So I'm rollin' along on my way to work this morning when I realize I'm riding on the rim. How the tire went flat without my even realizing it I can't imagine. I was close enough to work 1-1.5 miles that I debated whether to fix the flat or just walk the rest of the way. Having decided to fix it I proceeded to skin my knuckles very nicely trying to get the very tight tire off. Once it was off I thankfully remembered to feel inside for something sticking through. Sure enough a tiny piece of wire. I struggled for about 5 minutes and just couldn't get it out. Too small to get a grip on, and I haven't been carrying a pair multitool with pliers. So back on goes the tire, and I wind up walking anyway!

The thing that REALLY frosts me is my own stupidity. I had grabbed this spare wheel to put on for a couple of days while having a wheel rebuilt. I was pretty sure it did not have a Mr. Tuffy liner and thorn resistant tube, my flat reduction armor, but I figured "What the heck, it's only a couple of days. SURELY I won't get a flat in just a couple of days." I was pressed for time when I did the swap but it would only have taken about two extra minutes to put the tire/liner/tube from the other wheel on. I had already taken it off. But NOOOO, Rainman has to take the gamble. So for lack of a 2 minute investment, I spent nearly 30 walking my bike. By the way, I was very thankful I wear mtb shoes for commuting!