Lots of Developments!

Fund-raising:

I looked on my Bike and Build account the other day, and a complete stranger had donated to me! If I do know this person, I'm going to feel really embarrassed because I honestly can't remember who he is. It supremely surprised me though. This person must really be interested in this cause to donate to a stranger. I'll have to write him a nice thank you card. I wonder if he donated to everyone on this particular trip?

This Wednesday, I'll be presenting my case to Gargoyle members in our first meeting for the semester. I'm feeling optimistic about the help I will receive from them.



Bike shipment:

After lots of research and consultation from friends in the field, I'm going to test ride a Specialized Roubaix Compact and see if it's to my liking. If it is, that's the bike I'm going to use for the trip.

I like the concept of the bike. I didn't even realize that bikes could have concepts, but i guess it's not too far removed from architecture in that sense. The idea behind this bike is that it can handle races with rough terrain such as the "Paris-Roubaix" race, which is mainly conducted upon, I kid you not, cobblestones. The compact is also the lowest tier of this group of bikes, so i think I'll be able to make up the difference between the MSRP of the Specialized Allez Triple and the Roubaix easily enough.

Furthermore, I talked to Turin, the bike store for whom I did a little racing (not on the elite team or anything, but at the very least as a racing member of the team). The manager said he would be willing to give me a general fitting, as well as a more professional fitting once I receive my bike. He even said he'd be willing to donate some misprinted water bottles.

Again, I'm overwhelmed with the generosity of people.