We picked up two new riding companions yesterday. We
had first "met" Adam and Pete on the Internet a couple months ago.
They started their coast-to-coast tour in Santa Monica a week after we
began in Santa Rosa. We met them for the first time in person at
Renee's house in Las Vegas. (It was sure nice of Renee to put up
three perfect strangers, two of whom her friend Frank had not even
met.) Adam and Pete flew out from their home in New York City. Pete
will bail out when his vacation runs out in a few days, but Adam plans
to ride all the way home.
The photo shows Frank on the left and Adam on the right. (There will be more photos that actually show their faces. :=)
Fortunately we seem to have compatible riding styles. We have about
the same riding speed and similar philosophies of camping vs
motelling. And we may eventually convince Adam that he doesn't really
need all that 100 pounds of stuff he is lugging up each hill ;=)
(Frank) We spent the night in Mesquite, Nevada at the
Oasis Hotel. For once I wasn't the one with all the tire troubles.
Yes, I did have my ususal flat from a steel belted radial, and yes I
did find about it by hitting a small rock and getting a big pinch
flat. The only difference is I wasn't alone. Adam and Pete have
also been having flat problems, so Adam decided to try some of that
green slimy stuff that you inject into the tube to stop leaks.
That's in addition to his Mr. Tuffys.
Well, when we got up in the morning there was green slimy
stuff all over everything. His front tire blew during the night.
Pete's rear tire was also going flat. So much for an early start.
After fixing the bikes, eating breakfast, buying more tubes from
Walmart, then going grocery shopping we hit the road at about 10:30
am. Before leaving town, Pete had another flat. A wire from a radial
tire got him. Along the route I got my flat, Adam blew his rear tire
also filled with green slimy stuff, then blew up the first replacement
tube. He is going to try and get new hook-bead rims in St. George.
Pete also had one more flat, and when getting ready the next morning
even Alan discovered a flat from the day before.