General Cycling Discussion - What Pothole? ... Oh - That Pothole

What a morning.

It was bucketing with rain as I headed out from home. No big deal - my spray jacket keeps me relatively comfortable.

I was only a few kilometres from home when it happened. With the rain across the road everything looked just fine. Unforunately it was hiding a big pothole into which my front wheel dissapeared.

It gave me a mighty jolt and blew out the front tube. (Don't we all love changing tubes in the rain?)

I got out my spare and did the change only to find that the valve stem was broken.

Plan B. Patch the other tube. I did the patch and put it all back together but the glue is getting on a bit and didn't hold the patch. Aaaaaarrrrrgggghhh!!

Plan C. Called my lovely wife on my mobile. She brought me my two brand new tubes and the brand new tube of glue that I had sitting in my tool kit at home. She also brought my track pump so that I didn't have to play around with my mini pump.

Finally got everything back together and back on the road. I got to work rather late. (Just as well my hours are flexible.)

Unfortunately the front wheel needs a bit of work. It still runs but it's not quite as true as it was at the start of the day.

I'm so glad that I've got a shower at work so I could have a long hot shower and get into some dry clothes.

I never get flats in the rain, so I don't know about changing the tubes. However, potholes are a teeth-rattling pain in the butt. I hate them with a passion.

I bet a bicycle has never been blamed for making one pot hole on the road!;)

Murphy`s Law......you can`t do much about it! :D

Originally posted by MediaCreations
What a morning.
I'm so glad that I've got a shower at work so I could have a long hot shower and get into some dry clothes.
You have a shower at work? Nice! Where do you work, may I ask, hospital, decontamination facility?:D :beer:

Sorry that happened, Rodney!

I was thinking about that during yesterday's sudden but short-lived downpour that drenched me on the way to work. We really have to stay out of those areas covered with water, even if we think we know what's under that water.

:(

By the way, when you said you phoned your wife, I was suprised that she brought you materials to fix your bike, rather than drive you in. I guess she understands your needs!

:D

I have lost count of how many potholes have cause me to tumble. I ride a lot in the rain. Haven't got lots of scrapes and bruises yet this summer though....the weather has been too dry.

Originally posted by Pete Clark
By the way, when you said you phoned your wife, I was suprised that she brought you materials to fix your bike, rather than drive you in. I guess she understands your needs!

When I told her my situation she straight away said, "Do you want me to come pick you up?"

I told her I'd rather she bought the stuff to get me going again.

After all, I couldn't miss an opportunity for a ride could I?:D

Originally posted by uciflylow
I bet a bicycle has never been blamed for making one pot hole on the road!;)

A bicycle has probably never been credited for a reason to build a road either.:eek:

Then again, bicycles usually don't cause much trail damage. Most of that damage can be credited to horseback riders.