in life, there are no mishaps; only training opportunities

[spokenword]

this is for the randonneurs out there, who know the importance of training for self-sufficiency on the road.

(IM exchange w/ my girlfriend this morning)

me: "So, this morning, I was just realizing that I totally jinxed myself when I said that the chain on my bike has been doing awesome for having ~4000 miles on it. No skipping, no grinding, etc. Then, this morning, as I was climbing that hill to my office, 10 metres before the top, the chain just snapped."

her: "Oh, man. I'm glad it was close to work at least!"

me: "Indeed. Fortunately, it was just one link snapping. I've got my chain tool and a spare link in my repair kit. I guess I know what I'll be doing in my lunch hour. Fun stuff."

her: "Good luck! Time yourself?"

Me: "Heh, in the shower, I was actually considering doing my chain repair outside with my winter gloves just to make it sporting."

her: "... you mean, you're not going to?"

[bmike]

sorry to hear, but that is usually how it happens!

[spokenword]

sorry to hear, but that is usually how it happens!
enh, wasn't that bad all things considering and at least now I'm totally ready if I break a chain on a brevet.

... now all I need is to lose a spoke on the way home just to give myself a refresher on emergency spoke repair before the Westfield 200k this weekend.

[hammond9705]

I have carried one of the Park Tire boots for years and never used it. Last week I had an almost new tire cut all the way across. I really wanted to try the boot, or the dollar bill trick, but since it was only 200 yards from home I just walked.

bob

[sch]

Tevdek plastic paper, used as house wrap or untearable mailers or the peel off cover on sterile medical
supplies makes a great tire boot. Withstands much higher pressures than $1 bills and precut pieces in
several sizes 1" sq, 1x2" etc weigh milligrams. They are slippery but a bit of tube repair contact cement
will keep them in place.

[vik]

Me: "Heh, in the shower, I was actually considering doing my chain repair outside with my winter gloves just to make it sporting."

her: "... you mean, you're not going to?"

...and do it blindfolded with one arm tied behind your back....:eek: :D

[Eyeseeu]

I just envy you having a GF that knows what you are talking about! My wife would be "you mean you need a tool for that? Can't you just snap it back together?" Of course the good side is I can tell her that the chain broke so I need a new bike... :lol: