It's all the flat's fault! - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

09-22-2004, 07:02 AM

My new bike got its first flat tire yesterday (Tuesday). That patch of
glass that I've always successfully avoided before? Well, it sent out
tiny, almost invisible scouts into areas that looked clear (and had been
clear -- before).

*fluppa* *fluppa* *fluppa* *fluppa*

*mutter*

*sigh*

So I get as far to the right of the shoulder as I can and set about
fixing it. Found a small, wedge-shaped piece of glass embedded in the
rear tire, removed it, inspected the damage -- didn't look too bad, I
could be grateful for the kevlar-lined tires.

So I get the tube replaced with the spare, get the wheel back on the
bike, and I'm hunched over pumping away with my frame pump. *puff*
*puff* *puff* (that's me, not the pump -- good aerobic exercise, this)
A dark red sedan of some sort pulls over ahead of me and an older lady
gets out. As she gets closer, I notice she's wearing cycling shorts.

She's just come from the local club Tuesday ride and offers to help. At
this point, I'm not sure I need much help, as inflating the tire is a
one-person job, but then she comments that she's got a floor pump in her
car.

Hot diggity.

Get my tire pumped to 100 psi in short order, and we stand there
chatting for a bit. She encourages me to come to the club rides.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up," I say, truthfully.

"Oh, everybody says that!" she pshaws.

Then another member of the club comes upon us, middle-aged fellow about
my age who looks like he's constructed of whipcords and reinforced
steel, riding home from the club ride on a well-maintained Cannondale
touring bike of unknown-to-me age. I eye the bike appreciatively, since
my husband just bought a similar bike from the same company. The bike
before me is equipped with fenders, a rear rack, and a handlebar bag.
I'm impressed with how clean the drivetrain is.

"She doesn't come to our club rides because she's afraid she can't keep
up," the lady announces.

"Everybody says that!" the fellow chuckles.

At this point, I'm feeling outgunned by all the good will and
encouragement, so I stammer out an agreement to find the time to come to
a club ride, thank them profusely, and we all continue on our way.

Now I have to find out when the next club rides are.

And it's all the flat's fault.

*grin*

-km

--
Only cowards fight kids -- unidentified Moscow protester
the black rose
proud to be owned by a yorkie
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