Breeze Wokingham to Risley .... well 5 miles anyway!

I was sooo looking forward to leading my first Breeze ride of 2023, which is also my first Breeze ride since November 16th, when I came off my bike, just 200 yards into the ride.  

We met at Woosehill,  and crossed Simon's Lane into the woodland path to Sadlers End.  The woodland path was a  mess, so we walked it. Note... leave that one for a while! (A useful cut through , to join to the quiet Sadlers End, emerging at the Walter Arms Pub.)  Next, down Mill Lane,  Sindlesham, passing the Mill house, where the water was certainly running fast, but the road was fine. (It often floods).  It just started to rain, which was not forecast, and once we got into the cycle paths of Lower Early, a few of us put jackets on. 

Using Cutbush Lane, we crossed the M4 pedestrian bridge, where the work on the Shinfield film studios is bigger than ever. I noticed one building was called Stage 16.

Crossing the footbridge over the M4 into Shinfield, where the film studios are being built 

About a mile further on, one of the ladies announced the dreaded comment that no one ever wants to hear....my back tyre looked a little flat. 😟. I had checked both tyres last night, and this morning, so knew it wasn't a slow puncture. 

I tried to top it up with some air, but as I undid the pump, the valve came off the tyre with it. Now NO air in the tyre.  So, back wheel off, to change the tube. I couldn't  find any reason for the puncture which is the worst feeling, since you just know that your replacement tube is also going to puncture.  Eventually, I turned the tyre inside out, and found a tiny piece of glass.  As I tried to refit the tyre to the rim, it just didn't look right, distorted,  and a couple of attempts proved that it was never going back on. 

My hubby was out on his bike, but Angela offered to call her husband to come pick me up. I asked if she had a spare bike that he could bring, so that I could get them all back to the start? But it seemed more trouble  that it was worth, so they all agreed they were fine about going back without me. I got a message later to confirm they were all back. Such a shame, so I have promised to take them out next Wednesday to  make up for it. Poor Kathie only gets Wednesdays off, so can never join rides on any other days. 

Angela, calling for a lift for me. Linda, Kathie, Amy and Amanda T.
(my weird shaped tyre infront)

Whilst we were waiting for Angela's husband, I got a message from the Breeze leaders group, to say that Sue was unwell, and  would be cancelling tomorrow's ride.  Seemed a shame, and since I had only managed 5 miles, I sent her a message back to suggest I could take her group out tomorrow instead, if she wanted me to? 

So, once home, I cleaned my filthy bike, and went to the bike shop with my distorted tyre to buy a replacement. My very helpful man at the bike shop, John at Berkshire cycles, Woodley, knows me well, and instead of selling me a new tyre, he turned the tyre inside out once more, and back again, and this time it was fine!  Who knew that there is a right and a wrong way to turn a tyre back to the right side?  😊 

Puncture now fixed, all  ready for tomorrow. Hoping for an uneventful Breeze ride tomorrow!