Hi Jeff, I agree with you 100% about if I take up the guy's time, then I need to buy from him, when I do buy.
That's like, in the world of my *other* passion, motorcycling, one often hears the suggestion online, that you can try different helmets on at a local shop to determine fit and which suits your head best and all, but then order it online, discounted, for way less. But to me, that's just WRONG!
And I've been pretty vocal about it!

So, I'm looking forward to my journey down there this weekend.
Today's ride was a bit easier and better. I found out my tire pressure was way down. Filled them to almost 60 lbs and that helped alot. Need to buy a better pressure guage. And yeah, new bars...how mortifying to realize, and ADMIT that my thighs hit my fat gut on the upstroke.
yikes!
but I'm geeked about this, in general.
And what a great forum this is! I plan to become a "contributing member" very soon.
thx again!
Em