Effy - it is very difficult to ride with a spouse that is way ahead of you - and remember, he always will be; he is a guy. I understand that sometimes it is hard to learn from a spouse. My husband is the worst teacher in the world, but what you need to learn from him is how to be self-sufficient on the bike.

Have him sit down with you in the house in the evening. Have him show you how to take your wheels on and off. Both front and back they are different. then, you need to take them on and off yourself. It is way different to do it than to watch it.

Then, change a tire, take the tire off the rim; take the inner tube out, replace the inner tube, and put the tire back on and put the wheel back on the bike, remember to put your brakes back together and you are ready to ride anytime by yourself. Make sure you have everything to change a tire each and every time you go out.

Most importantly, pump your tires up to the correct air pressure before you go out every time. This will help you not get a pinch flat. It will not help you with glass or debris on the road however. If you see a patch of glass on the road, try to avoid it, but make sure you can move over without being hit by a car!

Good luck.