I carried the "goods" long before I had any clue how to use them.

I've been blessed not to have many flats, and almost all near home (like rolling into my driveway). My first real "field test" was when I was in San Diego on vacation. I had the rental car keys, DH was in a seminar all day into the evening, and I went to ride Coronado. I flatted on the rear of my Friday (little tires can be wicked hard to change - I had always struggled with them at home) in front of the Naval Air Station. Not one soul offered to help even though LOTS walked by (I was right in front). Lots of cyclists passed too. However, I managed to get the tube changed, everything back together, and still make the ferry. There wasn't another option to get back to the hotel. At least I know I can do it And if I had waited for someone to help, I suspect it would have been a long wait...