Cycling and brakes

for the first time in an eternity, I went on a 'proper' cycle ride on Saturday. Proper as in a designated track in Wales and not just an old railway line.

The first half of the ride was uneventful, but as I went on I was finding it harder and harder, and I am not that unfit. So about half way round, I stopped, and to my disappointment noticed that my back brake was permanently on (the expansion reservoir in the system not doing its job). I could barely turn the rear wheel with my hand, let alone cycle the remaining 10km back to the car.

Luckily, two other bikers came by and offered to help. with a small spanner (the one size I didn't have with me!) we bled the brakes. A little too much admittedly, so that I didn't have a back brake any more. But to be honest, no brake was better than one that was permanently on.

Andy so I began the second leg of my ride. For the most part it was okay, however turning on gravel and at the same time braking with only the front did present some problems. but I stayed on the bike, not like Casey Stoner at Laguna Seca. Admittedly I was on a mountain bike and he was on a powerful MotoGP, but still I STAYED ON!

So Monday my bike goes into the shop for a service and to get the rear brake sorted. But all in all, it was a great ride, capped by the kindness of strangers, and a cool pint of lager on the sea front before the sun went down. Perfect :)