Bad day at Wrington. 26

What a catalogue of disasters today was!  Going to the Mother Hen Cafe at Wrington again today as there was a notice in there, that Avon and Somerset Police were security stamping bikes for free, as a crime prevention initiative.  Left Weston via Hutton and before I had got out of town a car failed to give way at a mini island and nearly knocked me off the bike. Good job the brakes were working efficiently.  Then went out through Banwell and Churchill and going through Langford managed to attract another puncture.

Langford Church

This Evangelical church was built by the Victorians at the turn of the 19/20th centuries.  The yew tree outside is definite work of art and must take some careful clipping in the coming months.  I think it was around here the rear tyre started going flat.

Puncture

With a mile to go to the Cafe I pumped up the tyre but a short time later it was obvious it would not last the distance.  Stopped in a gateway and changed the inner tube.  When I had the bike serviced when I was in hospital, I got he chap to fit a plastic insert in-between the tyre and the inner tube as extra precaution against thorns, and the like, to prevent punctures.  Not working so far; this is the second one in the few miles that have been ridden since the middle of February.  And, the ride is a lot harder, and, it is quite difficult to get the tyres on and off. There was no sign as to what caused the tyre to go down today so replaced the inner tube, left the plastic insert off and carried on the Mother Hen, only to find the Police packing up and clearing off, 15 minutes before they were due to.  Must have had an urgent job on, like the burgers were ready back at the station.

Had a nice piece of cake and a cuppa and made my way back to Weston.  Entering Weston at another island, ran into the back of a car.  Technically it was my fault but, it was one of those occasions when the car started to go when it was clear, he stopped suddenly and I didn't.  Luckily there was no damage, I stayed on the bike, and the driver apologised for slamming his brakes on when he did.  Rode back home clocking up 26 miles. 98 miles for the week so far, but feeling that it has been more of an effort than usual.