clearwaterms

earlier today me and my wife were out on the bikes for a short and sweet ride through the forest preserve after breakfast. At the very tail end of the ride a rider just in front of us had a tube blow on his bike. He pulled over and Megan (my wife) asked if he was okay. He explained that he just put a new inner tube in @ the bike shop last week and now he was going to have to walk home.

Luckily I carry a spare inner tube and portable inflate. I was glad to give it to him along with inflate it for him (My ride was all but over) We pulled his front rim off, swapped out the inner tube and inflated it (my inflater doesn't fully inflate an innertube, but it was enough to get him home) He was very grateful to get home.

It felt good to help out a fellow cyclist, and he was persistent that I give him my information so he could mail me some money for the trouble, but I would prefer to just leave it as once cyclist helping another. I find it much better that way.

I rode away with a very proud feeling that I was able to keep a fellow rider on the trail.

Dead Nerve

My family is all from Texas and always try to stop and help someone out on the side of the road but up here in Michigan its almost unheard of. It really makes me glad to hear theirs still good people in this world.

You ROCK!!!

StephenH

I bought a new Topeak Road Morph pump the other day, and had occasion to lend it out on the last group ride I was on. Good feeling.

But before that, I passed a roadie standing by the side of the road with a disgusted look on his face. I asked if he needed anything. "I need Sag." So not everyone is that receptive. I'm curious what that guy will do if he ever goes on a solo ride.

Tom Stormcrowe

Yeah, I do the roadside rescue thing as well. Tubes or a patch isn't that expensive, and the goodwill it generates is worth far more to me.....

I've also gotten help from other cyclists, as well, so it all evens out eventually.

v1k1ng1001

Yeah, I grew up in North Dakota and Minnesota where you basically have to self rescue because no one will pull over for you. Same goes for Pennsylvania. You better be carrying all the necessary gear and a cell phone.

In western Montana, people helped each other out without any expectations. I've noticed here in Texas that the older folks will stop to ask if you need a ride but the younger generation will ignore you if not yell something at you as they pass by.

Mr. Beanz

Been riding for 12 years or so. I'm always prepared and have never needed anything form another rider. I along with my wife have driven support for several forum rides too. This site and others. After passing out 50 or so tubes and some tires, I finally had to call it quits. If anything, I will loan you a tube but after the ride, I want it back.

Mobiker50

Besides fixing several mechanical problems (I carry WAY too many tools), I've had a couple of occasions where the only answer was using my spare tube. I just give them a sternly worded lecture about being prepared next time (just kidding) and tell them to 'pay if forward.' I can only hope they have.

plumberroy

When I am asked :what do I owe you ? after helping someone I tell them to pass it on to the next person they see that needs a hand
Roy

clearwaterms

I am all about the concept of pay it forward, but never thought about saying that.
Good Call.

Thanks

starla

WTG. I'd love to help someone out if I ever came across any other cyclists

keithm0

I had a blow-out a couple of weekends ago during the Skagit Spring Classic Century. I always carry tube, tools, etc, so I just pulled off the road and started changing the tube. Without exception, every single cyclist that passed me asked "need anything?" or something similar. Too cool.

talleymonster

I gave a guy some duct tape the other day. I saw that he was walking his bike and I stopped and asked why. He showed me that his pedal had broken. I pulled out my small roll of duct tape and we turned his cage pedal into a platform pedal and he peddled away. The funny thing about it is that is the exact reason I carry duct tape. My pedal is starting to go and I may need the duct tape on a ride one of these days.

idig

I was riding in the Outlaw Trail 100 (Round Rock, TX) several years ago, and was having repeated tire trouble (it just wouldn't stay on the rim). I ended up by a farm, where I waited for the bike repair van to get to me and give me a new tire. There was a sign out front that advertised "Fresh Eggs." At least half the people that rode by asked me if I was buying some eggs. I probably would have done the same thing, but it sure was annoying.

Other than that, people down here tend to offer help; not all of them, but a good percentage. I carry multiple spares because I can and because I've needed them. I carry a pump because it never fails to inflate a tube. If a cyclist is pulled over, I always ask if they have everything that they need. If they need anything I have, I give it up or loan it without hesitation.