Aborted Ardrossan

On my bike rides I seem to be jinxed recently particularly on this stretch of the unswept Sustrans cycle path. I had travelled around 1500 miles on my road bike since I bought it without a puncture. Now two punctures in two weeks. From now on the road bike will remain true to its name and only travel on roads. Far less potential puncture debris.
It was a lovely blue sky morning as I headed to my destination of Ardrossan to tick off another War Memorial. Initially I did stick to my road bike plan and travel via roads. 

Western Gailes and Arran beyond

I was rewarded early on with this rewarding view over to Arran and Western Gailes golf course, an early morning eye fest.
Into Irvine and the view to the railway viaduct showed the River Irvine water levels extremely low. Any early running salmon will be heading back out to the estuary to hang about, too dangerous here.

Train viaduct over River Irvine

Approaching Kilwinning I really had to come onto the cycle track to get to the quieter roads. I suspect my tyre was spiked around this area but did not deflate for a few miles beyond.
This is an area where you have to take care, sadly the 3 Towns district is one of high poverty and where drug taking is rife. I was reflecting just before the puncture that I could not remember passing more huge dogs when on a bike ride. Thankfully, all apart from one were on leads but there were some ferocious looking beasts.
I was stopped at the Ardeer railway crossing for ages waiting for the barriers to lift and frustrated I decided to head back and cut inland behind the caravan park, was that my mistake? Just before the golf course the bike felt odd and a look down my rear tyre running flat, the noise gave it away as well, only 3 miles from Ardrossan. Annoying as I was in good condition, the bike was running well, it was a good ride spoiled.

Nearly home looking south over Western Gailes

There were quite a few local worthies stoating around so I did not want to change the tyre in this location on my own, it would take too long and bring unwanted visitations, not just Covid avoidance. Maybe a case of guys with big doggies 'give us your bike'!!
From recent experience I knew this bike can ride on its flat tyre so I did just that and headed home a lot slower.
Time for a shower and a new tube to be inserted, still awaiting my ordered puncture repair kit, at least the weather was good.

Ride route: Barassie-Irvine-Stevenston.
Ride distance: 24.54ml
Ascent: 471ft
Bike: Cube: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance:429.19

Ride route: Barassie-Prestwick.
Ride distance: 15.99ml
Ascent: 279ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance:445.28

Ride route: Barassie-Corraith-Red Bridge.
Ride distance: 21.09ml
Ascent: 575ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance:466.37

Ride route: Barassie-Prestwick Bay.
Ride distance: 21.8ml
Ascent: 381ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance:488.17

Ride route: Troon Circuit.
Ride distance: 10.96ml
Ascent: 200ft
Bike: Cube MTB

Total Covid19 ride distance:499.13