Following One's Own Advice...Or Not

Yesterday was our first day as a one car house.  It wasn't exactly what I'd call a rousing success.  Of course, I didn't expect this adjustment to go off without a hitch.  You can't just make a huge change with how the family gets around without a few hiccups.

It all started off rather well, after the whole horror of the morning commute.  I got out to the Valley about 1:00 to enjoy a nice relaxing ride on the Revenio.  I was quite surprised at how many people were in the Valley, but it was far calmer than in the city.  The weather was gorgeous and the Beech leaves are just starting to change on my favorite section of Akron-Peninsula near Bolanz.  I saw a few other cyclists who were all quite cheery too.  The Revenio performed very well.  I'm still getting used to the handling and my dismount needs a little work.  The only snag I had on the ride was putting my bottle back in the cage.  Missed it completely! Pretty sure all the kids on the three school buses that were passing me and the passengers on the train got a kick out of that.  Oh well, such is the experience of a novice roadie, I guess.

I saw all sorts of wildlife on the ride, snakes, frogs, horses, and
these dots are goats.

All in all, the ride was everything I hoped it would be.  I returned home and decided to take the Varsity over to the ACME for a few groceries.  The thought crossed my mind to drive, but why waste the sunshine and gas?  The thought also crossed my mind to grab my saddle bag off the Revenio, but, "Nah, I'm only going a couple of miles.  What could go wrong?"  I checked my tire pressure and headed out.  Now, the ACME closest to my house isn't exactly the nicest place to shop.  You know something is up when there is a security guard at the door night and day.  But, cyclists can't be choosy.  For some reason ACME doesn't have anything to lock a bike to except the cart corral in front of the store.  Unfortunately, that was blocked by pumpkins.  So, I headed over to one of the corrals in the parking lot, far enough out that no one was parked nearby.  I went about my business of locking it up when all of a sudden a gun went off.  Well, at least that's what it sounded like to me and everyone nearby who all hit the deck (another sign that this may not be the nicest place to shop).  In reality, it was my front tube.  I made an announcement to the bystanders that everything was OK.  They were relieved.  I can't describe my relief that the blowout didn't happen while I was riding.

So there I was, stranded at ACME with an extremely heavy bicycle and no tools or spare tube. At least I hadn't purchased the groceries yet.  I had two options (as usual), walk the bike home or get a ride.  A rather shady fellow offered me one, but since I didn't come down with Saturday's rain I declined.  I thought about the walk back.  It wasn't that far,  It would feel a lot further pushing the steel beast on one wheel.  I was not thrilled with the prospect, nor dealing with the attention I would attract doing so.  Therefore, I decided to call my Dad.  Thankfully, my parents don't live too far away and he was home.  In about 10 minutes he came to my rescue.  All was well.

Obviously, I lucked out that time.  If he hadn't been home or able to pick me up, my only choice would be to make the walk.   More than likely, I would have dealt with a few other "Good Samaritans."  This is the type of thing a woman thinks about in the parking lot of an ACME that has to hire a security guard.

The lesson has been learned.  I've always been a stickler about being prepared for every situation.  The saddle bag is always with me, I always carry a spare tube.  However, that one time we choose to leave those things at home could be the time we need them.

I will not make that mistake again.  I probably won't ride to ACME any time soon either.

That was quite the blowout!