friendly road cyclists
11-17-13, 12:57 AM
#26
Ghost Ryding 24/7
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I'm 25 and have stopped on two occasions this year to help distressed riders, but have also asked others if all was ok if they were stopped.
The first time was an older couple riding a tandem who were on a 60-mile ride in an unfamiliar area. They broke their chain and didn't have a smartphone to find the nearest bike shop. I looked it up while chatting for a few minutes and sent them on by heir way to a shop 2 miles away.
More recently I was riding on the path in Chicago (where I live) and a competent-looking roadie was repairing his tire. Turned out he was in town from Chattanooga, TN for a work conference and brought his bike, which is impressive. He flatted on a tiny piece of gravel, but only had one co2 tube and no frame pump, so I stuck around to make sure he got on his way. I offered my tiny frame pump to at least get the new tube installed properly to avoid a pinch flat with the co2. Then after the co2 I offered my topeak digital PSI gauge, which showed he was at 136. We reduced it down to the rating of 110 and he was on his way.
Maybe this will slightly alter your opinion of young people.
The first time was an older couple riding a tandem who were on a 60-mile ride in an unfamiliar area. They broke their chain and didn't have a smartphone to find the nearest bike shop. I looked it up while chatting for a few minutes and sent them on by heir way to a shop 2 miles away.
More recently I was riding on the path in Chicago (where I live) and a competent-looking roadie was repairing his tire. Turned out he was in town from Chattanooga, TN for a work conference and brought his bike, which is impressive. He flatted on a tiny piece of gravel, but only had one co2 tube and no frame pump, so I stuck around to make sure he got on his way. I offered my tiny frame pump to at least get the new tube installed properly to avoid a pinch flat with the co2. Then after the co2 I offered my topeak digital PSI gauge, which showed he was at 136. We reduced it down to the rating of 110 and he was on his way.
Maybe this will slightly alter your opinion of young people.
Good on you for lending a hand, set a good role model for the next generation.
11-17-13, 02:23 AM
#27
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11-17-13, 02:53 AM
#28
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Just today, I saw a lady on the side of the road wrestling with her chain on a single speed. I asked if I could help, and just as I was leaning my bike against the curb before I went to help, she managed to get the chain back on (good thing too, don't want greasy hands ruining my bar tape).
11-17-13, 03:11 AM
#29
Ghost Ryding 24/7
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This is why I always have a pair of nitirile gloves in my saddle bag. Great for grease, or even the odd injury where blood is present/exposed wounds.
11-17-13, 06:30 AM
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11-17-13, 07:13 AM
#31
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11-17-13, 07:38 AM
#32
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Paying it forward. Its good to know if you give someone a tube or have a flat near the beginning of a ride, that you still have a spare tube if another flat occurs. Giving away your one and only tube near the beginning of your ride wouldn't be a wise move. A quick "are you ok?" is nice to hear.
11-17-13, 08:02 AM
#33
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I came across this rider when I was on a 100 mile ride.
He was on his 2nd flat no more CO 2 or tubes.
He had called his wife, but wanted to fiinish the ride.
I checked his tire inside and out, found nothing.
Loaned him a tube and a pump. He put the wheel back on the bike.
His wife arrived, he told her he would ride back home.
Followed him and in five miles he had a third flat.
Loaned him my spare tire and another tube.
He made it home and used the spare tire on a 100 mile ride the next day.
He was on his 2nd flat no more CO 2 or tubes.
He had called his wife, but wanted to fiinish the ride.
I checked his tire inside and out, found nothing.
Loaned him a tube and a pump. He put the wheel back on the bike.
His wife arrived, he told her he would ride back home.
Followed him and in five miles he had a third flat.
Loaned him my spare tire and another tube.
He made it home and used the spare tire on a 100 mile ride the next day.
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11-17-13, 08:19 AM
#34
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Around here, it isn't an age thing. I have never changed a flat on the road without someone offering help. They have all been younger than I am but I think everybody is younger than I am. I carry two tubes, patch kit, 3 CO2 and a pump. Yes, I have needed all of those on one ride. The most fun is asking the kids who ride the local MUP if they need help. I recently showed two guys how to change a tube and gave them a shopping list of what they should take on a ride. They gave me a warning about a lot of glass up ahead that meant I didn't have to change my own flat.
11-17-13, 08:44 AM
#36
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Nice of him to steal your tire :/
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11-17-13, 08:50 AM
#37
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Yeah that's why I asked. I mean three flats that quickly means something is wrong. Heck two in a row means something is wrong. I'm looking at getting those tires so reading this was a little disconcerting. I'm sure it was a fluke thing though.
Nice of him to steal your tire :/
Nice of him to steal your tire :/
I didn't have to help him, but feel he is now a snob.
Met another rider in the same exact spot the next day....he needed my pump as his CO 2 was used up.
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Last edited by 10 Wheels; 11-17-13 at 09:02 AM.
11-17-13, 09:13 AM
#39
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I always ask riders on the side of the road if they need help or tools. It is the right thing to do. If you believe in Karma, then you can justify it as building up credit for when you need it later.
No matter the outcome, I always feel better and faster after helping someone out. That is its own reward.
Now I can be stripped of my '41' credentials.....
No matter the outcome, I always feel better and faster after helping someone out. That is its own reward.
Now I can be stripped of my '41' credentials.....
11-17-13, 09:15 AM
#40
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I tend to ride with a saddlebag loaded to the gills, so if I see a broken down cyclist I stop and offer assistance.. as my home is directly on a major cycling route here I often ride upon broken down cyclists, and since my workshop is within hundreds of yards usually I always offer assistance to them.. I have considered rethinking this kindness though, I've had a couple of flats in the last few weeks nearish to home and I've seen riders I've stopped to help and friends of theirs (Yes I recognized the individuals in question) just blow right on by me without even asking if everything was alright.. bike flipped upside down on the side of the road, fumbling through a tool kit etc.. I know I don't help others for karmas sake, but it still royally ticks me off that people who except help don't offer to give it in return.. sorry about the threadjack rant.
11-17-13, 09:21 AM
#41
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Very cool. It doesn't hurt to be decent with others. It's not much time out of your life to extend yourself sometimes just for a few minutes to help somebody, or at least offer.
11-17-13, 09:31 AM
#42
Senior Member
I saw a guy who had stopped to fix a flat. I took my bidon full of Fruit Punch Gatorade and hosed him down. Then I rode off.
Outwardly he seemed upset, but deep down I think he thought it was pretty funny.
Outwardly he seemed upset, but deep down I think he thought it was pretty funny.
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11-17-13, 09:32 AM
#43
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I'm 25 and have stopped on two occasions this year to help distressed riders, but have also asked others if all was ok if they were stopped.
The first time was an older couple riding a tandem who were on a 60-mile ride in an unfamiliar area. They broke their chain and didn't have a smartphone to find the nearest bike shop. I looked it up while chatting for a few minutes and sent them on by heir way to a shop 2 miles away.
More recently I was riding on the path in Chicago (where I live) and a competent-looking roadie was repairing his tire. Turned out he was in town from Chattanooga, TN for a work conference and brought his bike, which is impressive. He flatted on a tiny piece of gravel, but only had one co2 tube and no frame pump, so I stuck around to make sure he got on his way. I offered my tiny frame pump to at least get the new tube installed properly to avoid a pinch flat with the co2. Then after the co2 I offered my topeak digital PSI gauge, which showed he was at 136. We reduced it down to the rating of 110 and he was on his way.
Maybe this will slightly alter your opinion of young people.
The first time was an older couple riding a tandem who were on a 60-mile ride in an unfamiliar area. They broke their chain and didn't have a smartphone to find the nearest bike shop. I looked it up while chatting for a few minutes and sent them on by heir way to a shop 2 miles away.
More recently I was riding on the path in Chicago (where I live) and a competent-looking roadie was repairing his tire. Turned out he was in town from Chattanooga, TN for a work conference and brought his bike, which is impressive. He flatted on a tiny piece of gravel, but only had one co2 tube and no frame pump, so I stuck around to make sure he got on his way. I offered my tiny frame pump to at least get the new tube installed properly to avoid a pinch flat with the co2. Then after the co2 I offered my topeak digital PSI gauge, which showed he was at 136. We reduced it down to the rating of 110 and he was on his way.
Maybe this will slightly alter your opinion of young people.
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11-17-13, 10:06 AM
#44
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guess who got another flat today...kinda out in the middle of no where, so a call home to the support team...ie the wife...a few minutes later a bicyclist stopped by and asked if all was well. Turns out he lived in the house that I stopped in front of....(i have now loaded up my saddle bag with the essentials, better late than never I guess....
11-17-13, 10:27 AM
#45
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I remember when I was traveling and about 23 years old...some geezer was complaining about kids "today." He went on and on about how my college degree was the equivalent of his high school diploma. I chose not to argue, even though he was totally wrong.
It must be part of getting old.
Last edited by datlas; 11-17-13 at 10:40 AM.
11-17-13, 10:45 AM
#46
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i was on a century ride and my tire shredded. no real cause that I could see a conti gatorskin. I called my wife to pick me up and a guy stopped by and asked if I needed help. I said no the only thing that could save me is a new tire. He took off his backpack and gave me tire. I said I could not pay for it as I had no money he said no worries just continue the ride. I called the wife said I was fine and rode on.
it was so cool.
it was so cool.
11-17-13, 10:55 AM
#47
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i was on a century ride and my tire shredded. no real cause that I could see a conti gatorskin. I called my wife to pick me up and a guy stopped by and asked if I needed help. I said no the only thing that could save me is a new tire. He took off his backpack and gave me tire. I said I could not pay for it as I had no money he said no worries just continue the ride. I called the wife said I was fine and rode on.
it was so cool.
it was so cool.
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11-17-13, 11:15 AM
#48
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A good idea I am sure but this was the only time I have never carried one save when touring. Those are great example of how to carry them, thanks. I have rarely needed a tire on the road and normally carry a tube patch kit and tools in and it has served me well in the past
11-17-13, 11:49 AM
#49
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I never have the expectation of being thanked or rewarded for helping someone, whether a cyclist, motorcyclist, etc. It's a karma thing. I feel good about helping. But then I've been a nurse since 91 so it's kind of in my blood.
BUT, if you help without the expectation of thanks or reward it just feels better if you do get a thanks. I always tell someone, to pay it forward, if I help them, maybe they can help someone else in the future. Just IMHO
BUT, if you help without the expectation of thanks or reward it just feels better if you do get a thanks. I always tell someone, to pay it forward, if I help them, maybe they can help someone else in the future. Just IMHO
11-17-13, 12:01 PM
#50
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Reminds me of when I was riding in southern New Jersey. Came across a girl (hot) with a flat. No pump, no spare and no clue how to fix it. I gave her my spare tube and fixed it for her. All she said was "okay I'm good now" and rode off. Not even a thanks.