Originally Posted by tomato coupe (Post 22628233)

If you had been riding bents, it would have made it into Penthouse Letters.

Originally Posted by Broctoon (Post 22628157)

If you’re going to assist another rider, you should be mindful of some potential pitfalls that are not always obvious. I swear the following story is 100% true.

A few years ago my wife and I were riding in Grand Teton National Park (one of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth; this is an objective fact). We had either just pulled into a parking lot or were about to leave, I don’t remember, but our bikes were on the car and we were wearing our riding clothes, so other folks could tell we were cyclists.

A group of three or four nice bike people approached us and asked if we had a pump they could borrow. They’d been using C02 bottles but ran out. A few of these people, including the one who needed some air, were young ladies and were quite very attractive. This honestly didn’t figure into my choice to help them; I would freely offer my pump to ugly people. Of course, I got the pump out of the car and let her use it, then asked if she needed anything else. She said, “no, thanks,” we talked briefly, and then we went our separate ways. End of story. Nothing that could go into a letter to Penthouse.

…Except as soon as they left, Mrs. Broctoon got a little irritated. She didn’t accuse me of allowing my eye to wander, but she openly complained that the girl was trying pretty hard to flirt. I didn’t see it. Maybe she batted her eye lashes and gave a cute smile, playing the damsel in distress a little. It’s not like anything could have come from it--she’s with friends, my wife is there, we’re outside in public. So now I guess I’m supposed to deny someone in need the use of my pump for 60 seconds, to avoid the appearance of responding to sexual advances? Maybe I should have said, “No, I’m sorry. I would like to help you, but you are too pretty. You will have to get air somewhere else.”

Edited to add: No one involved in this interaction was riding a recumbent or a trike. My wife and I were both on upright diamond frames, and so were the strangers we encountered. My father used to own a recumbent, and I rode it once or twice. I am neither proud nor ashamed of this fact.

Originally Posted by Trsnrtr (Post 22627226)

I rode bents for 10 years due to surgery that made uprights uncomfortable. I had low racers and really enjoyed the speed but I live in flat corn country so there isn’t much climbing.

Now, I’m just one of those misinformed upright riders that would be on a bent if I only knew better. :innocent:

Originally Posted by big john (Post 22628335)

Getting back to the op, there are plenty of guys out there who are decent or even good riders and are totally inept mechanically. I know guys who can't change an inner tube to save their lives. It doesn't matter what they carry because someone has to help them every time. I've also helped strangers on the road who had no idea what to do, or even that they should be ready for a flat. Told them what to buy and to practice at home.

I fixed a chain for a guy and he said he didn't know they could be fixed.

Originally Posted by Steamer (Post 22628178)

Just chiming in here to say Ryda is not representative of recumbent riders, in general. (Just in case anyone was tempted to think this.)

Since I am here, I will also say I am confused by the recumbent non-sequitur, as well.

Originally Posted by genejockey (Post 22628377)

Back when I was riding with PenVelo, in the early 00s, I rode with a group led by the Simonetti brothers, Carlo and Luca. I flatted on a ride, and as soon as I stopped and reached for my bag, they practically snatched the spare tube out of my hand, whipped the wheel off, swapped out the tube, and pumped it up, all while I stood there somewhat dumfounded. It was like having a pit crew.

Originally Posted by Broctoon (Post 22628157)

If you’re going to assist another rider, you should be mindful of some potential pitfalls that are not always obvious. I swear the following story is 100% true.

A few years ago my wife and I were riding in Grand Teton National Park (one of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth; this is an objective fact). We had either just pulled into a parking lot or were about to leave, I don’t remember, but our bikes were on the car and we were wearing our riding clothes, so other folks could tell we were cyclists.

A group of three or four nice bike people approached us and asked if we had a pump they could borrow. They’d been using C02 bottles but ran out. A few of these people, including the one who needed some air, were young ladies and were quite very attractive. This honestly didn’t figure into my choice to help them; I would freely offer my pump to ugly people. Of course, I got the pump out of the car and let her use it, then asked if she needed anything else. She said, “no, thanks,” we talked briefly, and then we went our separate ways. End of story. Nothing that could go into a letter to Penthouse.

…Except as soon as they left, Mrs. Broctoon got a little irritated. She didn’t accuse me of allowing my eye to wander, but she openly complained that the girl was trying pretty hard to flirt. I didn’t see it. Maybe she batted her eye lashes and gave a cute smile, playing the damsel in distress a little. It’s not like anything could have come from it--she’s with friends, my wife is there, we’re outside in public. So now I guess I’m supposed to deny someone in need the use of my pump for 60 seconds, to avoid the appearance of responding to sexual advances? Maybe I should have said, “No, I’m sorry. I would like to help you, but you are too pretty. You will have to get air somewhere else.”

Edited to add: No one involved in this interaction was riding a recumbent or a trike. My wife and I were both on upright diamond frames, and so were the strangers we encountered. My father used to own a recumbent, and I rode it once or twice. I am neither proud nor ashamed of this fact.

Originally Posted by genejockey (Post 22628371)

So, Big Bike got to you, eh?

Originally Posted by 3alarmer (Post 22628812)

...here is the riding position devised with the aid of advanced AI design software, for optimal biking. No butt pain, no sore neck, and ready for a human powered speed record.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c1e85ce181.jpg

Originally Posted by livedarklions (Post 22628817)

About time someone redesigned the motor.

Originally Posted by rydabent (Post 22633738)

Looks like he is trying to pull that tiny little DF seat out off his ------------------------------

Originally Posted by 3alarmer (Post 22628703)

Originally Posted by big john (Post 22628335)

Getting back to the op, there are plenty of guys out there who are decent or even good riders and are totally inept mechanically. I know guys who can't change an inner tube to save their lives. It doesn't matter what they carry because someone has to help them every time. I've also helped strangers on the road who had no idea what to do, or even that they should be ready for a flat. Told them what to buy and to practice at home.

I fixed a chain for a guy and he said he didn't know they could be fixed.

Originally Posted by 3alarmer (Post 22623360)

^^^talk abouit full kit. :)

Originally Posted by rydabent (Post 22635562)

Since I do carry a lot of tools and supplies, and I know how to use them, I have stopped to help I dont know how many riders. But in this case, I didnt have the right sized tube, and he said the hole in to tube was too large for a patch.