Bike Maintenance Basics

Last week I was with Hubby Tony when he used a REI (an awesome outdoor store) gift certificate he'd received for a birthday present.  While he was in the dressing room trying some things on, I had a great time looking at all the bike department doodads.

At the end of one of the aisles there was a list of their upcoming classes. One of them, Bike Maintenance Basics, was this week.   I'm still an occasional bike rider, but I've always wanted to know how to do basic things to it. I made note of the class date so I could sign up online when I got home.  However, when I pulled up the store's Web page I was disappointed to find out that class was already filled.  There was a "women's only" version earlier in the week, though, that still had openings. That class was last night, and I was there.

From the class description:

If you ride a bicycle, then you need this class! This class is an informative presentation that will teach you how to lube a chain, fix a flat tire in record time, and make other minor adjustments to your bicycle. 

When I arrived at the store I wasn't sure where to go, but when I saw an array of folding chairs set up just beyond the cash register I figured I'd found the right place.  By time the class started there were almost three dozen women there.  Our instructor was one of the employees of the store's bike shop.  Over the course of the night he showed us the "book" ways to do things, plus tips he'd figured out over the years to make it easier.

I did learn how to lube a chain and change a tire, along with recommended pre-ride and post-ride checks, what should be in a bike maintenance kit, as well as information about helmets and bike tension adjusters.  This class was demonstration only, but I left thinking I now know enough to start my bike maintenance hobby.  The store also offers more hands-on classes, which would probably help, too.  What do you think are the chances you'll see me at one of those in the future?