That's a nice looking bike.
But, I am going to be the contrarian. I rode around on DH's old mountain bike for about a year and a half. While it got me in cycling shape and taught me skills, I don't think it made me stronger. When I got my first road bike, (an average, entry level, aluminum, nothing special one), my average speed went up from 11-12 to 15 pretty quickly. I envy those who can keep up on group rides on old heavy bikes. I can't. I love riding my Jamis, but speed goes out the window when I ride it. It doesn't mean you shouldn't start out on an older, higher geared road bike or heavy mountain bike, if that's what you have, but I really don't think it made me a better rider. I just toodled along on the mountain bike, going about 3 mph, up some pretty big hills.
Just saying.