Last night I was eight miles into my 21-mile bike commute home when my chain broke. My two companions and I did not have a chain tool so I went through my phone calling co-workers who I knew would be passing by the exit where we were located on their drive home. I finally secured a ride and instead of requesting the ride from our location on the north end of Rose Canyon, I asked to be picked up in Pacific Beach on the south side of the canyon. To make use of this time, Steven and I ended up tying our belts together and attaching one end to the head tube of my bike and the other to Airey’s seat post. Please note (see picture): Airey rides a single-speed bike. It’s not a fixed-gear because it has a freewheel but to tow my 215-pounds of flesh, bicycle and backpack behind a single-speed bike is no easy feat—for a mortal.

Airey wins the “Beast of the Day Award” (which I just made up) for selflessly rising to the challenge and expertly leading the tow through the darkness of Rose Canyon. We were 100 percent focused on task as to prevent a crash. My front wheel was less than three feet from his rear wheel with our primitive tow-system. If you’re ever in need of a tow, call Airey’s Tow Service to bail you out (or carry a chain tool).