Well, here it is - November, 2011. And I finally got around to it - posting a short story about the purchase of my latest bike - Bike Friday, New World Tourist! Thank goodness for the information contained in the photograph's "EXIF" info. Otherwise, I would not even remember the date.

Long story, short - I do a fair amount of international travelling via bicycle. Airlines, in their infinite wisdom have started to gouge the customer by charging upwards of $100 per leg to transport his or her bike (even as an employee). I decided to be a bit proactive, and purchased a fold-up bike from Bike Friday, located in Eugene, Oregon. The bike I decided upon is custom made, and made to fit. That is, Bike Friday literally takes your measurements, and builds a perfect bike for you. they even "spec" it out according to your wishes. Want a titanium frame - no problem! Want "Ultegra" componentry - no problem! Want an internl hub transmission - no problem! Well, you get the picture. My bike was designed for loaded, long distance touring. It was also designed to fold up compactly enough to fit inside a suitcase. This suitcase turns into a trailer (via a kit) which can in turn be pulled behind your bike. This eliminates a lot of hassels trying to get the thing packed for your return journey.

After consulting with one of Bike Friday's representatives, my bike was ordered. I made a decision to pick up the bike at the factory in Eugene, making a mini-vacation out of the affair. I would fly from London, Canada to Vancouver, then to Portland, Oregon to rent a car. The drive to Eugene I planned along a scenic drive through the mountains. At the end of my mini-trip, I would fly home with my new bike.

The flight from Vancouver to Portland

The only photo I took on the drive from Portland to Eugene

Bike Friday Headquarters, the night before I picked up my bike - scoping the place out ...

Out in the Oregon countryside - test driving my bike - funny how I never even took a "self portrait" while on the road!

More Oregon countryside ...

Crater Lake, south of Eugene

This was in May - I can see why the north access road is closed to traffic until June!

Beauty Scenery!