Bad inflator + no apathetic cyclists = short ride

[Ana]

only one person asked if I needed help. She was old and on an old, cool steel bike with no repair supplies.
At least she asked.

I think I'd stop if it was a woman I hardly see any women on my rides though

[withm]

I carry 2 tubes, 2 cartridges, and both a pump and CO2 inflator, and a patch kit. Because you just never know what is going to work, or if you are going to run out of tubes on an especially bad day. Or in a fit of benovelence you give a tube or cartridge away to some other unprepared cyclist.

And for anyone who has not actually used the CO2 inflator- its a very good idea to sacrifice a cartridge to learn how to use it in the comfort of your living room. Otherwise you'll be likely be sacrificing that cartridge when you really really need it. When it's cold, or getting dark.

[Fujichants]

To be honest, sometimes I ride by people who are on the side of the road and i'm not quite sure if they have a flat. I usually realize too late and by then it's too late to turn back. I passed a group of three girls once, and one clearly had a flat, but for some reason it didn't register in my mind to ask if they were ok...I just looked and kept going. I didn't mean it though! Sometimes the wheels keep rolling and I just space out.

[shellkay1212]

Mr Silver:

Where in Indiana are you??

[mayanorange]

Cranklin, we weren't on their official ride, just using the route (which everyone and their uncle does on saturdays)

Fuji, I could see that, but when you're standing there holding your rear wheel with tubes and stuff strewn about you, it's more obvious.

Withm, Yes, I should have played with it at home. I did have 2 cartridges, but blew the first one figuring out how it didn't work! The second one I got rigged up correctly and did eventually prove that it worked at home once I slapped a schrader adapter on. Now I know!

[sgtiger]

So what is the proper etiquette for asking others if they need assistance?

Is it polite to ask the people stopped at the side of the road (who usually have nicer stuff than I do) if I can assist them even though my knowledge and equipment is limited?

Most of the people around here ask, "Do you have everything you need?" To which you may get a reply that they have everything but the knowledge to fix the problem. Or they may have forgotten their pump or something so it's appreciated that you can lend them one. Even if your knowledge is limited you might have something they need, or you can work out the situation together and both gain some valuable skills. Sometimes the problem can't be fixed with a multitool and they just need to call to have someone pick them up. For instance, I had forgotten my cell phone on a ride last year and there wasn't a pay phone anywhere in sight. They are getting to be a rare find these days.

[shellkay1212]

Mr silver:

I am in Fort Wayne. The new mayor is trying to make it better for cyclists.

[cylegoddess]

I myself carry two CO2s ( I havent quite got the hang of it) and a pump. Plus a adapter for the CO2. The pump is in case I screw it up.
I stop for anyone who looks in need( when not commuting), although I am useless, Ive got some extra stuff and people fixing tires often like a chat while they struggle getting tires on rims and stuff. Sometimes its cute guys and we chat gear, and things, while they fix whatever and I get a good perve on their legs!