Everyone noticed the shoes. I knew I would be the only one wearing them for today’s Interbike media ride, yet I also didn’t think I would stand out as much as I did last year during Sea Otter when I wore track pants and running shoes on an industry ride with everyone else in full kit. And yet, despite my argyle Team Garmin kit and my brand-new Edge 500 secured to my featherweight Felt AR2 loaner road bike, they still noticed the shoes. Because instead of top-notch cycling shoes that maximize your efficiency while you ride, I was proud to be wearing my trustworthy Tevas. That’s what happens when you’re a runner out for a ride with top cycling pros Dave Zabriskie, Christian Vande Velde and Will Frischkorn, and you’ve invited top tech journalists to join the fun.

And it was indeed fun. On a cloudless day around Lake Mead, we were able to forget the hectic days that lie ahead at Interbike in already-crazy Las Vegas. The journalists put their deadlines on the back burners, and the pros took it easy on what would normally be a quick warmup distance. And Karsten and David, my Garmin fitness colleagues, joined me in great conversation with all of them. Then with about 5 miles left, something felt funny. Keep in mind that I’m used to piling up miles on two feet rather than two wheels, so much of it felt funny. But this felt, well, squishy.

Zap from Road Bike Action was near the back of the pack with us when Will confirmed that I was indeed riding on a flat. With the rest of the group well ahead of us, the three of us sized up our options. We had a spare tube, and a CO2 cartridge, but they didn’t quite do the trick. So Will offered to stay behind with my bike while Zap and I rode in. Knowing that Will, who had that remarkable stage 3 breakaway last summer in France, could cover those last few miles in half the time that I could, I told him I’d start walking if they sent someone back for me. So they were off, and I was walking. Uphill. In the desert. With a bike on my shoulder. At this point, I started counting my blessings. 1) I have a job where a mishap just means I’m out for a walk on a gorgeous day. 2) I had two of CamelBak’s insulated bottles that they had brought us for the ride. 3) After doing runs of 13 and 14 miles Thursday and Saturday, these final few miles seemed easy. 4) Felt makes very, very, very light bikes. 5) I had comfortable walking shoes.

Before long, thanks to the kindness of colleagues in the cycling industry, I was back at the Felt Demo Days booth sharing a laugh about the whole thing. And that’s where I’ll be this afternoon, with Dave, Christian and Will signing autographs for fans. They’ll also be joining me in the Garmin booth 2630 Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. So stop by, say Hi, check out the Edge 500 and meet the guys. And wear comfortable shoes.