Page 2 of Bicycle Built for Two

“I’ve changed a lot of tires,” Jason said as he got tools out of his seat pouch. “And if I can’t do it, there’s always the sweeper van for a ride to the bike techs.”

“True. Although I really don’t want to have to get in a van.”

Jason picked up wheel, took it to the log and sat down. Gently, he worked the plastic tools in between the tire and the rim. He alternated between pushing with his fingers and flexing the levers so the tire would release.

“New tires, huh?”

“Pretty new, yeah. The first flat this bike has had. I bought it a few months ago.”

Jason looked at Rider 114’s bike as he worked. He’d done enough tire changes that he could multi-task. The bike was a good road bike, near the top of the line and comparable to his own.

“I’m Ben, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you. Jason.”

“Hey, J-man, everything okay?” Rodney, a rider Jason had met last year, checked on them as he approached.

“Yeah, just helping out here. We’re good.”

Jason saw Ben give the thumbs-up. “The people are really incredible. Everyone’s so helpful. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“It is an amazing group.” Jason got one lever to slide around the rim as the tire loosened. “There we go. Progress.”

“Fantastic.” Ben kneeled at the bike and pulled a new tube from the seat pouch.

“This your first time doing the ride?”

“That obvious, huh?”

“Well, I didn’t recognize you, but you could’ve been someone back from a few years off.”

Ben gave the thumbs-up as another group of riders passed by, several of them saying hello to Jason as they went.

“Nope. This is a first,” Ben reaffirmed. “The course is kicking my ass, but I have to admit I’m enjoying it. Everyone I talk to on the road is supportive, fun to be around. I rode for a while yesterday next to a guy with an iPod blasting from his handlebars. It was a rolling dance party and a great motivator to keep pace to stay near the music.”

“Yeah. I like hanging with music people too.” Jason removed the tire from the wheel. He held it up in victory. “There you go.”

“Do you mind if I take it from here? It’s good practice.”

“Sure.”

Jason stood and handed everything over. Ben sat back on the log to work. Jason watched, ready to offer advice, but Ben did fine as he reached in and pulled out the punctured tube.

Jason couldn’t help but check out Ben. He’d already noted that he was tall, probably around six-one or six-two. The combination of broad shoulders, muscular chest, and sturdy legs ticked a lot of boxes for Jason. The way Ben filled out the cycling jersey and shorts made it clear the guy worked out. Ben’s red hair glistened in the sun. It was even a little spiky, despite being under a helmet most of the day. He also had light reddish hairs covering his legs and arms, which made Jason want to see if the guy’s chest was hairy too.

Ben had so much of his attention that Jason failed to pay attention to the road and the oncoming riders. A couple of riders slowed down. “You guys okay?” one asked as they came to a near stop.

“Yes, sorry.” Jason gave the thumbs-up.

“Okay, almost done.” Ben held up his work proudly. “Let’s see if I can actually get this put back together.”

Ben had put the new tube in and partially inflated it, making sure it tucked inside the tire correctly. Jason picked up the defective tube and studied it.

“I found the puncture. It’s to the left of the stem. Did you find anything damage on the tire?”

Ben looked at that area. “Nope, no punctures visible. I didn’t feel anything inside either.”

“Oh well, sometimes these things just happen.”