What a sense of accomplishment!

[Kerry1976]

Totally understand that. My first 2 miles around my apartment complex on my roadie resulted in a back flat. I felt over the moon after changing it all by myself. So much so that I decided to get new tires, which meant I was going to have to change both front and back. Know I was very lucky to do all three tire changes in my apartment, but feel confident if I have an issue on the road. Congratulations!

[Bike Writer]

Thank you to all for your kind words and sharing your own experiences of accomplishments, when we share our stories of success we help boost one another and inspire each other to try something we might not have. I find it to be a motivation to read about everyday women who try something new and succeed at it and gives me the confidence to try it myself and I am sure this is true for others.

Follow the link to this thread about just such a person…a 90 year old gentleman who has over 120,000 miles in his saddle and how it inspired a woman to cross the USA at 70 plus years of age. I finally had the chance to meet with Joe Datsko.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=41381

[Bike Writer]

Pam, I know exactly what you mean, sometimes it does not matter the size of the project to illicit that feeling of accomplishment. I too have been a DIY'er around the home. Previously my ex husband and I had a history of knocking down homes and building new ones in their place and I picked up all kinds of skills and did projects that I could never have imagined that I would.

I've done demo work with a jack hammer on concrete, built decks, installed fixtures and done finish carpentry work. And here a little thing like a tire makes me feel on top of the world. It's not the size of the task it's the self sufficiency that comes from the task that is it's own reward.

[Catrin]

Congratulations! I think the first couple of times is the most difficult as far as getting started. Much better to practice at home than on the side of the road, in the rain, when the phone doesn't get any reception...(which would be my luck, yours would no-doubt be better)

[Purehoney]

Yup doing things yourself always leaves a feeling of euphoria. Nothing like doing things right yourself!

[Jiffer]

Good for you! It is no small thing for many. I am finally at a point where I feel pretty confident in changing a tube ... but it's putting the back wheel on that still freaks me out a little ... after 4 1/2 years of riding. Haven't had to do it enough to really get the hang of it. I can do it, but it generally takes a while. DH did a hands on lesson with me about six months ago, having me take it off and put it on and take it off and put it on several times. However, 6 months later, I still haven't had to do it for reals yet and who knows if I'll remember what he taught me when I need it?! I guess I should have another practice session at home.