First off, I will be back to normal in a few days. This was my worst
crash, but by no means a major one.
The details, then the lessons.
Headed to the landing, on Foothill behind old Kmart. Just as the road
turns left and goes downhill toward Hampshire Rd the front tire washes out
and I slide out my left side. As usual for me, all of this takes place in
slow motion as I get closer to the pavement. I hit the ground at 20 mph
according to Garmin, and slid a while on my hip and hands until friction
finally brought me to a stop.
After getting up and to the side of the road, I saw that the front tire was
not completely flat but had very little air. While starting to change the
tube good Bart rolled up. His first suggestion was to call it in and get a
ride home from the wife. I replaced the tube but the co2 was not filling
the tire. I tried the second co2, and same results. So I woke up the boy
(what teen is up at 7:42 on Sat morning?), and had him come get me.
Lessons:
1. After I got up and to the side of the road, I was planning to continue
with the ride. Then after looking at my newly ventilated and revealing
kit, thought I would just ride home. Bart was on point to get a ride home,
reminding me you don't know how you will feel in a few miles even though
you are ok right now. I've told others the same thing, but it's hard in
the moment. Thank you to him for pressing that point. We need to look out
for each other and take a conservative stance in these situations.
2. I didn't get a blow out, I think it was a slow leak that was too soft
when I hit that downhill turn. We can't predict when that might happen,
but need to protect ourselves if it does. There is a right hand turn from
Read road onto Moorpark that always makes me nervous. I usually time it so
I am not turning right before or at the same time a car is passing that
point. If the front tire had washed out there and I slid into the lane of
traffic that would be disastrous.
3. While I don't think the front flat was an equipment failure, I am going
to change both tires. I try to get the most life I can out of these
expendables, but again let's take a conservative approach. Tires are our
contract point with the road. We need the best traction we can get, and
reliability to hold precious air. Save your money elsewhere, keep the
rubber fresh.
Taylor Hodoose
805-390-2200