Dollar value

The value of a dollar may be down across the globe, but one place it's invaluable is when trouble arises on the road during a ride. Last Saturday I suffered a flat and quickly noticed my tire had a long slice and hole going straight through. See for yourself.....That's no simple flat but rather a blowout!

I didn't think I'd be able to overcome such a huge slice. I made a call for a potential ride home while walking up and down Hwy 96 looking for something to patch the tire. Fortunately Robert comes back to help, assesses the situation, and proceeds to fold up a $1 bill all McGyver like!

We use the bill to cover the slice, put in a new tube, use a CO2 cartridge for air and cross our fingers hoping for the bill to hold. We ride back to the group waiting on Boyd's Mill (thanks!), and I am somehow able to continue on for another 2.5 hours with this make-do operation!

I never realized the strength of money, but according to Robert bills can withstand some serious pressure when folded up. If it can hold me up (175-180) on two wheels for over 2 hours then I'm definitely a believer.

A couple of morals to this story.

One, have several bills on hand. As Robert quickly pointed out to me, don't use my $20 bill (my only bill) because then I wouldn't be able to buy anything at the store. Smart man. We used one of his $1 bills instead and I replenished myself (and Robert) at Puckett's.

Two, always have money for pit stops and major flats. Especially when riding in small town communities where it's cash only. I've had to go without a few times because a debit card isn't accepted in Fly or other small towns.