Subject: My first flat tire and a ride report
Author: Greg Bender
Date: Dec 23, 2004, 7:20 AM
Post ID: 1718101965
I'm off work until the New Year and went for a 400-mile ride yesterday.
I left Odessa at about 8am (after changing baby Darby's morning diaper)
and zoomed up the Sun Coast Expressway to make good time getting out of
the Tampa metro traffic. Once up on US-19, I started exploring the
little roads that wander west toward the Gulf of Mexico.
First on the list was Citrus County 490, which heads over to the town of
Old Homosassa. The Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Historical Site is
located there and it was interesting to learn how sugar used to be made.
This mill was steam driven and Mr. David Levy Yulee (owner of the
plantation) was the first United States Senator from Florida.
Next on the list were Citrus County 494 and 44, both of which head out
through some very pretty country. The destination of 44 is especially
awesome as you can drive right up to the gulf coast for a spectacular
view. I ended my coastal wanderings by checking out Levy County 40.
From there I decided to ride over to the Ocala National Forest and made
my way there via a number of county roads. Once there, the forest did
not disappoint...lot's of curvy roads, Live Oaks trees laden with
Spanish Moss, and little lakes everywhere.
Perhaps I've been lucky with flats up to now, but luck caught up with me
(Personally, I think I'm paying the price for moving from Minnesota to a
climate where I can ride year-around). Anyway, I pulled in to fill up
with gas at the 7 Eleven station in Paradise Heights. I thought to
myself, "Man this bike feels low and sloppy." I quick look at the rear
tire confirmed my suspicions.
Fortunately, I had everything with me that I needed for such an incident
(new tube, tire irons, 6" C-clamp to break the bead, etc). An hour later
and I was back on the road. I've ridden with folks who've scoffed at the
supplies I bring along, but I was certainly glad that I had exactly what
I needed. It was one of those breakdowns that wasn't disappointing as I
felt a strong sense of empowerment.
And to whomever is littering the county highways with knife blades in
Central Florida, PLEASE STOP!
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender/mg_images/flat_tire.jpg
I was late getting home even before I had the flat tire. So, I thought I
could buy a little more riding time from the wife. I called Angela to
tell her that it had taken me at least 3 hours to fix the flat tire and
that I would be home in a couple of hours. She didn't believe me for a
second, stating flatly "I bet you fixed it in less than an hour."
Already in trouble, I decided to wind my way back home through the lakes
and county highways and take the time to ride my favorite section of
Florida asphalt "Green Pond Road." Green Pond Road is located in Polk
County and connects Florida State Highway 33 at Eva with US-98 after
going through the tiny towns of Berry and Green Pond before connecting
with Rock Ridge Road. The entire path is very narrow two-lane (no
shoulder) and is filled with twists and turns (plus some nice straights
that let you wick it up to about 80 or 90 before hauling it down for the
next turn. I've never seen law enforcement on this road and the Live
Oaks create a tunnel through long sections. There's even a one lane
wooden bridge! It is magnificently beautiful and tons of fun.
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=M7tNO.p_0TqT&csz=Berry%2C+fl&country=us
From there I worked my way over to I-75 and zoomed back home to Odessa.
In all, it was a great day and a fun ride and not even a flat tire
dampened my spirits. Happy Holidays everyone!
Regards,
Greg Bender
1971 Ambassador
2000 Quota
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender