3rd ride. Good company today, even if the weather wasn’t so. Stephen and Francesca met me at our usual meeting place and after a short diversion to deliver an important parcel we headed off to one of our favourite bike shops for coffee and cake. 

We had planned to be slow and steady… And we were. Although it was rather grey, the sun made a short appearance. As we gently spun our legs down the back lanes, we surveyed our beautiful county and all agreed that we live in such a beautiful place. Usually I would have taken a photo to show off Cornwall, but coffee and cake were calling. After a quick use of a cycle path to cross over the dual carriageway, we arrived to a warm festive welcome. Coffee and cake were duly served and I was able to check on he progress of my tandem in the workshop.

Before we headed back, I realised my bag was rather full. I was in a dilemma…I have only once emptied my Stoma bag out of my own house. Did I risk leaving a mess and smell in the shops toilet (I did have an emergency kit of pieces of toilet paper and a small nappy bag, but no wipes or odour spray with me), or did I risk having to empty in the lanes on the return journey… I decided with the latter. Did I worry on the way back? Yes, I could feel my bag rubbing on my leg beneath my lycra. However, I really should have been more worried about the state of he back roads we were using. Heading along at a good speed I saw a puddle. This ‘puddle’ turned out to be a rather deep pothole and resulted in a puncture. I impressed myself (and my fellow riders) with a quick tube change and we went on our way.

Soon I was back home with a rather full bag, but no accidents and I had been out of the house for 4 hours. I am starting to understand how my Stoma acts when I’m exercising. Hopefully after Christmas my support belt will arrive to support my core muscles. I’ll update when it comes…