"If you don't get everything you want...
05-26-08, 03:24 PM
#1
Descends Like Avalanche
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Location: Somewhere between Funkytown and Margaritaville, PA
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Bikes: Lynskey R240, Sportive, and a Helix Sport disc model in the works; Eddy Merckx MX Leader; Specialized Rock Hopper Comp (1988!)
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"If you don't get everything you want...
... be thankful for the things you don't want that you don't get."
That definitely applied to me today. I had a great 55 mile ride with some friends, in perfect weather. However I was even more grateful for the things that didn't happen.
Case #1: I was leading down a twisting, moderately steep descent. I came out of the last sweeping curve, and headed for the stop sign at the bottom of the hill. I looked at a squirrel at the edge of the road and BAM - it ran directly in to my front wheel! There was no time to even brake. It was like hitting a big rock, and it caused a speed wobble. I managed to keep the bike upright and not take out the group behind me. Maybe this is one of those rare cases where it helped to be a Clydesdale so I could lean on the handlebars and straighten things out. The squirrel wasn't so lucky; it won't be going anywhere any more. I maxed out at 45 mph on that descent, and I was probably doing 35 - 40 mph when the squirrel and I collided. I checked my bike, and it didn't look like there was any damage.
Case #2: Another steep descent with two sharp turns at the bottom. It's not unusual to hit 50 mph if you really push it. Once again I lead, but I "took it easy" (relatively speaking) and topped out at 48 mph. Maybe 15 miles later I stopped to make an adjustment, and I noticed that a narrow section about 1" long of tread was gone from my rear tire. I could see the casing, and even part of the tube underneath. The tire's casing was bulging and warped. I had an extra small piece of tire that I had cut out from a dead tire, so I deflated the tube and put that in between the tube and damaged tire. I made it home without any further mishaps. I couldn't help but wonder - had I done the 48 mph descent with the tire in that condition? What about the 45 mph descent?
I didn't buy a lottery ticket today, but I feel like I won the lottery of life. As nice as the ride, weather, and time with my friends was, I'm so grateful for the things that didn't happen today!
That definitely applied to me today. I had a great 55 mile ride with some friends, in perfect weather. However I was even more grateful for the things that didn't happen.
Case #1: I was leading down a twisting, moderately steep descent. I came out of the last sweeping curve, and headed for the stop sign at the bottom of the hill. I looked at a squirrel at the edge of the road and BAM - it ran directly in to my front wheel! There was no time to even brake. It was like hitting a big rock, and it caused a speed wobble. I managed to keep the bike upright and not take out the group behind me. Maybe this is one of those rare cases where it helped to be a Clydesdale so I could lean on the handlebars and straighten things out. The squirrel wasn't so lucky; it won't be going anywhere any more. I maxed out at 45 mph on that descent, and I was probably doing 35 - 40 mph when the squirrel and I collided. I checked my bike, and it didn't look like there was any damage.
Case #2: Another steep descent with two sharp turns at the bottom. It's not unusual to hit 50 mph if you really push it. Once again I lead, but I "took it easy" (relatively speaking) and topped out at 48 mph. Maybe 15 miles later I stopped to make an adjustment, and I noticed that a narrow section about 1" long of tread was gone from my rear tire. I could see the casing, and even part of the tube underneath. The tire's casing was bulging and warped. I had an extra small piece of tire that I had cut out from a dead tire, so I deflated the tube and put that in between the tube and damaged tire. I made it home without any further mishaps. I couldn't help but wonder - had I done the 48 mph descent with the tire in that condition? What about the 45 mph descent?
I didn't buy a lottery ticket today, but I feel like I won the lottery of life. As nice as the ride, weather, and time with my friends was, I'm so grateful for the things that didn't happen today!
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The rider in my avatar is David Etxebarria, not me.
05-26-08, 04:21 PM
#2
Dave
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Homestead FL
Posts: 685
Bikes: Nashbar X-Cross 29r wheels front disc brake
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I won the lottery too! My Memorial Day ride was awesome, a trek up Old Cutler Road into the southern fringe of Coconut Grove and back. I encountered a group ride that showed me a new route through this very scenic neighborhood. I just followed to see where they went.
It was great, headwind out, tailwind home! Once home, I put the bike on the repair stand in the living room and soon hear this periodic noise. It turns out to be the rear tire going down. A tack got through Mr Tuffy and was slowly letting the air out. As it left the tire, the tire shrank and would shift in the bike stand. The rear tire was just barely contacting one of the floor legs of the stand when I put it up.
When I grab the bike later today for another ride, I find the rear flat and realize what the mystery noise was.
My lotto ticket allowed me to enjoy the morning ride and change the tube in comfort of my living room rather than on the road.
It was great, headwind out, tailwind home! Once home, I put the bike on the repair stand in the living room and soon hear this periodic noise. It turns out to be the rear tire going down. A tack got through Mr Tuffy and was slowly letting the air out. As it left the tire, the tire shrank and would shift in the bike stand. The rear tire was just barely contacting one of the floor legs of the stand when I put it up.
When I grab the bike later today for another ride, I find the rear flat and realize what the mystery noise was.
My lotto ticket allowed me to enjoy the morning ride and change the tube in comfort of my living room rather than on the road.
