Anyone else have Good Samaritans who stop to help with your bike?

[Jiffer]

I have since realized that I need to avoid riding on hot summer afternoons. I just can't handle the heat.

Just a tip for times when you can't avoid riding in the heat. If you have a place for two bottles, keep water in one and your sports drink in the other. The water bottle being primarily for dumping on your head, down the front of your shirt, on your legs. It's good to soak your clothes with it, because it will last longer.

On a 65 mile stupid hot and humid day, dh and I had to do our last training ride on our tandem for a century. We stopped often for water refills and dowsed ourselves as often as possible. It's the only thing that made the ride somewhat bearable and the water was amazingly helpful. And you can fill your bottle at a hose or drinking fountain or whatever. Doesn't have to be special "drinking" water.

[spindizzy]

Alas - I have only had one flat out on the road; when I was brand new to serious cycling. I was a mere 5k from home and felt my rim. I had only practiced changing a front tire! Pulled off to the side, flipped my bike over and got to work.

I have never had so many fine looking male cyclists and even fine looking men in cars just looking for a (sweaty, tired) damsel in distress. Unfortunately for them, I am a very proud damsel, sent them on their merry way with a smile and a wave and managed the flat all by myself!

I carry extra tubes myself and have given a few away - just asked them to "pay it forward."