Quote Originally Posted by Lise
Lise vs. Tire: Lise Wins!
GOOD JOB!

Thanks for all your help, ladies. Take home lesson? Don't ride without the valves covered. Always attach and detach the pump carefully, straight back.
I am not sure I understand the link with the valve covers... The tiny black valve thingie has always been off my own tires on the road bike and I've never had valve issues... Did the guys at the bike store say anything about this?

Fortunately I have to put the chain back on in the basement, where I can't reach over to the computer and whine, "I caaaan't do it!" L.
I'm thinking very hard about you but I know that by now you're already done with that. Easy trick in case you forgot, for next time: putting the chain on the smallest (or biggest - I personally perfer the biggest) cog before you take the wheel off, and put it back at the same place when you put the wheel back on...

But I'm sure you're out and riding already!