Great! So many people don't know how to change flats, even years after they start riding. They rely on friends, husbands, boyfriends...but it's really important to know how to do on your bike and on your car.

I am reading Selene Yaeger's book on women's cycling. She has some basics about mechanics, and alot about training. I also have an old book published by Bicycling Magazine some years back that focuses on bike repair. I don't do the complicated stuff because I just don't have enough time to learn, but I can adjust brakes and cables, clean chains (and replace if necessary), switch out pedals, adjust derailleurs, change tires, true wheels (not really necessary on the road but I learned when I worked in a bike shop years ago).

I'd say if your bike only needs the tires pumped up and the chain oiled, then take it in for a tuneup about two weeks before your April ride. If it needs more work, take it now.