The new road bike forced me to change my first flat today. (rear wheel even!)

I apparently picked up a splinter of glass on the rail trail. I was so oo glad that I had asked the LBS to walk me step-by-step thru tire changing before I took the new bike home.

I didn't have a spare tube, only a patch kit (spare was at home waiting to go into the seat bag). So I crouched on the rail-trail next to the depot, and talked myself thru the whole thing. I got it off, patched it with "Slime Scabs", got it back on the rim, had it almost all the way inflated .... when the valve stem separated. CRAP!!!!!

Fortunately, one of the LBS's was only about 2 blocks away, so I hoisted the frame up on my shoulder, grabbed the wheel with my other hand and hauled my way to the bike shop.... and arrived two minutes after closing time. CRAP!!!!!

Fortunately, one of the mechanics saw me standing there in front of the glass, and probably saw my mouth forming cuss words, because he came out and asked if I needed help!

So, now I have a new tube in the tire, AND a new tube in the seat bag (lesson learned), AND a newfound skill in bike maintainance!! Yeah for me!!