The mist unusual flat at the Redneck Riviera!

[Mr. Bloom]

So, we're at Silver's family reunion on Mobile Bay in LA - "Lower Alabama".

I decide to geta quick 25 miler in before the fast approaching sunset...which is always beautiful over Mobile Bay.

I'm 1 mile short of finishing and hammering along at 23mph and my rear wheel locks up and I'm skidding for about 50+ feet before I can stop.

My saddle pack disconnected from its clips and wedged itself between the spokes and the rear wheel frame.

So, I'm 600 miles from home, 1 mile from my completion, the sun just set, the mosquitos are swarming, and I HAVE A TWO INCH HOLE WORN IN MY TIRE FROM THE SKID! Heck NO, I will not call Silver to come get me.

Using a trick that a friend taught me, I quickly line the tire with a $5 bill from my pack, changed and reinflated the tube, and made it back just before total darkness!

But now, in addition to a ruined $80 tire, I also have a $5 bill ruined by the road friction! Why didn't I grab a $1 bill instead??

[jusdooit]

I'm so sorry you had trouble. Will you be able to get a replacement tire there so you can still ride? How long do you plan to be in Mobile? One of my co-workers has a son-in-law there who rides. I hear it's got some great options.

[Selkie]

Looking on the bright side, you didn't crash and you were clever enough to figure out a way to patch it. And you got to see the sunset.

I have no shame about those things and would call my husband to come fetch me.

[OakLeaf]

I have no shame about those things and would call my husband to come fetch me.

I would need a blood transfusion if I had to wait more than five minutes among southern mosquitoes.

The reason Mr. S. was riding along at 23 mph is because at 22, the mosquitoes will chase you down and kill you.

Good job, Mr. S.

[Mr. Bloom]

The reason Mr. S. was riding along at 23 mph is because at 22, the mosquitoes will chase you down and kill you.

That's the truth! And they were Tiger Mosquitos!

[Flatlander]

Good job, Mr. Silver!

PS--I hate those tiger mosquitoes. They torment me.

[susan.wells]

I had a similar thing happen when the toolkit (the Topeak one that straps to the frame) became wedged between the seatpost and rear wheel. Why I thought it was a good idea to strap the toolkit to the seatpost I will never know! My friend was riding behind me and I provided the entertainment for that day! She said smoke was billowing from the rear and I was doing all sorts of gyrations to keep from going down. I didn't go down and to this day I'm not sure how I saved it. At least you didn't use a 20$! I usually only carry a 20$ so I should learn something from your experience. I do carry Park tire boots however (along with scissors as you and Silver know ). Glad you survived and trust me you will enjoy recounting the story many times. We laugh hilariously at my lockup! Having lived along the Gulf coast I can envision those mosquitos feasting!

[sundial]

...I also have a $5 bill ruined by the road friction! Why didn't I grab a $1 bill instead??

Well we ARE in a recession.

Looks like your Boy Scout training came in handy.

[Tri Girl]

I've always heard you could do that, so I keep money in my pack (and an empty gu packet). Now that I know it works, I'll use the gu packet and not ruin my money.

It made me laugh that you seem more upset that you grabbed a $5 bill instead of the 1 than with having to deal with the whole incident. hee hee

[Mr. Bloom]

Here are the pics of the tire.

The "white" thing you see in the gash is actually the $5 bill:



This is the $5 bill with three holes worn in it from the 1 mile trek back:

[indysteel]

You are the McGyver of cycling, Mr. S! I'm sure glad you didn't crash and got home safely!

[tctrek]

Very, very clever!!! You know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention!!