I had four hardy souls join me today for a great and somewhat eventful ride...Steve Palinscar, Linda Bankard, Larry Peed and Deb Reynolds. It was a chilly start but we were all well dressed for the conditions. As we headed onto the IHRT, the 1st unscheduled stop was taken while Steve used the Port a John, so we waited. Then, after the scheduled rest stop at the end of the trail, we headed over to the Village Green and while myself and Deb used the Pink Port a John, Steve had experienced a flat. We all headed back to assist, even Linda and I helping to pump. But, the tire would not hold...could it be the 3 patches that had already been applied to the tube? So, Steve used his backup tube, which also had a patch or two, and we waited while this fix was made. On we went, and after Chapmans Landing and Hungerford, upon crossing back over 210, we stopped at the McDs for another potty break. On down to Marshall Hall Rd and on our way up Barrys Hill, I had dropped back a bit and guess what, I had a flat! I hollered, loud, to those ahead a couple of times, but guess what? Did they look back, did they notice? NO!!!! On they went up the hill and not to be seen. Hmmmm, what do you think of that? I made a couple calls, left a message with one and figured oh well, not everyone gets waited on. Fortunately, Linda had waited at the top of Barry's Hill and noticing that I had not been seen in a bit, called me. By this time, I had found a staple in my (new) rear tire and since the time was getting late, as we had a couple extra stops for other folks needs, I asked for a pickup. While waiting, I replaced the tube, took out the staple, met a couple nice locals that stopped to check, one even helped me get the tire back on the rim. Larry Peed then appeared and we loaded the bike and he gave me a lift back to the house. So, for those that complain occasionally of being dropped for one reason or another, I don't ever want to hear about it again!!!!! Other than that, it was a great ride. The End.
