I have taken a basic maintainance and flat fix course at the bike shop. I tend to panic right away, especially where I was riding that day. It was a different way home and also very rural so no way for help had it been more serious.

What I did learn that day was that when the pedals don't turn look at the chain much closer just because it is not slack does not mean it is not off the cogs.

Thank-you for all the great ideas. I do have latex gloves in my bag but due to panic in the moment of trying to get my bike back to riding form, forget that I carry them.