Yes, great stories. I don't think my friend will ever be buying an expensive road bike, but she is committed. She's an interesting person; she is a friend of a friend and I new her casually for years before we started doing stuff together. Last night she was heaping praise on me for all the advice I have given her.
I will give a ride report tonight. I've been obsessing about where to take her, since she doesn't have much experience riding on the road.