day 25 -- tire education in portland

turns out I completed that 575 mile ride through oregon on a nearly shredded rear tire. I had managed to convince myself that the absence of a central tread on said tire was normal since there was plenty of side tread left...and that these original tires were fine for the 14,000 total miles they'd have covered. suspension of disbelief. I'd attach a photo, but in the interest of not horrifying family members, imagine better than I'm describing. that there was fabric showing should suffice. limped over to downtown vancouver instead of a planned portland coffee shop expedition and searched for someone who could find a not entirely common tire for this rig. I lucked out when the local motorcycle hub had one in a nearby yamaha warehouse and could have it the next day. crisis averted. later that afternoon I gingerly rolled across town to meet the explorers (my vancouver hosts) for a run on trails with their team. one of the guys had an impressive collection of cycles, and after one look at the tire he suggested strongly that he'd happily strap the bike onto his pickup and take it down to the shop rather than let me risk any more miles on that tire. very generous, and yes, brought home just how derelict I was in letting it go so far. what I've learned: riding 2000 miles a week demands a touch more attention to tire wear than normal usage.

the rest of the break in vancouver/portland was less dire. anyone reading this blog has heard plenty about the explorers, a recently married couple I know from the running spot. he's done turns as gandhi/student council president, a disgruntled midshipman, an optimistic appalachian trail dropout, a bearcat, and returned to annapolis to complete the rare double of academy attendance and great books at st johns. she's the levelheaded one...cinti eastside refugee, redhawk, bemused running shoe expert and person-observer, ethiopian adventurer, and master electrician. they've speed-hiked the pacific crest and talked of sailing around the world, but for now they're biding time and making money as financial analysts...convincing new jersey dentists not to give up on the stock market just yet. or at least not just now. the pattern is work/make money then head out on an adventure, but the wanderlust has stilled for a moment, and they're focusing on running and coaching and more local adventures. their quirky and remarkably well-matched outlooks haven't changed, and they've come to realize just how strong that bond is. curious, open, logical, non-ideological. intentional and unintentional philosophy. and appreciative of good food...we headed south into portland warehouses for a sublime cajun meal of oysters and etouffe and mac-and-cheeses.