Novice going solo - advice welcome

I am a complete newbie here. My husband is the "cyclist" and I will sometimes tag along with him. The problem is, he is currently deployed and I miss riding. I am a very independent person and love the idea of going out on my own, but for safety reasons, I need some guidance and knowledge before I go. My biggest concern is mechanical issues. I have no idea what I need to pack or even how to change a tire/tube. I know I am capable of handling emergencies, I just don't know where to go to learn how. I live in a very small town and our local bike store doesn't offer classes or anything.

I'll take all the advice you guys want to give me! :D

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by GodivaGirl

I am a complete newbie here. My husband is the "cyclist" and I will sometimes tag along with him. The problem is, he is currently deployed and I miss riding. I am a very independent person and love the idea of going out on my own, but for safety reasons, I need some guidance and knowledge before I go. My biggest concern is mechanical issues. I have no idea what I need to pack or even how to change a tire/tube. I know I am capable of handling emergencies, I just don't know where to go to learn how. I live in a very small town and our local bike store doesn't offer classes or anything.

I'll take all the advice you guys want to give me! :D

Thanks!

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You might just want to ask the head mechanic at your LBS if he or she would mind teaching you? Some stores don't charge for that, others do. There are also videos on line that show the process - but you can't ask questions of a video...

Here is one that will show you how to remove and replace a tire. She has other videos on other basic bike topics here. These are by the woman who owns Terry Bicycles :)

Welcome to TE - and I just learned how to ride this winter so I know what it is like to look at all of this :)

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Originally Posted by Catrin

You might just want to ask the head mechanic at your LBS if he or she would mind teaching you?

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This is a good idea. If it's not busy, most shops are pretty accommodating. I would call ahead and find out when a good time would be. Weekdays are usually better...but check with your shop. Anyone there should be able to show you....changing flats is just part of working at a shop :)

Carry tire repair stuff, including a spare tube, tire levers, a frame or mini-pump, and maybe even a tube patch kit. I also carry a small multi-tool, just in case something needs adjusting or tightening. Your shop can help you figure out exactly what you need for your bike. And a cell phone, of course!

You'll do great!

+1 on asking your LBS. Try changing a flat at home first, rear and front, once you're comfortable with the idea of doing it. (Just deflate the tube, take it off, and then put it back on.)

I'm planning on typing out a "how to fix this" guide for things that commonly go wrong, in a relatively small but reasonable font size to fold up and keep in my bag.

I have two spare tubes of the appropriate size, tire levers, a CO2 inflator, and a little multi-tool.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Here is one that will show you how to remove and replace a tire. She has other videos on other basic bike topics here. These are by the woman who owns Terry Bicycles :)

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I checked out this video as well as the others on the site. WOW! I didn't realize just how much I didn't know. Now I'm kinda of scared. LOL!!

I think the suggestions to check with my LBS is a good idea. I looked up the website for the BS next town over from mine (they have a larger store) and that website actually says they will teach mechanics. So if my LBS won't work with me, the other store probably will.

Thank you all for your help!!

Couple other safety tips. Bring ID and insurance information. Some of us carry IDs from Road ID. Carry a fully charged cell phone and more food and water than you think you'll use. It's not a bad idea to let someone know where you'll be riding and when you expect to be home, with the expectation that you'll call them when you're home safely.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

Couple other safety tips. Bring ID and insurance information. Some of us carry IDs from Road ID. Carry a fully charged cell phone and more food and water than you think you'll use. It's not a bad idea to let someone know where you'll be riding and when you expect to be home, with the expectation that you'll call them when you're home safely.

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This. A little cash is also probably a good idea.

If you'll be anywhere remote I'd also suggest a whistle. Never know when that phone might not work right.

And don't be scared - it's good to be prepared, but I've never (knock on wood) been stranded with a mechanical issue out anywhere. Either stuff broke at home, or I ran into people who could give advice or fix it faster than I could.

I have been riding solo for five years. You can totally do this. Practice practice practice the tire change and remember that you will probably forget everything the first time you have to do it for real on the road. If it happens, remember to get well off the road and take several deep breaths and a pause before you start.

The first time I had to change a tire on the road it took me almost an hour and a half, the next time 45 minutes, and I'm now down to about 30 minutes. Since I hate changing tires, I am compulsive about checking my tires before a ride, during the ride if I stop and after, plus if I ride over or through anything chancy I hand sweep my tire or stop and check.

Carry two bottles if possible and stop midway to buy more if possible.

Take at least two tubes, a compression kit and a frame pump plus tire levers and multi tool with you, id and medical info, some money and a fully charged cell phone. I also carry the number of a local taxi company just in case.

Watch the cars,and the traffic, use your mirror and remember the cars are bigger than you so be prepared to give way.

Watch the scenery, feel the road and listen to the song of the wind in your wheels while you enjoy the sun on your face and the smell of the air.

ride long, ride strong.

When I first started out, Trek was sending around this big women's tour thing, and it happened to stop at a bike shop about an hour from where I live. They had demo bikes but they also had workshops. One of them was basic bike maintenance and included changing a tire. It was a great program and was super to see it hands on. They sent us home with a little book showing how to change a tire and adjust a seat and headset. I studied that thing religiously and when it came time to change my first flat, I did everything I was taught and had a stress free tire change! Now every time one of my riding buddies has a flat, I'm the first one wanting to jump in and change it. I don't think Trek is doing these tours anymore (it was a marketing campaign so probably fizzled) but they still publish the guide: http://www.trekbikes.com/women/cycling_guide/

You may also want to check to see if you have a local club or even riders on here who live close to you - you may just find a riding buddy!