Rotator Titanium Pursuit
at the Shimano Future Bike Booth

Shimano's Future Bike Booth with the theme of Performance of Comfort, featured many advanced concepts in comfort design, including Rotator's Titanium Pursuit. In addition to featuring advances in comfort riding, Shimano's goal was to create a benefit for various charities.

Show attendees were asked to "vote" for their favorite design by placing coins/money in a ballot box next to the bike of their choice. Each manufacturer identified a favorite charity for their ballot box. Rotator's choice was the Lance Armstrong Cancer Fund. We placed second in vote counts

The following Princess Ultegra story was introduced at the trade show:

Mermaid Saves Sore Cyclist's Butt

I have cycled thousands of miles and the one event I always return to is the benefit ride for cancer. I do this in memory of an old friend Lew, who was taken by this cruel disease at too young an age. Each year has become more and more grueling but I do it for Lew.

This time, I can barely keep my head up and this saddle has numbed me. I wonder if I'll ever regain any sensation! I've got to stop, get off this torture machine and rest.

Here's a spot, right by this bay. I'll just rest a bit and then keep pushing on. What's that in the water? I must be hallucinating. A gorgeous woman diving under that rock and then a fish tail flashing at me, teasing me, making me think I'm dreaming? I'll just go down to the water's edge, get a closer look, maybe splash some of this cool, crystal water on my face.

She is real! My god, she's incredible! But wait... mermaid myths are for Walt Disney animators and kids.... impossible.

"If it makes you feel better, you can think that I'm just a dream or a hallucination. I'm Princess Ultegra and you've been brought to me for a reason. No human should suffer the torture and pain you're feeling. Lew certainly wouldn't approve. After all, he was your fun loving friend, remember? Lew would turn over in his grave if he knew you were doing this and not having any fun."

"Look over here. This is the machine you need for this ride. It's truly the performance of comfort. It's a Rotator Titanium; no rust and ever so light weight. And try out the seat. Forget about saddles, this seat is made to cradle your body in comfort. Silky Smooth components are the very best from Emperor Shimano.

"Go ahead, give it a try. Yes, there actually are 54 gears made from a rare underwater mineral called gearonium. Those sensuous shapes that caught your eye will help you glide through the sea of life".

Before I know what is happening, I am back on the road, riding this incredible bike and soon passing riders like they were sea slugs! Wow, this thing glides along with so little effort, it's amazing!

I finish the ride knowing I've regained the spirit of cycling.

Thank you Princess Ultegra.... you'll be in my dreams.