After Ian’s 67 and now Dad’s 80 I was determind that I too would get in a nice long distance. So following in my Dad’s footsteps or rather cycles, I decided I’d also attempt cycling to and from Farnham. We were travelling up to Farnham and Alton anyway as it was my Uncles birthday so we spent the morning in Farnham before going over to Alton for my Uncles birthday.

The plan was I would wake at 5:30 and leave the house by 6. Strangely enough I had difficulty getting up that early so ended up leaving at 7. Cycling was going well, I didn’t feel like I was going particularly fast but I had conquered the two biggest hills on the route without stopping. Before long I reached the Alton roundabout, the one leading to the highstreet. It was there I noticed I’d picked up a puncture. Eek, I was still a good 10 miles from Grandma and Grandad’s house so I thought I might have to walk it. I pumped up the tyre and managed to get another couple of miles out of it before pumping it up again. I managed to repeat this until I eventually made it. In all the 40 miles took 3hrs 15mins which isn’t that bad given the frequent puncture fixing.

After a hearty turkey roast I got on my way and cycled to Alton (now with a new rear inner-tube). The increased tyre pressure seemed to make a huge difference and got down to Alton in around 45mins (approx 10miles). Spent quite a few hours in Alton and at around 7 I departed bound for Locks Heath. Though my legs were a little tired and I was almost instantly saddle sore I felt ok and averaged a fraction over 15mph for the remaining 40miles back home.

This morning I don’t feel too bad though am allowing myself a day of rest.