What a day…
(Apologies for the wall of text, it was a lot)
Left later than I wanted to because of Easter activities which resulted in the whole ride feeling rushed.
Got a flat 30 miles in and realized I didn’t grab my repair kit and being Easter Sunday all the bike shops in the area were closed.
Tied off the puncture hoping for a quick fix but couldn’t get any air in it with my hand pump (that I did grab for some reason and will replace after this experience) so as a last resort I walked into…. Goodwill(!) hoping they would have a pump.
They didn’t.
But a woman overheard me asking for a pump and told me she was a triathlete and will help me out as soon as she finishes her shopping.
So she finishes up, drives away, and 10 minute later returns with a pump and a box of tubes.
WHAT A LEGEND.
I replace the tied-off tube with a new one AND IT PUNCTURES TOO 🤬
Second attempt but this time I cut and layer a few pieces of the old tube between the new one and the hole in the tire where the original puncture was.
It worked!
She sends me off with water and a few snacks and I’m on my way. (I mean seriously, how amazing is this person?)
The tire held up without an issue for the remainder of the ride but I forget to fill up water so I’m completely dry with 10 miles to go and no gas station in sight.
So at this point I’m flying. I’m done. I just want to go home.
+30mph
Then… a pinecone.
I run over that thing and lose traction.
Front wheel jackknives and I go flying over the handlebars with all my gear exploding off of me like Sonic The Hedgehog’s rings.
Panic sets in.
I immediately call the wife letting her know I crashed and send her my location in case the adrenaline wears off and I’m really hurt.
While waiting, a couple stops to check on me and they give me a bottle of water. The plastic bottle was half full and the water was hot but it was the best taste water I’ve ever had.
They probably won’t read this, but in case they do, thank you both for stopping. I haven’t felt fear like this in a long time and our conversation really calmed me down.
Wife comes with the kids in the back.
They are still little so I hope seeing my arm covered in blood didn’t messed them up somehow.
We get home.
I go upstairs to shower off and realize my shoulder/collarbone is cooked.
Shower and go to urgent care where they took X-rays. Luckily nothing is broken but my Ironman training is on pause for the foreseeable future.
Anyway, thank you for making it this far.
It was a crazy day.
I’m full of pain killers and I’m looking at a long night once they wear off but my humanity is restored.
Note to self: slow down, don’t rush.