The day started off well. George and James warmed up their tender knees. And we made good speed and made it to Cirencester with no problems.
We met up with the others and after stocking up on Boots meal deals I started to mock the Halfords across the road with Tom. How I was so wrong to do so.
We set off as a strong group of 10 and our peleton was going strong but after around 6 miles Louis decided to do the disco shuffle on his bike. Nearly ending in disaster. After recovering we journeyed on for another few hundred yards disaster really struck.
After falling to spot the mother of all potholes at the back of the peleton my pannier rack decided to fall backwards with the screws becoming loose. I stopped the back and called George and Bustard back to help me out to attach the pannier rack back on.
After some awkward fixing we managed to reattach the pannier rack and I took a couple of pedals only to realise that my front tyre had punctured. A true double whammy.
To add to insult the spare inner tubes I carried seemed to be too large for my wheels. Ending in a folded inner tube to be used.
Due to the amount of time wasted. A fivesome of Alex, George, James, Simon and Bustard headed out to scout ahead whilst the others stayed with me.
After hitting the road again we made good progress until my pannier rack refused to stay together and the insulation tape came out.
Meanwhile, the others stopped off for a light refreshment and Bustard stood in the wrong place to relieve himself and a fierce gentleman questioned his location to empty his bladder. The gentleman didn't take kindly to Bustard's wit and he swiftly moved on.
In my group we made more good progress until after a brief stop at Morrisons I suffered another puncture but luckily there was a Halfords a few miles away so Tom volunteered to come with me to Halfords. Scott at Halfords was happy enough to help me with my problems and I can't give him enough credit for it.
Elsewhere, George decided to taste some of the grass on the side of the road. Removing his panniers at the same time. Whilst recovering the others moved onto a shopping centre for some grub. George made it to the shopping centre but was asked to move his bike. Down four flights of stairs. George wasn't overly impressed.
Due to our detour to Halfords myself and Tom arrived to Brokerswood County Park later than the others. Just before we arrived Bustard decided to punch his tray of food out his hand trying to hit a bee. Adding gravel to his meal. He proceeded to finish his meal. Gravel and all.
The team at the campsite were kind enough to offer free accommodation and charge up our phones! Very kind of them.
Fun at the campsite involved cricket. Which was shortlived by Louis hitting a six out of the campsite. Not off my bowling I'm happy to say!
We later visited the Kicking Donkey pub down the road were Phil decided to have a sing song to himself. It capped off a good bad day.
Bike for Life out.
P.S. Knees are not made for cycling!
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