And the Stupid Award Goes To . . . .

[GeoCam]

I am a "wannabe" commuter. It is only about 6 miles each way and I can use an MUP for 75% of it. I have tried it a time or two and really wish my schedule and circumstances would make it more feasible. Since I haven't figured out a way to make it work for me, I also have not been able to justify the expense of purchasing bags, clothing, lights, etc. that are needed for true commuting.

Anyway, this morning when I took my 13yo to volleyball practice at 6 am, I noticed what a gorgeous morning it was and decided to go for a ride. I decided not to stress out about getting cleaned up, packing work clothes, helmet hair, etc. I just strapped an empty bag onto my rear rack, got a water bottle and took off. I figured I would ride for a while, slip into the office and pack up some work to take home and work at home for the day (something my boss is ok with). I had a lovely ride, took LOTS of detours and got to the office after riding about 20 miles. Mind you, I have had a tough spring/summer this year with back problems and all of my rides thus far have been no more than 10-15 miles at a time. I called my co-worker on my cell phone from outside the building and she brought some folders out to me. I packed the bag, strapped it on with bungee cords kinda like a pannier bag, and took off for home.

Before long, I was really having trouble. I was thinking how dumb I was to try for such a long ride without working up to it properly. I wondered if I could even make it back home. At one point, I stopped to rest on a bench and came "this close" to calling my co-worker to come rescue me. Pride eventually won out and I slogged on. It was tough going, and I felt like I just had no strength left in my legs. Shortly after getting off the MUP and a few blocks from home, I had to cross a major street that has a nice crosswalk near the elementary school - the kind that stays green all the time until you trigger traffic to stop by pushing the button. I was embarrassed for anyone to see what bad shape I was in, so decided to walk the bike across. Guess what - I could barely even PUSH the bike!! Upon closer inspection, I discovered one of my bungee cords was holding the brake against the back tire - I had ridden the last 6 miles with the brakes on!!!!! I laughed my sore tushie off. Jeez, this is embarrassing (don't tell anybody, OK?).

P.S. Guess who is now shopping for some "real" pannier bags?

[oxysback]

LOL! The sad thing is that I've had rides like that where I swear there MUST be a reason for the slugishness...but NOPE! I just sucked that day.

[sfa]

LOL! Think of the good workout you got with all that extra resistance! And isn't it nice to know that it was a mechanical problem all along?

Sarah

[Grog]

Pride can be a sin, but also sometimes a good thing: it can make you a bit stronger. Now imagine if you co-worker had picked you up and you would have realized your blunder as you put your bike in her/his car!!

Glad all went well. I'm sure you'll enjoy your brake-rub-free commute in the future.

[Pax]

That is great! You must feel like a total stud-ette right about now.

[andtckrtoo]

I'm rolling over here. That is SOOO something that would happen to me. In fact something similar did happen on a long ride with a friend - my brake was rubbing my tire and I rode like that for about 20 miles before I realized something HAD to be wrong (thought I was just a weak fool!).

You are a Studette!! WAY TO GO!

[GLC1968]

Ah yeah...I did the same thing. I was on a group ride with quite a few people who I didn't know all that well. I was bringing up the rear and I mean WAY in the rear. Very unusual for me, but I thought I was just weak and fat (I'd gained a lot of weight since the last group ride I'd done).

I discovered at the half way point that my breaks were rubbing on the rear wheel. After that, I felt like a speed demon and I probably could have left the bunch of them in my wake. I didn't though...I still hung back a little because I didn't want anyone to know how stupid I'd been. I'd rather they just thought I was having an off morning!

So don't feel stupid - it happens to us all!

[GeoCam]

Wow, thanks everyone! This has done me a world of good. When I wrote the original post, I thought I was old, fat, a bit of a wimp and not so smart. But your feedback has revealed that I am in truth a soon-to-be fabulously wealthy studette inventor! Who knew?!?!?!

[mimitabby]

first real ride on my Raleigh hybrid, i rode 10 miles with my DH on the burke-gilman trail. I had no idea what it should feel like or how fast i should go, and he was getting pretty irritated with me because i was going so slow.
We finally stopped at a bathroom (Logboom park) and i threw myself on the ground, totally spent. He demanded to know what was wrong with me.
The brake was dragging.
who knew? and who knew to check?
that was the last time THAT happened.