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Four Punctures & An Early Bath . . .

Philip

Speeding Up
Feb 15, 2007
765
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Christoph and I headed out to Yabitsu Pass along R246 this morning. The plan was to head north from Yabitsu Pass to go over Nokogiri and return home along the Tamagawa - see the course map if interested http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/japan/tokyo/592349213

The pace down R246 was fast - we were above 40kph most of the way. At Hadano (55km) we turned onto the road that leads steeply up to Yabitsu Pass. We had Yabitsu Pass to ourselves - no cars, no motorcycles, no cyclists, nobody! My last visit was in bright sunshine, but todays rain did nothing to detract from the beauty of the area. After the 15km climb you are rewarded with a long, fast, twisting descent.

Towards the bottom of the descent there was a soft 'pop' from the rear tire and I had a puncture. Upon inspection I had a 0.5cm tear in the rear tire. That's when we heard a hissing sound coming from the front tire. Two simultaneous flats front and rear. How lucky is that!

Christoph changes tubes like a guy who has worked in a factory for 50 years putting tires on bikes all day long - so we were soon on our way. However, 5 minutes later there was a huge 'BANG' from my rear tire. Christoph nearly fell off his bike laughing. The 0.5cm tear was now 1cm tear enabling the tube to poke through and the tube had obviously exploded like a balloon.

After patching the tire and changing the tube we had one tube remaining between us and Christoph's antique patch kit whose expiry date had long since passed. We decided to cut our losses and head back to Tokyo.

Someone had turned R246 into a car park. No problem for two maniacs, heads down, bums up, snaking their way back to Tokyo through the rain on bicycles. I suspect the conversation in the stationary cars was something like this; "Look at those two idiots". "Yes dear, but they will be in Tokyo a long time before us!".

An so we were, until Christoph pulled-up with puncture number 4 just before Futako Tamagawa. The irony was we had passed Christoph's turn-off because he had been kind enough to escort me home in case my tire finally gave way! With the final tube used we said goodbye and headed our separate ways with the hope that 4 punctures in one day is unusual but 5 was surely impossible.

The final score: 4 punctures. A fast 150km. Home before 13:00

Result: A happy wife

And the moral of the story is - alls well that ends well! :angel:

Cheers,

Philip
 
hi!

Puncs ne....

I used to carry just one spare tube with me, but have long ago ditched that stupid idea. Nowdays it is 2 tubes and a puncture kit with half a dozen seals....

Never had both wheels blow at once though, that would be a first!

Ash
 
Another good reason not to ride in the wet.
The glass and grime sticks ot the wheels...

My record is 3 in a day...then had to go home before asap....or was going to be late for work....
 
Another lesson learned . . .

Hi Ash,

Before today, I thought carrying tubes would be enough. However, I would have had a long, long, long walk home today if Christoph was not carrying a puncture repair kit so we were able to patch the tire!

I wonder if you can buy a 'super' tube - something strong enough to get you home on damaged tire???

Cheers,

Philip

hi!

Puncs ne....

I used to carry just one spare tube with me, but have long ago ditched that stupid idea. Nowdays it is 2 tubes and a puncture kit with half a dozen seals....

Never had both wheels blow at once though, that would be a first!

Ash
 
tubes

I recently read about this tube, I forget where (cyclingnews, velonews) about this german company that has developed this thing which is virually punc proof. It costs a bit and I have not seen it in Japan, but might be worth checking out. I will see if I can find the article.

Its good to have a buddy to ride with though, thats the best tool kit.

Ash
 
ps, the bank note trick...

Maybe you know this trick, I dunno. I read it in Leonard Zinn's book I think. Anyway, apparently if you rip a tire, fold a bank note (I suggest 1000 yen, not 10,000) inside the tire between the tube and the hole, and then inflate the (patched) tube. The bank note will stop the tube popping out of the tire. The bank note is really strong paper and can hold you together for the trip home (apparently!)

Anyway, its supposed to work. Would be interested in hearing from anyone who has actually done it!

Ash
 
Geez . . .

I wonder if I had asked Christoph for a 1,000 yen note he would have given it to me :D I could have made 3,000 yen today :cool:

Seriously, if it gets me home I would happily use a 10,000 yen note. I guess one simple variation on this theme is to cut a decent section from today's ruined tire and carry it in my puncture repair kit.

Thanks Ash,

Philip


Maybe you know this trick, I dunno. I read it in Leonard Zinn's book I think. Anyway, apparently if you rip a tire, fold a bank note (I suggest 1000 yen, not 10,000) inside the tire between the tube and the hole, and then inflate the (patched) tube. The bank note will stop the tube popping out of the tire. The bank note is really strong paper and can hold you together for the trip home (apparently!)

Anyway, its supposed to work. Would be interested in hearing from anyone who has actually done it!

Ash
 
1000 yen!

Ah! Pete!

You actually did this? I have been wondering for months if it worked, I thought when I read it that it was a good idea. Thanks for that!

Cardboard too? Of course.

The spare bit of tubing like Philip suggested sounds a very good option, beginning to wonder if I should cut up one of the old buggers I have lying around tomorrow...

ash
 
bank note, energy bar, duct tape

I've used bank notes. It worked well on a tire gash about 1/2 inch long. I've heard others use wrappers from energy bars, duct tape, and cut up spare tube.

The technology I'm waiting for is tubeless. On my mtn bike, my tubeless with a bit of tubeless tire sealant have become a near bombproof combo. Of course, not sure how well this would work in high psi applications, or impact on weight..... I guy I know in the US is riding shimano dura-ace tubeless at about 85 psi with a dab of tire sealant and swears by it.
 
hey philip

thank's for the summary - I only have to ad - that the whole party made a lot fun....
maybe even because of the rain:rolleyes:

and we have to bring you through route 70 once without ouncture - have to do it again:D

hav ea nice rest weekend

christoph
 
Hi Christoph,

Yes, the ride was great fun - I really enjoyed myself!

Lets go back soon. I have just got back from the bicycle shop buying new tires and tubes. I also purchased some 'tire patches' by Park Tool for patching torn tires. I will bring them with me when we go back to Yabitsu :p

Cheers,

Philip
 
I just think about tomorrow :D:D - but first I have to count my tubes....
But I guess you prefure to take a bathe for 5km:eek:uch:

see you

christoph

Yes, the ride was great fun - I really enjoyed myself!

Lets go back soon. I have just got back from the bicycle shop buying new tires and tubes. I also purchased some 'tire patches' by Park Tool for patching torn tires. I will bring them with me when we go back to Yabitsu :p

Cheers,

Philip
 
Hi Christoph . . .

Are you suggesting a ride tomorrow morning???

My 5km swimming race was canceled due to the typhoon. So I want to go for a ride tomorrow.

Looks like the weather will be great - hot (very hot) and sunny :cool:

We can go back to Yabitsu! I will give you a call after dinner.

Cheers,

Philip
 
The bank-notes work better.

Hey Philip,
You could always tell Christoph to bring at least \40,000 yen with him every time you go riding - as per the above suggestions - \1,000 a time is not enough compensation.

Another thing that supposedly works well are strips of denim cut from old jeans.
But you also need to take rubber glue with you.

Travis
 
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