I can't agree more about the practice in changing a tube. Here's a link from TE http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp

It was also discussed in several old threads including this one:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...highlight=flat

But reading how to fix a flat is quite different from actually doing it. You should practice a few times at home and pretty soon it will be second nature to you.

I ride alone pretty often. If you're alone you have to be prepared to fix your bike, wait for help or push your bike back to your house or car. You should at least be able to change a tube and fix a broken chain. Personally I don't have a problem with riding alone and luckily I've never had a problem I couldn't solve.

Originally posted by cyclingnewbie you don't want to look like a helpless female; It's way cooler to just wave them on with a "I'm fine; thanks for the offer."
Even cooler than that is to come to the aid of helpless, stranded men who have no idea how to use a chain tool!