Lt Orr and Tires

There's a scene in Catch-22, where Orr's plane is shot down over the water and his crew has to use their life raft. Orr's giggling with glee while testing out all the survial equipment. He uses every single piece, including the shark repelent, fishing gear, and little plastic oar. His crew, including Yossarian, thinks he's crazy. You all know how it ends....

Everyone has been telling me how bad the roads in the Yukon are and how I should not only carry a spare, but spare tubes as well. Flats do happen. I know since I just got one 2 weeks ago. My scooter had a spare so I wasn't stuck on the side of the road, but now I have a flat spare.

A new tube costs $9. A tube patch kit is $5. I went for the patch kit just for the experence.

I needed the pratice... you need soap/water to find the holes. The first patch I put on upside down. Thank goodness for split rims too... I couldn't break the bead on the tire. Patching a tube is not something I would want to do on the side of the road. In a motel room or at camp, though it would be eazy to fix my spare.

If you're in a city and can buy a tube.. save yourself the trouble and buy a new tube. However, a patch kit weighs next to nothing, is tiny, and can patch 5+ holes... something I'll have with me in the Yukon.

Speaking of tires, I found some knobbie off-road scooter tires. Even though most of the roads will be 'paved' knobbies might not be a bad idea. I think I'll get a pair.

Once I get the knobbies I might try a logging road or two to get a feel for them.... Orr style.