What keeps me up at night
You would never believe what’s got me worried about this Colorado trip.
It’s not the mileage. I know 442 miles is doable and what it takes. I’ve done that before.
It’s not the mountains. I feel prepared. We don’t have mountains around here, but we’ve got some mighty steep hills and I’ve been riding them a lot this year.
It’s not the unknown. I’ve done lots of these week long trips, and they are really pretty similar.
No, what keeps me awake this week is ….
Worrying about my back tire. You see, it’s the original Bontrager tire that came on the bike. It’s got somewhere between 1,2oo & 1,300 miles on it, which isn’t a lot. I’ve not had any punctures, but the stupid thing is pretty squared off already. You know how those rear tires get when they start getting toward the end of their life. When they get that square feeling, I have a hard time judging how much tread they actually have left, and being the cheap sucker that I am, I hate to replace them too soon.
I’ve debated several times whether that tire will last another 442 miles. Most of the time I think it will be fine, but other times, doubt begins to enter my mind and I wonder if I made the wrong decision.
Oh well, I guess if I did, I can always buy a tire out there….but it’ll probably cost me an arm an a leg, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
God bless…
TW
Edit from Colorado: I did go ahead and bring a spare from my garage. If this one doesn’t make it, I’ve got it covered.
Explore posts in the same categories: bicycle, Cycling, Fitness, Ride the RockiesTags: bicycle, bike maintenance, Bike Safety, Cycling, Fitness, Ride the Rockies
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
June 6, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Switch to a new one for the trip, but keep the old one so you can put it back on afterwards. Just a little peace of mind. I’m envious of your trip, sound like great fun.
June 6, 2012 at 1:32 pm
7500 miles on my current set of tires. You’ll be fine!
June 6, 2012 at 3:16 pm
If you are really concerned do what Michael says……but as I usually get 2500 miles minimum with a rear tyre- If it was me I would be riding it for those 442 miles.
Sounds like a great trip……Enjoy!
June 6, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Buy the tire locally and you won’t have to pay the arm and leg for it. Take it with you as you do a spare tube. If you need it than you have it, if you don’t need it you’ll still have for when you do. Enjoy your ride.
June 7, 2012 at 7:07 am
queen city has Serfas seca tire that is wire bead but very durable and pretty cheap at $25. I would not ride a squared off tire at an epic event…just my 2cents
June 8, 2012 at 6:19 am
Tracy. Why spend the kind of money you are on the trip and then NOT want to spend the money for a new tire? Do it.
Don