I am currently exploring an unsolved mystery with my rear bike tire. About six weeks ago I went to pull my bike of the hooks in the garage loft and found that the wheel had come off and the bike was suspended from the chain. The tire was flat.
I knew that I couldn't change the tube and still make my appointment. Thus, I begrudgingly climbed in my Civic and drove a few miles to Eastown to work on a voter registration drive. I swore--at the guy who invented pneumatic tires, and the guy who invented physics, but mostly I swore at myself for not making sure the wheel was on tightly.
Then the next day, I changed my bike tire tube and made sure that I fastened the quick-release so the wheel would not pop off again.
In the weeks hence, I've been plagued by tire deflation issues. Some nights I pumped the tire up, sometimes I changed the tube. Last night, Lori and were heading out for a ride and tire was flat again. I pumped it up and we were able to ride for about 45 minutes. We were almost home as I felt my tire was flat and I pumped it up and we took off again, with Lori leading the way.
Within seconds, I felt a difference in the tire inflation. I jumped off my bike and gave the tire a squeeze. Gone.
So was Lori. She kept riding up the hill on Laurel Ave., then turned on to Boston, 150 yards away from me, never looking back. She didn't have a house key so I knew she'd return.
About five minutes later, I spotted her descending the hill. She pulled up to me and asked "Did you have another flat?"
"Yes" I replied.
"I'm sorry. Can I have the keys? I want to go home."
Not "I want to go home and get the car, so you don't have to walk" Just "I want to go home"
She left me. As she pedaled away I called to her: "Do what you must to stay alive. I will find you!!!"
Then I was alone in the wilds of East Grand Rapids, on an evening which the blistering 64-degree temperature was exacerbated by the stifling .04% humidity. Four and 1/2 blocks home. Alone.
When I reached our house, it was nearly 7:00 pm. She told me that I she had to watch a video for work, so I couldn't watch "Countdown." The HORROR!!!!!
She can expect to find coffee grounds and unrinsed sponges in the sink every morning for the rest of her life.
Posted by scott at September 21, 2004 11:54 AM