Calcified

337.9; 17.7 (108.6 miles in five days)

It's quite warm outside today, and I did already walk about five miles, so 17.7 is acceptable. Could've gone longer, but this was all the distance I needed to go today.

I guess I wouldn't say I'm going with full-on intensity, but I am going harder than "medium." On the return trip, I tried very hard to keep it over 15mph, which is pretty fast for me, as a continuous pace (I get to 17 or 18 with a tailwind, or at least no headwind, and perhaps a bit of a downhill slant). Mostly did stay over 14 (well, definitely over 13) the entire ride back, except stopping and slowing for traffic.

Looking at bikes. Navarro Buzz V was looking pretty good in the REI store, but now I realize the gearing is pretty much the same as my existing bike; now I'm getting swayed by the Marin Redwood: http://www.marinbikes.com/2008/us/bikes/specs_redwood.php or the Muirwoods 29er: http://www.marinbikes.com/2008/us/bikes/specs_muirwoods_29er.php

So many variables! It helps to keep in mind that you can change a lot of stuff on a bike after you get it, and the more integral options are the ones to consider first: frame type and shape, gearing, brakes. The seat seems to be the first thing to go on a lot of stock bicycles. It's good that I think about it more before doing anything.