The Stoker Blew a Tire

In preparation for the trip we accumulated spare parts and tools to fix Leonardo if we have a breakdown. We have several tubes, a spare tire, CO2 cartridges and a pump, all necessary to get us back on the road if we get a flat. So far, so good. No flats. We bought the best tires possible and at the end of each day we check the tread and remove any shards of glass that might have become embedded. Jana has been very adept at avoiding glass in the road and I walk ahead when we are off the bike to locate and remove any lurking booby traps.

Much to my chagrin, it was the stoker that had the first blow out. Tuesday and Wednesday this week we logged the highest mileage of any day since we began the trip, 58 and 70 miles respectively. By Wednesday night my quadricep muscles were so tight that it was difficult to walk. I woke up Thursday morning with a throbbing pain that radiated down my right leg from my hip to my toes. Not willing to admit that I overdid it, I hoped that rest and walking would get me back in shape so we could continue on Friday as planned. No way, Jose. After a mainly sleepless night, it was obvious that medical attention would be required.

Interestingly during my long distance running days, it was my quads that were loose and hamstrings that gave me the most trouble. I was never diligent about stretching extensively, and pushed myself into mileage that was unsustainable. Eventually I had to give up racing the longer distances due to repeated hamstring injury. Am I going to repeat that mistake and turn this voyage into a trip filled with searing pain and misery? Will the journey come to a premature conclusion?

Enter Dr. Arnold, a local chiropractor. Unlike Leonardo who has spare parts, I do not. I have only the back and hips that I was born with. Dr. Arnold diagnosed the same problem I had when I was running, a tight right side hip flexor. He gave me an adjustment (oh, did that feel good!), and a new stretch to prevent a re-occurrence. He did not need to give me any additional advice. I will have to be more aware of the limitations of my body and, take more time to stretch after each riding day. Thank you, Dr. Arnold.

Of course the captain has wanted to stop more frequently to see the sites, and the stoker has wanted to add miles to reach "the next destination". The stoker's blown tire has been refilled with air, but the shard of glass is still embedded. Only increased diligence and better habits will prevent another flat.