I’m in the last training block before heading for Europe. Need big hills and long rides.
So, headed out to Donna Buang for a triple treat but had to abort mission after the first ascent. Expecting and found wet roads up there so reduced the tyre pressure to about 90psi just for safety on the descent. Arrived at the top feeling okay and donned the long gloves and raincoat for the descent. I’d rushed out the door and forgot my glasses so was just a bit concerend about that. And with good reason for, within 1km from the top I hit something hard, very hard. Didn’t seem like a rock and I saw nothing so I’ll be looking for a small pothole next time I’m up there.
I was sure something had broken but everything seemed to be in place and the wheels were turning fine – no broken spokes. But sure enough, as I bounced up and down a bit – Tommi Voekler style – things felt soft up front. Pinch flat. Damn! But all part of the game, no probs. Jumped off and removed the wheel. Tyre came off pretty easily as it always does and the reason I don’t carry tyre levers. New tube goes in and start to fit the tyre. Hmm, bit tight. I struggled with it for about 5 minutes before realising I was in a bit of bother. Sweaty body now getting cold, tyre seemingly getting harder and stiffer in the cold and both thumbs now so numb I can’t feel them. How the hell am I going to get down the hill? No traffic to speak of….
In desperation I decided to use Allen Keys! to hook the tyre over the rim. Scratch scratch – argh! Nasty stuff. Eventually it goes on but of course I’ve pinched the tube and it’s useless. Hahaaa. Dope! No point going thru all that again with a new tube so settled on the decision to ride it down flat. I don’t know if you guys have ridden on flat tyres on clinchers and maybe it’s just that it’s a tubeless rim? Anyway, the Conti sat flat across the rims while I gingerly rolled down – gradually building the confidence to get the speed up to about 20kph. But I was bloody cold and shivering so had to keep stopping and hug myself 😉
1hr42min after leaving the summit I rolled back in to Warburton. Slowest descent on record, Nico. I think I only let the brakes off 3 times – when I usually only brake 3 times!
Got out of jail free I reckon. The rim is undamaged apart from my messing with the Allen Key and the tyre seems to be fine too – though I won’t be taking it to Europe! Impressive really. According to the Garmin it was 3 degrees up top with a stiff wind to boot.
Learnt my lesson. Tyres are hard to fit when it’s cold, they get stiffer and your hands become numb. Always carry tyre levers! Don’t rush out the door without your glasses %-)
Here endeth the lesson.
The graphs tell the story nicely – a ride in two halves and a descent almost slower than the ascent.
Brrr, Cold up there!
56kph to nothing in no time – everything flatlines