I rode alone

[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!