Stories from the slow lane - punctures

Bit like buses that never arrive then all come together it's the same with b***y punctures.

Don't think I had one all last year now this year I've had three already, different places in the tyre each time so its not like I've got a nail in the tyre I can't see, its just bad luck this year, hope it doesn't last. If I get three by february that makes about 50 by next christmas

First one wasn't far from home so I walked back instead of changing it by the road, but then the second one was miles away from the house and it was freezing. Didn't notice how cold it was while I was riding along with a big hat and scarf on but wow when I stopped and took my gloves off my fingers were freezing in no time.

Took for ever to find it it as well, usually I'd just change the tube but I'd used my spare a few days earlier like I said so I had to glue the old one.

Spent about an hour in the bath when I got back trying to warm up again.

Third time not so lucky, I guess its my fault, when I mended the second puncture I pumped the tire up pretty well with the little bike pump but forgot to check it was OK before I went out again with the big pump so pressure was maybe a bit low. Well didn't forget, it felt a bit squishy when I set off but I was in a rush and didn't think it would matter.

Wrong! Hit a hole the council hadn't filled in properly and got a double 'snakebite' puncture. Phoned someone to come find me this time.

Reckon this afternoon I'd best go buy a big bag of tubes because I think im going to need them this year. What's the most punctures you've ever had in a year?!

Still at least they're quick to sort out now, 20 years ago with a cheap tin bike and metal tyre levers it would take me the best part of the school holidays to mend one - hours to get the tyre off, mend it...then burst it again just by putting the tyre back on the bike so did the whole same thing again the next day. Ah, happy memories...