Getting back on the bike

I used to cycle a lot. By "a lot" I mean that for almost 2 years I would average over 40 miles a week on my bike. The last 4 months were quite busy so my cycling dwindled to almost nothing. It was beautiful outside on Sunday so I thought it would be the perfect time to get back on the bike.

I threw on my gear, grabbed my bike off the rack and proceeded to do the routine inspection that everyone should do before they ride (especially after such a layoff).

1. Brakes
2. Wheels securely connected (funny to say, not funny to experience)
3. Handlebars straight and secure
4. Tire pressure
5. Roadside kit intact

My bike failed on #4 which is not at all suprising and in fact is quite expected. I pulled out the pump and had the tire pressure back to 120 PSI in no time.

I started to discuss the afternoon with Jamie. Then I heard a wine and a quick "wooosh" of air. At first I figured I didn't clamp the presta valve properply. However quick experimentation proved that it was not the case and there was definately a leak in the tube.

Part of me was excited about this. After my first disaster with replacing a tube on a road bike a year ago(quite different that a normal/mountain bike) I am quite good at replacing tires. This had the added difficulty of being my back tire but it was a great chance to hone up on my skills. After all where would you rather change your first tire of the year; in your home or on the side of the street?

My skills did not fade in the year since I replaced a tire. In <>

As I reached down I noticed the tire bulging around the valve (terrible sign). I quickly threw my hand down to deflate the tube but I was too late. 120 PSI of pressure exploded in front of my face. Luckily nothing hit me but it sounded like someone shot a gun next to my head. However I am now down 2 tubes in one day.

Jamie advised me to give up for the day. I think this is proof she married me uninformed.

A quick inspection showed the tube was dry and hence exploded as a result of rot. I grabbed yet another tube and had it in the tire. I pumped up the tube (from a safe distance) and had a new tire on 10 minutes later. This one worked and I enjoyed a nice 14 mile ride around lake Washington.