The county, not the beach. I got my bike repaired today. Bought a new derailleur (Deore LX this time around), but upon installation noticed that my hanger/drop out was bent. SO this is how the derailleur got stuck in the back wheel. Anyway a quick $15 hook up with the bicycle magician and she's ridin' like new. And what's even better? Her sound. No longer ratchety clank just the quiet sound of tires humming whispering those sexy secrets into my ears. 
Did a nice trek out to New Egypt and back as the sun was starting to set. I wish I could have pushed her a bit further but no need to be stranded in the dark. It felt good though. It's been too long since I've ridden off the trainer (using old MTB on trainer while the Volpe was out of commission). As I've said before... awesome riding so far without having to stop. I think I passed through two lights the entire journey?
Also have a lot of progress in my road bike research. This weekend I went to Bernie's in Hamilton, Jay's in Princeton, and Knapp's in Trenton... in that order. If you look at a map you'll realize how ridiculous that is. Especially when my point of origin was East Windsor. I began with the Orbea Onix. It was a no-go. Felt okay at the shop, rode it for a while, but no. Staff was awesome though. Went through a lot of trouble to get me fitted as best as they could for a test ride. Even measured my shoulders. This was all good until I sat down on a Madone 4.5. Wowee. Although I have to say Jay's did not really go through much effort to give me an accurate judgement. They didn't even raise the seat for me, so I felt like I was on a tricycle. But the feel of the bike was already 100000% better than that of the Onix. So Onix crossed off my list. Talked to a kid there and said I should try lots of different frame styles. Directed me to Knapps. I battled the fierce memories of last week's race (sponsored by this very store) and made it to the parking lot. Went inside and test rode the Specialized Tarmac. By far the nicest bike I've ridden. It felt amazing. I liked the feel much better than the Madone. It just felt right. So I talked and mingled some, then left to get back home.
Right now, Tarmac wins. At $2,200 MSRP, it's right in my budget. I decided to move up to entry level carbon instead of upper level aluminum. If I don't drop the extra couple hundred bucks I'll hate myself in a couple of years when I'm actually ready for such a bike. So it's an investment.
Weather looks to be shitty this week, so will put old tire on the Volpe and throw her on the trainer. Decided not to do the last cross race next Sunday. Bike is running so smooth, feeling pretty good, will just save money and energy for next year's road races. I didn't want to end on a bad note, but if I were to have another malfunction this race I'd die.
Godspeed.
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