My dream ride

Written by cycleguy on January 28th, 2009

After yesterday’s post I need to lighten it up a little today.  So, keep that thought in mind as you read this post.  Everyone has to have a dream.  In my eyes, to live without a dream is to…well…not live.  Take, for example, the following illustrations:

In 1774 a leader named John Adams boldly declared, “Someday, I see a union of thirteen states, a new nation, independent from the Parliament and the King of England.”  He was the first to address the idea publicly.  A few years later, against all odds, the United States of America was born.  A dream come true.

Fifteen years later, an Englishman by the name of William Wilberforce stood before the British Parliament and lobbied for the end of slave trade.  It took decades and almost his entire life before his dream became a reality.

In the late 1800s, the Wright brothers pictured a day when people would soar through the sky aboard a metal capsule with wings.  Ten years later, on December 17, 1803, the Wright Flyer made its first public ascent  from the sandy beach in North Carolina.  (Even against their father’s judgment).   A dream realized.

You have probably read the same books I have, listened to the same speakers I have, and formulated the same questions I have after reading those books and listening to those speakers.   If you don’t have a dream (vision) you will get nowhere.  I agree with that, especially when you talk about the church and its future direction.  The old saying is true: “if you aim at nothing you are sure to hit it.”  Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream and he spoke it, lived it, and died for it.

I too, have a dream.  I have a dream ride.  No, it is not to have a Harley (although I would not turn one down if someone just happened to want to bless me.  My bride may have something to say about that thought).   😉   I don’t have a dream for a Mercedes or a Beemer or an Acura SUV.  (Cars are a definite problem for me in the size area.  I am happy with my Mitsubishi Outlander)  And no, I don’t want a horse even though my legs would fit well around a horse.  ()  Besides, I couldn’t afford to feed and board them.

No…my dream ride is pictured below.  It is a 64cm 2.3 Trek with a compact double on the front.  In fact, if you are interested (and I know you are) you can find out more about it here and follow the links.  M-m-m-m  sweet-looking ride with the promise of hours of enjoyment.
my dream

my dream

If there are any of my loyal blog friends who just happen to have extra cash laying around and want to “bless” your new blogging friend, you can call 1-800-FORBILL.  (I wanted 1-800-HELPBILL but it was too many letters.  ‘Course 1-800-LUVBILL works).   Or you can send the cash directly to me.  🙂

Seriously now…do you have a dream?  If money were no option; if conscience were no option; if current bills were no option; if  the Bible’s words of “not coveting” were not a stumblingblock; and if Jesus’ words of “when I was in prison, hungry, thirsty, naked…” would not bother you, what would you dream of having?  This is purely a fun exercise, no seriousness involved at all (except I am serious about wanting this bike).  What would your answer be?  Dream on (got you singing that song now don’t I?)

 

25 Comments so far ↓

  1. Toby says:

    Well, while I hate to suck the fun out of this post, I would SERIOUSLY dream of having an airplane (a pilot wouldn’t hurt either) so I could come home to see my Mom whenever I wanted! I’d even settle for frequent flyer mile donations to make it cheaper :-).
    Maybe I should set up my own number..how about 800-TobyHome?

  2. cycleguy says:

    Toby: Worthy dream my friend. Here’s to hoping you get that plane or at least get to see your mom. Cheers! (Sorry no bubbly)

  3. Oh Bill…this dream is so easy…I want to be the starting third baseman for the Baltimore O’s…heck…I’d take being the starting third baseman for ANY team…maybe even Karma’s children’s team!

  4. cycleguy says:

    Steve: so a frustrated baseball player huh? I remember those days as well. I suspect though at your age (did I say that?) you may have to even bribe Travis’ team. 🙂

  5. Hey! That was uncalled for…totally uncalled for…

    Just remember…I’ll always be younger than you! You’ll be dead and gone for many, many, many, did I say many, years before I’ll even catch up with you!

  6. 64cm? Dude, you must be eight feet tall! Three years ago, I realized a dream, purchasing a Trek Madone (mine is 58cm). It is a great bike! But not without issues. In the first few weeks, the rear derailluer exploded on a ride. I don’t know what happened, but as I geared down and stood to take a slight climb, there was a loud popping noise, I could not pedal, and there were parts all along the road. The derailluer had blown completely apart. My LBS replaced the derailluer, but did nothing about the deep gash in the paint caused by the mishap. They said at the time that there was no compromise in the structrual integrity of the frame, and I guess they were right, since I have had no issues since.
    The mistake I made was in buying a bike with a triple chainring. Completely unnecessary, even when my weight is up, and the triple causes a lot of shifting issues that Shimano has never worked out.
    Now I have my eyes set on that red Madone. However, it will have to remain a dream for now, since I recently purchased a new commuter. When you think about the cost per mile of a nice bicycle, it is really easy to justify a purchase like this, don’t you think?

  7. Nice ride!

    Haven’t seen you on Swerve lately.

  8. Desertjim says:

    64cm!!! Man, you are tall. That Trek is a nice bike. Keep dreaming, maybe you’ll be able to get a nice used one for a quarter of the price.

    I just bought a used Giant Rincon hardtail mountain bike at a pawn shop for $150 and it is a huge upgrade from my early 90’s Trek. I’ve been able to take it out a couple of times and it sure handles the rocks and hills alot better.

    As far as dreams, I think you know mine. To live in a town that has a church that loves God and people that don’t look like them and where I am able to be used by God.

  9. cycleguy says:

    jason: thanks for stopping by. Yeah, I am 6’5″. Long legs. I currently ride a 62cm Bianchi that is approaching 10 years. Has Campy components and I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. When I bought it they put a triple on for me because of my age and knees. I am now 56. I lived in very flat land for 18 years and 3 years ago moved here to Spencer (translate: hills). But I find that I very seldom use the big ring and can count on one hand where I have gone to the small ring. so a double this time. Madone is a little (no make that a lot) out of my price range so I will settle for this. One of these days anyway. 🙂 Glad you stopped by. I am always excited about meeting a fellow cyclist.

  10. cycleguy says:

    Bill: yeah I have been negligent about commenting. I have been reading each day. Been through some of what Craig has been saying too. Trying to find a balance…know what I mean? Glad you stopped by. Any news?

  11. Michael says:

    Cubs season tickets (for life of course) and an apartment in Wrigleyville.

  12. cycleguy says:

    DJ: Yep, if you read my comment to Jason…6’5″. Until this year I have had to settle for a custom bike if I want one to fit me. One of the reasons I am still riding my 10 year old Bianchi. I had it “fit” several years ago to suit me better. Know anyone who might be interested? 😉 As for your choice…I know nothing about hardtail mb. Being so tall has sort of curtailed any interest in that side of cycling. Plus I am too old and fragile and would probably kill myself. Hope you enjoy your ride. Good to hear from you my friend.

  13. cycleguy says:

    DJ: forgot to comment on that last paragraph. I believe God will honor that some day. When? Where? Who knows. But He will. I am praying daily to that end for you.

  14. cycleguy says:

    Steve: Apology given. But the truth does hurt? 🙂

  15. cycleguy says:

    Michael Michael Michael. When will you and Toby and all the other Cub fans recognize efforts in futility? 😉 ‘Course I can’t say much since your Cubs have made improvements while my Bucs have gone downhill. Maybe for you it will happen this year. Okay so that was stretching it somewhat.

  16. cycleguy says:

    How about both of us? I am old and you are getting there and probably would have to bribe Travis’ team to play. 🙂

  17. Heidi Reed says:

    a 10 carat flawless, colorless, emerald cut, diamond ring set in platinum

  18. cycleguy says:

    Heidi: How about I tell Rich and he can get you one to celebrate the birth of Jaxon and the next 100 christmases? 😉

  19. machelle says:

    Bill, Money can’t buy what I want and that is “Quiet”, but maybe I would hire a Nanny to take care of the kids, maybe a cook…To feed Kelly…I guess I would buy help 🙂 Enjoy your winter wonderland today, wish I could come for the day and sled.

  20. cycleguy says:

    Machelle: quiet? whatever for? 🙂 It is winter wonderland here. We got about 5 yesterday and probably close to 7-9 last night and this morning. Sun is now shining (translate: blinding) But sure is beautiful.

  21. We head out there this weekend. Tours on Saturday and Sunday and interviews on Monday. I’ll let you know how it goes.

  22. cycleguy says:

    Will be praying and anxious to hear.

  23. Brad Ruggles says:

    Whoo hoo! Sweet ride indeed. My dream ride is actually a bike that I built when I was 20. My wife wanted me to get rid of it when we moved but I’ve hung on to it. It’s a nice Klein road bike (I think I have pics of it in one of my posts somewhere).

    My dream is to get back out there and ride another century this summer.

  24. cycleguy says:

    Brad: glad you see it that way too! Have never ridden a Klein but hear they were awesome bikes. Have to try to find it. Dream and do. I am at the age where a century would probably lay me up for a month. 🙂 Thanks for coming by. Liked your site. Good stuff there.