Newbie - proud of myself! (m)

[drplasma64]

Hi all, I know this is going to sound pretty trivial to you experienced cyclers, but I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now. Last week, after getting a flat and being unprepared (15 year old patch kit with me, frame pump back at the house in a moving box) and being shamed by how NICE the guy was who stopped to help me, I decided I was going to learn how to at least change the tube, if not patch the old one.

Well after I got the old tire off, pulled out the old tube that he patched (which went flat o/n btw), I put a new tube in and tried to get the stupid tire back on. No go. Researched my problem, posted here, got some advice, bought a tool, and new tires since I realized the old ones were very dry and crumbly. The stuff finally came, and I changed both tires, got them back on the rims no problem, pumped them up and lo and behold I have a safe ride again. Went through 3 moving boxes today until I found the frame pump, and went out for a ride.

So I'm proud of myself for 3 reasons: for doing something about my ignorance and becoming more self-sufficient, for not deciding it was too much bother to exercise, and for realizing that I *missed* riding, even though I've only been back in the saddle for a couple of weeks.

It was a good day. Thanks for reading, and for all being so inspiring and empowering.

[mtnmunch]

Isn't it a great feeling!!!

I swapped tires on my bike to ones that rolled more smooth. But I ended up bringing my bike to my best friends house and watched him do it.

Of course a month later we moved to a place where I needed the old tires back. I sat in the living room and changed out both tires. I was so proud I didn't puncture the tube with any pinching and got both wheels back on all by myself.

Congratulations, enjoy the feeling :-)

[mom2twins]

Good for you!!! I'm very lame because I still haven't ever changed my own tube. I've never even had a flat and the one time I changes from knobbies to slicks on m mountain bike my husband was in a hurry and just did it for me before I had a chance to ask him to show me how.

I know I know, that's something I really need to learn. Even the Kevlars might get a flat someday.

[singletrackmind]

It is empowering knowing that you can get yourself back on the road-no defeated long walk back! Hooray for you!

[MomOnBike]

Good for you, drplasma. You saw a problem, learned how to fix it, and then put the knowledge into action. <clapping hands emoticon x 10>

Next thing you know, you'll be a lean, mean biking machine, posting solutions to problems we didn't even know we had.

You have a right to be proud of yourself.

[CorsairMac]

Hi all, I know this is going to sound pretty trivial to you experienced cyclers, but I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now.
It was a good day. Thanks for reading, and for all being so inspiring and empowering.

No accomplishment is trivial or too small to share! I'm taking a liberty by speaking for everyone here but none of us were born knowing how to do the things we do - we all had to learn and each piece of knowledge gained is an accomplishment to be very proud of!

Good on you!! You Should feel good about yourself!!

[RoadRaven]

WOOT! Dr!

Well done... always good to hear of women who take responsibility and can change their tyres - on a bike or a car

Great achievement... as Mom(onbike) said, you have every right to feel proud

[bikerchick68]

Here, here!!! I agree that this IS a big accomplishment and something to be proud of! You're no quitter!!!

way to go on believing in yourself and taking that belief and going after what you needed to learn... YOU are the inspiration here

[julbee]

Hi!

I am so glad you'd posted about feeling proud!

It's important we each enjoy accomplishments and the self-confidence so often felt after perseverence/achievement.

Many years ago... I had maintained my bikes, my car, etc., etc.
For many years, I have given those responsibilities over to my husband while I have taken on other responsibilities. Yet, I am going to take a course on bike maintenance at my LBS next Monday night. If I am going to be out there riding by myself... I need refresh my memory about what to do and how to do it!

Your post has helped me to decide to... "just do it"... just attend the course, as it's offered every Monday night... for free!

Thanks!

[drplasma64]

For the pats on the back, and for sharing my excitement.

Julbee, that's great you are going to take a course in bike maintenance. I've asked each of the 5 LBS in my town if they offer one, and NONE do. I'll have to look into the local com college. Bikes just can't be THAT complicated, and I think once someone shows you how do do something, it's so much easier than trying to figure it out from a book or instructions on line.

I like to tinker with stuff, and someday, I think it'd be fun to build a bike. Or upgrade my centurion.

[latelatebloomer]

Me rides around alone with no tools and no idea how to fix anything. Me pretends nothing will ever go wrong with my bike. Me is an idiot.

Me gonna learn now. Thanks for the dope-slap!

[SpinSis]

That is awesome! I'm really glad you shared your accomplishment!

I recently changed my first flat and it felt great to see it work. Surprisingly a lot of people keep telling me I should have had my boyfriend help (rather than suffer my barking commands), and when I try to explain that I wanted to learn and it is safer to know how, I just get blank stares.... Thankfully, my bf agreed it was better for me to do it...because he didn't know how!!!

I also saw the note about taking classes at a LBS--I think I may need to just do it too! Unfortunately mine's not free... And if there isn't an offering at an LBS, why not ask your LBS or gym if you can post a sign to see if people want to meet up, with a book, and learn together?

Congrats again!

[CorsairMac]

For the pats on the back, and for sharing my excitement.

Julbee, that's great you are going to take a course in bike maintenance. I've asked each of the 5 LBS in my town if they offer one, and NONE do. I'll have to look into the local com college. Bikes just can't be THAT complicated, and I think once someone shows you how do do something, it's so much easier than trying to figure it out from a book or instructions on line.

I like to tinker with stuff, and someday, I think it'd be fun to build a bike. Or upgrade my centurion.

Do you have an REI or some other outdoor type shop in your area?? I know REI offers classes and usually the outdoorsy type shops offer all types of hands-on classes. I also liked the idea of asking at your bike shop if they would be willing to offer one if there was enough interest!

Me rides around alone with no tools and no idea how to fix anything. Me pretends nothing will ever go wrong with my bike. Me is an idiot.

Me gonna learn now. Thanks for the dope-slap!

ROFLMAO - oh thank you so much for making me giggle! I know this should be a cause for the "mommy-serious" voice but I just Loved the way you posted!!

[drplasma64]

I found out the local college offers a bike maintenance 3 day course in August. I don't know if the scheduling works for me yet, but hopefully they'll repeat during the school year.

I also found out that my son's k-8 school offers bike maintenance as an elective. Maybe I can "volunteer" in that classroom, and pick up some tips!

[drplasma64]

Me rides around alone with no tools and no idea how to fix anything. Me pretends nothing will ever go wrong with my bike. Me is an idiot.

I had to laugh at this. I just figured out that when I read it, I subconsciously used the voice of the cookie monster! And then I thought...no it's jar jar binks...