And so it came to past that on the thirtieth day of August in the year two thousand eleven on the tiny mid-Atlantic Bermuda Isles in the even tinier City of Hamilton that Greg of Winner's Edge did complete the build of the mightiest 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc he and his team had ever dared attempt. The awe and power of the masterpiece being so great that he dare not call another from the forge to this very day. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am now one with the Trek.
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| 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc at Pleasant Point Park, Hamilton, Bermuda |
The Pick Up
After a bit of a false start on Monday, seat co-worker received a text about 9:30AM stating that my mechanical stallion was champing at the bit for its rider. Elation. It just so happened that I would be in a series of meetings starting then and following through to 11. Agony. Since the leasing of my skills and services for these meetings and their subsequent happenings had empowered me to commission the build I thought it in my best interest to compose myself and soldier on as dutifully and professionally as possible. After all, I might need additional accessories in the near future and would have slim chance of acquiring them without continued empowerment.
Meetings concluded, I confirmed a split lunch hour with our great leader (who happens to have an excellent recipe for liver and fava beans) and made way for Winner's Edge. It was overcast and drizzling but that did not register. I tabbed forward, loaded with my daydreamings of swift transits along Middle Road keeping pace with the traffic and casual meanderings along the paved portions of Railway Trail with the boy and his 2009 Trek Jet 12. Soon I stood in the entrance of Winner's Edge. It seemed different. More industrious. Like great finely tuned machines were made there.
"Edmund", Greg exclaims with a sagacious grin on his face.
"Greg", I beam back expectantly.
He knows what is about to transpire. He's seen it many times before and, no doubt, will see it many times to come. Perhaps not long after I swoon and depart. A new love affair is moments from affirmation and he relishes in the presence of its birth.
"I have something for you", he casually mentions. All the while attempting to maintain a nonchalant grin. I'm tingling. He's feeding off of me. Siphoning the immense energy of my anticipation.
He is standing behind the upper counter at the back of the shop in the build area. I begin the walk. A row of new builds (evidenced by their build and option receipts wrapped about the handle bar) line the bike rack. My gait is urgent yet steady. I don't want to rush as one of these is my Trek and I don't want to pass it by.
Wrong colour.
Too big.
No disc brakes.
End.
"Cruel beast, where is it!", I scream inside.
"Its up here", he responds.
What manner of magic is this? He has been watching me study each bike as I walked the line. Reading my mind. Waiting for the confused tell-tale to morph my brow. I ascend and approach. Nothing reminiscent of my Trek lies before me.
"Its over there", he gestures behind me.
I turn and there, not a few feet away, in all its silver glittery glory, is my Trek. I take a few steps toward it, extend my hand, and lay it upon the top bar. The cool alloy releases the expectant anxiety. I'm giddy. This will be my commuter, my torturer, and the gateway to a healthier me.
Greg talks. I hear him but only half listen. My focus is on my Trek. I run my hands over it. Pull on the Shimano hydraulic levers. Examine theShimano M446 hydraulic disc brakes. Press my palm in the Botrager inForm H2 saddle. Give the Topeak MTX Explorer Disc rack a sturdy shake. It is wonderfully made and Winner's Edge has done an excellent job in assembling it. Greg mentions that this is the only 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc on the Island and speaks highly of the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (they use mineral oil for the hydraulic fluid).
After a check of seat height and an exchange of gold he sets me on my way. I have a bag of manuals, the helmet, and a few accessories to carry so I don't get to ride. My Bontrager Interchange Waterproof Panniers have not arrived as yet. I've no place to store these items in order to ride my Trek. It trots along side me as we roll the few city blocks back to the office.
It is real. I have the Trek, the cycling gear, and the routes laid out. All that remains are a few hours between now and game time.
The Maiden Voyage
The hours pass quickly enough. I'm dressed and the wife and boy have come to Point Pleasant Park in the City to see me off.
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| On your marks. Get Set. Go! |
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| Well, almost: Par-La-Ville Road turning onto Front Street |
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| Lights at Hamilton Ferry Terminal, Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda |
This is a learning experience. Eighteen gears to choose from. I know the theory but the practice, well, it requires practice. I pick too low a gear on the limited flats; spinning the pedals but going nowhere. I pick to high a gear going up hill; sapping my strength and stressing my stamina. The gear I think I am in bears no resemblance to the gear I am actually in. I cross stretch the chain, lose contact with pedals, swerve, sweat, and swear. In spite of the padded pants, my buttocks is sore. I stop for a minute or so about 5km and 10km for water. I'm not confident enough to reach down, grab the bottle, slurp, and return the bottle while in motion.
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| Middle Road, Southampton approaching Church Road |
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| Just past Barnes Corner Park, Southampton |
I find the sweet spot of the seat near the end of the journey. Too late. The damage as already been done. It subsides quickly enough.
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| Hi, Papa. ... Bye, Papa. |
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| Fast as fast can be. You'll never catch me. |
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| Just past Port Royal Fire Station, Southampton, Bermuda |
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| Welcome to Sandys Parish |
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| Fighting finish |
The Bontrager Trip 5W recorded a distance of 15.8km with a time of 59 minutes and 22 seconds for an average speed of 16.0km/h and a max speed of 41.7km/h. It wasn't easy but I was handsomely rewarded.
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| The boy: "Papa, you're awesome." |
Silver Wing
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| Immediately post maiden voyage |
After a breather and some examining of the Trek's condition its name came to me.
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| I christen thee, Silver Wing |
With all the fanfare the boy wanted in on the action. He brought out is 2009 Trek Jet 12 to join the party.
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| Papa's and the boy's stallions |
This image represents a defining moment for me. When this scene lay before me I realised that I'd completely missed the plot. Sure, it was nice researching Treks and visualising how svelte and toned I'd become with daily commuting and continued weight training. I imagine getting a few extra winks and nods from the wife would be no small dividend as well. However, what really matters above all else is this little boy. How long would I be around for the little terror if I didn't improve my fitness? What number of years would I be stealing from him? I needed to get fit to stay in the picture. At least long enough to witness him receive similar behaviour from his own. I've been riding and will continue to do so. I'd like to be available for him for as long as possible.
Thanks for reading,
Edmund
