Subject: Two flats...out of race Had my second sprint tri yesterday. Blew my PB in the swim getting out of the pool just before 8 minutes with my arms practically falling out of my shoulders. Quick transition and jog to the bike...feeling good...tackle the hills...get low against the wind....*pop* Had a blow out going downhill. Tried to steer off to the side but it ended up being a workout in bike dismounting while on the move as I crashed into the ground. Tire was twisted and took a while to get off of the rim. Finally got it all fixed up and pumped up with my Co2 and noticed there was a bit of the tube wrapped up in it. Partially deflate and go at it again...all set. Wrestle the tire (had to be the back tire, of course ) back on the bike...*POP* Over-inflated it so now I'm stuck with no catridges and one more tube. Feeling deflated, not unlike my tire, I start to walk with my bike, the two miles back to the race start (thank goodness it was a loop ) just as my training partner flies by and asks if I have everything I need. I say I need a cartridge and he pops one out and gives it to me. Life saver! I'm so freaked out about overinflating (plus there's a big hole in my tire ) that I'm riding on a really low tire. Complete the first lap, then the second and realize I'm the only one on the course. I called it a day. I can swim through pain, run threw pain but I can't freakin' ride with a low/flat back tire. I hate my bike. |