Well I put on a new stem yesterday and just HAD to go out to test it today, despite a rainy forecast. It was 40 degreesF and really WINDY with grey clouds, but out I went for a 13 mile ride with some hills to test our shifting/derailleur fine tuning we had naturally had to do after changing the stem out.

I felt pretty good, and so did the bike. Nice and smooth and the stem seemed ok on the fairly short ride. I got blown around a lot by the gusty wind, but that was sort of invigorating. Then it started raining, but still I felt refreshed rather than miserable- luckily I had thought to put on my screaming neon yellow NightLife wind/rain jacket, which kept the wind and wet out nicely. I felt good, though I was sure all the car drivers were probably feeling sorry for me riding in the cold windy rain...
I was happy to get home and dry up and warm up and get back to work. It was a good day.
I'm so glad that winter is over and I can start riding again!!!!!!