I'm cursed!

[ladyjai]

I have had flats like you wouldn't believe. Hideous buggers, and issues with patches, and... It is not uncommon for me to have a flat(or 3) every 20-40 miles. Keep in mind that I ride 150-170 miles a week. Flats like to hit me in packs, and it is not always a servicewoman issue. I could change a flat in 7 minutes on my Hardrock. I've learned to check the tires, to take the road, avoid debrie, whatever. I hoped with my new ride, I'd be free of flats, at least for awhile.

However... (there's always a but), on my commute today, it was beautiful. I'm flying down the road, almost at work, then, Ssssi---Sssssi---Ssssi---Ssssi---Ssssi---Ssssi---.... grrrrrr... I pulled over, and made very load groans and moans and whining noises. Checked out the tire... noooooo... a nice gash at least half an inch long on one side - and these aren't thick tires. grumble, grumble, walk back to the shade and try to get the tire off.. There are a couple walker-commuters passing by who I'm sure got to hear my joy....

Good morning, I offer and go back to my tire. oh, yeah, these tires aren't thick. I, um.. can't get them off without tools.. look around.. i could try a stick..hmm.. ID cards.. drivers license and ASU ID to the rescue... bent them up a little trying to get the tire back on, though... pump it up to 60-80 range, which is about all I can do with those silly pumps in a decent time. I only need to get 1 mile. lovely.. i can see the tube through the hole.... bet that was how I got the flat...

I visited the bike shop during lunch, but grrrrrr... i didnt even get a full 100 miles before something like this happened...

The good news is, at least it no longer makes me want to cry. grumble, growl, but then laugh - I mean, what else can I do? I'm cursed, flats look like they are a part of my life. Wonder how fast I'll get to be at fixing them on this bike?