Disappointment Has Hit
30 Sep 2024
Bike is back on the road/trails, but unfortunately I will not hit my 150 miles by the end of today. The mind is willing, but the time and body is not quite there. This is not the end however, I do plan to keep riding throughout the month of October in order to fulfill upon my commitment of 150 miles. I also plan to cycle regularly so that next year I will be ready to take on this challenge again. So I may be down (a few miles), but I’m far from out, and only getting better. Thanks again to those who sponsored with their generosity of thoughts, prayers, and currency.
Posted 54 days ago
9/27/24 - I Think I’ve Got It
27 Sep 2024
Went out once the rains subsided to find another flat rear tire today. Tried pumping it up, but was unsuccessful. The plan, take the rim down to the bones and do a thorough inspection. Tube - ruined. The valve stem detached from the base. Tire - check. Tire was worn, but nothing stuck through it or floating around inside. Initial inspection of rim checked out okay, but when I removed the spoke cover and inspected the valve hole the edges were basically serrated. When I used to build bikes I would always debur the stem holes on both sides precisely for this reason. That’s the kind of tube damage that cannot be repaired and as in this case is usually overlooked. I dug out my deburring tool and went at it. Then sanded the edge down further to ensure a smooth, dull edge. Went out and did just over 6 miles and the tire pressure seems to be the same as when I left. If the rim still holds air when next I ride I can say I have overcome another obstacle.
Posted 57 days ago
Hitting The Side Roads Again
24 Sep 2024
So I had another flat to fix today. Same rear wheel. I decided to change out the rim and throw in a new tube. Got that done, jumped on the bike, then down the hill I went. As I got off the dirt road and onto the asphalt I noticed a rhythmic thudding with every rotation emanating from the rear wheel. First I thought it was a rock so I looked out for one as I rode. Nothing big that persistent thudding. I pulled to the side of the road and looked at the rim spin as I held it off the ground. Nothing. I jumped back on the bike and rode about another mile. Same thudding. As I rode I noticed from the bikes shadow at the area of the stem there was a bulge. I stopped and again while straddling the bike looked at the rear wheel as I let it spin. Nothing. I got off the bike a took a closer look. That’s when I saw it. A 6 inch area of the bike tire at the stem area was over the rim. It must have come over as I pumped it up and I was so fixated on finding another solution, nail, staple, rock, or some other reason was to blame that I did not notice that a section of the tire bead was not inside the rim as it should be. I considered a road repair by deflating and readjusting the tube and tire. I was about 2 miles out, I had no tools, no pump and should have to walk 2 miles back to home base. That was not an option. I did the only logical thing by decided to continue riding the bike back. I kept eyes on the issue as I headed back and once I arrived made the necessary repair and was happy with the results. I’m now looking forward to my next ride.
Posted 60 days ago
Neighborhood Back Roads
22 Sep 2024
9/22/2024: Doing a little side road riding. Getting the body used to daily riding in preparation for the next week of rides means getting out there on the regular. I’ve got almost 100 miles to go to complete my pledge. It should be an interesting endeavor.
Posted 62 days ago
