For a Schrader (American) style valve, use a small tool (like a thin Allen wrench) to depress the plunger inside the threaded cylinder. For a Presta valve, unscrew the top part of the stem to release the air. With a Dunlop valve, loosen the cap a few turns and then pull on the valve tip.  Schrader valves are the same type found on car tires. Presta valves are thinner and longer than Schraders, and have a locknut at the tip. Dunlop valves are thinner than Schraders and thicker than Prestas, and threaded only near the top. If your wheel has a lock ring that screws onto the valve stem to hold it to the bike rim, remove it after deflating the tube — but don’t lose it! If possible, avoid metal tools and use a plastic tire lever instead. Feed one lever between the outer tire and wheel rim, and pop out a section of tire — instead of sitting in a channel on the inside of the rim, it should now be off the rim in this spot. Leave this tire lever in place.  To reduce the risk of damage to your wheel frame, buy a set of inexpensive bike tire levers for the job — you can get them at any bike shop or online. A pair of spoon handles or flathead screwdrivers will work as levers, but you have to insert and pry with them carefully so you don’t scratch up or bend your wheel frame. Stick the other tire lever into the gap between the rim and tire created by the first lever (which should still be in place). Slide this second lever all the way around the rim, and the outer tire should pop out of the channel as if you’re unzipping your coat. Reach into the opening you’ve created with the levers and grab onto the rubber tube inside. Work your way around the wheel and pull it out completely. When you get to the valve stem, push it down through the rim and pull it free with the tube.

Summary: Deflate the tire fully while it’s still on the removed wheel. Pry out a section of the outer tire with two simple levers. Pop out the rest of the tire from the wheel rim. Pull the tube out from between the outer tire and wheel rim.


Use a drill press to drill two holes in the metal that will slip between your handle pieces.  The holes should be along the horizontal center of the blade. Keep at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space in between them. Each hole should be 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) in diameter. Lay your pattern sketch on top of your wood and trace the outline of your handle onto the wood with pencil. Do this two times to make two separate pieces. Use a saw to cut out both pieces. When you cut them out, the two pieces should be a little longer and a little wider than your desired handle.

Summary: Drill holes in the handle portion of the metal. Cut out two handle pieces.


Depends if you’re there with your partner, and depends on your age, and depends whether children are around, but if you’re of age, and circumstances permit, here’s your chance to get romantic.  Ask for a hotel room with a whirlpool or at least a whirlpool tub. No question about it; in the right circumstances, this can make the visit a lot more fun! Even if you’re in the hotel room alone, taking a whirlpool bath can be relaxing. If you just have a regular tub, try a bubble bath! This works well with kids. Let them give mom or dad or a sibling a makeover.  This can mean they get to put makeup on you or put your hair in a goofy ponytail. This will distract many children, and they will think it’s fun.  Take hotel selfies. OK, maybe this one is a little goofy, but hotel lighting can make for some nice selfies because it’s sometimes dimmer. You will want to chronicle the makeover! Most hotels have movie on demand services on the television. Whether you’re alone or with family, renting a movie is a great way to pass the time.  You could also watch cable television in most hotels. If you’re renting a movie, hit up the vending machine so you have your own version of movie snacks. Try watching a movie outside of your normal favorite genre. Look at your time in the hotel room as a time to learn about yourself and try new things. Everyone could wear pajamas and, climb into the same bed. The stresses are gone. For now, at least. So take the time to think. Write down plans for your future. Work through any problems.  Consider the hotel stay a “staycation.” You don’t have to be doing something. Pamper yourself by doing nothing. No worries. No deadlines. No pressures.  Take a nap, catch up on reading, watch a TV show that doesn’t require much thought, turn off your cell phone, or just lie back and think. If the hotel has a spa, you could visit it for a massage or other service. Some people do this. They throw secret parties in hotel rooms. Do not do this if you are underage.  If you do this, keep guests to a minimum, and don’t destroy the hotel room or do anything that could attract the attention of the police!  Secret hotel room parties usually involve sending out invites to select people a couple weeks before. You will have to smuggle in food and drink and limit people who show up. Again, do this at your own peril! Never violate any laws! Be careful not to be too loud or you could generate a noise complaint! It may sound absolutely mad, but it can actually be very interesting. It's even better doing it out of a window because no one will notice you're staring at them.  Choose one or two people to watch, and see how they interact with other people and objects. See how much you can tell about someone's character by the way they walk, what they do, what they eat, what they drink, and about half a million other things. Humans are fascinating creatures.
Summary: Get romantic. Give someone a makeover. Rent a movie. Meditate. Throw a secret party. Watch people!