Flat MK

This past week/weekend involved LOTS of practice changing flat tires. SXSW was going on and to get in some additional biking as well as avoid parking hassles I rode my bike to downtown Austin. The fun began when I first set out on my journey and discovered a flat on my old Bianchi "Clyde". Lucky for me, the Harrington coaches live nearby and I hobbled on over. "Remember the last time we changed your tire?" Sara jested. "Yeah, three times at the start of the Jingle Bell ride, how could I forget?" I was graciously taken care of, given spare tubes and sent on my way. On the ride downtown, the tire seemed to be a bit bumpy, but I thought nothing of it. I parked my bike and happily went about listening to music. When I went to get my bike and head across town to another venue, lo and behold the tire was completely flat again. Lucky for me I had those spare tires but no pump or tools. I made my way on foot with my bike, ate, relaxed, and then faced the flat. I managed to get the tire off with the back of a knife and fork and then Robby suggested seeing if any of the staff had a pump and he was spot on. I set about pumping the new tube and nothing was going in, took the pump off and discovered the valve was broken (flat #2). Fortunately I had yet another spare. I replaced the tube and this time it began to pump up. As I was pumping I heard a ripping sound and saw the tire ballooning out of the sidewall of the tire, not a good sign. I would have to get a new tire. (tune in tomorrow, for the conclusion of Clyde's flat out adventure, and Rooster's expert job of one upping Clyde).

This weekend's mileage: Bike 75.75 miles Saturday. Run 13.5 miles Sunday morning followed by 4.5 mile walk (later in the day) on Sunday. Legs still intact.