String of Bad Luck at the Yucca Triathlon

Okay so I had back to back triathlon races this past weekend. So let me start off with the Yucca Triathlon which was a 10k run, 48k bike, and 400m swim. When I started the run I felt good. I haven't had a chance to download my GARMIN 405 data yet, but at last glance I think I was averaging 8:20 miles for the 10k, which I know is not fast but I was happy with it. As I transitioned into the bike my legs felt good so I jammed out on the bike, then it happened! Approximately 10k into the bike I went over a good size rock, I even felt the back tire move to the left. So of course the next noise I was waiting for was the loud pop! Oh yeah let me mention right now, I am riding tubulars and I am not carrying a spare tire or tools. So I don't hear the bang but I do feel slower. So I am trying to look back at the rear wheel. Well I don't know what happened but my rear tire was riding low. I rode a couple of more miles and I looked back again to check on the tire. I could not understand how I had been able to ride the next couple of miles and not loose all my tire pressure. Long story short I don't know what happened but I lost a significant amount of tire pressure without going completely flat. So there I was with about 38k to go on the bike and I was asking myself do I stop and wait for the SAG WAGON or do I keep on knowing I wont place but at least I will finish. So, I decided screw it, I will keep going. Okay, I hit the 40k marker and BANG!! So if you are a reasonable person like I am you are thinking the rear tire is done! No, my front tire blew out....and I mean it blew out, there will be no riding this one out!

So not only did it suck riding on rear low tire but then I get stranded with 8k to go, walking, bare footed, and pissed! So this goes in the record books as my first DNF (did not finish).

I dropped off my tri-bike at Crazy Cat for repairs that evening. The next day (Sunday) I had a race at Ascarate Park in El Paso, Texas and with my bike in the shop I would have to use my road bike for the race.

I woke up sore the next day but I was ready to redeem myself. Here is the race layout; 1.5 mile run, 6 mile bike, 1.5 mile run, 6 mile bike, 800 meter swim. Again, I have not downloaded the Garmin 405 info, but my final time was 1:15 and I finished 3rd in my age group. I am still fighting for Southwest Challenge points and the Yucca DNF really hurt me on the points especially since I am playing catch up. I will keep you all posted on my strategy!