When I collected my bike on Monday, I discovered my rear tyre had a large bulge and gash in it…which hadn’t broken the tyre wall.  I did think it was riding a little funny but since it wasn’t deflating, I ceased worrying about it!  I’ve no idea how it happened, but if it had actually punctured, with a hole that size, I’d have never finished the ride.  Well, not without waiting ages for the mechanics to turn up and loan me a spare tyre, so I’m very relieved.  And impressed.  But slightly concerned as to how it happened – is it a repeat of the flaw problem?  Did the damage cause the bulge or vice versa?  Chicken?  Egg?

Either way, I dug out my spare set of tyres – silver stripes this time, different model – and put them on.  Only to discover the next day that the valve was faulty, and I had to (well to be honest I got hubby to) change the darn thing.  That rear wheel has been off too many times of late!  At least, with the shiny new and still relatively clean chain set, the whole process is less mucky that it sometimes is.

On to today.  The mob went back to school and, no sooner had they left (well almost) GW were back on the road.  We did my usual training loop, stretched a little, as I couldn’t, quite frankly, be arsed to think of anything different.  As it was it demonstrated that my knee would have benefited from more rest, and that carrying painkillers around with me is a good thing.  GW was off on one as ever, and I kept up for the first half before deciding that I didn’t need to be doing that and slacked off a bit.  To give her her due, she did slow down and stick with me.

Cycling time: 2:02:03
Distance: 32.36 miles
Avs: 15.8 mph
ODO: 5678

It was a very nice ride really.  I don’t suppose the weather will hold for much longer but for the moment it was warm and lovely.  Albeit a tad windier than I like, and sadly not behind us this time 😉

In other news, the ACG kit has left the building!  How exciting is that?!  I’m not sure how long it will take to get to me, but the chances of it being here before the Cheddar Cyclosportive on September 19th have to be fairly high 🙂