Well, I tried riding to work... It failed terribly!
I went down a huge hill and made great time. However, I built up too much speed and had to brake heavily. The braking was too much and subsiquently I smelt burning.
I continued another 100 yards, then suddenly there was a big 'bang'!
My worst fear had occured! I had suffered a blow-out!
Right in the middle of the road, and at a dangerous place too.
I was however, fortunate enough to have the assistance from my work colleague, who had been cycling behind me for safety.
Another stroke of luck came, when a lady came running out of her house, and offered to help. She said I could park in her drive until I had the chance to have it fixed. I had to get to work, so ended up getting the bus.
Before I got the bus, my colleage and I took a look to see what the problem was, and just as I thought, it was the heat of the excessive braking which had caused the damage.
The wheel was buckled and had 'bubbled' under the heat! I'll need a new wheel, new tyre and new inner tube.
I've spoken to the local bike shop, who have kindly offered an 'emergency recovery' in thier van - how nice is that?
I've shown them the vehicle specs, and asked if they can replace to the best possible match, against the specs given in the back of the C5 Owners manual. I asked them whilst they have it to give it a full check as well, as I don't want any other problems!
So, was I foolish to attempt the journey, or should i have been travelling slower?
I'm a little depressed to say the least, as I so wanted to do this today and make it to work on a C5!!