Just-in-case Preparation

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

The walking they do, I’ve admired,
I will do that too when required.
That will be my tack,
Then I can get back.
My need-to is that I’m flat-tired.

Are you “just-in-case” prepared?

I have RENEWED admiration for 
Those who walk or run distances for
Exercise!

There I was,
Out for hour-long bike ride this morning.
That’s news in itself!
Getting out a bit onto bike trail.

Lovely seven-miles of ride, when …
Funny sound.
Stone stuck in side of tire?
I got off and checked.
Nope, all clean.

I rode with sound increasing.
Finally, my brain registered:
Sounds like Flat Tire.

I was carrying NO tube, pump, anything needed.

Cyclist stopped to help.
With his pump, he inflated tire,
Which held for quarter mile.
Thanks, bike-trail-angel!

Then I walked.
I know folks who walk several miles daily.
Friends whose daily vacation joy,
Is a hike of at least twenty miles,
Over British meadows and hills.
Good for them!

I move with So much more ease
On two wheels.

I had been complacent.
Counting on my high-quality tiresTo function “flat-free”For a few hundred miles beyond their 3,000-mile life.

I need to get back to being-prepared,
Carrying what I need on my bike.

“What I need” varies with the person.
Some fit all of that 
In one BULGING back pocket of their bike shirt.
That includes the banana for snack!

Some fill a rear pannier with every
Just-in-case item.
Adding at least ten pounds of bike weight.

Since I lean more toward 
Full pannier just-in-case,
I must find modest right amount.

I’m calling today’s two-mile walk
“Cross-training.”

Hugs.
Lin