I had swapped a few replies with you on the 50+ back a few months, knew that you had done a sentence here at NAS Pensacola, back in the day. Getting on on the base is the problem now, even Barrancas National Cemetery and the National Naval Aviation Museum are difficult at times. Force Protection security is getting more difficult each time they have a security review and activity. But, it is doable and you'd be most welcome.

Bill

I recall those chats, not freaked out. Talked Raleigh bikes and such. As a retired Navy guy, the ID helps with base access, but is NOT always a guarantee. I'm guessing some changes in the traffic pattern have occurred as well once on base. I was first there in 81, and as noted, in 89 for schools.

Wow that is impressive weight loss, congrats sir! What was your secret? Bike looks great btw

I had the cow print tape on my ol' buddy, which I'm currently whipping back into riding shape. I didn't like it too much on Jake, so I went back to black tape.

However, I did give a nod to the subtle green you can barely see in the bike's paint scheme, by twining the bars with green hemp twine. First attempt... my next one will be neater. :)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...99d5a676ee.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...66fac4a7ab.jpg

Thank You!!! I had a bunch of things creeping up on me healthwise, and I had some physical limitations to exercise. I chose Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery as a tool to resolve some of the issues rapidly. I'm off blood pressure meds, my A1C number has dropped and all my blood work numbers are in normal ranges. My HEART is doing better, I can breathe easier. I've exceeded my surgeon's expectations, and I have a LOT of work to do... And the physical limitations are minimized so I can exercise. I have a failing right knee, and still working on a left ankle I severely sprained 2 years ago. At least my physical the****** put me in a place I no longer worry aout needing the ankle fused...

And the bike thanks you!

Twining. I might have to look into that. Cool!!!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d68163510.jpg
My old Friend is still a lot of fun to ride. Just cruising, or rolling with a couple friends, it does what I ask. It will continue on as my prime ride.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...726102d305.jpg
But if I need to keep up with faster groups, 2006 CAAD8 R1000 gets the nod.

I've lost 130 pounds from my heaviest, I'm 8 pounds from my goal of 240. Beginning to reconsider new, realistic goals... I'm quite floored by this weight loss... Bicycling has been a big chunk of it!

After a series of 15, 19 and 23 mile rides, I was invited to ride with a faster group. Sadly, I knew my Old Friend was not geared for that crowd. The CAAD8 was called on for that ride. It was 30 miles. I know my Old Friend could do it. But I wouldn't have been able to keep up... I've seen 28 on this bike, and 42 on the trainer. But with the newer bike, I hit almost 39.

No worries. The CAAD8 is fun. But beats the hell out of me for it. Giving some serious thought to dropping the compact crankset in favor of regular 52 or 53 big ring...

As Utah is in the grip of unseasonably cold weather this week, I'm contemplating winter projects. First and foremost, I love this bike, it is never going away. Period.

But. I am considering a teardown. I have new FSA sealed bearing headset I want to use. The Nishiki Prestige fork is great, but limits my tire size options. And, the paint on the Okd Friend is pretty ugly. Repro decals nor NOS decals are available. I love the colors, so hoping I can the powder coater to replicate it as close as possible.

Considering a new fork. Torn on a disc front or not. Carbon fiber, or aluminum. I want to fit 700x32, maybe 35. I can fit 32 easily in the rear, maybe 35. But a fat 28 will not fit the existing fork. I rode a slightly smaller 28 for a bit on a slightly wider rim than I have now. And a 28 no longer fits.

I'm not looking to make this a gravel bike, my 29er is getting 700x40 or 42 tires on a set of wheels I recently snagged. That will suffice for now. I'm looking at a Fat Bike purchase as well...

I'm just wanting my Old Friend to look better than ever.

Covid changed everything... Just as Covid hit, I was ready to strip this bike down for paint. And I lost ALL interest. Never even rode the Old Friend last year.

Last week I pulled it out, gave a good cleaning and tweaking. And rode with a disabled vets group on Saturday. Just shy of 20 miles. I even managed 22 mph for about 4 miles with a fast group. But my legs weren't ready for that.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f578d623de.jpg
Still looks good, save for paint chips.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ee8f12efa0.jpg
From Right to left, The Old Friend. 1997 Cannondale CAAD2 R300 60cm, picked up just before Covid, and a victim to my lack of interest last year. 1998 Cannondale CAAD2 R200 58cm, is the bike I broke my back with, it now serves as my indoor trainer bike ONLY. 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 58cm, was my reward for weight loss. It is light and sexy, but is stiff and punishing for it's delights. Nearly identically fit with my R200... Depending on the ride, I generally prefer the Old Friend...