Did I break down and take it to the LBS for mounting? Also, absolutely not. Why pay someone $20 to mount the tire when I can spend an hour fighting it and end with nasty blisters?

I figured someone would ask - no, I didn't have one handy, all LBSs were sold out and online orders would have taken too long.

Did I learn from the experience? Absolutely not, still haven't bought the Kool Stop jack ...