Gods of chance

DAY 24
Summersville, MO to Marshfield, MO

I'm not sure if it was ignorance or just wishful thinking, but I really didn't think it would rain on us during this bicycle adventure. I guess it wouldn't completely be ignorance because we did bring our rain jackets and invest in waterproof gear. But wow, we have had extremely unfortunate weather. Adversity builds character and makes for good stories right? Well, we're in our 30's and have given up on improving our character. And I'd rather have an enjoyable dry story then a wet miserable one. Please stop with the storming.

Getting in some riding as the sun is rising

Eric is coming to take the lead

86 miles. That's all we have left until our zero day (zero miles rest day). The knowledge that this day has been coming is the only thing that has been keeping Becky going for the past week. It's pretty crazy that we haven't taken a single day off in over three weeks. How's that possible and we're still behind schedule? Big miles in Kansas, that's the only thing that will save us.

Nothing beats laying down on the side of the road for a quick break!

Becky and I took a beginners bicycle maintenance class at REI one week before this adventure began. That class is literally the start and end of our bicycle knowledge. So it's no surprise that I've been dreading our first flat tire. Whenever I see Becky riding too far in the shoulder where all the debris collects, I freak out on her. With 100% certainty I was convinced that she would be the first one to get a flat tire. I stand here today humbled by the gods of chance. I would also like to apologize to Becky.

Beautiful, cloudy ride into Hartville

Climbing a small hill I notice a slight drag from my back tire. The tire perpetually looks flat due to the amount of weight I carry on it. However, a quick glance down confirms one of my nightmares. It's not completely flat, but something is definitely not right. I walk the bike up the remainder of the hill until there is a level driveway out of reach of passing cars. I'm not going to attempt to do something (patch a tube) that I'm not even sure how to do unless I'm certain I need to. The tire is still holding air, it's just slightly flat. Maybe a slow leak? I can work with that. My solution is to fully inflate the tire and watch it for the next six miles until we reach Hartville where hopefully Eric and Lauren will still be eating lunch. Eric agrees with me, keep it inflated and watch it closely.

Share the Road...

... And we did! :)

28 miles later and a total of four stops to re-inflate, we pull into Marshfield and our home for the evening. The whole time I wasn't sure if my mind was playing tricks on me or not. The tire was definitely holding air... Or was it? After setting up our sleeping arrangements under a pavilion in the city park, I return to look over my injured friend. Completely flat. Since Carson is the King of Flat Tires (five flats and counting), he walks me through the process. We pull a one centimeter long thin metal wire from the tire, replace the tube with a new one, and patch the old one to keep as a spare. I still won't be excited to get a flat, but at least we survived our first.

Carson teaching Keith the ways

Stats:
Miles: 89.26
Average speed: 11.4 mph
Max speed: 34.0 mph