How Was Your Commute Today?

[redrhodie]

I got a flat a few miles from the end of my evening commute. It was one of those where the tire is just suddenly dead flat, nothing gradual about it. So, I changed the tube, and am about to pump with CO2 when a lady pulls up in a car to see if I need help. I thank her, and tell her I have everything I need. Well, oops, I didn't know my tube would pop out of the tire when I was filling it. Good thing I had another cartridge. I deflate and check to make sure it's well seated, and I don't see anything weird, so I use the other CO2. Oops again! Same thing, the tube popped out of the tire opposite the valve.

That was my last cartridge . Before I start my 3 mile walk, I decide to call my mechanic to see what I did wrong. He figured it out, and offered to come get me (with a tube, cartridge, or ride to my car), since they were closing, and I was on his way home. Aren't my lbs guys the best?!

I said yes, and while I waited (walking my bike) a man pulled up and offered me a ride, which I declined. I'll only do that if there's no other alternative. Then another man pulled up, and offered me a pump, which he had in his trunk! This I accepted. He even pumped it for me! I rode the rest of my ride, and called my shop guy to say I was okay.

I feel so human! Days like this make me see how good people can be. It's nice.

[malkin]

Wow!
You're so Popular!


Rode early, really nice to go before the sun was glaring over the hills.

Rode home late, rode like a fiend to break away from some of the bad stuff at work. It was clouding up and almost starting to rain. Wonderful.

[Tri Girl]

wow, Red- that's quite a ride home. What a GREAT LBS guy!!!

[lph]

Wow, Red, I want your lbs!

[redrhodie]

wow, Red- that's quite a ride home. What a GREAT LBS guy!!!

I know! I need to do some baking. It's been a while since I brought them anything, and they're due for several reasons.

I'm still high from the kindness of strangers. I know this is how it's supposed to be, but it still amazes me that anyone would stop to help, never mind 3 people in just a few minutes. It's nice to be reminded that not all car drivers view us negatively. I suspect they were all cyclists. The man who pumped my tire told me about having 3 flats in one day while doing the MS150.

[MyRubyE]

Wow Red, so great to hear that there are nice people out there. I have yet to get a flat tire and I dread the day it happens. I somehow always forget my bike pump. I carry the spare tube though

[redrhodie]

Wow Red, so great to hear that there are nice people out there. I have yet to get a flat tire and I dread the day it happens. I somehow always forget my bike pump. I carry the spare tube though

Oh, don't dread it! Flats are fun. Even when it doesn't go according to plan, it's an adventure. As long as you have a cell phone and can call for help, you're golden.

[laura*]

Friday I needed to buy a cheap item from a store far away. I could get most of the way there via the public transit systems of two counties - but I was too cheap to pay to ride a third county's public transit. Or maybe it was a temperature well above 80F, as I like it. Or the long, flat, straight, wide roads passing endless light industrial complexes. So I brought my nearly new Dahon folder and rode a 26 mile loop to the afore mentioned store.

On the way back I was zooming along on a barely perceptible downgrade with a slight tailwind. I was just about to slow down and relax a bit. Then the greyhound in me saw a rabbit about a quarter mile ahead and gave chase. In reality it was more of a tortoise - a guy on a mountain bike riding very slowly. In no time at all, I flew passed him.

Soon thereafter, I saw a red light up ahead. I coasted a long ways and then stopped at the intersection. Two seconds later, I heard another bike stop next to me. It wasn't who I expected - instead it was a guy on a road bike. Mr Roadie said he had been riding at 28 MPH to catch up with me! (Before the light changed, Mountain Man rolled up - he must have picked up the pace after being "chicked" and "roadied".)

Mr Roadie and I road in tandem for a mile or two and chatted. I discovered that my nice sustainable pace is around 18 to 20 MPH. On the folder.

(Note to self: Get a computer for the Dahon!)