Where to fix a puncture?

Hello!

For the first time since I bought my bike I have a significant amount of time to enjoy the sport. I did a route around the 70km region that went partly along a main road. The main road followed a canal and as I neared a little entrance to the canal I decided to turn off and have a spot of lunch. As I turned I noticed my rear wheel squeaking slightly which turned out to be due to a puncture. I couldn't have wished for a more beautiful area to fix a puncture in, although I did have two questions:
1. How long had I had the puncture? I only noticed it when I turned off a long, straight road, and not on the straight itself.
2. What would I have done if I had noticed the puncture before the canal? There would have been nowhere to fix it. The road is very long and only has a narrow pavement.

I normally notice punctures straight away as I can feel the rim tapping on the tarmac. Does anyone else sometimes 'not notice'? I'd hate to think of the potential damage I could have caused my wheels and tyres. Also, what would you have done if you had a puncture and nowhere to fix it?

Sam

1. You probably had the puncture for a very shot time or you would have noticed it earlier, like when the tire rolled off the rim on the next turn.
2. You pick up the bloody bike and carry it to a spot where you can fix the flat. Wasn't there anywhere on the side of the road, off the pavement, to repair the flat?

If you ride you have to be ready to play with the hand that mother nature deals you. Two days ago I was at mile 30 of a 100 mile ride when I picked up a tiny staple. There was no spot to fix it except the ditch or right next to the road where large trucks were screaming by at 50 mph. I could have walked on my $25 Quatro cleats 3-miles to to the next town or sat in the ditch. I sat in the ditch and I changed the tube! Was it comfortable? Nope, but it's the occasional price of serious riding. May your next flat be at a nice, wide and grassy spot! Good luck!

Scott

PS No way was I calling my wife to come pick me up!

__________________
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Prov. 15-1

I always carry about 6' of fine nylon cord in my bike bag. If I flat I tie a knot around the seatpost and then wrap the cord around the nearest utility pole or tree, holding the part of the bike missing a wheel off the ground. That way I (almost) always have a bike stand wherever I ride. It only takes a minute to tie up the bike and this keeps the chain off the ground. This is really not necessary for front wheels, but it makes removing and re-installing rears much easier.