Narrowly above freezing and I manage to push myself out the door for a ride before deep winter sets in. Feeling great out there. Roads are sloppy but empty. Cold but wind is down enough. Me and the bike are splattered from puddles.
I start thinking of adding another 10-15 miles to the ride. And where to grab a snack.
When suddenly, I start spinning out in 11th gear on a flat road. I slide to a stop and urgently unclip. My drive train spins without resistance. Rear hub shit the bed (I’m no bike tech, but I understand this is the proper diagnosis).
I’m 8 miles from home. The sun fades. Wind picks up.
So it is that my 2024 season ends in a ditch. Getting passed by fancy pickups that ignore my attempts to hitch. And trying to keep enough warmth until a buddy could pick me up 30min later.
Type II fun. Would do again. Bring more snacks and maybe a foil blanket next time.
Pictured: Siegla rigid with Conti Terra speed 45s. And one good hub.
by HenrySkrimshander
2 Comments
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Year’s not over! That sucks though. What kind of hub?