London – Marlborough – mAsadiq

Travelled out to Romford to pick up my bike, which was in storage post my Road to Palestine ride which went from London – Brussels.

Thought I would ride back roughly 130 ish miles to Bristol.
Started out pretty well getting from East London to the West past Heathrow. Taking shelter a couple of time from the short showers, trying not to get too wet.
Meandering through the traffic with so many stop/start red lights along the way. waved the King on passing Buckingham Palace, while enjoying the lovely views.
On passing Heathrow stopped to get some aeroplanes coming in for landing videos (It’d be rude not to).
Heading out of Hounslow towards Slough and eventually stopping in Reading at the Harput Kebab shop for a well deserved Falafal wrap with fries.(refuelling).
Leaving Reading on the A4 towards Teale & Hungerford. Pulled into. a layby only to be greeted by a rear puncture (pinch flat). Quickly fixed and was on my way.

Spoke to a couple of brothers Shahid and Khalid from Bristol BOB (Brothers on Bikes) who were going to come out and meet me on route. Possibly Malmesbury or Chippenham would of been the meet point.

On route had the joy of riding along a section of the famous Kennet and Avon Canal. Nice route but not really for road bikes. Maybe come back on a gravel bike to try out the whole trip (Reading to Bristol has a great Canal route, Hence the Kennet and Avon Canal).

I go through Hungerford and my rear wheel seems like it has a wobble, so on stopping realized that the tube was over inflated and there was a bulge in the tyre, having to let som air out and refilling with my last CO2 cartridge i had.
Continuing on my daughter follows my live location and cathes up with me in Little Bedwyn. So trailed behind me until i reached Savernake Forest where i had to turn right down this long gravel path. Along the way i hit some big gravel stones causing me to have my second puncture (pinch flat) this time on the front. Quickly changed the tube and realized i have no CO2 cartridges left.
From here on i knew it was game over for the ride. Called my daughter who then had to come and pick me up.

Gave Shahid a call and told him about my situation and rather him waiting for me they head back to Bristol (would of been a long wait)

Hopefully I will try to go back to where i stopped to continue my ride back to Bristol.
Overall I enjoyed the ride and would do it again in a heartbeat.

London – Marlborough – mAsadiq