My eyes are dry.

Why I here you ask? Well, I cannot peel my eyes away from staring at my new baby. Everything about it screams style, speed, endurance and performance. I even woke up last night to a thump in the still of night, and had to check on the bike to make sure it was still there and not being knocked off by some Cannondale enthusiast. And once awake do you think I could go back to sleep - not a chance. I lay awake for the next hour rolling over names in my head that would give my baby justice.

Yesterday was a day I will always remember and I am sure the guys at Panther's Cycles will also remember it too, for much different reasons. I had been waiting to get my bike for months and my anxiety over to having to wait and finally reaching this day was probably more than I could handle. I was like Mt Vesuvius - ready to explode (actually I think I did). The guys were in front row seats for my spectacular show and could hardly believe their eyes - I'm sure. My pupils became fixed and dilated and I could feel a massive rush of adrenalin course through my body. I was finally touching my bike, MY BIKE. This had no-one else's name on it apart from mine.

As the adrenalin dissipated and my normal bubbly self returned and manic Barb left the building, I was able to finally get focused on the task at hand. Getting fitted - and stupid me forgot to take my bike shorts in. So, much to Macca's dismay, I was going to have to be fitted in my jeans. It worked, I just rolled my jeans up, excused my hairy legs (it's winter) and we got started. First the seat, then the bars and everything else. I got a workshop on how to change a flat, take off my back wheel and put it back on again, how to use the gears and how to sit on my saddle properly. 90 minutes later and I was good to go.

Few things have to added and changed - like my saddle, the white one is a male specific seat and I have my female specific SelleItalia, so I will be getting that changed today. My son will get the white one on the GIANT. I am also going to get a bike kit with all the little bit n pieces should I get a flat out on my many road rides which I will now be definately doing.

So back to naming my baby - the first thing I did this morning was start searching for names, and I came across a name which resonated immensely within me. It is a name that not only demonstrates courage to stand alone and be brave, but it also describes the journey that I have been on. So it is with great honour I present to you:

Aliyah.
(Hebrew - to ascend, to rise up).

I look forward to a wonderful journey with Aliyah. A true bond which will only grow over the years and the paths we share together.