Follow these on-the-bike tips for a flat tire-free ride
Photo by Victor Xok/Unsplash
After learning and applying the quick and easy pre-ride tire checks in my previous post, we move on to practical tips on how to avoid getting a puncture while riding. Unfortunately, the deplorable road conditions in the Philippines put all cyclists at risk of getting a flat tire, but if you stay focused and know what to look out for, it’s still possible to stay flat-free and make the most out of your ride.
1. Watch out for shiny objects
When I’m riding, no matter how familiar I am with the road or how many times I have passed the route, I try to consciously look ahead for signs of debris that could cause punctures. In the early morning light, it’s easy to spot problem areas because the glass shimmers under street lamps while metal bits glimmer when headlights behind me illuminate them.
I look behind to see if it is safe to take an evasive maneuver then I give the danger area a wide berth because pieces of glass are prone to scatter in a wider radius whenever they are broken repeatedly. In the daylight, it’s even easier to spot any debris so always look ahead and train your eyes to recognize potential danger spots.
Unfortunately, the deplorable road conditions in the Philippines put all cyclists at risk of getting a flat tire, but if you know what to look out for, it’s possible to stay flat-free and make the most out of your ride
2. Stay safe from snakebites
Puncture culprits are not only limited to debris. Be on the lookout for potholes or cracks on the road that can lead to snakebites or rim cuts. Snakebites get their name from the parallel double-puncture caused when the impact from hitting a pothole, for example, causes the tube to be sliced by both sides of the rim. Snakebites or rim cuts often mean an immediate loss of tire pressure, so I’m more careful about that when I ride on unfamiliar roads or on long provincial trips.
3. Be alert at all times
It’s tougher to be vigilant during a race. But I race with the confidence that the organizers did their part in choosing a safe route or deploying marshals to warn of hazards before they take our registration money. Whatever the case or whatever the situation, it pays to always be alert.
Keep these tips in mind whenever you head out for a ride so you can avoid the hassle of stopping by the side of the road to fix a flat. But then again, flats are an inevitable part of every avid cyclist’s life so you still need to know what to do if ever you suffer an unfortunate puncture.