Don't try this at home

Let's suppose, for the sake of argument, that a guy has a meeting with his academic advisor in 5 minutes. He is currently at home, which is a 3-minute bike ride, or a 12-minute walk, or a 2-minute drive followed by a 3 minute walk from the parking lot, to get to campus, where his meeting will be. Suppose he chooses to bike there.

Now, again for the sake of argument, let us assume that as he is halfway down his block, he hears a pop and a hiss--not from a record, but from his rear tire. Given that he is already on his way and cutting time very close, he chooses to continue riding on a deflating tire. What do you think would be the result of such an action?

In such a hypothetical situation, I believe that as our protagonist nears his destination, the now-completely-flat tire may render the bike completely unridable. In fact, under these circumstances it is not unreasonable to believe that the tube may actually dislodge itself from inside the tire itself and become entangled in the frame of the cycle. It is also possible that the valve is sheared completely off the tube and that the tire, upon inspection, has a peanut-sized hole in it.

Viewers, please recall that this was simply a dramatization meant to demonstrate what may happen if you choose to ride on a flat tire. Do not attempt such a stunt at home, and always wear a helmet when you ride. Children under age 6 should ride only under careful adult supervision.