A Real Rookie – Boy was I unprepared!

I upgraded from a mountain bike to a road bike a few weeks ago. I have ridden with a couple of groups and moved up to try a MS-150 ride. I had been made aware of some preparations that I should take if I was going to be a group rider. I thought that with a new bike I did not have to worry about having mechanical problems. Well, it was pretty embarrassing to have a tire issue. It not only made my ride much more of a challenge with an under-inflated tire. I caused the group ride to last longer than expected, putting the group at extra risk as twilight approached.

I had to borrow a pump because the one I had did not fit my valve. (Although JD at Bike Works later showed me how to adapt my pump for the smaller valves.) After three attempts to pump up the tire, it was determined that pumping up the tire was not going to cut it. Carl took pity on me and tried to help by changing my tube. I did not have tube changing tools or a tube. Carl’s tube did not fit my wheel, though we truly tried to make it work. By the time we gave up, it was almost dark. I had forgotten my cellphone, luckily Carl was better prepared. I put the group, Carl, and myself at risk by my lack of preparation. I apologized to my wife for having to come rescue me from halfway down Millhopper Road at night. I called Carl to make sure he got home okay and to apologize again for my rookie transgressions. It was a real learning experience, which I hope having described, will be instructive to others. I now have tools, a tube, and a proper pump for my next ride.