cool. thanks

i checked out rim tape and its good, it sits in the groove in the rim like that right side is showing, but on both sides.

i aired down the rims and tires and then pushed the stem back into the tire, through the rim and filled it slowly with my ball pump. the whole time i was filling i watched the tire and rim and rotating the assembly to make sure the tire seated properly. airing slowly and massaging the tire back into place when i noticed little spots coming out of the rim, i was able to air the tire up to 55psi without any bubbles or funny bulges so i think it was just not put on properly the first time and then when i put a new tube in, i didn;t put the tube in properly either. i didn't want to push it so much until i rode it a bit and let the tire sit on the rim for a while.

so, thanks guys, for all the links and sharing some information to help me get back on the road. today, i was able to shave a whole minute off my 8 mile time. i started off riding on my hybrid commuter and doing the route out to the island (head wind of roughly 30mph) and then back in 37 minutes. moving to this road bike and getting it straightened out fairly well has gotten me down to a 31 minute 8 mile time (with the 4 miles of 30mph head winds and 4 miles of tail wind). i am very happy about that. thank you.