Senior high school student Lawrence Mercolita was on his way home after a fun night ride with friends when he realized that he was starting to have a hard time pedaling.
A tiny screw punctured his rear wheel.
“Pag-sakay ko, nagulat ako kasi iba na ang takbo ko. Nagba-bounce na ako,” he said. “Mga four to five kilometers pa papunta sa bahay ko.”
(When I rode it, I was surprised because it felt different. I was bouncing. There’s about four to five kilometers until I reach home.”
He was in Quezon Avenue when he caught this unfortunate situation. Lawrence said that he should be more mindful next time because this incident is such a big inconvenience.
To be fair, it’s really difficult to see that small screw in the dark. There are many roads in Metro Manila that are still not well lit, like some parts of Quezon Avenue.
“May mga ganoong instances na hindi mo mamamalayan so ang pinaka-effective way is magdala ka ng extra equipment and tools that you can use,” he said.
(There are instances that you won’t predict so the most effective way is to bring extra equipment and tools that you can use.)
It’s a lesson learned for Lawrence. He noted that he did not bring his kit and some spare parts because he just went out for a short night ride. He said that he’ll be prepared next time.
Sadly, there’s no mechanic or bike shop available nearby. So what’s the plan?
“Maglalakad ako. Pero kapag hindi kinaya, sasakay na lang ako ng tricycle,” Lawrence said.
(I’ll walk. But if I can’t do it anymore, I’ll just ride a tricyle.)
