This morning I set out on the Saturday morning Swami's ride --a 40-mile loop that heads east into rural San Diego County. Thanks to the Swamis Cycling Club team members and the customer-friendly new ownership at Nytro bike shop, this ride has become one of the most popular for local two-wheelers.

During the warm-up (first 10 miles), I struck up a conversation with a guy I had never met before. A typical conversation ensued--his name is Anthony, he works for SAP, a San Diegan for 20 years after moving from NJ, etc. As we began the hilly portion of the route, the ebb and flow of the pack separated us and we each went on our way.

After a quick stop at "the church" (where all of the 50 or more riders regroup and decide whether they will join the "long" group or "short" group), I pedaled out with 20 or so others on the short ride. Mundane enough, right?

After 5 more miles, and while heading downhill at 35 mph, I hit a sharp and hard object that slammed my front wheel and bursted my front tire tube -- a loud pssshhhhht scared me and the riders around me. Obviously, my front tire was flat, I coasted and squeezed the brakes easy and pulled off the road. The rest of the group continued on as I yelled, "I'm fine" -- I knew i had a spare tube and several CO2 cartridges.

As I prepared to change my front tire, I heard a hissing coming from the rear wheel -- yep, my rear tube had blown out too. Now what? I'm in the middle of nowhere, have two flat tires, and I only brought one spare tube!! In 15 years of cycling I've never blown both tubes simultaneously.

Within 30 seconds, I hear a voice yell, "Are you okay Jim?" Incredulous that someone was calling me by name in no man's land, I turned to see who was asking. It was Anthony--the guy who was a complete stranger just one hour ago. Fortunately for me, he started a little behind me and the rest of the group from "the church". Not only did he have a spare tube for me to use, but he fixed my front tire while I worked on the rear. We rode home together the rest of the route. I am tremendously grateful.

Cycling is one of the few sports where "a little help" can mean a lot. And it has been my experience that the pedaling community does look out for its own. Good. We should. Instances such as these prove that going out for a ride is much more than a workout and can benefit more than just YOU and your own stamina.

In true cycling camradarie style, when I told Anthony I'd bring him a tube at next week's Swami's ride, he said, "Don't worry about it, just pay it forward."

I will.