She will get some info for me and call tomorrow. Bev and I decided to get some of her shopping done for the trip. All the cycling we've done has carved her down so much that she needs new clothes. That must be a happy dilema. Same one I had earlier. After shopping, we will get some dinner and a movie. Of course Monday is our get out, go shopping, do everything day. I don't know if we will have some riding time before all of that. Perhaps we should run down Oden's Mill Road for at least an hours ride.

Bev and I test rode a new tandem this week. We want it now, bad! It might be the best riding bike I've ever tried. We flew like a rocket on it.