Flat 2009

Waking up before the alarm clock, there is simply no reason for me to skip today's ride.

Out of the house by 4:40am, I proceed to the rendezvous point.
With my Big ChainRing fully operational , the ride is more comfortable.
In fact, the first 3km was truly enjoyable , with the Big ChainRing, Smallest Gear combination.

Half expecting to be overtaken by the chiongsters along the way, I was pretty surprised that I completed the entire Mandai stretch alone.

Did a mini-loop while waiting for the train, which arrived not long after.

Hop onto the Kranji train, sucking on Joyce's wheel.
Pretty uneventful ride, that is until we reached Kranji Reservoir Bridge.

Moments before, I thought my rear wheel hit a large stone which was flung to the side of the road with much force.
(Examining the tube, it has to be a sharp metal object as there are 2 parallel straight cuts on the tube.)
Entering the bridge, I start to lose control of my rear wheel.
Slow down to peek at my rear wheel, I confirmed my worst fear. I have a flat!!!
Had wanted to shout out to the group (I am the last rider), but I decided that it would be better if I were to settle the repair job myself.

Did a U-turn and walk out of the two-way single-lane bridge.

With much luck, there was a well lit bus stop just off the bridge.
(Almost all the other bus stops along this stretch of the road do not have lights).

All the memories and lessons learnt from the last flat incident starts to kick in.
1) Check the spoilt tube
2) Check the interior of the tire
3) Replace tube
4) Pump check Pump check
5) Check for pinching.

After 30 minutes of work, I am finally done. =D
Time check : 6:40am.
Not much time left.
Time to zoom home and prep for work.

Just when I slap back the cover of my bento bag, the bus stop lights went off. Wow, magic ah!!!
It is as though I have thrown a switch or someone has been kind enough to keep the lights on till I finish my repair job.

Along the way home, I keep checking my rear wheel.
It was not a smooth ride, with the wheel pump to about 80 psi instead of the usual 120psi.
Luckily there was no more incident and I make it home in pretty good time.

Replacing the spare tube in my bento bag, I was off to work in record time, chomping down my breakfast on the move. =p

I was literally grinning from ear to ear the entire morning.
Cheap thrill, but it is like a wonderful achievement to be able to replace the wheel single-handledly.