I've been
pretty busy at work, just lately (like 18 months!) and had little time for
mundane matters like cleaning my winter bike (wreck, you might call it).
In between
trips to South Africa I've been using the Summer bike (on recent sunny Sunday
mornings), which is reasonably well maintained, I think (better check)!
Last Sunday
dawned a bit dampish, with wet roads, so it meant I chose the old winter bike,
complete with Mudguards - I don't like a wet bum / back!
Last minute
check: Gloves, Banana, Mobile, Isotonic Drink, Petty Cash Wallet (for
collection of sub's), Helmet - yes, that's about everything.
What about
tyre pressure?
They feel a
bit soft!
Action: Track
pump. Result: up from 65 to about 115psi - no wonder I've been so slow
recently, 65psi might be alright on an mtb but on a road bike - tut tut!
Off we go,
heading for Leamington Town hall, mostly up-hill, in the first mile and a
half, at least.
Descending
Stoneleigh Road, by Brook Farm, light application of front brake - minor
judder, you know, just like when the headset is loose and the brake blocks
bight-in on a high-spot on the rim - I bet you've all suffered a similar
problem?
Attempt to
tighten headset, by hand and on-the-move - nothing new there - but it is
tight.
Think nothing
more of it.
Carry-on
regardless - not a care in the world - familiarity breeds contempt, so they
say and they are right.
Descending
down towards Blackdown Island - golly, that front brake is bighting a bit
severely!
Carry-on
regardless, again - not a care in the world.
Slowing down
in front of the Town Hall, meeting-up with rest of the Sunday "hard-men" front
brake biting again.
Collect sub's
from Ian and Tony (I haven't forgotten - you're money is safe with me, I
think)
Off we go -
destination Broadway Tower - well, at least it is a short one for a change!
Thanks, Tim.
Mental note:
"Don't forget, don't use the front brake"
Off the back,
again - this old winter bike needs to visit the scrap heap.
Lounging-around in South Africa has done nothing for the Fitness levels.
Off the back,
again, and again.
Short-cut to
the Cafe. Nice
cuppa, nice flap-jack and Tea cake, too.
Looking
forward to a direct return route - no such luck, Time decides we're going to
descend Saintbury.
Mental refresher: "Don't forget, don't use the
front brake"
Notice that the word "mental" has been
slipped-in twice now?
Gingerly descend Saintbury, back brake lever
hard against the handle bars, front brake not in use, club-run disappears into
the blue yonder.
Ah well, another lonely 35 miles back to
Coventry - as Tim often says: "It is character building"
Now this is where my memory starts to go into
melt-down!
Somewhere between Kenilworth and Coventry, I
think, Front Tyre (at 115psi) decides to show it's prowess at a bit of pumping
metal - well, actually, stripping the side wall off the front rim.
The Rim joins party with Mudguard stays
Mudguard Stays decide to rotate at same speed
as wheel
The assembled mass decides to wedge-in under
the brake bridge
Wheel decides to stop rotating
Smiffy takes-up instant flying lessons.
Face makes contact with road ...
The next thing I remember is: I'm on a hard
board complete with neck-brace and a paramedic holding an oxygen mask over my
face and saying: "Do you know Dave Stringfellow, he's pretty fast isn't?"
Never heard of him or some thing like that (only joking Dave).
Out cold for some considerable time.
Can hear Maureen and Suzy (wife and daughter)
but can't see anything, just fog.
Notice that tongue can touch inside of lip
with jaw closed tight - shouldn't there be a set of munchers there?
Nose feels sore but at least it is still there
and in one piece.
Lower jaw feels sore and that is in one piece
too but the doctor prescribes two stitches.
No headache - the Giro Monza helmet did what
it was supposed to do.
I'm still only half conscious
So is there any real damage?
YES - my pride!
So don't let anyone / anything detract you
from cleaning the vulnerable parts of your bike, on a regular basis, and
checking for wear and tear, like this silly old git.
Two days later, apart from looking pretty
silly, there is absolutely no pain (just discomfort in eating - my favourite
hobby, after cycling, of course).
Seven days later: see you on next Sunday's
club run with shiny bike and new front wheel.
