Thanks again Barry for all you do for us grumpy bikers.
Yesterday, I gave a "pre-ride" to a new version of the upcoming Ramble to Chesapeake Beach. Rode down/back from the century start at BWI for a 132 mile day. The ride was most remarkable because I believe someone was trying to prevent me from leaving town. First dumb decision was riding soft and speedy Grand Bois tires in the rain.
I couldn't even get off the street I live on before I flatted on Falls at MD ave. After fixing that, I managed to get south of Raven Stadium before the next flat. And, a moment after fixing that one I very nearly went down when my rear tire caught one of the RR rails down there and slid out underneath me. For RR trx I usually "hop" the front wheel and let the rear trail as it wants, but I learned my lesson for rainy days. Sheesh.
I swing around to Annapolis rd and get caught at a train crossing which lasted a ridiculously long time. Climbed the hill up to Waterview and pfssssst. Another flat. At this point my arms are getting tired and I'm wondering who has it out for me. A woman walking nearby said that she saw me fixing the flat so she moved some glass that she saw on the sidewalk over to the road so that I would not run over it. She was assuming I was riding on the sidewalk.
It was a nice gesture and I thanked her any way.
I nearly bit it again on a couple of those pot holes, difficult to see in the rain, along Hollins Ferry. Finally got down to my "start" at Dixon Observation. I took Stewart to Old Stage and heard that ole familiar hiss again. Number four. The first for the front tire. Too far along to turn back now. Gotta keep pushing. By then the road was drying up a bit. EXCEPT for underneath the overpass at Crownville and Rt. 97 for number five. Yes, that's right my fifth flat in less than 30 miles!
Should I call Guinness for the record? (and maybe a beer)
I should add that I was very conscientious about finding each shard for each flat. All of them were individual instances- not double flats. At the fifth, I counted 4 patches left + one tube and realized that if my pace continued I'd be calling a taxi or riding home on rims. Luckily, that was the last one. I'm sure a big reason why was the cessation of the rain.
So much for "speedy" tires.