Epic Disappointment

Epic Disappointment. No I'm not talking about my life (this time), but rather today's ride. I had a sweet ride in the mountains planned and I'd been looking forward to it all week. I woke up to rain this morning, but the ride was still a go, since most of the ride would be on forest roads and double track today. No trail damage to be had. Soooooo. I loaded up the Soob and headed to the mountains.

As I headed up Tower Road, I was feeling spanky as hell. Despite last nights 2 to 7 beers. I was stoked, and was looking forward to 25 to 35 miles or riding. I hit Cherry Trail and was bombing down the wet double track, mud flying in my face, and having a great time.

I hit the bottom of Cherry and I was ready for my first climb, I wanted to granny gear, but my front derailleur decided it wanted to be a bit finicky, so I left it in middle and powered up... POP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What was that???? What's that noise??? What's rubbing? Oh no, what broke?? Is it my frame? Dear God don't let it be the frame!!! Boucher will KILL me if I have to warranty another frame! I stop, check things out. And THERE IT IS!! I broke a FFFFFFFFFFFFF*CKING! nipple on my rear wheel! 1.5 hours of driving, followed by descending for 2+ miles and "POP" the ride is OVER since my rear wheel is now rubbing my chain stay. Frig!!!

Can I just tell you to avoid Goddamn alloy nipples at all costs!! Go brass, and get 'em built strong. I mean my WHOLE ride was brought to a halt by a f*cking cheap ass 20¢ nipple or what ever the f*ck they cost. Grrrrrrr! If you're counting this the 4th nipple on this rear wheel that I've broke. Frig!!!

On the bright side of suck, at least it happened 4 miles into the ride and NOT 25 miles in and out in the middle of Rectal Fornication. I made it to the forest road and rode another 3 miles back to the car. I was not happy, but I WAS happy that it was NOT my frame and I WAS able to ride it out, even if the tire was rubbing.

Once back to the Soob I loaded up the Dos, and headed right to Pro Bikes, where I dropped off the wheel for Tim C. and headed home to do more plumbing madness and some grocery shopping. NOT the Saturday Epic I had planned, but I hope to try again tomorrow on the Mamasita. Just depends on whether I can get my Dad to watch B-Man for the afternoon or not. (just got an e mail from him, he can- WOOT! WOOT!!)

It seems that carbo loading with those beers worked last night, so I figure I mind as well try again tonight. Frig! What a day. If you're racing the M.o.M. tomorrow, good luck.

Later.