NOT a happy bunny !

[funkylyn]

Decided against a one woman riot in Ilminster this evening grabbing a few new dresses and made the decision that a nice long bike ride would be more socially acceptable.....WRONG
First puncture in my life
First time ever that I have cycled without my puncture kit and green thingy
SIX mile walk back home
Passed by at least 10 male cyclists none of whom offered any help
Two even commented...oh dear...you have a puncture as they cycled gaily past
Then got hit on the head by a tennis ball
Think my legs will be protesting tomorrow.....still...makes a change from the other usual bit of my anatomy

My fault of course.....but a teeny bit of sympathy wouldnt go amiss

Lynda

 

[Cyclezee]

There there, kiss kiss Funky. Did that do the trick?
Had I been there, be assured I would have helped you with 3 little words..............Schwalbe Marathon Plus

I can understand your anger and frustration. When out cycling with a male friend a couple of weeks ago, we came across an elderly lady cyclist whose chain had come off. I asked if she needed help and the obvious answer came back, "yes please"! My friend wasn't so keen and muttered that we should keep going. I ignored him and with bit of a struggle because of the chain guard put the chain back on. My reward, very greasy hands and only grass to clean them with, but the lady was grateful and cycled on her way. Can you see my halo shinning?

My suggestion Funky, if you haven't all ready, is a nice shower, a glass of Rose whilst giving you favourite pet some long strokes, There, doesn't that feel better already

 

[funkylyn]

Thankyou John....that definately did the trick
Dont worry, I wasnt angry just peed off at being so stupid,....i just decided to look on the bright side
that it was doing my new fitness regime some good.
Yes.....you are an angel and I will follow your kind advice.....and yes, I'm feeling better already

Funky

 

[NRG]

Lynda, its happened to me as well although I didn't have to walk 6 miles home...a nice glass of wine as John says and a relaxing bath will make things feel better!

 

[funkylyn]

Thanks NRG......
Feeling fighting fit this morning, no aching legs so thats good.
Will wheel it down to my LBS later for a bit of green slime therapy cos I've no idea how to
start fixing a puncture I'm ashamed to say.
And I think last night it was the final straw of getting hit hard in the head by a stray tennis ball that tipped
me over the edge of needing some sympathy !

Lynda

 

[kitchenman]

Thanks NRG......
Feeling fighting fit this morning, no aching legs so thats good.
Will wheel it down to my LBS later for a bit of green slime therapy cos I've no idea how to
start fixing a puncture I'm ashamed to say.
And I think last night it was the final straw of getting hit hard in the head by a stray tennis ball that tipped
me over the edge of needing some sympathy !

Lynda

Do you know what punctured your tyre? Perhaps you could take a photo?.... I find it helps the healing process to know what has deflated me. I did start collecting the various sharp stones, thorns, nails, etc .. putting them in numbered evidence bags ... however, since I changed to Marathon Plus tyres I haven't had a single puncture ....

 

[funkylyn]

Do you know what punctured your tyre? Perhaps you could take a photo?.... I find it helps the healing process to know what has deflated me. I did start collecting the various sharp stones, thorns, nails, etc .. putting them in numbered evidence bags ... however, since I changed to Marathon Plus tyres I haven't had a single puncture ....

Err....yes, right Alan......think I'm all out of evidence bags
However, I do know what it was because I have left it in to facilitate the puncture repair.....at least I think it will, as I know nothing of the real 'puncture repair' world !
It was a bloody great thorn still attached to a bit of branch, the scraping of which on my front mudguard alerted me to my impending deflation

Lynda

 

[lemmy]

I'd second the Marathon Plus solution to your thorny problem!

As for no males stopping to help, once upon a time I would always have stopped but I am afraid that I would turn a blind eye now, having received the dulcet reply 'what makes you think I can't do it myself?' from a not so young lady in Richmond Park.

I'm not saying all would be so combative but I dislike being made to feel small - enough to not risk it again.

 

[funkylyn]

I'd second the Marathon Plus solution to your thorny problem!

As for no males stopping to help, once upon a time I would always have stopped but I am afraid that I would turn a blind eye now, having received the dulcet reply 'what makes you think I can't do it myself?' from a not so young lady in Richmond Park.

I'm not saying all would be so combative but I dislike being made to feel small - enough to not risk it again.

Thats awful Lemmy.....people can be so rude and aggressive.....but please dont let it put you off being a real gentleman.
I've done a few long distance cycle rides with my brother and twice we have stopped to ask people if they were OK, both times it was men already at work on the puncture, but its only polite to make sure someone is not in trouble on an often deserted traffic free route especially, both times we were answered with a polite ...yes thanks mate....and on we went.......maybe us geordies are just more friendly and polite ?
Or maybe we were just lucky.......
Last night I didnt really mind the walk but parts of the cycleway are through woodland which, as it started to get dark, did make me aware that I was a little bit vulnerable......

Lynda

 

[carpetbagger]

I have had about 6 punctures in 3000+ miles. Furtherest from home was about 4 miles. I just pumped it up again twice and managed to get home. Each time it has been a thorn...lots of them around here....I can't justify the expence of SMP's yet but if the punctures increase or the tyres get worn then i will..I always carry a puncture repaIr kit...and 2 spare tubes just incase the pump won't get me home

 

[funkylyn]

I have had about 6 punctures in 3000+ miles. Furtherest from home was about 4 miles. I just pumped it up again twice and managed to get home. Each time it has been a thorn...lots of them around here....I can't justify the expence of SMP's yet but if the punctures increase or the tyres get worn then i will..I always carry a puncture repaIr kit...and 2 spare tubes just incase the pump won't get me home

In all honesty I think what I am in need of is a bike maintenance course I dont like to feel inadequate
and at the moment all I am capable of is charging the battery and pumping up the tyres.....shameful really !
( and yes, you guessed, my mini pump was in the repair bag that I had left at home for the first time ever )
So this has taught me a lesson. ALWAYS be prepared and fully equipped......it could have been much worse I could have been a lot further from home....
If it wasnt for the fact that I am hoping shortly to upgrade my bike I would definately feel I had to justify the marathon plus tyres.

Lynda

 

[carpetbagger]

Worst thing that happened to me was when a chain link snapped...15 miles from home...no quick fix there !
I had to ring the wife to bring the car. Now i carry a spare link and link remover tool.
The big question is if the frame snapped would i carry a welding unit around with me ? but then i would have to carry a long extension lead !!!. Has anybody thought of starting a breakdown service for cyclists ?? haha

 

[Willin']

I know everyone goes on about Schwalbe Marathon Plus and probably rightly so but I use these on my MTB (not my leccy bikes yet) and have found them to be a) great for on and off road riding and b) a third of the price of Marathon Plus while still being puncture protected and made by Schwalbe.

Wiggle | Schwalbe Land Cruiser MTB Tyre MTB Slick Tyres

 

[funkylyn]

Has anybody thought of starting a breakdown service for cyclists ?? haha

Now THERE is an idea........

Lynda

 

[Scimitar]

I'd second the Marathon Plus solution to your thorny problem!

As for no males stopping to help, once upon a time I would always have stopped but I am afraid that I would turn a blind eye now, having received the dulcet reply 'what makes you think I can't do it myself?' from a not so young lady in Richmond Park.

I'm not saying all would be so combative but I dislike being made to feel small - enough to not risk it again.

I wouldn't let the odd rad fem rude creature put me off being normally polite and helpful. Perhaps it's a hangover from being a biker for decades, but I always stop when I see another rider broken down (and it makes no difference whether male or female). Sadly, even amongst motorcyclists, this seems no longer to be the norm, but you'll usually get someone stopping, even if 90% sail on by.

 

[Mussels]

Has anybody thought of starting a breakdown service for cyclists ?? haha

Someone has and you can buy it, I can't remember which company.

 

[funkylyn]

Yes I think you are right there Dave......my brother is a biker and wouldnt dream of passing by anyone needing help.
We desperately need more politeness on the roads but I dont hold my breath.
And I can still remember being saluted by the AA as you passed by with their badge on your car, AND driving through France and being cheered by the locals when they saw a GB plated car ......happy days......and NO I wasnt driving...... I'm not that old.... I was still a child LOL

Lynda

 

[flecc]

Someone has and you can buy it, I can't remember which company.

SteveW of this forum runs a bike breakdown service covering Bromley and the surrounding area:

01689 837602

07748 655201

steve.watkin1@btinternet.com

Like Scimitar, I always stop to check if cyclists need any help and provide it as necessary.

 

[carpetbagger]

eta.co.uk do free cycle recovery....if you take out their insurance...the quote i did on line was £127.22 by dd or £137.22 if not. I think i will stick to carrying the tubes and chain links and ring the wife if required !!

 

[Cyclezee]

Now THERE is an idea........

Lynda

I'm On Call24/7 Funky FOC