It started well enough, up bright and early, I drove to Berkhamsted and got the bike out of the car. The roads were quite clear, and I felt good as I cycled the rest of the journey into work.

The day in the office was ok, no major issues. And so I prepared to come home. All my cycling gear on, onto the bike and away. Just on the outskirts of Watford, I heard this loud bang. Initially I wasn’t sure what it was, but pretty soon realised it was my bike tyre. It had literally blown. I’m not sure what I had hit, but it certainly made a noise. Now, those of you who read this blog will know that on Sunday I had a puncture, and had to fit a new inner tube.

So, the new inner tube had lasted less than a week. Still, I wasn’t too fazed by this. I carry tools, and a spare inner tube. In fact a brand new inner tube. So I sat patiently, removed the old, and put in the new. Only to find I couldn’t pump it up. The pump had worked fine on the Sunday. I was unsure if it was the pump or the valve. So, I walked to a nearby garage where I tried the tyre pump… as it was the same valve size. But no joy. Now I was stuck. I knew Tricia was out coaching, and Nikki was working. So, I started to walk the 10 miles to the car with my bags and the bike.

I went down to the Grand Union Canal, as I felt this was a safer place to walk, and a shorter more direct route. After a while the bags were begining to feel a little uncomfortable, so I moved them round. In doing so the bike slipped and raked the back of my left leg below the knee. So, I now had a 3 inch cut as well. At this point I was feeling somewhat perplexed and dismayed.

I trudged on, and eventually reached Hemel Hempstead, where I knew there was a Halfords. I got in there just before closing at 8pm (I left work at 5pm !). I purchased a new tyre, and another inner tube. I managed to get the bike rideable again, but it would seem that I have a problem with the back wheel, as it wasn’t steady. However, I managed to gently ride to Berkhamsted, and got in the car just after 9pm. I am now home and knackered. I have had a quick bath, and feel sleepy. But I needed to blog my evening and get it out of my system. I didn’t get to vote… perhaps it’s just as well, I don’t trust any off them. Thank God it’s Friday tomorrow.  

In other news…

Tricia had a good evening competing for the Vets. Nikki went to watch and said Tricia was particularly good in the 4 x 100 metres. Tricia won the triple jump, and came second in the 200m. Tmorrow night Nikki is off to her end of year Summer Ball.

Oh yes, and…. The Eightlem News has returned. In a new format, it is being produced as and when the editor feels he has something to say, or put into print. Nice one Dad, it’s nice to see it back.