Make roadside repairs without tools.

Ideally, you'll have everything necessary to remedy breakdowns. But who actually lugs a tool box on every ride?

When you get stuck without the item you need, heed the example of 2-time Race Across America winner Lon Haldeman. He claims he can fix any bike problem with materials commonly found on a short roadside walk.

At one of his PAC Tour cycling camps, Lon proved it by hoofing along half a mile of Arizona highway with a big plastic bag. Here's a list of what he collected -- and how to use such items for emergency repairs.

Motor oil bottles. Need some lube in a hurry for a squeaky chain or cleat that's driving you nuts? There's always a little oil left in the bottom of discarded containers. If you're caught in a hard rain that washes away your chain lube, this trick will return the sound of silence.

Aluminum cans. If your seatpost is slipping or your handlebar is rotating down, cut or tear a piece of soda or beer can to shore up the loose part.

String. If you've blown out a tube so a patch won't repair it, you can tie off the bad section with string and stuff it back into the tire. This tourniquet won't be airtight, but the tube should stay firm enough for you to make progress between each pump-up.

Wire. Use it to snug a rattling fender or accessory that's coming loose.

Grass and paper. If you've flatted and have no spare tubes or patch kit -- or your pump is broken -- pack the tire tightly with grass and anything else you can stuff in there. The biomass will provide enough thickness in the tire to protect the rim as you ride, slowly, to your destination.

Plastic bags. Emergency rainwear.

Chunk of broken glass. A suitably sized piece with sharp edges makes an emergency knife.

Plastic cup or foil. Use it to boot a slashed tire.
Keep your eyes wide as you search for the piece of junk you need. It's amazing what items of value you can find by the roadside. Wrenches, screwdrivers and other perfectly good tools bounce out of pickups all the time.