Aforementioned bike addition...

So in a previous post, I eluded to an upcoming announcement of a new bike.  It hasn't been much of a secret; I've told many friends, and I blogged about the search and deliberation a while ago, but I'm just finally getting around to posting some shots of the newest bike in our family stable.  I once again called on the services of Bob Brown Cycles to retrofit a Surly Long Haul Trucker with S and S couplers, this time for Alison.  Now we both have the ability to use our benefits as airline employees to travel with bikes with no added charge.  

We had been toying with the idea of a fully custom bike, as it's pretty hard to match her exact geometry needs to a stock touring bike, which are usually geared toward male riders, but the 52cm LHT actually works out pretty well after switching to a women's cockpit and saddle, so we pulled the trigger on purchasing this one and having Bob cut it for us.  

Her bike is decidedly pretty for a Surly, as we chose a pink panel scheme on the black frame.  People have referred to it as the "Cover Gurly".  I'll let Alison choose if the term sticks.  :)  Bob did a beautiful job, and I'll get some more proper pictures on the blog soon.  Here's what I have for now:

Home from the chop shop:

Getting an application of frame saver, a rust inhibitor sprayed into the frames innards: 

Freshly built up as of tonight...we may make a few component swaps here and there for various reasons and preferences, but it is very ready for touring...

The original plan was to get out over the weekend to somewhere distant as we both have a long weekend off, but due to flight loads in the locations we were hoping for, as well as weather forecasts, I think we are actually going to forgo the first flight for this bike and do a local bike camping trip.  That way Alison can also get used to her bike in familiar territory before adding the element of stress/adventure that getting out in distant locales can bring.   We do plan on flying out with the bikes soon, and we're pretty excited to see where our pair of Truckers take us over the years.