Bikeonmum3 Changing a Tyre

Ok so I know that its been 3 months since I started cycling and I was taking a huge risk going out and not knowing how to change a tyre.  Mitigating this was the fact that I had my bike mechanic at the end of a cellphone, however there is always that small chance that coverage would drop out and then where would I be...walking home slowly one would expect.

So last night my bike mechanic presented me with an opportunity to learn how to change a tyre.  Well it took over 3/4's of an hour...but we did have dinner in between.  Its reasonably straight forward but I really hope I dont ever get caught out in a race situation as it would be a bit time consuming.  Guess I might need to practice a bit more.  My mechanic gave me a pass mark,  but is shaking his head on my description of some the parts of the bike.  I dont know why you can't call some parts that "gear thingey"  I know what I mean.

This week's activities saw the normal biking to work and I did a lovely two hour jaunt with the Revolve Ladies up Brooklyn and around the Bays.  Stunning day in Wellington.  On talking to some of the Revolve Ladies I mentioned my dilemma about running red lights when they don't change.  I believe the fine is circa $250 and of course one suggestion is to just get up on the footpath and go that way as if you did get caught thats just a $50 fine.  Most intersections with lights have those little triggers on the ground but I did try my bike mechanic's suggestion and angling my bike sideways and it worked!!!!.  The other comment I picked up from the Ladies was that as daylight saving is finishing their maybe a campaign by the Police on lack of lights on Bike.  There maybe a warning first and maybe even a voucher for lights given out to selected cyclists, however the point she was making was if you are out during the dark make sure you have lights.  Now this all sounds common sense but I have been surprised by the number of cyclists with bad or no lighting.

Final comment for the week I have joined a gym with the aim to get the upperbody a bit more toned as my flappy chicken wings will take off in a good Wellington Southerly.  Will update you on my progress as I am changing my diet at the same time to no Carbs!!!!!  Suffice to say this first week saw a few headaches as I had the carb withdrawl.