"It's not about the bike."

"It's not about the bike."
I'm not sure why this phrase struck me yesterday on my way to my final bike maintenance class, but it did, and I repeated it over and over in my head during that drive. I can't remember where I first read those words, but they will hopefully stick with me--especially after spending so much time obsessing about my Fuji conversion and, most recently, my new Iro. I've spent countless time on internet message boards, Craigslist, and Ebay, as well as in shops and with my head in magazines and books. I'm sure when I'm not craving an upgrade of one component or another, I'll be figuring out how to fix or maintain something else, sending me back to the computer or a manual. Hopefully for now, the only thing to anticipate is regular cleaning and the one thing to look forward to is riding. "It's not about the bike."
C has made it clear she's exhausted by the obsession I fostered this winter. Maybe it has all just been a symptom of the season; this spring I hope to come out with full force, on the streets and on the bike trails. It won't be hard to remember it's not about the bike. I spent the winter inside, and have ended up with a perfect bike. I'll try not to baby it too much--"it's not about the bike"--but want to keep it in proper condition.
Last night I finished installing my front brake and re-taped the handlebars of the Iro which has gotten me excited to ride. Unfortunately today's weather is crap, and as my Brooks hasn't been treated, I rode the Fuji. Despite that fact, it was a great ride, after a month of driving.
So, sorry C, for my self-centered obsession. I think you understand I've been trying to learn and absorb all I can; I've been trying to make informed decisions; and hopefully the time hasn't detracted too much from home life, right? I love you more than any bike, and really appreciate your support and patience for this growing passion of mine.

[Update: Ohhhhhh--I guess that's the title of the Lance Armstrong book which was featured in the movie You, Me, and Dupree which was on TV recently. haha. (What is Carlness? It's your name with "-ness" at the end of it...) So, I'll assume the phrase was interpreted differently from Lance's perspective, oh well...]