I rode alone

[Grog]

Another great idea is to get into an "introduction to bike mechanics" class (I think someone else suggested this). I'm into the middle of one right now: last night and tonight, total of 7 hours. Dismounting and remounting both the front and back wheel, fixing a flat, adjusting the brakes, maintaining the chain and derailleur. Basic stuff, enough to be pretty autonomous on the road... And fun too! Also, you realize that not all guys know how to do these things (because obviously a couple of them are there too).

Plus, in Montreal, the pro-mechanics is a woman, Denise Belzile. How inspiring...

Enjoy!

[nuthatch]

Congratulations, Kik - it's a leap of faith every time you go out the door by yourself but nothing beats the feeling you have when you roll back into your driveway, mission accomplished!

[anaphase]

That's great. Glad you got out there and did it. Sometimes it's hard when you're afraid, but you're right, if you want to change things, you just have to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and do it.

[archibella]

big congrats kik! sometimes riding by yourself is a great way to burn off some frustration and get out-- like cruising but healthier, lol.

Just wanted to chime in on the inflating tires topic-- I bought my road bike used, and with it came a cute little frame pump... which didn't get me past 30 psi!! I'm also supposed to ride @ 100/110psi. I invested in the Topeak Road Morph-- it's like a frame pump that turns into a mini floor pump. I can get my tires up to 110 in nothing flat! It's definitely heavier than CO2 of course... but I don't mind. I've read reviews that say the gauge can be innacurate.. but I haven't had any problems so far.

Cheers

[bikerchick68]

Kik- first of all HAPPY B-DAY!

You've gotten past the biggest hurdle! Really!!! The more your ride alone, the more comfortable you will become with it... the more you ride with traffic, the more used to it you become... which is not to say you take it for granted, but rather you learn how to ride safely with traffic around you...

Absolutely get CO2!!! The tool is cheap, and the refill cannisters are really cheap at WALMART! Like $.99 each... I carry BOTH... A CO2 and a pump... CO2 for ease but a handheld pump in case the CO2 fails or (and yes this has happened..sigh) I have more than 1 flat on the ride. Absolutely go in the garage/backyard or wherever and flat your tire, take it apart, put it back together... practicing in the comfort of your home sure makes it easier when it happens for real...

one more thing... I always put my tubes in a ziploc with some baby powder! Shake it all up (just a little powder to coat the tube) and then when you DO flat, the tube is MUCH easier to slide in as the rubber is coated and doesn't stick to the tire as you try to insert it!!!!!

way to go on tackling your demon... fear! that's a huge hurdle and YOU DID IT!

[Bike Goddess]

Hi Kk- Here's my opinion for what its worth- Some people love the cylinders, I am one of those who has had trouble with them so I stick to the old reliable bike pump.

However, I'm not strong enough either to get 87 lbs of air into my tires, so I bought a Topeak Road Morph bike pump. It fits on my frame, and when needed turns into a floor pump! It even has a gauge so I can at least get some idea of what pressure I have in my tire. Instead of pumping sideways, you pump like you would ordinarily- pushing downwards which gives you more strength.

The guys I ride with often use it when their pumps either don't work, or they get tired of pumping their way!

You can find these online for road bikes or mountain bikes if you want to see a picture.

One more two cents worth- always carry some kind of identification with you when you are out by yourself (an old driver's license with your address will suffice). A cell phone is also good.

Hope this helps!