Yesterday I went for a ride in Southern Oregon up Hwy 66 out of Ashland, then cutting over on East Hyatt Lake Road. Not only was it a great ride on mountain twisties, but I made a few stops, just to get off the bike, meander a bit and enjoy the cooler temps and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the pines. If you go, you can stop at Hyatt Lake Resort, which has cabin camping options (with hot tubs) and a restaurant if you need to eat or refresh.
Take note to gas up in Ashland, and that Hwy 66 is not for beginners. Going up, you’re riding on the outside lane of a road cut into a very steep mountain slope, with several “country road” turns to the left and often no guard rail, leaving you the feeling as you approach the turns that your riding on an infinity pool that just drops off into nowhere. Be not afraid, but be safe, as this not a road with any margin for error if you’re going too fast.
When I arrived home, I parked the bike in the driveway to be ready to wash after it cooled, and when I came back later, I was fortunate to see that I had picked up a little traveler somewhere along the way. I find it thought provoking how life has a way of showing us what we need to see if we are looking. Unfortunately, I am often too consumed or moving too fast to see the opportunities or warning signs, but I believe they are there, wanting to be seen.
As I looked at my back tire I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. A 4-inch, self-driving, deck screw was embedded in the tire! About an inch was still visible against the tire, and the rest was holstered just under the top layer of rubber, actually causing a 2-inch long speed bump on the tread.
Just wow! I wondered how long I had ridden with it. By the looks of the screw head, it had been quite a while. How fortunate I was that the screw didn’t puncture the tire, causing the need for a tow, or worse. I carry a plug kit on my bike, but I’m not sure this sideways borough would have worked with a plug.
My question now was what to do. If I pull it out, it may leak, and I don’t have a setup at home to pull my back tire off a big 830 pound bike. I could try riding it to get serviced, and it might hold up for some more miles, but no guarantees. I was also wanting to wait until late August to get new tires, as Kristin and I will be heading out in early September for a giant 4,500 mile trip to three national parks. (more on that in another post)
After examining it further, I finally convinced myself that the screw didn’t go deep enough to cause a leak, but just gophered into the top layer of tread. I took some vice grips and then, while pulling, unscrewed the intruder. A little spit on the hole and no bubbles, so no leak! Even so, I decided it would be good to get it checked and replaced sooner than later.
So there you go. In all my years of riding that’s the first close call I’ve had with my tires, and though it turned out okay today, I know it could have been a lot worse. My word to the wise, don’t skimp on your bike tires, as it’s just not worth it. Buy good tires, and change them before the tread is gone. Had my tread been worn down to the limit there would have been no place for the screw to go and it would have been a puncture.
Tonight I am grateful, and aware of the frailty of life, which are both good things. Until next time, be safe, enjoy those rides, and enjoy the rest of your summer!
