Flat Tire City

Between my two bikes I had 8 flats in about 110 miles. The good news is that I'm getting to be an expert in tire changing, repair, replacement.

7/23/2010 update: Replaced both front and rear tires and tubes and rode 50 miles without incident.

7/30/2010: Road a hard 40 miles without incident.

8/1/2010 update:

After 60 minutes and 17 miles had two more rear flats today, one required AAA service (my wife). First was in a very similar place as prior flats...about 18 in. from stem. Found a very small hole in tube, but NO sharp objects. No glass, no wires, no holes in the tires...nothing! Replaced the tube on the road only to have it blow out before I got on the bike! After mounting I partially filled with CO2 and found no bulges. Then proceed to gush the CO2 into the tire. Picked up some stuff on the ground and heard a pop and there was my tire flat again! The tire was off the at a spot opposite the stem. Upon inspection the tire popped at a different spot then the first flat. I found no debris, sharp objects, or issues with the teflon tape. When I got home I brushed the inside of the rim with a firm plastic brush hoping to rid the wheel of any shards or glass or metal. Use my LAST tube and pumped to 100 psi...everything is OK for now.

Ordered 12 tubes and 12 CO2 canisters!

Lessons learned:
1. Inflate tire to about 30 pounds and then check that bead has set on rim. Carefully move all the way around the tire looking for any sign of bulging. Then inflate to 100 pounds or so and test.
2. Use only plastic tool to remove tire from rim.
3. Replace tires, tubes, and TEFLON rim liner at least every 3 years regardless of condition.
4. 2000 is probably too many miles on most tires.
5. Holes all the through tires must be patched otherwise tubes will eventually be pinched and flat.
6. On the rear put the chain in smallest cog on both front and back derailers...makes it easier to remove.
7. Carefully inspect tires...takes more than 2 seconds...for wire, glass, or other punctures. All debris must be removed.
8. A tire which won't give up the reason it's flatting tubes must be replaced. (3 tubes and you're out!)
9. Use force from palm to reconnect wheels.
10. Double check that wheel is secure especially when you have a helper who disconnects it without our knowledge!
11. Release and engage brakes before removal or replacement of wheel.
12. I won't us patched tubes and keep a couple for emergency replacements.
13. Brush inside of rim with soft brush or blow off with air to remove any debris trapped under teflon tape.

These are random, but we get the drift?

8/29/2010 Update:

The final chapter: Had another flat after a 50 mile ride. Took wheel to bike shop where there surmised that the rim tape needed replacing! After about 150 miles no more flats!

Kicking Sinus Problem in the ass!

I spent thousands of dollars and hours on fighting chronic sinus disease. The story is a small book. Here's a summary: sinus problems for 42 years. At age 19 noticed runny nose, multiple sneezing fits, especially around Siamese cat my parents adopted. Took Triaminic nasal pills, got some relief. While at college room heated with water, no carpets. After moving to Holland, Mi bought house in country in pine Forest. At 24 had surgery to remove nasal polyps. One year later had surgery to correct "deviated" septum and remove polyps again. Had two steroid shots to reduce swelling in and around this period. Used nasal sprays, anti-histamines, decongestants before and after surgery. Moved to Alma, Michigan and developed polyps again. Had surgery at age 27, did first allergy tests and found multiple allergies. Only after the 3rd surgery did my Doctors offer the need for testing.

Things I did to the house:
1. Added electronic furnace filters (3 different houses).
2. Removed carpeting from bedroom used hardwood
3. Changed linens EVERY Day
4. Changed bathroom towels daily.
5. Wrapped pillows and bed coverings in plastic.

Traveled to Japan for 2 weeks at age 35. Within on week I could smell odors. Upon return in two days could not. No cheese or dairy while in Japan....

Eat for your blood type: tried it didn't help. Cut out eggs, tomatoes, all kinds of stuff..didn't help.

Second allergy test didn't show ANY problem with dairy, but was positive fore several foods, molds, pollen, cats, etc.

Anti-biotics: basically I took anti-biotics 4-5 times per year starting at age 27. For ear infections, chronic sinus disease, etc.

Steroid sprays: year round for 25 years. The last being Flonase. When I didn't use this I couldn't breath through 1 or both nasal passages. Rarely could I smell odors.

Cat Scan done about age 55 revealed that 99% of my sinuses were plugged with polyps, mucus, or just plain swelled shut.

Things that helped: exercise, saline rinse (but at times I was so plugged up the saline water would make the other side.), drinking 100 oz of water a day. Stopping dairy.

Weird things, I went through a box of Kleenix a day at the worst times. I used to keep track of how many boxes I used in a week...to make a point with the Doctors that what they were doing wasn't helping.

Side effects: Developed severe anti-biotic induced colitis, had daily nose bleeds caused by steroids, suffered from Depression (but never admitted it), was suicidal (but could never have done it due to family), air travel was horrible because of plugged ears, didn't want to be with people because of difficulty talking and breathing, developed sleep apnea, gained weight.

After I stopped dairy, within 3 days I could smell odors. CATS do not cause any itching. I still get some drainage, but seldom blow my nose. Even minute amounts of dairy will cause inflammation, so I checked all my supplement and ALL foods to eliminate! There was dairy in my licorice supplement and Ragu Tomato sauce!

So, I have NO problem stopping dairy......because NOW I feel great.