Trip 2.11

I never look for the weather forecast. But last night I just happened to surf over the weather channel as the meteor-guy was saying that the next few days would be clear. Therefore I was surprised at this morning's drizzle, and a little anxious about getting out of Lehighton. It's just one of those places where I feel a little constricted by the traffic and the construction. Rain wouldn't help matters.




Within 10 minutes, though, I was onto a good road with a wide shoulder that seemed to be twisting in such a way as to offer the easiest path through the upcoming hills. The skies were gradually clearing, and soon my GPS had me turning onto an even more bike-friendly route.

I made the left and decided to check on my rear wheel, which seemed to be rubbing on the brake. It was. I opened the pads as wide as I could. Still rubbing. I checked to make sure the wheel was fully seated into the frame. Still rubbing... And now, I noticed, rubbing on the chainstay as well as the brake. (The chainstay is part of the frame.)

I've never messed with my wheels. They're as old as the bike (over ten years) and have seen thousands of miles. I've never tried to true one because it always seemed such a delicate process. I had a general idea of what to do, though, and got out my spoke wrench. As I started to inspect, I saw this...




Forget truing, forget bending, forget riding. This wheel is done.

I have this old friend from high school who I see very infrequently. I've seen her just enough over the past few years to know that she lives in Allentown...

I took a few stabs through FB and 411 to reach her. No luck. I've seen her just enough over the past few years to know that she's in interior design. Web search. Got her.

Kerry said she'd come rescue me. I laid down in the grass to wait. The sun was out, I was very comfortable, and I could use a new pair of wheels anyway.




Long story short, here's how cool Kerry is:

She picks me up.
She brings me to a bike shop near her office.
She leaves me the car, just in case. (I eventually had to drive to Bethlehem for the new wheels.)









She gives me a Diet Coke when I get back to her office about an hour later.


She helps me find a cheap hotel.
She lets me shower at her house.
She invites me out to dinner with her boyfriend, Dennis, and good friend, Amy.






She brings me to the hotel.
She (and Amy) help me to get all my stuff to the room.
She brings me to Sheetz after I said I could use a Diet Coke before bed.
She drops me off with a big hug.

I lost 50 miles today. But new wheels, new friends, new appreciation for Kerry-- this was a day of big gains.

Location:Valley Center Pkwy,Bethlehem,United States