I had a very productive day at the office so that had me feeling good. I decided to do a 41 mile bike ride down on the Newtown Bike Trail after work instead of a run. It was just too nice of a day not to ride. I rode out from the Newtown parking area and then rode up the trail (as it follows the river and I was going against the flow - slight grade up) until it became the Loveland Trail and turned around somewhere beyond Kings Island (20+ miles). It was a typical ride where I try to keep my cadence up and hit 19-20 mph for the full ride. I had a little extra time today, which is something that hardly ever happens, and that would prove to come in handy and change the complexion of the day.
I had just passed through the beautiful town of Loveland and and was riding strong. I then passed two ladies biking on my right and said "I am on your left and a deer is on your right." There was a deer standing next to the trail and It got scared away when I said that. I then had about nine miles to go still on my ride when I noticed 2 riders walking their bikes. I eased up passing them and asked if they needed help. They said the one guy had a flat tire and no stuff to fix it. I decided to stop as I had a spare tube.
I pulled the tire out and started to hand it to the guy but could tell he looked timid in his reach for it. I then said "Have you changed a tire before?" which he replied "No." I said I would go ahead and do it for him and explain what I was doing throughout the process. We had some chit chat conversation which included my training for the Ironman and the other guy competing in the Mr. Kentucky (BodyBuilding) contest next week. Lets just say he made me look like a skinny bike rider (which I am not).
The exercise proved to be great training for me as I had only changed 2 tires the entire time I've been riding these last 2 years. It was his front tire and the change actually went pretty quick. The two guys kept saying "We really appreciate it." I was a little concerned on the co2 as I wasn't sure if I remebered how to do it - well, it came back quickly and I only lost a touch of it at the start when inflating the tire. I then handed the completed tire back to Pat (his name which came out during the final moments of the change). He then asked for my card or number so that he could reach me to repay me for the tube and time. I said it was no problem and to not worry about it. It felt good to help him and I said that "I hope someone would do the same for me if necessary." To which Pat replied "Pay it forward."
My only concern going forward was I still had 9 miles to ride and no spare. The ride back went quick and I actually got a bit slower the last 5 miles as it caught up with me a bit. The 41 miles would be my farthest ride this year and 10 more than my previous ride. While I started the ride feeling good I sure ended the ride with a good feeling. I will take that feeling any day.
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