The first big race of the season (and perhaps the
only race of the season) is Sunday. Pondering 60km of rougher-than-usual terrain I considered what to do if I get a flat. Is the race over for me, or do I fix the flat? I suppose one brings a spare instead of a patch? What if its nasty-cold-hand-kind-of-weather, do I even bother? It would take me at least 5 minutes to fix, if its the front, and more likely longer if its the rear.
I picked up a pump just in case.
Haven't had a bike pump in years because of the fact that I'm much more of a commuter cyclist and if I puncture I just jump on the bus.
The way I see it, I'm not really competing in this thing. But having the ability to carry through is a good option, I suppose.
My suggestion is to fix and carry on. Participation and completing the course is huge, and being self sufficient makes it all more rewarding.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chris (Pondero). Take a couple of extra tubes, some tire irons, a patch kit and the pump. If you go through two tubes and all of your patches before the end of the race, you have my blessing to DNF...(Don't laugh, I have done it.)
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