DNS on the Desperado 300
Ride date: May 31, 2025
by Gary Baker

What else could happen!!!!

A dog bite in early May, ensuing infection, then treatment for the treatment kiboshed all my plans to complete a full Spring series. I finally felt I was ready and signed up to ride the May 31th LM 300. I was wrong, I was to find out.

The night before I did the usual pre-ride prep: set up bike, clothing check, bike food, etc. and early to bed for a 4:30AM departure and drive to the start area to meet up with my riding buddy, Barry C. First glitch, I went to the wrong 'Save on Food' site on S. E. Marine Dr. We quickly sorted that out. First problem ( second glitch); I pull my bike from the car and there was a FLAT tire. No big deal, as I carry two spare tubes. I quickly changed the tube, as Barry watched, and off we rode towards the start location. We didn't get far, another FLAT. I had inspected the tire before installing the new tube and the tire was clean. Out comes spare # 2. What the F.... It had been a loyal accomplice for far too long it turned out, as it had a Schrader valve stem. Now what, a two stage response, I would patch one of the tubes as Barry rode to the start to see if he could borrow a 650b x 44 tube from another rider ( thanks Etienne ) Barry got back with a new tube before I got the patched tube on the bike, best install the new tube and use the patched tube a spare. Sensing I was almost ready to ride Barry set off up and around the corner on this steep access ramp to the bridge with access back to the official start location. Eager to catch him I mounted the bike ( remember I'm on a steep hill), stay standing, push down HARD and the chain falls off, I'm barely moving and am now off balance. Guess what happened next, over I went in slow motion....(*&%$%*&%$. That hurt, survey the damage, catch Barry, who was waiting at the top on the ramp, in that order. I was feeling a bit queasy, nothing to do with the pavement kiss. The series of event before I even got to the start could be the basis for a Monte Python skit, Barry and I were in full on 'laugh mode' at this point. THEN, the clouds just opened up, we were soaked to the skin before we could get our rain gear on. We were on a One Way access ramp to the Queensborough, Barry asked if I know how to access the bike route back towards Marine Dr. Yes, 15 minutes late we were enjoying a hot breakfast at a Starbucks. I was feeling very queasy!!!

The cycle God's clearly had been sending me messages, "Don't do the ride". I posted a DNS, had I ridden on I would have posted a DNF. Things went way past the Queasy stage......😉 as the day progressed (TMI).

I intend to do a full series riding a mix of LM and Island rides over the summer. Riding buddies welcome.