I finally broke through resistance and brought my bike to a local shop for servicing. After being assured of great attention to detail, I gave the technician/owner the green light for any necessary work. (To be sure, a hefty invoice accompanied its return.) Relying on his assurances, new tires, etc., my friend and I packed our 2 bikes inside my vehicle and happily headed out of SF for a peninsula ride. Zooming along the freeway at 70, there was a sudden, extremely loud noise like a mini explosion. My friend asked if I was shot and bleeding anywhere and I asked her the same. Then we wondered if a tire blew out. But that wasn’t possible as my vehicle was operating smoothly. Still reeling from the jarring sound, I felt grateful both hands remained on the steering wheel and we didn’t swerve into another lane.
In thinking about pumping up the tires that morning and remembering a past experience wherein a tire was replaced only to have the inner tube explode while riding, I presumed the same thing happened. Sure enough! Our day quickly changed as we searched for a bike shop and waited for the repair. Ever so resilient, we ultimately had a great ride.
I learned that a downside to installing an inner tube not inflated is the risk of pinching and damaging it. The repairman said for that reason he always installs one inflated. Most definitely this was an OOPS and not on my part! So much for attention to detail. Additionally, the expensive light I was talked into getting fell off somewhere along the way because he had not secured it tightly in accordance with the instructions (per his later admission) and, well, OOPS again! Geez, I do pray all is well with the other adjustments and new parts.
Feeling a tad miffed, it took a little time for these multiple OOPS, to segue into levity and a bit of laughter.
