Don Colter
03-28-2009, 11:49 AM
I just wanted to remind everyone that now is a good time to go through your repair supplies on your bike. I know it sounds like a stupid reminder, but I have been caught out and realized that I didn't have what I needed until it was too late.
Checking your supplies is especially critical as we get out doing the long rides like tomorrows 70.3 course ride. There will be other riders, but we can't rely on others, although someone will most always be able to help. Obviously in a race situation it is against the rules to get outside assistance.
Check your spare inner tube(s). Especially if it is the one that has been in your seat bag. Tubes that have been packed away in your seat bag through the year may have either rubbed a hole or dry rotted.
Make sure you have an air supply, either Co2 cartridges and/or pump. Make sure you have have the cartridge head to use the Co2 cartridges. I have had mine fall out of my pouch before and I had to wait for another rider to happen by to be able to repair my flat. I usually carry several cartridges.
I think it is a good idea to have at least one spare tube, often I carry 2 on long rides. A patch kit is also good to have. Check your patch kit to make sure the glue isn't dried out. Another thing I like to have is a tire boot. I haven't worn out a tire in years, but I have ruined a lot of them by hitting glass or metal on the road. If you are 30 miles out and have a cut tire, a tire boot can be a life saver.
If you don't know how to fix a flat tire, ask for some help before you are out on the road by yourself with a flat. It's OK to not know how to fix a flat, we have all been there at some time. I would venture to say that nobody in the club would say no to helping you to learn how to fix a flat. Antonio has given clinics on tire repair and other basic road skills. I bet we could talk him in to doing another clinic. Hint, hint Antonio.
I know I am notorious for taking too much but this is a list of what I carry:
-1 or 2 inner tubes
-Air supply to fix at least 3 flats
-Tire levers
-Patch kit
-Tire boot
-Some money to be able to stop and get a water or if you are with Harold a cup of tea and a toasted tea bisquit
-Cell phone
Something I think is really important to carry is some form of ID. I like to wear a road ID necklace. My road ID has all the important information that a medical professional would need if I were in an accident. Even though I know most of you, if there were an accident I wouldn't necessarily know who in your family to contact. Things like this are especially important if you have any kind of allergies or medical condition.
Sorry to carry on, but I think these are really important things.
Pay it forward. If you are out on a ride and see a cyclist stopped, always ask if they need some help. Give them a spare tube if you have it, Give them an extra Co2 if you have it. Remember it is always good to pay the road Gods, Karma seems to follow you. I have been that rider caught out there without the supplies that I needed and it took several riders passing me by before someone stopped and asked if I needed help.
Safe riding
Don
Checking your supplies is especially critical as we get out doing the long rides like tomorrows 70.3 course ride. There will be other riders, but we can't rely on others, although someone will most always be able to help. Obviously in a race situation it is against the rules to get outside assistance.
Check your spare inner tube(s). Especially if it is the one that has been in your seat bag. Tubes that have been packed away in your seat bag through the year may have either rubbed a hole or dry rotted.
Make sure you have an air supply, either Co2 cartridges and/or pump. Make sure you have have the cartridge head to use the Co2 cartridges. I have had mine fall out of my pouch before and I had to wait for another rider to happen by to be able to repair my flat. I usually carry several cartridges.
I think it is a good idea to have at least one spare tube, often I carry 2 on long rides. A patch kit is also good to have. Check your patch kit to make sure the glue isn't dried out. Another thing I like to have is a tire boot. I haven't worn out a tire in years, but I have ruined a lot of them by hitting glass or metal on the road. If you are 30 miles out and have a cut tire, a tire boot can be a life saver.
If you don't know how to fix a flat tire, ask for some help before you are out on the road by yourself with a flat. It's OK to not know how to fix a flat, we have all been there at some time. I would venture to say that nobody in the club would say no to helping you to learn how to fix a flat. Antonio has given clinics on tire repair and other basic road skills. I bet we could talk him in to doing another clinic. Hint, hint Antonio.
I know I am notorious for taking too much but this is a list of what I carry:
-1 or 2 inner tubes
-Air supply to fix at least 3 flats
-Tire levers
-Patch kit
-Tire boot
-Some money to be able to stop and get a water or if you are with Harold a cup of tea and a toasted tea bisquit
-Cell phone
Something I think is really important to carry is some form of ID. I like to wear a road ID necklace. My road ID has all the important information that a medical professional would need if I were in an accident. Even though I know most of you, if there were an accident I wouldn't necessarily know who in your family to contact. Things like this are especially important if you have any kind of allergies or medical condition.
Sorry to carry on, but I think these are really important things.
Pay it forward. If you are out on a ride and see a cyclist stopped, always ask if they need some help. Give them a spare tube if you have it, Give them an extra Co2 if you have it. Remember it is always good to pay the road Gods, Karma seems to follow you. I have been that rider caught out there without the supplies that I needed and it took several riders passing me by before someone stopped and asked if I needed help.
Safe riding
Don