Race Schedule and Results

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A Bike + Shoes = Happy Trakker

We got back yesterday from visiting the grandparents in Raleigh.  A few things about that trip:
  1. My grandparents looked great.  Like I expected, my grandma didn't remember ever meeting Tom and even told him that it was so nice to meet him as we were leaving.  They did recognize my mom, dad and myself.
  2. My grandpa, although lacking much short term memory, is freaking hysterical.  He has a smart remark for everything and had me giggling the entire visit.
  3. I love Raleigh.  There are trees and parks and cute houses and it was 75 and sunny yesterday.  We are now working on getting our butts there.  Fast.
So we got home yesterday, albeit a tad later than expected to ice and snow.  I'm so over winter.  Like I've said before, I honestly think I pissed Mother Nature off at some point in my life.  I was over the top excited to have these waiting for me when I pulled up though:
They are the newest Avi Bolt III's from Avia.  At first the colors caught my attention because I love love love the pink and black, but the yellow wasn't doing it for me.  It's growing on me.  They are light as a feather (which I'm so not used to... should be interesting running in flats), but they look pretty badass.  I'm excited to try them out. I'll write a review as soon as I get some good miles in them. Again, this big girl isn't used to such minimal shoes - it'll be a good test!
 
Then to top off my excitement, this came today:
My new Kestrel 4000 Pro.  I'm so excited to get it put together (although, because we live in Ohio and not Raleigh, I won't be riding it until May I'm sure), but it's awesome looking.  As Tom and I were going through all of the bits and pieces, he kept saying "I don't think this will work for you so I might have to take it for you and put it on my bike".  Um... sorry sweetie... this bad boy is mine!  Of course, now I get to name it!  A few of my teammates have had contests which is a great idea so if you have any ideas, send them to me.  I was initially thinking Papa Smurf, but Tom and I couldn't get past the fact that I usually refer to my bike by name and it sounds really really wrong to say "I had a great ride on Papa Smurf today". Bad huh? :)

32 comments:

Kristin Deaton said...

Love the photos! And I you move to NC we'd be closer!!

Caroline said...

Papa Smurf is a keeper!!!

Ryan said...

How about... Tom's Lumber?

;-)

I live 2 hrs from Raleigh and have not ridden outside since 1/6/11 and have nearly 1700 miles on a trainer but if I had that new ride I'm pretty sure only snow or ice would keep me inside.

tri like mary said...

What about Bruiser? Because a bruise is black and blue....

Love the shoes by the way. I'm loving yellow lately.

Ironman By Thirty said...

Sounds like you had a good time in Raleigh!

What a cool thing to come home to. It sure looks like a sweet ride!

I hope the shoes work out for you. It really seems like Avia is thinking outside the box when it comes to colors.

Hollywood said...

You should totally keep Papa Smurf, just so you can say that, and watch people's faces turn into complete confusion. Of course, I've named my last 2 bikes Bella and Alle so I could laugh when people asked what I did on my long ride days

Jim ... 50after40 said...

I know nothing about bikes ... BlueBlur.

Unknown said...

Yea! I love the pictures. I got me some free shoes today too! The bike looks sweet. Totally hear you on the riding outside, although last week was a mean tease!

Kiersten said...

My sister's horse was "Mr. Woody"...I'm just sayin'. You could name it Smurfette. Ran in my bolts tonight...love them! Being a part of this team is awesome, isn't it?

Unknown said...

I LOVE the shoes!! I wish my feet were ready for flats!! :)

Chris said...

Wow, AWESOME! Now Pink isn't my color, but those shoes do look pretty cool. The bike looks awesome too. I have a feeling you'll be out on the road before May!

Gotta use the "Kestrel" idea in his/her new name. Something like "Sista Soarin" or something? Could call it "SS" for short?

Aunt Nan said...

Awesome bike - and shoes. Now you just need the outfit... xoxo

teacherwoman said...

Sweet new kicks and ride! How exciting!

Matthew Smith said...

What a sweet bike and shoes! It must feel like Christmas!!! It sounds like your grandpa is like mine with a joke for everything. Good luck on your new ride!

Unknown said...

That Kestrel is super sexy! I was zooming in on the pic and made a decision that mine will be going to the LBS in the box, unopened (-:

Tell Tom to have fun with that!

Chris K said...

I got nothing on the bike being a runner, but your Grandpa sounds great. He should start a Blog.

Jon said...

Um, I'd be happy too if I got that bike and those shoes in the mail! NICE! Does the bike come with the electronic shifters? Hope it warms up soon so you can get outside on the bike!

Kim said...

look at all those presents! and it's not even christmas! i love those sneaks!

your grandparents are absolutely adorable.

misszippy said...

Love that you spent some quality time with your grandparents. So important!

And LOVE the shoes and bike! What a sweet deal you've got going on!

My Life said...

Your bike is so pretty!! I'd probably pick something like Bluebelle or Violet, but I like Bruiser! :)

Christi said...

The shoes are awesome! I think you should ride your bike a couple of times before you name it. My bike names have always come to me on rides and they always fit perfectly.

Matty O said...

Glad your grandpa is doing better than you initially hoped!!!

My bike's name is "Smurf". I couldn't choose which one to name him so I collectively named him Smurf haha.

LOVE THE SHOES! Man, those are LOUD. Typically LOUD = FAST.

Enjoy the new gear!!! Sweeeeeet ride!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I like papa smurf!! And the bike is sweeeettttttt!!!!!

Dont worry, I have your back, I wrote a post a bit ago on how to name your bike, after reading it, you will feel guilty for not naming it.

http://tridiesel.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-name-your-bike.html

Kristin Bradfield said...

That bike is sick! Lucky you! Very sweet pics of your grandparents, what a nice visit.

Unknown said...

oh love the new bike and shoes. Great day!
Go papa smurf!
LCzar

Anne-Marie said...

sweet bike! I think Bruiser is a great name for a black and blue bike, though Papa Smurf is pretty catchy too :)

N.D. said...

too cute w/ your grandparents. Sweet other items, love it!! :) Still haven't gone to the bike store to get measured... goal for Friday.

Annie said...

Nice shoes, I hope they are as awesome as they look!

Andy said...

Don't have a good name for the bike yet... I am sure I can think of an idea for you! Shoes are kinda awsome! I always get a smile when people have shoes with loud colors. Team Trakkers is treating your right! Maybe I will hopefully beat you to Raleigh as my gf is there getting her PhD @ NC State so I am trying to get up there after I graduate from GA State in August. I will wish you good weather ASAP so you can get on your new ride sooner!

Gotta Run..... said...

I have a serious fever for wanting a tri bike. No budget this year but next year....watch out!

Love the shoes. I love pink everything!!

Glad you had a great visit in NC.

Wes said...

new toys!

"I had a great ride on Papa Smurf today". Bad huh?

be fearless! :-)

Molly said...

snazzy new gear! love it!

I think you're stuck with Papa Smurf now : )