Sometimes you plan on walking
I suited up for some more punishment today. It was snowing outside, and the wind seemed as harsh as yesterday. I went on record yesterday saying that I rode in what surely was the lousiest day of April 2008, but today looked so crap-tacular that I figured that I better ride just to make sure.
I pulled on the tights, the long-sleeved jersey, and started to put on the shoes when I looked over at my bike and noticed the tire sitting on the rim. I did not have to look long for the cause of the air loss (as luck would have it, the puncture was top dead center and obvious).
I thought for a second that this might be an omen (or at least justification to bag the ride plan), but I was already suited up. The plan was to just pull the detritus and slap in a new tube, but the tube did not want to pull away from the casing. That was not my first indication that the problem was more than a typical puncture.
I guess this is a bone fragment. Surely, I could not have gone far with this in the tire? The scary thing is, when a rider approaches my house (as I did at the end of yesterday's ride) you descend a large hill and make a couple hairy turns at the bottom. I am nearly certain that I navigated these turns with this in my tire.
Luckily I had a spare tire and tube (my last tube). I officially need to buy some new tires and tubes now. I went out on my ride with no backup plan for additional flats. I figured, if I get another flat...I am walking.
I rode my regular loop today. Probably 25 miles. Nothing special. Today was just a little more exciting because the conditions were not great, and I knew any problems would result in a long walk.
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Oh I got yer tubes right here
No need to go in search of tubes unless you just want to stock up. I just took delivery of 5 new ones. Plus I think I have 3-4 left over from the last time I bought tubes.
And then there's the like-new one I put in that wheel and tire for you. I don't go through tubes as much as I used to.
At least not since I stopped riding over dead bodies.
You know, that is funny
When G-Wiz and I rolled out yesterday to ride, he was explaining how he double flatted on his last ride. I almost brought up the fact that I have not had a flat on a road bike in 3 years (granted, I did not ride on the road much last year).
I choose not to mention that fact for fear it would bring on the vengeance of the flat-gods. I guess it only take a thought to jinx one's self these days.
Thats a good one
No joke, those last few high speed turns coulda resulted in a nasty wipe out... Good thing the tire held up. If there is one thing I've learned, its never to think or even talk about good luck... It always seems to come back and nip you in the butt. Or tire, in your case.
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