First the good news – the weather was much better than anticipated, good news despite me being dressed for a cold, wet, rainy day. Second, the bad news – I picked up a puncture four miles from home.

I set off this morning to do my familiar route through Holywell Dene to Monkseaton Drive, west towards Earsdon and Shiremoor, south to North Shields, then west along Route 72 to Newcastle Quayside.

The sixteen mile journey outwards was pleasant and straightforward and culminated in a coffee stop at the Cycle Hub.

During my stay the cloud cleared and sun broke through to give a beautiful autumnal afternoon. Heading east, I caught up with a group of twelve cyclists from London who were within five miles of completing the Coast To Coast Cycle Ride. I accompanied them for a mile or so until I reached the turn for the Reivers Route which takes my northwards and home.

Shortly after joining that cycleway I became aware that all was not well with my front tyre. I stopped to inspect it and discovered that it was soft. I had a puncture but the tyre was soft rather than flat. I was within four miles of home so decided, rather than fit a new inner tube, I would pump and ride. Despite having to stop a further three times I managed to limp home successfully.

Today’s ride of 32 miles brought my total for the week to 114.51 miles, comfortably achieving my target of 100 miles per week.