D - Sorry you keep losing your posts. It pisses me off when that happens. Like others, I have started typing my longer posts in word, and copying and pasting to the forum...
BG - I haven't ridden since July 18, so i feel your pain on not riding. Get out there and get riding again. Ride that old dirty bastard with a smile... BTW - If you win the lottery, send a couple K my way for a new bike. Will be buying a ticket tonight as well, so I will be happy to reciprocate...
JC - Thanks! I want to work hard enough on the trainer so that I'm stronger when I get out on the road than the last time I rode. Tonight I'll ride for 45 minutes. In answer to your question about ultimate bike - RANS Stratus XP Titanium
http://www.ransbikes.com/SXPTI%2007.htm#. It's not a sexy roadie, but for the type of endurance riding I want to do, it will be perfect. Will probably end up with the Steel version of that bike, though. $1,995 v. $5,000. Aluminum is $3,500, but has reduced weight limit, so if I was going to spring the $3,500, I'd go ahead and fork over the extra $1,500 for the titanium. I hope that your surgery goes well and the doc is able to correct your band. You are a strong person, and we will be here to support you.
HP - I love fried chicken, too (part of the reason I ended up at 336, I think). Early this summer, once I knew I was going to be banded, I had a farewell fried chicken dinner. It was the worst fried chicken I'd ever had. Was soooo pissed off. I think, though, it's one of those foods that I will have to avoid, good fried chicken is just too good to have only a few bites.
J - :) back at ya! Enjoy the hell out of your ride tomorrow! Let us know how it goes - I expect that we'll hear the "Woo Hoo!!!!" all the way down here in Texas!
Jobstud - Are you still with us? Did you ever get your bike?
B