Why is it that as soon as you think, "Man, it's been a long time since I've had a flat." you get one? Does not thinking about flats offer some sort of puncture protection? I was about half way into an easy hour and a half ride when that familiar rim with pavement feeling arrived. The bright spot was another rider coming by just as I was getting ready to put the wheel back in the dropouts and asking, "Have you got everything you need?". Really nice on his part. I should be better about this when I see other riders at the side of the road considering how nice this made me feel when he asked, even though I didn't need the help.