or at least close to it YTD (year to date), particularly after spending the past three weekends in Les Hamptons, of which two were devoted to century rides – 5 Borough Bicycle Club’s Montauk Century and Suffolk Bicycle Rider Association’s Bike Boat Bike (which did, indeed, entail two short boat rides to and from Shelter Island and one not-so-short bike ride).

Basically, I rode 200 miles in 2 days over 2 weekends (say that five times fast) in my not-so-century-friendly commuter hybrid.  But Dew Baby (yes, I really did name her that) held up rather nicely on my first century ride, and kept me company for nearly 10.75 hours over 110 miles (including a couple of bio and pb&j breaks, as well as a rest stop to investigate a potential flat which thankfully did not transpire).

I love my Dew Baby; she’ll always be my first adult bike, and the lady that inspired me to undertake my first century, but alas, we’ll be parting ways for long-distance rides (though she will remain my commuter bike for urban adventures).  This past weekend, I started the purchase process on my first road bicycle to keep me company for many more centuries to come: Scott’s stunning all carbon fiber Shimano 105 equipped CR1 Team.

Upgrade, Baby (and yes, I really will name her that).