do you stop?

I always ask and if there's even a hint of hesitation in their voice, I stop, even if they say they're ok. People are often reluctant to ask for help these days.

Short story:

Found two guy lying in the grass on the side of canal road (by the farm) a couple weeks ago. I asked if they were ok and they said they were fine, but I got the feeling they weren't. So my buddy an I swung back around and struck up a conversation with them. Turns out they were nube's who rode up the towpath from Lawrenceville then left the path to explore, got turned around and kind of bit off a little more than they could chew. One was bonking badly so I handed him my GU's and helped them get back to the towpath.
 
I always ask people if they are ok when they are stopped and will stop to help them if they need it. I figure some day its going to be me that is going to need the help.
 
Juggernaut said:
Found two guy lying in the grass on the side of canal road (by the farm) a couple weeks ago. I asked if they were ok and they said they were fine, but I got the feeling they weren't. So my buddy an I swung back around and struck up a conversation with them. Turns out they were nube's who rode up the towpath from Lawrenceville then left the path to explore, got turned around and kind of bit off a little more than they could chew. One was bonking badly so I handed him my GU's and helped them get back to the towpath.
Click to expand...

Sounds like they weren't bonking but want to bonk something of yours.
 
Reading this makes me think I should start bringing "flat" supplies. I put way to much faith in Gatorskins. Does everyone bring "flat" supplies on this site when they ride or am I the only dice roller? But an extra tube would add like 5 ounces........and a pump holy
 
YouRang87 said:
Does everyone bring "flat" supplies on this site when they ride or am I the only dice roller?
Click to expand...

In the woods, I always carry tubes, pump, shock pump, multitool, spoke wrench, chain tool, 9/10/11 speed links, fold out saw/small hand pruner, and extra food and water. I always ask if someone is ok or needs anything when I see them stopped, but they usually just say no thanks and they're fine. My camelbak is very heavy, but I've had to walk miles out of the woods before, and I never want to again. I don't really ride my road bike much anymore, but I would ask anyone I saw on the road if they were ok or needed anything too. I keep meaning to put some road tubes in my car just in case but I keep forgetting.
 
2 co2 and a tube in the jersey pocket. and the iphone multitool, and $20 on the road.
(probably should throw a $1 in there too - using a 20 to cover a cut in a tire is an expensive proposition.

on mtb - all above + real multitool w/chainbreak, and spare links (learned this from Mike.su), spare der hanger

should add in flare gun, and bear repellent....
i've been lazy about getting a mini-pump
 
YouRang87 said:
Reading this makes me think I should start bringing "flat" supplies. I put way to much faith in Gatorskins. Does everyone bring "flat" supplies on this site when they ride or am I the only dice roller? But an extra tube would add like 5 ounces........and a pump holy
Click to expand...
I usually carry a spare tube and air. I don't like the idea of calling for a pickup or hoping that someone else riding by will stop to help
 
Last edited:
Bummer on the pump. I've been there before. You think you're well prepared until your tool breaks. In my instance, I was at Stewart and got lucky and flagged someone down who loaned me their pump.

This is always an interesting discussion. It turns out that everyone always offers help (on the internet). But, in reality some people ride right on by without a word.

I realize its a bit of a generalization, but I tend to find that MTBrs are usually more prepared. Perhaps that is out of necessity. I have sometimes stopped to help people on the road and find they have nothing - not even a tube. They have gotten a patch-job, not my tube. I think the minimum on any ride should be a tube, patch kit, levers, hand pump and the knowledge how to use them.

Consider that maybe the people riding by didn't have anything (knowledge or equipment) that may have been helpful.

My brothers idea of being prepared is...riding with me.
 
huffster said:
Bummer on the pump. I've been there before. You think you're well prepared until your tool breaks. In my instance, I was at Stewart and got lucky and flagged someone down who loaned me their pump.

This is always an interesting discussion. It turns out that everyone always offers help (on the internet). But, in reality some people ride right on by without a word.

I realize its a bit of a generalization, but I tend to find that MTBrs are usually more prepared. Perhaps that is out of necessity. I have sometimes stopped to help people on the road and find they have nothing - not even a tube. They have gotten a patch-job, not my tube. I think the minimum on any ride should be a tube, patch kit, levers, hand pump and the knowledge how to use them.

Consider that maybe the people riding by didn't have anything (knowledge or equipment) that may have been helpful.

My brothers idea of being prepared is...riding with me.
Click to expand...
The few times I have had to use my repair kit it was usually to help out someone else. I think shops should give you a tutorial on changing a flat before they let you take the bike home.
 
YouRang87 said:
Reading this makes me think I should start bringing "flat" supplies. I put way to much faith in Gatorskins. Does everyone bring "flat" supplies on this site when they ride or am I the only dice roller? But an extra tube would add like 5 ounces........and a pump holy
Click to expand...

it just takes that one time, esp. on the road and you're walking your bike miles to get home, to change your mind
parks can be different if not too big
 
I always stop when I'm on the bike or in my car though if I'm in the car and just slow down and roll down my window when traffic allows .

Interesting segue but I was riding down Mountain Ave in Warren last week and I flatted. I blew the stupid o ring out of my co2 head so had to walk down to the circle to a gas station to fill up. While I'm walking I get buzzed by a guy in a dark kit (couldn't make it out). Forget am I ok, dude didn't even slow down or move over. I was more pissed at that clown than having a car buzz me.

If you're reading this, you suck.
 
Roadie said:
The few times I have had to use my repair kit it was usually to help out someone else. I think shops should give you a tutorial on changing a flat before they let you take the bike home.
Click to expand...

Love the idea...but I've offered it to maybe 10 people, and nobody took me up on it. I stopped doing it :shrug:
 
I honestly don't think I've ever seen someone that even remotely looked like they could have the possibility of needing help and I haven't at least shouted out a "all good?!" . I do remember gently forcing my assistance on someone who hurt there arm and was bracing it against their body trying to walk their bike off trail. Told him to at least let me make you a quick sling out of a triangle bandage. Ive used my first aid more often then I have my repair kit for people.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom