LAST DAY, FIRST FLAT

Saved by my teammates…

When we arrive at flat land towards the end of the tour, the ride starts to feel mundane. I miss the twists and turns and views from the mountains.

On the last long flat day, I ride while listening to an Audible book: “The Unthinkable, Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why” by Amanda Ripley. It’s describing a ship exploding and it’s so engrossing that when I hear a loud pop, I don’t realize what it is until my bike mysteriously slows down.

My inner tube has blown out! I can’t believe that after all the rough riding, I get a flat on the final day on a smooth road! The funny thing is: I never once put air in my tires! I didn’t want to jinx it because once before my pump got stuck on the valve and pulling if off pulled off the valve.

I felt really lucky that I never had a problem… until today. Thank goodness the team shows up and instead of saying “On your left.” they stop and help me change the inner tube. I have immense gratitude for their true team spirit!

REFLECTION 

With the alternate routes, I ended up bicycling 2,310 miles and climbing 134,000 feet. As I plan my next rides, they will all be easy peazy compared to the Continental Divide!

I made new friends. I found new strength within myself. The scenery we rode through was soul stirring, breathtaking and amazing… and I captured enough of it for some new Story Skyrt designs!