It was a bit too dark to start a ride, but us "roadies" (bicyclists/cyclists that ride on the roads) didn't want to say goodbye to the daylight of summer and the highs that fast riding in a group provide.
So there we went, three of us down state route 334, lit like a Christmas Tree with flashing red and white lights designed to prolong our lives while we share the road with early morning commuters.
A mile into the ride I hit (another) rock placed strategically to hit my 1/2 inch tire tread dead center. "Oh no" I groaned. twice in a week I had attempted to crush a rock with a 700x23cm tire pressurized at 120lbs; not a good plan if you want to maintain the integrity of tire, tube, wheel, spokes and rider!
Thankfully, I didn't fall, but I did experience the squishy sensation and squirrelly steering of a "FLAT". So, I hollered to alert my two-wheeled brethren, hoping for a little help.
Help they did! Butch asked for the new tube to pre-inflate a tad so that I could install it quickly. Rob rolled up the old tube and pocketed it for disposal. And I worked as quickly as possible to remove the wheel from the bike and the tube from the tire. Finally (about 3 minutes to change a flat) we were ready for inflation. Butch offered his second Co2 cartridge in 7 days to expedite the final step prior to remount and resumption of the ride.
Several aspects of this circumstance reflect cooperative and sacrificial Body Life.
1. Brothers on the journey stopped to help a disabled brother
2. Everyone offered a unique service to hasten the healing and my return to service
3. Sacrifice of time to ride, unexpected effort and parts that cost, freely offered
In some groups the other riders would have continued the ride. Their thinking and practice is "Every man for himself". While a flat may sound trivial, it's pretty disappointing when the hopes you have for a refreshing and life-giving jaunt are interrupted. It makes a world of difference to have compassionate companions at your side. And they receive joy to make meaningful contributions.
With prayers for Godspeed on your Journey,
Rides on Two Wheels (my Indian name)
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