what I learned this weekend . . .

#1) look beyond the obvious cause for a flat: when I started to change it, the valve completely separated from the tube. I assumed that was the cause of the flat and only gave the tire a cursory look over. Thus leading to flat #2, two days later. :(

#2) test your frame pump every season at least. I hadn't used mine since August 03 and yesterday I discovered it didn't work. :(

#3) what it feels like to have a flat while riding: a funny plumfpt noise and slow motion; my three previous flats have all been discovered when I went to the bike the next day.

#4) a shocking # of bike shops in nyc are closed / close early on July 4th

#5) what a tire that needs to be replaced looks like :(

Even so, I managed to get some riding in!!! :)

Thanks for the tips! :) Good reminders.