Feeling flat…
Fortunately I did have a spare tyre with me - two actually. Unfortunately what I didn’t have was a pump. Also what I didn’t have was the knowledge and ability to actually change the tyre. It wasn’t all bad though, it was a last minute decision to actually take the saddle bag with me, along with its two spare tyres, so it could certainly have been a lot worse!
I was also very very lucky to be riding with the other two amigos - plus an extra amigo. Between the three of them they had the knowledge and ability to change the tyre, while I kept watch for cars and took photos on my phone!
Text to coach with photo.
Text back from coach:
“Three of you to change a tyre. One to hold the wheel, one to hold the pump and one to ring for instructions?”
However, as I pointed out to him, at least we were out there. And indeed we were. My flat tyre aside, we had a fantastic ride. The first one on the road for Mary Ann and I since our last events. Our route last weekend was largely dictated by the upcoming 100km Flyer cycle race between Rotorua and Taupo. That’s not an event that I am lining up for, however, Nina and Mary Ann are, so wanted to check out some of the course.
We drove out to Waiotapu and left the cars at the Pub. We headed down State Highway Five as fast as our pedals would take us. It turns out people drive very fast down that highway - including very large trucks - so we were pleased to finally get off the main road and head to Reporoa. Located literally halfway between Rotorua and Taupo, Reporoa is also the bike turnaround point for the Ironman - I have a feeling this is an area I’m going to get to know very well!
The 100km Flyer also includes a wider loop around the Reporoa countryside before taking the more direct route into Taupo. We headed off along this loop for an extremely pleasant ride. Very quiet (apart from our talking and laughing), lots of lush green paddocks, cows to talk to, trees and the odd farmhouse. It was largely flat, with a few little hills and we managed to boot along at a fairly decent clip. Until I got my flat tyre.
We had only just kicked off again after a short nutrition stop. I’ve never had a flat tyre before and was expecting a thump thump thump like on a car. But it was just really bumpy. I couldn’t work out if it was flat, or if it was just a really stoney road!
“Does my tyre look flat to you?” I asked Mary Ann.
“Yes!” she said, screeching to a halt and calling the others back.
I was able to successfully take the wheel off the tyre and get the spare out of the saddle back - but that was where my expertise ended. Nina whipped out her super duper wheely device aimed at getting the tyre off in a flash. Unfortunately, there was nothing flash about my tyre. I don’t know how long it had been since it was changed, however, the inner tube was completely stuck to the inside of my tyre! With a great deal of grimacing and grumping, the tyre was finally off. In went the new tube, slight pump and then finished off with an air canister. Nina has all the toys - Mary Ann and I were very jealous and I suspect a visit to Kiwi Bikes is on the way!
We eventually got back on the bikes and headed back onto a much shorter ride down State Highway Five towards the cars. A final hill to finish off and our ride was complete.
Great scenery, great ride, great company and lots of laughs.
Jenny (left), Mrs P (Mary Ann on bike) and Nina changing tyre!