Nice choice on the Black Mountain!!
I think you should come out and visit the shop before they ship your frame. Have you ever been to Point Reyes**********???
There is one other frame builder in Point Reyes, Steve Potts is still building magnificent titanium frames there.
http://www.stevepottsbicycles.com/bikes.php
To say that the riding (both road and mountain) in that area is good is a gross understatement.
Congrats on the retirement and the new bike, I'm sure that you'll love both.