: Curse of the Single Track

By: g | No Comments » |

Ever had one of those rides where nothing goes right and all you can think off is “why did I ever get out of bed”?

It was a fine Spring Sunday morning pacing my way down the Woodford Track with the regular group of Mountain Bike enthusiasts. All was well, no flats or mechanicals to be had by the group.

This was soon to change though, as the single track was near. Having punctured the previous two weeks on the same track I was in two minds. Is it worth the risk? Should I just take the easier less thrilling option of riding down the road? Having pondered for a while, the advantages of riding the single track far outweighed the previous weeks frustration, so on I went.

Setting a cracking, personal record breaking time and it happened. The ominous hiss of air escaping from the rear tyre was soon to stop me dead in my tracks. My initial reaction was short but hey, it’s only one flat. After a quick tube change we were off again. No more than 50 meters – bang, out goes the rear again. By this time I was starting to get I bit annoyed but took it in my stride and put in my last remaining tube.

Not ten meters down the track and I was ready to throw the damn thing over the edge. This cannot be happening! Mmmm must be something wrong with the tyre or rim. After a closer inspection all was well with no obvious cause for the three flats so far. Out came the puncture kit and yet again we were off.

Finally it seemed my run of bad luck had ended and the rest of the group was happy again to be back on the go. Maybe I did something bad to displease the Mountain Bike Gods because YES!!! it happened again, and again, in fact by the end I had a total of seven punctures.

All hope was gone of ever finishing this ride. We had depleted two puncture kits and gone through two new tubes. The amount of frustration was enough to put me off Mountain Biking indefinitely.

Finally the time had come to pass and it was time for the final resort. A quick call to my wife on the mobile and she was off to my rescue. A short walk (2km) in riding shoes down the causeway and up to the National Park gate gave me ample time to cool of emotionally.

The frustration and anger did pass and yes I was out again the following week to test the Gods on this cursed track.

They must still be unhappy with me!!

Charles Hardimon

 

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