The Big Optometry Blog: How not to use a CO2 inflator

A little off piste for an optical journal perhaps but I thought I would share. I’m competing in a half Ironman distance triathlon for Blind Veterans UK later this month, you can follow my story on my Justgiving page.

I have had fantastic support from optical firms such as Marchon, Hoya, AEL Markhams, Specsavers, Martin Smith Opticians, Nikon, Rodenstock and Louis Stone. Many individuals and other firms such as Peter Greedy’s Greepers laces and Rapha, the makers of exquisite cycling apparel have also leant support.

The event requires me to swim 2km, cycle 80km and then run a half marathon. It’s set in the South Downs so I’m expecting some testing terrain and this requires some training. I recently took a few days off to get in some miles but suffered a puncture. Technology has done many things and one is to try and replace the bicycle pump with a carbon dioxide inflator. It uses one of those CO2 bomb things that soda syphons used.