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The Gu Package Flat Tire
By spokesman | September 19, 2009
While riding in the Nation’s Triathlon, I noticed a large number of empty Gu packages and other discarded gel wrappers on the course. They were thrown out by triathletes who chose not to put the wrapper back in their jersey pocket or bag after eating the gu.
THESE WRAPPERS CAN CAUSE FLATS.
Out of consideration for your fellow athletes, you should not discard the wrapper on the road. The gu or gel is sticky and will adhere to a tire that runs over it. Then the sticky spot on the tire will start to accumulate dirt, road grime, glass shards, thorns or other things that can work there way into the tire and cause a flat.
Many flats occur as a result of something sticking to a tire and getting pushed through the tire after a number of revolutions rather than puncturing the tube immediately. The sticky Gu packets on the road increase the probability of this happening.
I saw quite a few riders with flat tires including several without the items needed to fix it - but that is the subject for another day.
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Topics: Maintenance and Repairs |
November 12th, 2009 at 11:04 am
it is not uncommon for mountain bike race promoters to BAN DISPOSABLE GU PACKETS
the Hammer Gel Flask is often handed out instead
a much better option!
not only is there a risk of flats
but it is asking a lot for people to expect the promoters to pick up everyone’s trash
it is not a good reflection of the sport for the athletes to litter