Well, had a chance for my first looong walk home, two days ago. Flatted out the front tire on the Fort Charles road, about six kilometers from home. Shouldered the Bianchi (not taking a chance at damaging the tires) and carried it home. Lots of questions about walking and carrying a bicycle, but my answer, always offered with a smile, was simple - "its the bicycles's turn to ride". That got a chuckle, or two, from the locals.

Anyway, last year I noticed that someone had spread glass shards all along a good part of my Fort Charles road ride. I have been avoiding the area but love the ride, so I took a chance. Flatted out. Learned my lesson - stay off of Fort Charles road!

So, though not pictured, the spare inner tube is now tucked away, under the saddle. Tire irons(plastic) and spoke wrench in the tool kit, along with a self adhesive patch kit(not as much fun as the glue and sniff Old School patches) and I am good to go. Still got three spare inner tubes, fourteen self adhesive patches and a set of 700c x 32 Palesa tires that are wearing out. Will bring two new tires and some cone wrenches, next year. Got to lube up the Campy Record hubs...


Today, with less than a month here, I did the climb to the Pedro Plains Cop Shop. I am proud cause that is a wicked climb and, to be honest, I had to dismount two times. But the views can be spectacular, once one catches one's breath enough to hold the camera still...


Tomorrow - not planned yet but the plan is shaping up, as I key board, here at my favorite watering hole - Jack Spratt's on the sea...