With the Tour underway there are many things to envy. One that always gets me is the team cars. This, to me, is the ultimate luxury (coupled with the relentless suffering, but hey, these guys are paid for this). No need to stuff your jersey with eight kilos of food and spares. A new wheel is at the ready – a whole new bike, should it come to that. Bidons are chilled and waiting. Tools are full-sized and plentiful, not folded little compromises. And if the V-tank goes to empty, there is always the back seat of that four-wheeled decal darling.
As of today, my envy can be put to rest. Today, AAA (yes, the Automobile Association of America) will extend roadside assistance to members in the state of Washington. Now, I have a team car… and it has hydraulics. And 700 ft-lbs of torque. And a reasonable chance of some canned beer stashed behind the front seat. Now I just hope AAA comes up with a sharp looking kit.
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One of the most relevant pieces ever, brilliant stuff Jim!
What a great idea!
I wonder if they'll put Triptiks together for rides.
The "team cars" here in Texas have tried to run me off the road and have thrown the carcasses of some of those canned beers at me on occasion.
Some douche in the comments section commented that if you can't change a tire, you shouldn't be riding! Obviously, that douche has never had a real mechanical or has crashed yet...
Great idea. Wish they would bring it to Alberta. My team/support car is provided by W.I.F.E. which is as reliable as AAA, but comes with heavy doses of sarcasm and criticism....
@Dan_R
Always need more people riding. There are plenty of people willing to change a tire. "Here, take my tube, please!"
Good stuff. I wonder if the drivers are going to be trained in bike mechanics.
Best team car ever:
that is a genius idea on AAA's part. makes me have some more respect for them. if the service ever comes to colorado, i just might join AAA.
A similar service has been available through CAA in BC and in Ontario since 2010. My wife actually brought it to my attention just the other day. Wonder if she was trying to tell me something...
@Monkeyscat The inbreds you encountered must surely be related to the toothless and brainless rednecks here in Fort Worth... very likely step brothers or first cousins. where in Texas are you dodging these fools?