This morning I set out for what I thought would be another nice 32 mile ride to/around Wrightsville Beach. I made it all the way to the one end and then thump, thump, thump….or something like that.
I knew right away that I had my first flat tire! Bummer! Of course, I had nothing with me to fix it (nor would I have known how to fix it) so I began walking back towards town thinking I could make it to a gas station. Along the way, someone told me about a bike rental shop nearby, so I headed there. Now mind you, I go out pretty early in the morning (best time to ride as it’s been getting very hot here lately) so I would have had to wait for a bit for the shop to open. Looking through the window, I didn’t really think that they would have what I needed.
Luckily I had gotten into the habit of always bringing my cell phone with me, so next I called J. Yes! AJ’s dad was visiting with his van and they all decided to come pick me up and then we all went out for breakfast. Perfect! AND lesson learned for me. I had them drop me at the bike shop (where I purchased the bike) so that I could get it fixed, hopefully learn a thing or 2, and pick up some emergency equipment to have with me in case this ever happened again.
I really like this bike shop – very friendly and helpful. The guy fixing my tire took time to show me how to do it and help me to pick out what I needed to keep with me. I got a little kit that fits under my seat – including an extra tire tube and everything you need to fix a flat. I felt much better knowing that I had this with me from now on. It was bound to happen and I was really glad that it wasn’t while I was on River Road which would have been a bit trickier. (although there are quite a few bikers on this road) I also decided that from now on I would carry cell phone, some cash and a debit card with my while on the bike.
So, lesson learned, all is good, AND I did manage to get in a good 20 mile ride today before the flat! 😉
