Time For a Little Personal Evaluation

Before each ride I go through a mental checklist to ensure the safe operation of whatever machine I decide on for the day. An oil level check, chain tension where appropriate, turn signals, brake lights, make sure the battery is fully charged, and tire pressure. And a superstitious twist of one specific bolt on the Himalayan that once wiggled out. And twice now I have failed to successfully complete the tire pressure check without damaging something. Thankfully, my mishaps have happened in the driveway or within a hundred feet. Both lapses of memory, or perhaps merely the sloppy approach to hurrying to get on the road. Such is the sad story of the slow battering of my AirMoto air pump.

Distracted by the desire to get on the road sooner I walked away to gather some gear while the AirMoto was pumping air into the front tire. And when I started up the road I heard a strange, rhythmic banging which was the pump being spun around and beaten onto the pavement. I forgot it was still attached. Thankfully all this occurred away from the front fender and I didn’t damage anything. Or pull the valve stem from the wheel.

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