If you are going on a trip a distance from home that includes cycling you will want to be prepared in case your bike lets you down with a mechanical problem.  ​Regular bike maintenance will reduce the likelihood of an issue occurring while you are out riding that will interrupt your ride.  Even if your bike has had the recommended routine service, however, an unexpected problem could pop up.  If your bike rides are close to home or there is public transportation nearby you can take advantage of there is less likelihood of getting stranded.  But If you are biking on a road far from home or deep into a trail a mechanical problem with your bike can ruin your day.  If you know a few basic hacks for a temporary fix this will allow you to keep riding until you get home and address the problem with your bike.  

​The bike tour sold out in 2 minutes.  I delegated the task of reserving us spots to the Pedal Across Wisconsin (PAW) inaugural Sunshine Tour, a fully supported 6-day group bike tour on paved bike paths on the gulf side of Florida in the winter to my husband, Ron and he called in at the exact day and time and got us in.  Anyone who hesitated had to wait until next year since the ride was capped at 86 riders.  We quickly learned that when meeting fellow tour participants at the hotel breakfasts, daily happy hours, or rest stops the appropriate ice breaker was “what other PAW tours have you done” since everyone there was a previous PAW participant.  The organizers announced the tour to their list of alumni and there was no need to publicize it any further.