I had a hard time deciding how to title this blog post ... my second choice was, "You've got to be 'effing' kidding me!" But in the end, it really is better that it happened today and not next Sunday. This morning I decided was the day ... the day to be keen about the 2012 adventure. I downloaded new maps to Garmin Dan, updated the tunes in his memory and thought I'd take it all for a test spin...that was when I found the rear, (Bridgestone) tire flat. You're kidding, right? Didn't take much to figure out why. Smack dab in the middle - a shiney silver nail. This tire is so new the factory stripe is still on it. The good news is I think I can get the tire plugged and replace the tube for a reasonable cost (when things open back up after the holiday (maybe Tuesday) - Happy Canada Day!) Sure am glad I have that new good luck charm (thank you Noah) hanging in my dining room though. So far, the front tire has a slow leak, the back tire has a nail, Garmin Dan did a total eat the tunes and melt down routine on his test run in the SUV and I can't find half the maps I need to complete the trip route. I'd hate to think about where things would stand if I didn't have a good luck charm. Then again, I did find out I'm a VIP at the KOA and my camping membership has been automatically renewed, no cost, and Ken thinks the front tire's slow leak is probably someting as simple as dirt in a seal.
I really don't have too much planning to do since the trip is basically the same as last year, except this time I need to turn right just before Salt Lake City instead of heading straight across the flats.
Hell's Canyon (the name still scares the heck out of me) and the IMBC - Here I come. 6 more sleeps and I'll be on the road again.
Karen:
ReplyDeleteWow ! only 6 more sleeps. You are coming from such a long way away. I am down to 2 and a bit weeks.
In my car I also had a slow leak, it was the "seal", they have to dismount the tire, clean the rim and then reseal it with some "goop" (<-- technical term)
Ride safely
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Bob - on the big map it looks a lot further (Google tells me it's only 4,213 km, looks really short on the little map.)
DeleteBummer with the flat tire, especially a new one. I hope it can get fixed soon, so that you can get on the road.
ReplyDeleteNothing opens up til Tuesday here, but I have some exceptional mechanics/technicians who I know will have me back on the road in no time (it's just getting the bike to them!)
DeleteWow, you could have ridden anywhere and you chose to join our little gathering. Like Bob says we still have 2 and a half weeks.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to meeting you.
A perfect excuse to return to the west - Can't wait to meet "you all."
DeleteHappy Canada Day!
ReplyDeleteThey say things come in 3 and you have just had your 3! You should be good to go for your trip now. Enjoy your ride and I can hardly wait to read everyone's blog posts!
Thanks Dar, I hope so.
DeleteWow, another big trip! Looking forward to hearing all about it.
ReplyDeleteThink of it this way - at lest you get all of the bad luck out of the way before you leave - this way the trip will be nothing but good luck and good times.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to meeting you too. I think Hells Canyon just has a scary name and we'll all have fun. There will be a few of us all wanting to ride sweep so it won't be a fast crowd.
Trobairitz - I know it's going to be fun ... and I'm hoping the weather fairies continue to ride with me this year. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteI think it's some sort of natural law that things fall over just before an important event! I've had an identical tyre experience. Vulcanising the inside of the tyre with that sort of puncture is a safe (and permanent) repair.
Have a wonderful and safe trip, I'm envious! Lots of photos please!!!
Geoff, you are right - it always happens this way...but repairs are underway and I expect to be on the road on schedule (thanks Ken, for trucking my bike to the shop). Yikes, Only 4 more sleeps - I should start to pack (nah, I've got lots of time!)I hope to take lots of photos - I will be taking my time, much of the time.
ReplyDelete