So I had a custom bike built just for me by a master frame builder. A bike that isn’t just a piece of steel, it is an extension of my body. In that bike are the years of experience from a man who has built a thousand bikes. Its form and function are flawless, no detail was overlooked. And I have to say…I love her. She is the most beautiful bike I have ever seen.

I had the privilege of learning about colors and components, and lots about accessories like bottle cages  from the builder and my imaginary internet friends both here and on Facebook. And I want to thank you all for your expertise and patience with explaining things to me. You are the best. Yesterday, I got my finished bike. And again, I got to sit down with this incredible human being that is Bill Davidson. He put my bike on the trainer and I started riding. It fit me perfectly. The only thing that needed adjusting was the handlebars. Bill (yes he fit my bike himself) had me grab for the brakes like I needed to make a very quick stop. Then he adjusted the handlebars so that there was no wasted efficiency of motion for that maneuver.

In a few weeks, I will go back in to learn how to disassemble and pack it and reassemble it when I get to my destination. For right now though, I am just going to ride it for a few weeks. Today I take my first ride, my 20 mile commute to work for a meeting and then I get to ride back home. Fortunately, it is going to be one of those rare “not rainy” Seattle winter days.

In June I will start a 15 month long sabbatical. I am giving up everything I own including my apartment. I will be homeless by choice. My bike and I are going to travel. I am going to do a system reboot of my whole life. One chapter, the chapter of the married, suburban housewife raising kids is over. Gone is the last 6 years of divorce and struggle to pay off debt. My bike is a symbol of freedom and the start to the last third of my life. I will be 50 years old in September and hopefully cycling around Europe. For me, right now, I am undefined.