starting.

(photo: Ben) Well, most of the components for the cross bike were in, so we got started. Still missing are the brakes and valve extenders--the later being a BIG problem since we can't properly stretch the tires or start gluing till those dohickeys come-- but Ben's on top of it. What floors me is how hard it is to find some of these components. Like, what's with QBP being out of stock on our tubular cement? I just don't get it.

Either way, the build started, and it's a Shimano build, something I haven't done since I left DC. They do some quirky things, those Shimanoans, like infuriate my husband by using star-pattern chainring bolts (a pattern I haven't seen on a bike outside of the rotor bolts), and use proprietary plastic tools for installing crank dustcaps, and ship shifters with housing but not enough housing. The Big New Discovery for me was the pins that replace master links for the DA chains- I want a bucket full of those things! Genius. Now when you pull a pin you can actually replace it without swearing alot. (We in Chicagoland don't see much Shimano. I don't think I've seen a Shimano chain in 2-3 years. It's SRAM, all the way. Or maybe it's just our house...)

This morning the knots in my calves didn't want me to run, but Molly insisted. I ignored the puddles and put my nice new shoes on and their springy-ness made me run strong and fast. Before work I stopped by the Social Security office to change my name officially. I was somewhat startled to be told "no, you sign this with your new name." So, there ya have it. I'm now a Popper. I smiled and sung along to "Bleeding Hearts Show" as I walked to work today, same person, differerent name, relishing our new kneesock weather.