So my rear brake, as is apparently common with some older bikes, is on the BOTTOM of the frame pretty much out of sight most of the time. This is important because I realise, after a 16 mile round trip to campus and back, that the reason I feel like hell and my legs are about to fall off is because I've just made the entire trip there and back with my rear brake broken and grabbing that wheel for all it was worth.

I've also made the newbie mistake of shifting while not moving (or fast enough), and not realising that the tightness of a quick release can be adjusted. That last one led to my quick release deciding it just couldn't take it anymore and dropping my seat a good 8+ inches instantly while I was pedalling full speed. Out of sheer suprise my knee decided to take the opportunity and profess an immediate undying physical lust for my face.

That's right. I kneed myself in the face after my seat gave out on me.