Out on a bike path today, I had the chance to help out a cyclist with a flat tire. I got to use a pump that I had purchased a few years ago and, amazingly enough, had never used (I just never get flat tires, so having said that I'm sure to have one tomorrow). I've got a CO2 cartridge pump and it worked like a charm. It did serve, however, to give me two useful reminders about my gear.

One: Always carry stuff like that! The person I helped had no gear at all. I had pretty much everything. A flat tire can really ruin even the shortest outing, especially if you are with kids who really can't walk a bike back to the car or trail head. I carry probably more than you need, but a patch kit, pump, spare tube, bandaids, a few basic tools and duct tape are always handy. I've used them all on the trail.

Two: Make sure your safety gear is up to date. I carry ancient patch kits and guess what? They don't work very well! At the start of every season, get new patch kits, new cartridges, check your saddle bag, put new batteries in your lights and, of course, do or get a tune-up for your bike.

At the risk of sounding like a total Mom here, just a little bit of advance planning can turn a flat or busted spoke into an adventure instead of a disaster.