While everyone else across the states have been marveling about the weather and early cherry blossoms, it has been a brutal and punishing early spring here in the northwest. Oh there have been some days, few and far between these past months when a biking adventure had to wait half the day to convince me that the weatherman was wrong again. Winter forecast: snow, rain, sleet, cold.

Today wasn't as nice as they said it would be, still got a late start and only planned to go around the block. Suddenly, I was taking the long way and tooling down the highway abandoning sensibility with the fix-it kit, candy bars and water bottle. I could have brought along the recent purchase of a new stove for a test of tea too. So after 22 miles with the wind in my face and a rise of 2000ft, I decide to turn around and cruise back. That is when fate, the prankster, knew it was time. It couldn't be 5 miles from home nor 10. NooOOooo my luck waits until the opportune moment when I'm as far away as possible.

I was only pushing my luck with heavy thorn resistant tubes, the green goop- slime, and Kenda Kourier K-Shield Bicycle Tires. What could go wrong when I can't be worried all the time about everything?! Let the pictures speak a thousand words and then tell me, how does this happen?

That sucks! Sorry to hear it. Hope you made it home ok.

Your second photo does show a problem.

I have one tube that is looking just like that. It hasnt died yet but I know its comming. Good thing is its on my commuter bike and its only a 4 mile trip home and there is an rei about half way home. Sorry to hear about your bad luck hopefully once you replace the tube it wont happen again.

That happened to me once (sans stranding). I took a file to all my wheels at that time, and I haven't had a problem since.

bur in the rim and under inflation

The valve hole appears to have a nice sharp edge. I'd sand that down until it is smooth. Also, the valve may not have been oriented straight through the valve hole. That can put additional stress on the area where your tube popped. Just ensure that the valve looks perpendicular to the rim/ground when installing. Thats all I can think of.

I wish I had your problem. I'd just be glad if I lived in the PNW and could bike all summer. 90 days of >100 degrees here in Austin Tx. Supposed to be 82 today, and we might have one more month of cycling. But I have a hacking cough I caught from one of the morons at work who can't stay home when they're sick, so I'm missing out on one of the last good days as well as wasting some hard-earned PTO. Grumble.

Anyway, looks like the ridge around the valve hole wore through the base of stem. Ream that puppy.