alex chiang: web 6.0

I learned a few things about mountain biking on Monday.

First, flats are a lot more common compared to road biking. Second, not having a replacement tube really sucks. Third, there are lots of nice people on the trails, but you can’t count on them saving your ass every time.

I was up on Horsetooth Ridge, just riding around and exploring, and at one point or another, unknowingly rode through a thorn patch. When I headed back down the trail, I noticed my rear tire going flat, which sucked because I was completely unprepared. Luckily (at first), I met a few people coming the other way who asked “Do you have everything you need?” I admitted that I was a moron, and one guy gave me a tube.

After replacing the rear tube, I thought I was ready to go. I picked up my bike and noticed a shitload of thorns sticking out of the front wheel. I groaned. The other guy didn’t have another tube (and why should he have? It wasn’t his fault that I was a dummy), and so I was resigned to walking home, which sucked. Bad.

So now I have an extra tube, tire levers, and a pump at all times. It’s better to carry a little extra weight to avoid having to walk home. And to pay back into the karma system, I bought the guy two new tubes. The first few lessons are always painful.

In other news, everyone needs trucknutz.