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| Waiting for Clinton to meet us on our way to the park. |
We left for the ride, met up with Clinton and Spencer on the way. Everything was normal until we'd finished our laps at the top of Mt. Tabor and I sent everyone down ahead of me because I wanted some "Rachel action shots." Like the ones of Clinton and Ian in my first Tabor post.
The plan was to give them enough of a lead to get to the bottom and then Ian would ride partway back up to take my picture as I came down.
So I started another lap around the top as they rode down to the reservoir.
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| Clinton speedy down the hill while Ian waited for my descent. |
Up top, I was halfway through my stalling lap when I felt a "wibblewobbleblurbleblurble," looked down and indeed, my rear tire was flat.
I pondered my sixth grade literature lesson about "irony," which I learned about by reading O. Henry's Gift of the Magi.
The wikipedia article on Irony is really good. Having just read it, I realize now that all of my subsequent usage of "irony," is "situational" or "cosmic" irony and though it "appears to be gaining ground. It is still considered a minor usage." (according to the wikipedia article)
I had no cell phone to tell the three mechanics riding with me what had happened. I hoisted my bicycle on my shoulder and started walking.
After 30 seconds I wished I had one of these, because my clamp-on cable guide was digging into my shoulder.
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| Portage Strap by Walnut Studios. Photo copyright bikeportland.org |
While walking I wondered if it was ironic that:
I got a flat just after sending everyone ahead of me.
Between the four of us we had one multi-tool and that was it.
(shifting shoulders again because of the clamp-ons digging in)
I make these yet didn't have one with me.
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| Bike tool kit roll from my Bike Cozy line of accessories. |
Although I'd ridden up Tabor a handful of times, I did not know the fastest way to walk to the rendezvous reservoir.
(Now carrying bicycle on back of both shoulders)
I determined none of these things were ironic, and was in-between thoughts when a cyclist on his way UP the hill asked if I needed a tube.
How lucky that an everyday hero happened by. "Yes, I could use some help," I said.
The nice gent named Bill (I would have asked for a picture, but the camera was at the bottom of the hill with Ian) pulled off the path, and changed my flat, giving me his spare tube and everything. I was so embarrassed (owning a bike shop and all) that it wasn't until about half-way through I mentioned that, "The ironic thing is that the other three riders I'm with are bike mechanics, and we're four of the six owners of A Better Cycle, and amongst us, we're carrying one multi-tool." It gave us both a good chuckle.
Just as my wheel was ready to go back on my bike, Ian rode up and said "There she is! We wondered what had happened to you."
We thanked Bill, who shrugged off our offer of replacing his tube if he stopped by the shop. "No, worries, I've been on your side of this situation before."
Ian and I set off down the hill. He took a few pictures on the way down. When he asked if any turned out well, I said there was one I liked, but it didn't look like I was moving. He didn't believe it, saying that my spokes had to at least be blurry.
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| Not a blurry spoke among them. |
In summary, the ride was a bit anti-climactic. Helpful strangers still exist. Some people don't clean up after their dogs (Ian had to wash off dog poop from his cleated shoe-- from standing in the grass for the pictures of Clinton.) The lower gear is nicer.
Cheers,
Rachel
P.S. Dear Bill, my offer stands if you want to upgrade your pump, come by and we'll give you a great deal. Also, you are more than welcome to stop by and we'll give you a replacement tube. You saved my ride. Rachel
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