I guess I was due

I guess I was due. I started off on my ride this morning anxious about the weather. The clouds were heavy and grey in the vicinity and I wasn’t looking forward to riding in a downpour, but I decided to start anyway and watch the signs carefully. I could always turn around early.

As it turns out the weather wasn’t the problem. About five miles in my rear tire went flat. I proceeded to remove the tire and tube and inspect the inside wall of the tire and sure enough there was a metal splinter protruding through the tire. I’m glad I remembered to stop and inspect before just slapping a new tube in there or I would have gone flat again as soon as I inflated the tube.

I’ve changed enough tubes on the side of the road that it doesn’t really bother me all that much anymore. The only issue is the conditions you have when you get the flat and where you want to work on it. Today was grey and overcast, not too hot, and not yet raining. I had to work on the bike in the wet grass which isn’t ideal, but I’ve had to do it worse places. Ideally you have a flat in a place where there’s a flat (as in not hilly), shady place nearby, but it rarely works that way.

Anyway, I got the wheel changed and decided I didn’t want to tackle the longer course I was intending without having another backup tube and air cartridge. I’m usually only prepared for a single flat during a ride. After that I have the cell phone to call someone to come pick me up. So I started back home. I did pick the route home with the nastiest hill in the area so at least I knew I would get a bit of a real workout in, and I attacked the hill with everything I had. I was gasping at the top.

Well, it’s nothing much to speak of. I’m not really sure of my mileage. I don’t think I started the computer back correctly when I resumed riding after the flat. I’m estimating in the range of 10 miles all total.

So, I guess I’ll tune into the Giro now. I think they are facing a tough and very hilly day of riding in Italy today. Could be interesting.