well... i jinxed myself last week when someone was asking about my studded tires. i practically kicked myself when i heard it come out of my mouth too, because i knew what would be coming my way this winter... anyway, i dared to say--aloud--that, "these are such good and thick tires, i've never flatted with them," which, by the way, is no longer true.
just as i was coming up behind the capitol, i thought, "cheese and rice, why am i so sluggish today?" then, i went on to beat myself up over it for the next couple dozen pedal strokes. words like slug, sloth, and turtle were being hauled out. suddenly, i had a revelation, "maybe it's the bike!" as much as i don't want to be in horrible shape, i didn't want it to be the bike either, because i hate bike maintenance.
i checked out the rear tire and, sure enough... flat. well, flatt-en-ing. i continued to ride for a few more blocks while trying to put my weight on the front tire, but i realized that was no better than walking (just a different kind of fatigue). sure i had tools and a spare tube, but i wasn't going to change it out in the cold (this is december in minnesota fercripesake). it took me 10 mins to walk to work from there.
i'll go out and change the tube in the shelter of the parking ramp over lunch...
