First bike ride...First bike problem...

You've probably got the presta valves - you can get an adapter for them - you will need to carry a tube repair kit - I'm ordering the innovations ultrainflate pro - it accepts a co2 cartridge. It will also accept either the presta or schrader valve. This should get you to the product at Bike Nashbar. http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sk...

Sounds like you have a presta valve, and your Huffy had a schraeder valve. My bikeshop gave mean adapter, but to be honest I've never used it. I carry a seat "wedge" pack with spare tube, levers, and CO2 inflator w/cartridges. Never had much luck with portable pumps or with patches on roadside repairs, but carry them for back-up. Hope it helps.

Also handy on the road has been a chain tool, hexkeys, and a swiss army knife.

I carry a spare tube and a clip-on bike pump. Most pumps are reversible for Presta or Schraeder valves so it won't matter which you buy. Yours may be reversible as well: Remove the screw-on plastic nozzle from your pump and see if the rubber thingy inside pulls out. If it does just reverse it to the side with the narrower aperture. I tried to find a picture on the net of what I'm talking about but couldn't find a good one. It's not difficult though.

Remember with the CO2 cartridge kits you have to then buy CO2 cartridges. Adapters are about a quarter if you get one, and the LBS should have them. I don't bother with patch kits since tubes are about $3.75. If you keep getting the same flat check the inside of your rim to see if any spokes poke through. If they do you can just tape over them and eliminate the problem.