Just wanted to say hi.

Went out for a SAYG ride a couple of hours ago, it could have been great. I was well dressed (it's raining), had some new music to listen to from "The Never." I was ready for a nice slow ride, admiring all the things you can't take in when you ride anything other than very, very slow. It's like you're in another world on the bike sometimes. Your view is confined to the wheel in front of you, and if you're really pro you always keep one eye on the powermeter. "Watts, Watts, Watts."

Todays ride was different. Maybe its the riding on the rollers, but the tires were not holding up. Two flats in two hours. One on the way out of town, that I fixed fairly quickly, and one just outside of campus next to 460. I was on the side of the road sitting on my bike in the rain hoping someone would give me a ride. I try to get a few drivers attention while they're stopped, getting ready to turn onto Prices Fork to head back toward campus. I got a lot of friendly waves. It seemed the more frantic I acted the more enthusiastically they waved back at me.

I found the situation kind of amusing. I was soaking wet, and could really only laugh at myself. Were the driver's waves a legitimate response, or were they just trying their best to not to acknowledge that yes, I was asking them for help, and no they weren't interested?

I was reminded of a recent "Car Talk" show, where the advice was given to a man who needed a warranty extended by the dealership he purchased a troublesome Nissan from. The man was instructed to call the corporate office and say "I'm in trouble, and I need your help." It's a simple, clear statement.

It's the line that saved me this afternoon.

For some reason the two times now I have stranded with my bike the savior has fit the same profile. Soccer mom's whiz by in their SUVs, with bike racks on the back of course, (the soccer moms are the most enthusiastic wavers by the way.) It's the old farmer with tools in his truck, probably on his way home from work that gives me a ride. The guy with hunting/NRA stickers who I expect to give me the finger as I signal to him.

So the man stopped in an old red pick up. I knew I may only have one chance. "I'm in trouble, and I need you're help." He said he would give me a ride, and the guy drove me right to my doorstep.

Sometimes I feel like I really can't count on anyone, but I realized I really can't count anyone out.

Rest Well.