I’ve sure got cell phone woes tonight. Why do I forget about being sure my phone is properly charged — right when I’m expecting an important call?

First, I saw that the expected call was several minutes late. Then I saw something on the phone’s screen that said emergency calls only. I checked “Settings”; and the phone had only 17% charge left!

Of course I plugged the thing in immediately; but now I don’t know whether I’ll get that call or not.  On top of that, maybe I forgot to inform the other party that I no longer have my landline! I might have to reschedule this call.

I hope no such cell phone woes strike when I’m on a long Sunday ride. It would be bad news if I was caught 20 miles from home; and had no way to call for help in an emergency. Twenty miles is a long, LONG way to walk if I have a flat tire that I can’t fix.

There are also areas where cell phone reception is spotty; or even non-existent. When you’re used to whipping out that phone at any moment, it’s hard to not have it! So if you’re keen for long cycling tours in out-of-the-way places don’t forget to consider that.

It’s a long time since I’ve even done a century; so a bicycle tour in said faraway places is way beyond me. With my problematic hands, I can’t even fix a flat. So I’d better stick closer to where I can get help if I need it!