Some Time…

September 28th, 2006

…has passed since I last blogged, about 2 weeks or so. Other than going to Illinois and getting 2 flats on my bike in 2 weeks, not a lot has happened. I had a HELL of a time in Illinois, and the bike thing, well, it blows. I did spend more time on the Metro on Monday than I did on the plane. That always seems funny to people.

I got the first flat last Tuesday at the river trail. I was like 50 feet from the car and it was a slow leak so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been (as bad as yesterday). I got back from STL Monday, and I stopped at the bike shop on my way to class. It was closed so I had to go to Al’s. I got a “puncture proof” tire. The rubber on the outside it thicker than the rubber on the inside. I tried to find a picture on the internet but I don’t remember the brand and can’t find it.

Anyhow, I replaced the tube on Tuesday, then went and rode about 30 minutes later. My front tire seemed a bit heavier, but that was to be expected with more rubber in it. Other than the heaviness, there were no problems to speak of on Tuesday. Last night, however, is a different story. I was on a record setting pace, personal best, whatever you want to call it. In short, I was hauling ass. I made it to the turn around 2 minutes fast than I’ve ever made it, rode up and over the river, then started on my way back. About 2 miles later the front tire blew. It wasn’t one of those slow leaks that gradually goes flat, it was like BAM! I’m really lucky I didn’t go over the bars, although that would have made a lot better story.

So I start walking. Let’s just state for the record that walking anywhere in cycling shoes sucks ass. They were made to snap into the pedals, not traverse the path itself. I had a nice 9 mile ride, then a nice 1.5 or 2 mile walk. Some guys riding by were nice enough to stop and help me out. I used to carry and extra tube and had a pump mounted on my other bike. Looks like I’m going to have to hook that up again. The dude gave me a tube and cartridge of C02 to fill it up. I’m going to get a replacement and give it to him next week. They meet at 6:15 at the other end, and it’s about halfway through my ride, so I can leave at 5:45 and meet them over there. So after I got all squared away, I rode the remaining 5 miles back to the car and came home. I was absolutely less than thrilled.

So I’m taking the “puncture resistant” tube back to Al’s and getting my fuckin money back. The only thing I can figure is that it might have been a pinch flat, and even that doesn’t make sense because there are no potholes on the trail. It’s smooth sailing. There’s no way that any tube should pop in the middle of its second ride. It’s not like I rolled over a bunch of tacks or anything. I’m riding tonight too (to the damn at Draper and back), and if I get another flat I’m going to be SUPER pissed. So everyone keep your cell phones within earshot, because I may be calling for a ride home.

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