it turns out that i was using the pump wrong. well, if it had come with instructions, i think i would have figured it out since i always study the instructions forever before i do anything.

it turns out that i had to unscrew the pump and take some sort of part out and then put it back in another way. i went to a bike shop and asked someone to show me. i would have NEVER figured that out myself.

then today i got another flat. this time it was the rear tire. i got everything done and then couldn't get enough air into the tire with the pump, even tho it was working much better this time. i got as much as i could in, but i don't think it's enough. i flagged down another cyclist who told me i was doing it right, but those portable pumps aren't made to fully inflate the tire. he got enough in to finish my ride but now i need to go home. i am planning on stopping at an lbs along the way to have them fully inflate it with a real pump, if they are open.

i havent bought any of those co2 things because it sounds kind of pricey since they only work one time. isn't there an easier way to put air into a tire on the side of the road?