Hi all, I know this is going to sound pretty trivial to you experienced cyclers, but I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now. Last week, after getting a flat and being unprepared (15 year old patch kit with me, frame pump back at the house in a moving box) and being shamed by how NICE the guy was who stopped to help me, I decided I was going to learn how to at least change the tube, if not patch the old one.

Well after I got the old tire off, pulled out the old tube that he patched (which went flat o/n btw), I put a new tube in and tried to get the stupid tire back on. No go. Researched my problem, posted here, got some advice, bought a tool, and new tires since I realized the old ones were very dry and crumbly. The stuff finally came, and I changed both tires, got them back on the rims no problem, pumped them up and lo and behold I have a safe ride again. Went through 3 moving boxes today until I found the frame pump, and went out for a ride.

So I'm proud of myself for 3 reasons: for doing something about my ignorance and becoming more self-sufficient, for not deciding it was too much bother to exercise, and for realizing that I *missed* riding, even though I've only been back in the saddle for a couple of weeks.

It was a good day. Thanks for reading, and for all being so inspiring and empowering.