So... there I was, riding along, minding my own business, approaching a stop light and shifting down. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the bike is making this horrible banging racket! My first thought was "WTF!?? Gearbox?!!"

I slowly limp the bike across the intersection and into a gas station, put it up on the center stand and take a look at the rear tire. What do I find?

This...

Attachment 10374

The long handle had slid it's way into the edge of the tread and up along the sidewall.
That's pliers, kids, banging around the fender as 1 3/4 inches of handle are stuck in the tire!
I know, I know... a picture is worth 1000 words, but I didn't think to snap one until after I pulled the damn thing out.

Anyway, I was able to remove the thing and the tire seems none the worse for the encounter. Of course, I'll keep a close eye on it for the next few days, but I think I got lucky. Anyone wanna make a run to Vegas with me?