I started out my morning commute really strong…I was averaging over 17mph in my first 8 miles when I discovered my back tire was completely flat.

“No problem,” I thought to myself, thinking that I was fully prepared to deal with a measly flat tire.  So I pulled out my handy-dandy CO2 cartridge dispenser and attempted to apply it to the tire…nothing.

After a few minutes of struggling with it, I decided that either the device was faulty or I didn’t know what I was doing.  I found that the latter was more accurate.  I picked up my bike, threw it on my shoulder and started walking to where I had passed some cyclists by their cars.  Before I got there, a guy stopped off and helped me out.

Now I was on my way…for 10 feet.  It seems that my flat was caused by a hole in my inner tube.  No problem, all I have to do is remove the tire and replace the tube with my spare.  I never realized how important a 37¢ tool is really worth.  For those of you, like me, who don’t know what a tire tool is, it is a tiny sliver of plastic that is essential for removing a bike tire from its rim.  You really need three of these things, though you can get away with only having two.  I am sure there are other tools on the market that can get the job done, but it is hard to beat a 3 for a dollar deal!

I don’t own three tire tools, I don’t even own one.  I tried using an Allen Wrench to pry tire free, but succeeded in only scratching up my rim a bit.

After giving up and calling my friend, Brian, to pick me up on his way to work, another friendly cyclist, who was driving by in his car, stopped to help me.  (Man, I must’ve looked pitiful sitting there).  He had bike wrenches and much experience.  He showed me how to change the tire and soon after, I was back on the road.

There wasn’t a huge amount of excitement or disappointment, but it sure was a learning experience for me.  I signed up for a class to learn this stuff at REI.

Lesson learned.

And there you have it.