Good day for meeting nice people and learning a few things that will help me on the ride. After my chance encounter with Pete and Tami (see last post), I set off from Los Osos back towards Cambria. Right after I hopped on Highway 1, I got a flat. I changed it in no time but noticed that my back tire was partially worn through. Can't believe it; I just got my bike in March! Anyway, I put in a new tube and filled it with my only Co2 cartridge. Then I set the wheel aside and after about 30 seconds, the replacement tube blew. I'm guessing that where the tire was worn through there were sharp tire threads that penetrated the new tube.
With only one extra tube, I was stuck. But right then someone cycled by and asked if I needed help. I said I could use a tube and he obliged, giving me a patched spare he was carrying. I thanked him and he went on his way. Next I discovered that my pump didn't work. I haven't needed it in years because I carry Co2. Just then, a couple from Cal Poly rode by and they offered me their pump. I filled this tube and gave them their pump back. But it immediately leaked out (bad patch job, I presume).
Figuring I was stuck for sure now, I called mom to come pick me up. She didn't answer so I started to text her. Before I could finish, a pick-up pulled over and John, a fire fighter from Santa Maria, asked me if I needed a lift. I asked if he'd take me a few miles back to Los Osos to the bike shop there. He said he was happy to and we put my bike in the back of his pick-up and off we went,
I replaced both tires with much better tires, fit for an 1,800-mile ride. I also learned a couple lessons for BikeTheCoast13. Carry 3 tubes, 3 Co2 cartridges, and a pump that works. Better I learn these lessons here than in the middle of nowhere.
Finished up my 70-miler. Last 15 were against a pretty stiff wind. Longest ride of the year but nothing I couldn't handle. Met some great people today. Exactly what I hope to find when I start my journey in August!
With only one extra tube, I was stuck. But right then someone cycled by and asked if I needed help. I said I could use a tube and he obliged, giving me a patched spare he was carrying. I thanked him and he went on his way. Next I discovered that my pump didn't work. I haven't needed it in years because I carry Co2. Just then, a couple from Cal Poly rode by and they offered me their pump. I filled this tube and gave them their pump back. But it immediately leaked out (bad patch job, I presume).
Figuring I was stuck for sure now, I called mom to come pick me up. She didn't answer so I started to text her. Before I could finish, a pick-up pulled over and John, a fire fighter from Santa Maria, asked me if I needed a lift. I asked if he'd take me a few miles back to Los Osos to the bike shop there. He said he was happy to and we put my bike in the back of his pick-up and off we went,
I replaced both tires with much better tires, fit for an 1,800-mile ride. I also learned a couple lessons for BikeTheCoast13. Carry 3 tubes, 3 Co2 cartridges, and a pump that works. Better I learn these lessons here than in the middle of nowhere.
Finished up my 70-miler. Last 15 were against a pretty stiff wind. Longest ride of the year but nothing I couldn't handle. Met some great people today. Exactly what I hope to find when I start my journey in August!
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