"Spending That Money"

My mom always used to attack me with the comment when I was in High School and College: "You're just spending that money." Later, Alex Thompson told me he had the same criticism thrown his way a few times as well.
Now, I'm doing just that---or I should say, yesterday, I did just that. I finally picked up my Italian Road bicycle from the owner of GranCiclismo/Salvador Race Team in the town of Sacile. It's a pretty sweet bike--fit just for me. Carbon forks, etc...and good components. I bought a mountain bike from this guy a couple of years ago and have been happy with it.
I took the bike out on a spin today and man, it is fast. No sooner had I turned out of my driveway when I had merged with a pack of Italian cyclists cruising up the mountain highway. I was able to hang for a few miles, but fell aft since there was no way I could hang with those guys. Anyway, I cruised around and got used to it. I didn't realize how much the balance changes for a rider on a road bike versus a mountain bike.
If I never ride it again, it was worth it. Only when you make a purchase like that are you really like a kid on Christmas.
Alex "Artie" Thompson will appreciate the fact that both of my bikes are "standard black."
Above is a picture of the fleet.

Sunday Afternoon

This last friday at work we held the fighter pilot tradition of a "Nameage Ceremony." It's when the guys get together and stories are told about the new guys in the squadron and the crowd "votes" on possible callsigns for them. It's a fun night and is always hilarious. Saturday was spent cleaning the squadron bar/lounge and was followed by my research of road bicycles. I want to get one and bike the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia with a friend--or possibly somewhere in France. There isn't much time this summer to do it, so I have to start the planning and "training" now.
On Sunday, a friend and I took the train down to Padova. It's just about an hour and ten minute train ride....essentially one stop to the west of Venice. Padova is a sweet city. St. Anthony's Church is there and houses some of Donatello's sculptures, etc. Padova also has Europe's largest open square--which is mostly all grass and surrounded by statues and a little moat/creek. It is also a famous University town and popular for it's collection of art.
Pictures are: A statue in the Square, and some random Italian guys sitting outside.

Asolo, Italy

This last weekend a friend and I took a little drive to the hill town in the Veneto Region called "Asolo." It was only about an hour and a half away....so it was an easy drive. I'd actually been there a couple of times before. When I lived in Italy after college, Doug and Chris made the drive with me to this cool little town.
It has a neat castle on the hill (basically ruins) and a ton of other cool things to see. Cobblestone streets, great views and several villas which surround the town. Recently, a John Malkovich film was shot there, called "Ripley's Game."
If you want to learn more about the town, you can check out this website...http://www.world66.com/europe/italy/veneto/asolo/history