Acclimatisation

I mentioned it was a silly day to go cycling, yes that was because I learnt the hard way. Just back from Thailand I'm still acclimatising to the British weather and stupidly thought shorts and fingerless gloves are still appropriate.

Yesterday was my first outing on my bike for a month, a little chilly and damp but I rediscovered my love of cycling. I did my best to keep my refurbished bike looking sparkly. I had only dropped it in to the shop to sort out a "noisy" wheel yet when I picked it up a month later it had new wheels, handlebar tape and even a pump.

I was not going to be disheartened by today's abysmal forecast, so when it turned out to be only fog and drizzle I was delighted. Just incase, I did put on my overshoes to ensure my feet didn't get damp.  

I am not a particular competent cyclist, even after six months, so rarely cycle alone. Left with no choice today I set off onto Dartmoor for a touch of peace and quiet. It certainly was quiet, I think everyone else had sensibly listened to the weather man.

Soon the rain came lashing down, the wind picked up and the fog remained. It was just as I realised my overshoes were no longer functioning and I had no idea where I was that I hit a pot hole, it is those few seconds later that you pray you've got away with it, I hadn't.

I am not very experienced with punctures so my first reaction was unwrap my phone from its plastic bag and call someone. Not quite sure who or why but a lift was appealing and if that failed at least instructions on what to do next. I was somewhere near the highest village on Dartmoor, a great tourist spot in the summer but so remote there is no such thing as phone signal.

Next step is to let out a few frustrated/self pitying tears.

I then reassessed the situation and nothing was going to change, I had no option but to see what I could do myself. I always carry a spare inner tube but purely for the purpose of someone else to "help" me - not that it has ever been used.

About thirty minutes later and very chuffed, I had self taught myself to change my inner tube. It so happened that some luck was on my side, this is the first ride I've ever carried my own pump. I must admit that I've never pumped up my own tyres and was therefore slightly unsure as to how the pump fixes, I pumped away for about ten minutes (well it felt like that long) to no avail.

Unsure whether it was my pumping technique or another puncture I had run out of ideas so the only option was to sit down and let out another few girlie tears.  

By this stage I was chilly (check out the goosebumps), soaked through, phone-less and basically bike-less and lost. It was then a toss up but I decided to walk back the way I'd come. Luckily the first house I tried had a very helpful occupant who kindly invited the muddy dripping mess that I was into his house.

I discovered where I was and that my father happened to be at home. I then had to grovel and walk (barefoot - saving my brand new cleats) about a mile through what was now torrential rain with intermittent hail.

So tomorrows ride...yes I've not been deterred just yet but I am definitely finding company or otherwise I'll just be doing laps of my house.