There's a corner drug store near your house. There's another one near your destination. Walgreens and CVS alone have 15,000 corners covered, so there's probably one near to you now, wherever you are. Besides ice cream, Advil and aggressive fluorescent lighting, your corner drug store also holds bicycle secrets. Read on to see what's hidden in plain sight.

If you're riding and locking up daily, you're bound to get a few paint scratches. Not to worry, nail polish comes in every visible color and one little bottle holds more touch ups than you'll ever need. It's cheap, glossy, easy to use, and durable. You need less than you think, so wipe the brush clean except for the smallest dab. Pro Tip: bring your bicycle in so you can color match right there in the aisle. If you get grief from an employee, just smile and let them know you're a sure sale.

Fallen from former glory, you now have to bend down for Aqua Net. It's on the bottom shelf at the drug store, but it used to be on every bike shop shelf. Seriously. Aqua Net is very slippery when first sprayed, but dries tacky quickly. It's been a mechanics secret tool for installing grips for years. It's less toxic now, but no less effective. If you swap riser grips often, attend a lot of 1980's themed parties, or simply need "extra super hold" for your bangs, consider grabbing a bottle.

While the stylist in you (and us) cringes somewhat, cotton/latex gloves actually provide a comfortable ride. The woven top breathes to shield your hands while staying cool, and the tacky latex palm provides a confident grip. They work, they're less than $10, and you can grab a pair in nearly any corner drug store. If they were available in all black we might sell them ourselves. Maybe.

When in a pinch, you'd be surprised what other helpful tools are only a few blocks away. Need to transport a larger item you weren't expecting? Bungee cords are cheap and plentiful. Ever leave your lock at home for a quick trip, but run into an invite for drinks? Many corner stores even carry simple cable locks.* 

*This is not an endorsement to be lazy or risky. In San Francisco a cable lock won't suffice anytime, but it might be sufficient in your locale. Be merry, but be wise. An evening of great conversation is worth a $10 cable lock, but not worth sacrificing your bike.

Got a holiday, group ride, or general merriment gathering coming up? There's plenty of glittering accessories for you and your bike scattered around the store. Decorative tape and streamers for your frame, cheap glasses and bubbles for you, and tons more in between. Disposable and ridiculous yes, but often exactly what's desired.

Of course there's plenty of stuff you already know: like various blinky light batteries, granola bars for a boost, cheap rain ponchos for surprise showers, and more. Next time you stop in your local drug store, keep you bicycle eyes open and you'll see even more opportunities.

At many corner stores, you can even buy a bicycle.