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