Flat Tire Brings Smile to My Face

I'm terrified of getting a flat tire on my bike. It's probably because I got one during my first triathlon and had to drop out of the race. I know how to change a flat tire. I've done it a few times before, but never during a race where time was critical and never by myself.

Last weekend I got new tires for my bike. I was pretty excited because it's been a few years since I've replaced my bike tires. Skyler put them on my bike Monday night and I tested them out Tuesday afternoon.

Halfway through my ride I felt my back tire go thump, thump, thump. Oh no. A flat tire. Not only a flat tire, but a flat rear tire. Although I've changed a flat tire before, it has always been with Skyler right next to me. This time he was far away at work.

Crazy how just the night before I watched him change a flat rear tire. Although I knew I could do it, I also knew it would take a while. I began taking off the rear tire and pulling out the tube. A couple rode by me and asked if I needed help. I told them I knew how to do it, but it would just take me a while. They told me they would help me so I could be on my way in no time. They took over and my flat tire was fixed in no time.

I was really taken back by their willingness to help me. We were strangers and they had no obligation to stop. They saw that I had the right tools and knew what I was doing, but they wanted to help anyway. There are still good people in this world. I mean, I know there are lots of good people, but there are also people doing small things. It wasn't even that big of a deal, but they put a smile on my face. Thank you random cycling couple.