Punctures and Picnics

I learned a valuable lesson this weekend, don't assume a puncture repair kit that is ten years old is still ok. I had taken the little ones out for a picnic and a cycle in the trailer, after spending an hour or so getting everything ready, picnic made and cider packed we headed down to the Tarka trail on a glorious Saturday afternoon for what promised to be a great day out and a wonderful ride. I had been looking forward to the ride for a while after some really crummy weather and and really horrible week.

With the kiddies safely strapped in of we headed towards Bideford and got the grand total of about 600yds before I noticed the trailer had a puncture. So I whipped out the tools and with kiddies still in the trailer I managed to get the inner tube out. Digging through my panniers I found my puncture repair kit. It was then that things went down hill the tube of glue which looked full was in fact empty as over the years the glue must have evaporated. I suppose at least on a positive side it happened near the car park. Anyway we limped back to the car and headed down the trail to a cycle shop where I managed to get a new repair kit and after some searching managed to find and repair the puncture. So trailer repaired, kids loaded we headed of for a second attempt at the bike ride.

All seemed to be going well for the first mile but then I realised I had another puncture, just a slow one so I pushed on for another mile to the next bench. I decided to call it a day and not go any further so I unpacked the little ones and a sort of well deserved picnic. It was pleasant just sitting there and watching the world go by whilst we tucked into the picnic and the cider. OK I realise that any good I did myself with the short ride I undid with the cider, but it was Saturday so what the hell.
The little ones really enjoyed themselves as they always do and the Autumn colours were wonderful. It was nice to get down the trail before all the leaves have fallen it was just a shame I did not get further as I feel my fitness levels are starting to fall away as I have not been able to do as much exercise of late. I really must make more effort and I must get down the trail again with the little ones whilst it is still so colourful.After the picnic and re-inflating the tyre we headed for home and thankfully as it was only a slow puncture we managed to get the two miles back to the car without any snags. It turned out I had two punctures in the tyre. In future I will ensure the puncture repair kit is OK before I set off.

On the drive home the little man fell asleep so at least the bike ride tired him out, well it is exhausting sitting in the trailer. He was that tired I managed to get him into the house without waking him.
I just hope that this coming week is a good week as last week was horrible. At least we have a day trip to France to look forward to and a night away from the little ones.