CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » General Edinburgh

Thank you Ewan! (sp)

(12 posts)

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  1. Focus
    Member

    In some ways, the following could go in the rubbish cycling thread!However...

    I decided to take the road bike out for a spin today and found myself crazily riding it up through the Pentland Hills despite having lovely slick Continental GP Force & Attack tyres on. I did fine until I planted my foot in a river and later lost an argument with a big muddy puddle! But all was well and I was riding back on the Roseburn Path until... I suffered a rapid rear tyre deflation. The light was fading and I was still a mile from home. Try as I might, that tyre was proving even harder than normal to get off.

    Several commuters past by without a single shout of "ok?", which seems sadly typical round here. No, maybe they don't have the tools to help but maybe I need to make a phone call or just need to know someone at least cares about my predicament (which actually does help the spirits).

    But eventually, along came a good Samaritan (or he might have been with the Red Cross, I don't know!) by the name of Ewan (though I may have chosen the wrong spelling). Anyhoo, he proceeded to spend probably half an hour or so assisting me with the puncture. Despite our efforts it was still deflating so I had to walk the final mile home, hoping my road cleats would survive the pavement.

    So, once again, thank you Ewan for demonstrating the spirit of the roadie which I try to follow myself. All the best for your Maggie's charity Bike n Hike! :)

    Posted 12 years ago #
  2. chdot
    Admin

    "The light was fading"

    Yeah I found that.

    Was out longer than intended - such a nice day!

    Would have used them for the last 20 minutes or so - if I'd had any.

    So was a bit surprised to find I got home exactly at sunset.

    http://blog.blmweb.com/sunrisesunset-calculator

    Posted 12 years ago #
  3. Focus
    Member

    A fantastic day to be in the saddle for sure, mishaps aside. Even without those, I'd still have been out longer than planned too. As it was, I was 2 hours late home. Fortunately I had my lights and the front came in handy for the failed repair.

    With the right layers on, the temperature was just right. And the 20% climb after Threipmuir Reservoir helps warm you up!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  4. chdot
    Admin

    "With the right layers on, the temperature was just right"

    Yes, though it was 10 for the 3rd time this week -

    http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/abs/Weathercam/station/latestweek.html

    Posted 12 years ago #
  5. Uberuce
    Member

    Hope is not lost. When I was fiddling with an errant rubby brake pad the other day, the next cyclist to appear shouted over with an offer of Allan keys.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  6. Focus
    Member

    Good to hear, Uberuce. If only everyone was so forthcoming.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  7. I'll always ask if someone needs a hand, and have generally found when I'm stuck there's thankfully someone of a similar mind.

    Have to say though, a mile from home I'd probably have just walked the 20 minutes back!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  8. Coxy
    Member

    Our bike park at work is next to the smokers' shelter.

    Last week I discovered a puncture when I was about to set off home. Did anyone getting their bikes out of the bike shed enquire or help? Nope. All of the smokers did, though!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  9. Focus
    Member

    Wilmington's Cow,

    Had I been on either of my mountain bikes, and therefore wearing Spuds on my shoes, that's exactly what I would have done. But as I was on my road bike, with exposed cleats, I was less than keen to wear them (and my overshoes) out on the tarmac :(

    Posted 12 years ago #
  10. I'm just not that sensible... Also hurts your calves having to walk a couple of miles in road cleats. Don't ask me how I know this.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  11. Dave
    Member

    On Edinburgh-Preston-Edinburgh I wore out a set of cleats. They were brand new on for the ride.

    Eurgh.

    (Also, that was the end of my second attempt to bother with road pedals).

    Posted 12 years ago #
  12. Smudge
    Member

    MTB SPD's 90% of the advantage with almost none of the disadvantage ;-)

    Posted 12 years ago #

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