My momma never told me....

Firstly, this is not a report on our cycle this morning. I'll leave that to one of the patient souls who actually completed more than one of the "hills" (another story).

I'm not particularly fond of hills on the bike and while I was looking forward to the challenge, it was with a certain degree of trepidation. I needn't have worried. The first indication that things weren't going to go quite according to plan was with puncture number one. Not to worry - these things happen - changed in double-quick time and back on the road. Was just thinking of commenting on the fact that this was my first puncture on a 3D outing but decided that would be tempting fate. Then I noticed the mounting for my new computer had broken and was hanging off. Omens not good. Computer rescued, got back on the tail. Just about to hit hill number one, got puncture number two. Same tyre, and yes I had checked it. Having successfully avoided hill number one went with the group up the second ascent. Almost in the granny gear, and heart monitor overheating, got about half way up, I think. Back down, and off to hill three, puncture three, the rear wheel this time.

At this stage had run out of tubes and had to borrow one from Stephen. Not wanting to hold up proceedings any more I was happy for the group to go on and I would catch up but reckoned I had now successfully avoided the third hill. Still there would always be hill four. Again a quick change and off in pursuit. All going well for a few Ks, but the final straw was when that (by now familiar) feeling came up through the handlebars. Puncture number four, no tube and on my tod, miles from anywhere.

Such was my frame of mind at this stage I actually thought about calling Ger to come and pick me up but that would be wimping out so took out the repair kit and repaired the tube. Just to be on the safe side I repaired a second one too, but it's strange that I got no more punctures as soon as the decision had been made to head for home thereby avoiding all remaining hills.

Still, I suppose - there'll be days like this.