A flat spot on my front wheel

I have been riding with a flat spot on my front rim since early on in the tour.  We were cycling on a back road in Maine when I struck a large pot hole while hovering too close to the cyclist in front of me, Eli.  As he swerved out of the way I had no time to turn. The impact was significant.  

Though the rim is bent it remains structurally sound.  However, each revolution of the tire results in a small drop in the wheel that makes me crazy while riding on a smooth road.  I can't feel it on most of the roads as the cracks and rough surface hide the flat spot.  Due to the lack of inventory in the cycling industry, I will probably make it work for the remainder of the tour.

Each of us have endured some wound, annoyance, and discomfort thus far in the tour.  Road rash from a crash, stitches from a crash, broken bike components, mangled bike chain, unceasing bug bites, flat tire, blistered butt cheeks, numb fingers, numb feet, chain grease imprinted on the calf, sticky smelly bodies, sticky smelly sleeping bags, etc....  

Bike touring is hard work.  Even though our bodies are adapting, each hill still hurts.  

However, we continue to experience wonderful moments and people that will continue to build memories for the rest of our lives.

Tonight as I write this, we are camping in Cascade, Iowa.  In the last week our journey has taken us through countless corn and soy bean fields in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.  The temperatures have been hot, and our rides often include persistent head winds.  We are currently riding northward adjacent the Mississippi River.


 

 

We took a few days off from riding to enjoy some epic roller coasters in Sandusky, Ohio with Laurie's half sister, Laura, and her family.  

 

And were hit with a few thunder showers while in the park.

 Enjoyed a small town lemonade stand in Illinois.

Spent a night in Preemption, Illinois with the best 'Warm Showers' hosts, Danny and Donna.  They really took care of us and the kiddos. 

 

 

These moments, and people, continue to make this experience so rich.......... and the flat spot on my wheel seemingly irrelevant.

Time for bed.


Mike

Comments

  1. Suzanne GrayJuly 11, 2021 at 6:05 AM

    Good update! Sounds hard, but fun. Sorry it's so HOT this summer. Shade, Lemonade, and Swimming helps ease the pain. Keep on keepin on.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ElizabethJuly 13, 2021 at 7:37 AM

    I agree with Sue - that was a GREAT update!

    ReplyDelete

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