A Soft Rear Tire, Missed Time Goal
I just thought I would get started riding before 10 AM this morning. I was dressed and ready to go at 9:40 but when I got to the garage and did my usual pre-ride tire squeeze the rear tire felt soft. I rolled the bike out into the sunlight and checked the rear tire for the cause. Nothing that I could see. Tempted to air up the tire and ride so I could leave before 10 rolled through my mind but common sense prevailed. I removed the rear tire and gathered the patch items and went inside. Pulling out the tube, airing it up and doing the water test I found the hole. From there I held the tube to the tire to get a location to check. The first tire location didn’t have anything but reversing to the other side I found a 1/2″ piece of wire sticking into the inside of the tire. I had to use a pair of pliers to get it out. Inserting the patched tube back in the tire I was ready to ride again at 10:15.
The weather for today’s ride up to Roman Forest Blvd. was scattered clouds, 92 degrees (72% humidity) with a light breeze. This is what I consider typical weather and reminds me of Wichita Falls during the Hotter’n Hell Hundred. By the time I got home at 1:08 it was 96 (59% humidity). I felt comfortable pedaling in the heat and as long as I was moving I didn’t mind the heat.
Yesterday my legs felt sluggish which maybe the rear tire puncture contributed to. Today they were better and I was able to average 15.3 mph over the 32.67 mile route. Whenever I was riding south the wind resistance slowed me down. Even though the weather station at IAH airport showed a 4 mph wind the flag at the Stripes station on FM1314 was standing almost straight out.
Stopping at the Stripes station for a rest and refreshment I got some Gatorade. Normally I sit by the store but the sun is slowly creeping up the store’s overhang so I moved out by the pumps. I leaned my Stradalli against the red hoop and sit down. I get a different view from this position. At one point a large white pickup backed up to the pump I was near. The passenger door opened and i reached for my bike since it looked lite was going to knock it over. Thankfully the man getting out changed his mind and pulled the door back. It was at the 21.75 mile point when I stopped at Stripes. I was making good time and feeling much stronger than yesterday.
Leaving Stripes I rode through Briar Tree and Oakhurst before getting to the US59 service road to go to Kingwood Drive. From there I rode the usual streets back home. Another enjoyable bike ride.
Mileage standings:
- 183.52 miles for the week
- 284.52 miles for August (560 miles left to reach August’s goal)
- 4497 miles year to date
Saturday I hope to get started before 9:00AM. The weather looks great for riding: 96 degrees and clear. I am planning on biking 37 miles or more.
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