Ummm so I guess there was a marathon in St. George today so I got up early and rode from the finish to mile 16 passing several police officers whom were very vocal about their belief that I would not be able to ride up to Snow Canyon, "it is way steep you know." Apparently I look like a wuss on a bike. Rode up in the dark with a very dim headlamp and ran smack into a bush that was growing well into the middle of the bike trail (important for later in story). Watched the front runners cruise through mile 16 and hopped on the bike to follow them down canyon. Was flagged down by fellow cyclist about a mile down trail who asked if I had a CO2. I graciously gave him my one and only cartridge because, well I never get flats, only to get my own flat 2 minutes later. I hastily changed the tube and flagged down another biker for a pump. Obviously I am not capable of pumping up my own tire or Mr. Police Man was bored as he insisted on pumping up my tire for me. As I ride away, I hear the police officer yell that my back tire now looks flat. Seriously?!? Crap! I get to about mile 18 and now both tires are flat. I chuck my bike off the trail and start to cry and throw a tantrum like any mature female. Seriously. Seriously? I then do the next smartest thing and just start running with my bike. I make it to mile 19 and my calves are on fire. Bike shoes don't make the best running shoes so I do the next smartest thing and start running in my socks. Some cyclists stop to try and help, but since I have 2 flats I am pretty much a hopeless case. I pass about 5 other bikers with flats and another with both tires flat and I vow to never ride my bike again. At around mile 21, two of the most selfless bikers stopped to help and were determined to get me riding again. Turns out the trail is littered with thorns and goat heads and my bush running over doomed me for the ride. We picked about 8-10 thorns out of each of my tires and then I sat down to pick 2-3 out of each foot. If anyone knows these two gentleman pictured below, please let me know! Got to the finish, luckily before the race was over, to cheer on some of the finishers and to round up two slightly delirious runners, whose identities will remain anonymous. Congrats to all you runners out there!!! You motivate me to continue moving despite my never ending challenges! Headed back to SLC via Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Utah which involved sleeping in a bus in a trailer park and soaking in random bathtubs scattered throughout the hillside. Always an adventure.
Fixing flat #1 with Officer Friendly
Fixing flats #2 and #3. I owe these guys a big, cold bee... Dr. Pepper! Someone please know them.
Nice. A certain marathon stud kicking back.
Oh yeah and some running.
|