I'm figuring out how to use Solidworks; just in the beginning stages of taking the trike design from 2D in AutoCAD to 3D in Solidworks.  But thats not what I bought today.
 
Ordered a Nuvinci wheel kit.  On one hand, the idea of mounting half a bowling ball inside my rear hub just doesn't sit well with me.  On the other hand having the ability to infinitely adjust my cadence may (or may not) make it worthwhile.
 
I tried a Nuvinci a couple months ago, and frankly for longer rides it felt really good.  Forget the slingshot starts; only a derailleur will do there.  Then again I don't slingshot very often anyway.
 
Considered a Rohloff with a single chainring, and still may go that way, but the cost is a bit steep.  Noisey little bugger too.  Tried one with about 5000 miles on it and it was indeed cool, but shifting meant moving the pedal as opposed to pushing the pedal while shifting.  Upshifting while going uphill was OK, but not near as nice as my trusty Deore XT derailleur.
 
Tried an Alfine 11 at one point.  Like the Rohloff it had its moments going up a long hill.  Going from 2-1 felt like skipping a gear which was OK.
 
So once it's installed and I have a couple hundred miles, I'll either post a report or you'll see it in the Classifieds....

I know it's a simple thing, but I got a Click-Stand and I love it. So simple. I'd been searching for a kickstand all over, but everything I'd found was either too short or too expensive.
 
http://www.click-stand.com/Home_Page.html
 
I'm goofy, I know. But I like it when I get something that actually works like it's supposed to. Oh yeah, the guy who makes them is really nice, and emailed me several times to make sure I got what I needed.

bought a new bike. I know I've been bothering all of you about bikes and advice, so thanks for all of your input. I went down to Austin and spent about three hours with Mike and the gang at Easy Street and left with a brand new Bacchetta Strada.  
 
http://olivertull.com/Olivers_Blog/Entries/2012/10/18_This_Guy!!!.html
 
I tested the Lightning Phantom, which is a great bike, and a couple of trikes as well, but felt like right now the Strada is the right one for me to try. Hopefully this is the bike I will do a century on at next years' HHH.  
 
So, now I have a couple of older clunkers to get rid of to make space in the garage. Who wants some scrap metal?

Congrats oliver, I sure you will be happy with it.  Look forward to seeing you out there again.

Oliver, be careful what you get rid of.  I started on an EZ-1 years ago, sold them and bought other recumbents and trikes.  Last night, Fast Eddie and I went to Frisco to pick-up for me another EZ-1.  I wanted a bike to run errands on, carry groceries and if it got stolen, it was no big deal.  The "Red" EZ-1 fits that purpose.  No, I'm not selling my V-Rex or my trike.  I'm just collecting and hopeing to go "really car-lite".

Don't worry, Chris, all I did was swap the old engine into a new vehicle. You will still kick my bum.
 
And you are right, diannalightning, I am probably going to keep one of the bikes in our theater as my run around town bike. Probably the Cycle Genius, just because it takes up less space.
 
So far, and this isn't a review, the Strada is sooooo much lighter than what I was pedaling that I am sure I'm taking hills easier, if not any faster just yet. Getting used to using a slightly different set of muscles is going to take a bit to get used to. I basically went from having my feet below me to having them above me, so it is taking some getting used to.
 
Also, it is a good thing that Mike didn't have a Musashi built up in my size, because I was jonesing for one after seeing Shelbear ride hers at the Roanoke ride. I'd have bought it right then and there.

Great choice Oliver.  The Strada is a good balance between price and performance.
 
Several of us rode Stradas in the HHH this year.  It gets the job done.
 
 

Finally broke down and bought some "real" tights from Aerotech Designs. I bought the thermal ones in the same size as my shorts from them. They seem to fit the same and will hopefully make the cold weather more comfortable. I hope it is a long time before I find out.