A DIFFERENT KIND OF FLAT

THE THOUGHT OF RACING TODAY was underwhelming. Sleeping in, watching Liege-Bastogne-Liege, taking a lazy beach walk with Surfergirl, making pancakes...

... anything, but clipping in and pounding the pedals.

Watts up?

Surely, it's not...

• Rock Cobbler in Feb
• BWR AZ in Mar
• Cactus Cup in Mar
• Sea Otter in Apr
• BWR CA today

... racing my Classics season?

I know it wears the pros down,
but not me?

I was flat before we even got going.

When I got a flat with 15 miles to go...

... I was so tempted to call for help.

Good thing I don't race with a phone.

I'm sharing this part, because it could happen to you.

So, I'm in a good group, with Carlitos and Kristen Smith.

We're moving.

Then I hit a rock, at speed...

... all the way to the rim.

Tire starts losing pressue.

Ugh!

I stop.

No signs of sealant or a punchture.

Hmmm?

Give it a CO2...

... all the air just blows right.

Give it another, my last...

... same darn thing.

I have just enough that I can ride very slowly.

I find one of those public tool stations, with a pump.

Yes!

Attach it.

Nothing in...

... all remaining air out.

I'm dead.

A good dude pulls up to loan me his pump, only he hasn't used it in years and can't remember how it works.

I should stayed in bed.

A few minutes later, the great Nate Adams comes blasting by.

I hollar.

He stops.

Gives me 2 CO2s.

I go for it.

Tire seals perfectly.

What happened?

I think I hit that rock so hard it broke the bead free keeping it from sealing properly...

... until all the air pressure was removed.

It remained sealed the rest of the ride.

Where's the lesson?

I need...

• rest
• a break
• time off

... to remove the pressure.

Once that's done...

... I can quickly get back up to speed.

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