Sat 3rd August 2013 - Twisted ankle

Well what a bugger.

During the week I agreed to go on a lengthy bike ride today around Lillehammer. I had a couple of links in an email with proposals from Kris. I looked at the first http://www.lommekjent.no/ruter/1029629, and thought that 60km downhill wouldn't be impossible.

I spent a couple of hours one evening planning what I'd be taking to ensure I didn't get cold etc. as the route was starting at about 850m altitude and the weather wasn't planned to be the best. Mountainous areas can have unpredictable and quickly changing weather and I didn't fancy getting caught out. I'd also need to get another set of puncture patches to replace the set that got a little damp.

On Thursday we had discussions about the trip and then Kris said that actually the route was going to be more like 85-90km on the route at the second link http://www.lommekjent.no/ruter/1769605.

A little put out by that, as I thought it a little outside my comfort zone, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, so I agreed to it and Kris bought the outbound tickets to Lillehammer.

I was joking with people that I should probably take the laptop home as I wouldn't be able to walk on Monday and should work from home.

As I was taking the ride home I decided to go via Ultra to see if they had a better selection of stuff for the bike ride. As I took a turn and slowed down, the front tyre collapsed underneath me and I ended up on the ground with a scraped right knee and arm. Could've been a lot worse. As it turned out I'd also twisted my right ankle. I didn't think it was that bad initially.

The reason for the collapse was that the pressure in the tube was extremely low. This is fine for going in a straight line but doesn't provide enough support for the tyre wall in a turn. I think there might be a very small leak as it doesn't happen over night.

I proceeded to check out Ultra and bought a few things. On the way home I also stopped off at G-Sport to see if I could get a new tube for my Camelbak, which seems to have a nice black growth in it. They didn't carry the range of spares I thought they might. Couldn't believe the price they wanted for a new bag either. Well in excess of £60 for basic model and way over £100 for the others. No joy there then. As usual no clothes in the bat fastard range either. Bought some more patches and a spare tube.

I managed to get home on the bike, although at a much lower rate and gearing. 

During the evening the ankle swelled up and became very difficult to walk on. I tried to use a bandage and also a bag of frozen peas with frozen veg in a tea towel to hold them in place. 

Although I prepared my kit for the bike ride I wasn't very hopeful at all. In fact I got so low I ate the lunch I'd prepared for supper instead.

Had trouble sleeping and was awake at 0430. I sent Kris a message saying I'd not be able to make it.

The weather in the morning was appalling. It was so dark I had to use the floor lamps and the rain came down in bucket or even bath tub loads. There was also the occasional bang of lightning. One strike was almost instantaneous so must've been very close.

The ankle got a little bit better as I kept the weight of it. I was a little concerned about Kris and the others. Wouldn't want to be at that altitude in the weather I was seeing in Asker. Of course the weather may've been completely different

Spent all of Sat on the sofa watching movies etc.