That flat turned out to be no April Fool today.

Just to keep myself amused during these bleak times I have decided to write up my local bike rides, mainly for myself to look back on re distances and routes etc but if you stumble across it enjoy.
Since I have been unable to get on the hills or the gym i needed some extra effort to keep the pounds from increasing my already pear shaped tummy. Running on the spot in front of the telly just does not do it for me. Thankfully we are still allowed to cycle so that was my ideal choice.
I have been out on a few rides over the last two weeks, shorter distances to try and get the soft backside that bit harder. Progress slow but surely a slightly painful exercise but every ride counts.
Still progress being made as all rides now are at least 15 milers. Aiming for regular 20 milers then maybe a bit more.
Today I decided to follow the Sustrans cycle track to Kilwinning. I hummed and hawed about which bike to use and decided to give the road bike its first outing of the year.

I avoided the Shewalton woods detour in case of punctures so instead headed alongside the pavement section at Western Gailes golf course. There were a lot of small branches and pieces of bramble bushes.
I went down to the Coastguard point at Irvine harbour and took in the view, a few people walking dogs on the beach but very quiet. Still Arran looked great as always.
As I crossed the foot bridge over the River Irvine an old couple came passed and made a derogatory comment in my hearing about cyclists being out, interesting.
The cycle path to Bogside golf course was again frequently littered with branches etc constant weaving but at least very few dogs around to impede me.
As I approached the Irvine refuse dump the track was under repair so I walked the bike over it. Back on the road the noise was excessive and although it is a bad surface I knew this was not right. Stopped and of course front tyre punctured.
Then it sunk in, I had changed bikes but not added the small rear pack containing my repair kit!! What a numpty.
Options considered, telephone wife but she is still self isolating even though she has no symptoms, nope not the best option. Walk back? Whilst I do it regularly not pushing a bike, nope. Take a chance and ride a soft tyre, go for it.
I did manage to cycle all the way home. I discovered that the tyre was good up to 8mph then the wheel started to slalom. It was noisy but there were few people around and any I passed did not really notice.
Obviously took the shortest way back, avoided sharp turns but pleased I got home as quickly.
On my slow journey back I reflected that this was April Fools Day, only fool around was me. Still I got some exercise but when was the last time I changed a puncture? Time to find out if I still knew how.

Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Irvine-Bogside.
Ride distance:16.77
Bike:Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance:146.89