Help! Choosing a Cycling-Related Celebration of a Significant Milestone

[T-Crush]

When I turned 40 I ordered a new Colnago. The wife planned a get-away with my closest riding friends to celebrate (the birthday, not the bike). An 85 mile ride to Laguna Beach (on the new 'Nag), met the wives down there for a great dinner and a night at a cool boutique hotel.

I remember the trip far more than the bike.

[Irishgirl]

Thanks for posting as I’m at a life transition and looking to celebrate with a bike related expense/experience. Enjoying reading the suggestions!


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[Gummee]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

I'm hitting a milestone this year and doing this: http://www.oregontrailgravelgrinder.com. It's not a Cinghiale tour, which would have been my first choice, but also doesn't cost as much and is a lot easier to get to...

I also like Louis' idea of doing a bike-friendly family vacation - so long as the expectation is set up front that you're going to get the hall pass as often as you want it (get it in writing, or on video - ).

As for the Yamaguchi - you may enjoy some TB-14 rims on there, a bit wider and more cozy with 25s or 28s if you can fit them. Or buy some cheap tubulars when they inevitably get posted - I think Teleguy57 has hinted at some Nemesis to silver Chorus being available - which would be perfect...

What about a Walt-Works gravel bike? Go take his class or partial class, get a new frame, and do some riding in Park City?

TB14s would fit the aesthetic of that frame to a T, but aren't notably lighter or more bling. I have a pair on my steel frame and they're very nice. As a bonus, they're not very expensive in the scheme of things

I'll bet both y'all need a vacation with young'uns around, so why not a half day for you in the AM and a half day for her in the PM at a resort somewhere where there's nice riding, etc? The kids will appreciate the vacation and may make some memories that will last a lifetime

M

[Mzilliox]

You say its hard to leave your family, and I sorta understand that, but in reality, whats 3 or 4 days away from your family for self care time? Its not really a sacrifice to leave, its simply feels that way. Im sure your capable significant other is more than able to keep the young people alive for a couple of days while you are gone.

who knows, maybe they'd like some time to themselves, you've been around an awful lot lately.

[Hawker]

As a guy whose children are just now presenting me with grandchildren...and realizing how quickly all that passes; I vote for doing something with the family WITH the understanding and agreement from your wife that it's just fine that you schedule some really great cycling time. Plan it out in advance so there is no confusion. However, whenever there are small children involved "things" can arise...to be prepared for that.

Also, that is one super gorgeous bike. I would love to see a painted custom stem.

[ScottW]

Pre-congrats on your not-yet-accomplishment. BTDT, about 12 years ago for wifey and me (we met in school).

Professional milestones like these typically command a bit of a pay bump. You can probably afford to do any/many of those things if you prioritize and stretch them out.
You already have a nice bike, so N+1 or a different N+0 nice bike wouldn't top my list. From your photo it doesn't appear anywhere close to needing a repaint/refinish either.
Get a stem that fits how you want it to. Then a wheel upgrade if you want. Those two will pay dividends anytime you ride.

Then do as others have suggested and book a family-compatible trip with lots of cycling time built in for you. Family vacay costs more than you alone, but will be worth it. Wifey probably deserves some reward for supporting you in any number of ways during your educational pursuits, plus it avoids any potential bitching by her or guilt on your part about leaving her at home with the kids for several days.

[CNY rider]

Originally Posted by Matthew

You worked hard. Screw the family.

That's what someone told Woody Allen long ago, but I think he took it the wrong way.

[notsew]

Take the family on a trip. The key to success here, with little children involved, is to bring a grandmother. That way there is a helper around when you are out gallivanting on your bike and the guilt quotient is significantly reduced.

The limiting factor is of course your and your wife's relationship with said grandparent.

When we've gone on trips and taken grandma, I've been able to ride nearly everyday. An alternative that can also work well is to go with another family so the riders can ride and the non-riders can hang with kids then do something else when the riders aren't riding.

On the other hand, Moots are really nice bikes...

[exapkib]

I sure appreciate the thoughtful replies. As with so many things that happen here on the forum, you responses largely confirm what I was already feeling--time is the only absolutely limited resource. I'm going to have to figure something out that creates some time to have a unique experience on the bike.

As any of you who have gone through this process (the road to tenure) know, the stresses and demands that it brings are not limited to the candidate alone, but spill out over everyone close to her/him. In many ways, I owe my wife more than she owes me at this stage of the game. Most of the time I'm just grateful we've made it this far into the process (started grad school 17 years ago, began my current job six years ago) in as good shape as we have. We both love the situation that we have ended up in, and if (as it appears) this review goes through favorably, we can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I will be able to continue in this position for a long time to come.

I'm feeling more certain that some form of family get away in which I bring the bike along is the most feasible and appropriate option. Additionally, it can be accomplished on a relatively small budget, which means that springing for a stem may not be out of the question . . .

Thanks again for being such a useful sounding board!

[tv_vt]

Talk to Eric at Winter Bicycles about that stem.

Pick up some Campy wheels - Shamals, or even Zondas. You'll be surprised how nice they are. Or just rebuild the hubs you have with some newer rims and keep the silver spokes. HED Belgiums are the obvious pick these days for rims, but I really like my old school Ambrosio Excellights a lot. DT has some nice rims, too.

And enjoy that trip.

You'll get that ti frame eventually.

[exapkib]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

Talk to Eric at Winter Bicycles about that stem.

Pick up some Campy wheels - Shamals, or even Zondas. You'll be surprised how nice they are. Or just rebuild the hubs you have with some newer rims and keep the silver spokes. HED Belgiums are the obvious pick these days for rims, but I really like my old school Ambrosio Excellights a lot. DT has some nice rims, too.

And enjoy that trip.

You'll get that ti frame eventually.

Yamaguchi isn't building separate stems any more, so Winter is definitely at the top of my list for the stem. I was chatting with David Kirk about stem building at NAHBS and he said that it's just not worth it to build stems separately--you can't charge enough to make it worth the time it takes.

Thanks for the encouraging words!

[soulspinner]

Originally Posted by Joel

For sure #2.

And here, https://www.velovercors.com/

I've been there three times, or maybe it's four...wonderful place and people!

looks amazing!

[weisan]

exapkib pal, if I may, share some of my thinking on this.

I like to think of life as a sum total of "little" experiences or encounters added together. Some come in bigger chunks like main course, others more like side dishes or desserts. I LOVE side dishes and desserts! More so than the main dish. That's why my friends often see me eating my chocolate cake before the fried chicken is served.

What am I talking about here?

Well, there's really no right or wrong answer here and we all do it slightly differently based on our preference.

Instead of saving up for that dream bike, I like to buy mini dream bikes.
Instead of signing up for that dream tour, I like to go on mini excursions.

To me, time is the most precious and irreversible piece of the whole puzzle.

I believe one bird in the hand is better than two in the air.

I don't wait for the perfect opportunity to present itself, I like to seize the moment.

I try to take advantage of what's in front of me instead of waiting for the next thing to come forth. You just never know, they may never come.

Time waits for no man.

You can't buy time.

It's not for sale.

Everyone is given their rightful amount with respect to time.

Use it or lose it.

There's no refund or do it over.

Now.

Is.

The.

Time.

Do.

It.

Now.

[R3awak3n]

the only bike you should replace that yamaguchi for is another yamaguchi. Keep the guchi and get some new wheels for it, you can get a nice set of wheels and still have plenty of money left for a nice bike trip (at least compared to buying a moots).

The other thing could be getting a bike that can take bigger tires so you could do mixed terrain rides (if you are into that stuff, otherwise nevermind).

[exapkib]

Wise words, Weisan (or were they weis words?).

I'm definitely feeling that pull--as usual, it's mostly a question of balance. Balancing the things in this life that are truly limited--time, childhood, health, youth, etc.