I’ve really enjoyed cycling over the last several months. Usually I try to ride about an hour a week as crosstraining. Lately, I’ve been riding a lot more to rest a hip flexor that’s a bit sore. It’s great to have a fun, cardio-based alternative to running.

But something happened during all those miles on my bike. I realized that I enjoy going fast. And far. And it’s fascinating to use my iPhone to track how fast and far I go. And I don’t like riding on gravelly trails or other uneven surfaces.

In other words, it’s time to upgrade from my excellent Sirrus hybrid to a true road bike. And I’m bringing my wife with me.

We went out to Bicycles, Inc. this week and test rode several models. Neither of us had ever ridden a roadie before. Jenny’s last bike was a mountain bike from over a decade ago, designed to be rugged and durable for off-road riding. My hybrid is tough like a mountain bike but with thinner, lighter wheels and a lighter frame. A road bike is a whole different animal designed for speed – an even lighter frame and wheels, lower handlebars, and a more aggressive stance. Jenny and I climbed on our test bikes and felt like we’d saddled a rocket. They want to go fast. Riding a roadie feels a bit like driving a race car that will take off if you don’t work to rein it in.

Yes, please.

Jenny is looking at the Specialized Dolce, and I’m looking at the Trek 2 series. Bicycles, Inc. takes trade-ins like a car dealership, so I will say goodbye to my beloved Sirrus and apply the funds toward something even faster. When the boys are in school and I’m awake, Jenny and I hope to ride together. Maybe we’ll even try to race together someday, perhaps Hotter ‘n’ Hell 2013 or one of the races in the Dallas area.