Originally Posted by
plasma800
The last flat I had I just took the tire to the shop.. but it's not nearby and they charge a lot and I figure I should be able to do this..
Indeed you should - as should every bike rider. It's a bit difficult to take the flat to your LBS when you're 10 or 15 km from home on a ride.
The same is true for changing a tire on your car, presuming you have a spare of any type (some newer autos don't; they have an air pump containing some sealant instead - which does squat if you have a large enough puncture or a badly compromised sidewall). However, best I can tell a surprising number of people have never really learned how to do that, either.