copperfind

So I had a really great ride this morning... Headed out to do around 25 miles through some back roads near home, beautiful morning around 72º mostly sunny, a lite breeze, perfect weather, around 6 or 7 miles in as I am spinning down some small rolling hills outside of town I hear a plane (not unusual somewhat close to an airport), I realize the engine sound is different and distinct as I look up and much to my joy see a WW2 fighter plane fly overhead. Can say for sure which, by the time I caught it, it was flying away. A few minutes later it was followed by a P-38 Lightning as an Air Force and Army veteran this pretty much made my morning.

A short bit down the road I stopped at a Rail Road crossing and decided to take a pic because the shot looked pretty cool. Old engine my wife's grandfather had worked on for many years (Took a minute to say hello Bing)

So at about the 13-mile mark, I have to stop to readjust my seat (installed new seat post still working on adjustment), as I stop by an old post office a car pulls up and a friend of mine from High School who I had not seen in probably 20 years gets out. Of course turns out he is a cyclist so we plan a future ride.

Back on the bike and decide to crank on home... Cutting the ride short due to some unexpected delays I finish the ride 19 miles in 1 hour and 8 minutes almost 17 mph pace, the fastest consistent pace I have ridden in some time. What a blessed day!!!

As I have pointed out in many posts I am 270 that is a 30-year-old aluminum frame (upgraded components 105 gearing FSA Carbon Compact Crank) and 24 spoke Aeromax wheels. No broken parts yet... Only about 100 miles on wheels but no broken spokes and staying true.

bigbiker1

Very cool! I rode for the first time with my youngest son this morning, he is 11. I took him on a part of the rail to trail that goes over an old trestle bridge where a train wrecked some 60 years ago and there are still cars on the river banks. He loved it, man he would have loved seeing that old train you came across!

Edit: That is a seriously good looking bike!!

copperfind

Thanks Bigbiker1... Enjoy these years with your son or kids... Those are fun years.

Staypuft1652

Awesome morning indeed! Was it Glacier Girl? A few years back in daytona beach I saw Fifi flying around(only airworthy B29 afaik).

breadbin

This is why I love bikeforums. Stories like this that are so inspirational! I hope you get another 30 years out of it! The bike doesn't look that old!

copperfind

Yeah in my opinion the Centurion Facet was the best bike they ever produced and they only made it in 1986, one year, Centurions claim that it was the first mass produced welded aluminum frame.

I bought my first one in 1986 while stationed in Japan and it took me three years to find this one... admittedly the frame is the only thing left on it that was original but it feels like home when I get on it and that motivates me to want to ride.

Yesterdays ride was such a blessing.

philbob57

Watch out, BB1! It won't happen immediately, but in a few years he'll leave you in the dust, with mixed feelings - proud of him, but feeling lonely.