Sunday, May 20, 2001: Pittsville to Wautoma
<< back to index
Stats
Wind/Temp: SE 5-15 55-75
ET: 10:00:00
DST: 79.56 miles
AVG: 12.3 MPH
RT: 6:27:08
MAX: 25.3 MPH
Cities traveled through: Pittsville, Wisconsin Rapids, Planfield, Wautoma
Remarks
: It seemed as though my tube was sitting holding air in the morning so I thought maybe it would be okay. I put the tube in the tire and put more air in it at an Amoca station and again it seemed to hold it okay so I decided to see if I could at least make it to Wisconsin Rapids to check for a bike shop. As I left Marshfield, I checked for a couple shops too but really didn't expect anyone to be open since
it was a Sunday morning. As I left town, it seemed as though my tire was losing air. I would stop by the side of the road and put air in them and they would seem to hold it for a while. I continued this process for a while, but finally I must have hit something and all the air went completely else. I didn't have a choice again, but to ride on the rim. I finally made it to a gas station in Pittsville, WI. As I pulled up I noticed a recumbent bike sitting there. I thought a few times wondering if I should wait for its owner to see if he might be able to be of some assistance. I don't know if I would have though because I just had bothering people. I didn't have to even ask him as he approached me and asked me where I was headed. I explained my situation. He told me he had some tire patches and asked if I wanted to use them. I really didn't think they would help too much at first, because it seems like I usually have bad luck with them. I took out a tube and we checked the tube for leaks by placing it under water. I never really thought about doing it that was before, but it seemed to work fine. There were three holes in the tube that needed to be patched. Eventually I got it back in the tire and it actually held the air. The man I ran into that day completely changed my day around. When you're in a bind like this and you think you have nobody to turn to, it's practically a miracle when something like this happens. As I left down the road, I was all smiles and actually had goosebumps after this nice man's deeds. There are times in everyone's lives when you should help someone else out just for the sake of the matter. I will NEVER forget how he helped me that day. At a time when I was frustrated, disappointed, and wondering what to do next, he came along and gave me new hope. People like this make you want to help as many people as possible yourself. To say he is a good influence would be an understatement. I can honestly say I will never forget him for the rest of my life. Now the last 16 miles to Wisconsin Rapids were smooth! I checked for a bike shop there and althought the one shops answering machine said they were open at 12...they never were. So, I took the risk (don't know if it was a good idea or not) and made it to Wautoma.
| |
