IT BEGAN SO WELL | CYCLING GRAND UNION CANAL |

[@WoodsideWalker]

Enjoyed that. Rare cameo from Sanna. I wouldn't have a clue how to fix a puncture so we'll done on your bike maintenance.

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

It's been a while since Sanna last appeared in a video. I wasn't 100% sure how to do the puncture so resorted to watching KZbin videos. However, I felt the need to get the bike properly services to give me confidence with it. I don't do a huge amount of cycling but when I do, I do enjoy it. x

[@TravelHungryForLife]

Wonderful sharing here see you soon have a great weekend 🤗🤗👍🏻

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Hi, thanks for popping by and watching. I hope you have a great weekend. All the best.

[@GENerationXplorers]

‘Rock up and ride’ see what you did there, love it! We too are sick to death of muddy, boggy walking trails! We too are suckers for furry faces 😂 liked hearing about the history of the town done in pictures! Couldn’t quite see the squirrel but we believe you! Are you cycling with one hand while holding your camera up? That in itself is a talent! Mmm tea and cake! Oh no a puncture a double puncture! Sana to the rescue and a lovely sweet treat! Enjoyed this have a great week ahead 👍❤️

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Thanks for putting by. Something a little different, I like to mix it up once and a while. Have a good week. X

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

Keep going kid. Everyone starts somewhere. Good you had a guardian angel to rescue you. Atb

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Yes, thanks 🤩

[@atrampinthehills.841]

Looks great...its nene for me..

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Ha, of course 😉 Thanks Steve x

[@Kev.B.4311]

Good vid Rachel, recent subscriber, albeit I'd thought that I already had...🤔🤣 Good to get out & record different things & places, the dogs seemed pleased to see you too...!😄 Shame about the punctures, agree with another comment that they were most likely caused by thorny hedge clippings or brambles...☹️ Bad luck... Good idea to check repaired inner tubes with a little air & a bowl of water, for any other leaks before putting them back on & more importantly around the inside & outside of tyre, incase of any tiny spikes still stuck in them...👍 Also good tip to mark the tyre where the tube valve is, before taking it off, so when U find the hole in tube, U can match with area on tyre to check that... Also a dusting of Talcum Power over tube & around inside of tyre is worth doing...😉 I ride most days & have now got a second bike to finish building from bits of other old bikes, but it's looking almost brand new now, just a back wheel hub bearing & new brakes to finish when I can find the enthusiasm...! Then onto servicing the old bike again...🙄 No different to other things that wear out, break down or get loose, etc... But the most important thing on any bike is good breaks...!😄✔️💯 Best wishes & better luck next time...👍

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Thanks for the advice, it’s appreciated. I only use the bike locally and for commuting. I can’t see myself doing huge miles on it at present. Thanks for watching, all the best

[@jonbroadsword7572]

That's a great looking bicycle and a wonderful way to see the world. After all, who says Rachel can't "Ramble' on two wheels just as well as two legs. Happy Cycling.

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Hi Jon, sometimes it’s good to do something a bit different . Have a good weekend x

[@AlanMETALMAN]

I got rid of my mountain bike about 15 years ago because I was always getting punctures and I did not like repairing them, I wanted a 2 wheels which were impossible to go flat and until that happens I will keep on using my legs. I would be more than happy to pick you up if I knew there was Orange Tiffin at the end and gluten free as well, which would suit Mrs Metalman too, cheers Alan

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Cheers Alan. I never had a puncture in my life… then bam! Two a Tyres in one go! lol. 😝

[@ClarkieBoy]

Well done for changing the tubes yourself. Now repair the punctured ones and you'll have 3 spares 😃

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

I have no idea what I cycled through but they had more holes than Emmental cheese! 🧀

[@ClarkieBoy]

Oh dear; not repairable then 🤕 I'd suspect you rode through loads of thorns left from hedge cutting 😵‍💫

[@WarrenofWalks]

That was a nice tour! I enjoy a ride out too and although I take a puncture repair kit (in case I'm extraordinarily unlucky) I also take 2 spare tubes and resign to fixing them at home, it's just a faff hoping to have fixed it after you rebuilt the whole thing on a muddy day 😅

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Hi there, how's it going? The bike is now fixed and back on the road. I may avoid those unpredictable towpaths for a while. Lesson learnt lol! Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely weekend.

[@lordbungle6235]

Hi Rachel, a tip from someone who have done lots of cycling along towpaths over the years (Yes that is me ) Get some Slime tyre sealant from Halfords (or any other shop that sells it, but I know that one is local to you.) it's easy to use, just fill your innertubes up with it and when you get a puncture it seals it up. Lovely to see the delightful Sanna 😬 And also nice to see some of Northampton's own Binty Bint Snooty Chickens 😍

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Thanks for the tip! I kept hearing about these slime tyres. I think I was very unlucky to have a double puncture. I’ll avoid certain sections on the towpaths from now on. Yes, Sanna was a good egg, coming out to get me. And of course, Binty! I love seeing the Binty’s around the town, they always make me smile x

[@robertpugh8422]

It's lovely cycling the Northamptonshire canal towpaths, but the downside is they're often lined with hawthorn and any fallen spines can play havoc with tyres. The tubeless tyres on my gravel bike have probably picked up quite a few by now, but so far no deflations (fingers crossed).

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Hi Robert, thanks for the recommendation. I’ll look in to it. I’m no pro but willing to learn and try new things. Thanks and have a good week x

[@r.davies2702]

Always a good idea to take spare tubes with you should you go again. Every day's a school day huh, well done for giving it a go 👍

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

One maybe, but two… that’s a faff lol! However, I now have two spare tubes in my bike bag. We live and learn, no harm done x

[@linedwell]

Enjoyed this video. A little guided tour video of Northampton would also be good for me. I go there often and really enjoy it but I don't know my way around like someone that lives there. 😁

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Hi, thanks for watching. I have thought about doing a town centre video and record it’s historical sites but it’s noisy and I don’t have a proper microphone for those types of environments. Also, I’m a bit self conscious of filming in really busy places. However, I wouldn’t rule it out. Thanks again x

[@chrish3305]

Great job! Nice change of activity and scenery Contentious topic. Friend from Peterborough says ‘Neen’, Northampton friend agrees with you, “Nen” I’m not from around those parts so I say “nee nee”. It gives the friends something to bond over - they both hate me instead for saying nee nee !

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

I had to say it lol 😂 Thanks for stopping by 😀

[@chrish3305]

@@ramblingracheltrailtales brilliant! 😂 back luck on the p*nctures. At least now statistically next time is unlikely be that unlucky! all the best

[@Ezri_Actual]

That was a fun video! Two of my favourite activities happen to be cycling and camping. Perhaps you could combine the two?

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Yes I have considered it. I’ll need some proper panniers. Watch this space! Thanks ☺️

[@endurance-adventures]

I’m really useless when it comes to things like puncture repairs, I dread getting a puncture miles from home!! Looked a good spot for cycling 😊

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Yeah I would probably avoid the stretch between Gayton Marina and bridge 41. The rest of it was ok. It was a learning curve! C

[@deblordoutdoors5783]

How about, Roll up and ride? ☺️ I love canal routes with all the old bridges. Don’t always feel very safe if it’s too isolated though. In spring when there’s lots of hedge cutting and thorns coming out, it could be worth looking at something like Schwalbe Marathon plus tyres as they’re virtually bomb proof. Nothing worse than a puncture to take the shine off a ride. Hope to see you out again on 2 wheels.

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Yeah I learn the hard way. I mostly use the bike for commuting and getting around town. It’s quicker than driving thru rush hour traffic. I’ll consider buying new tyres at some point. It’s such a faff having to replace them. Thanks for watching and all the best x

[@deblordoutdoors5783]

@@ramblingracheltrailtales It’s definitely a bit of faff up front, but saves so much time in punctures. Before I moved to a tubeless set up, I loved my marathon plus tyres. Rode through all sorts and they never let me down. Gives you that piece of mind if you’re commuting in the dark or miserable weather that you’re not going to have to get cold and filthy fixing a flat. Really enjoyed your canal route. Might have to try and have a look next time I’m there. My kid’s at Northampton uni and has digs near the BBC radio building, so I’ve never seen much more of Northampton than that, Toby Carvery and Pizza Hut😂 Thanks for sharing some great historical facts☺️ Take care.

[@TinasOutdoorAdventures]

Nice ride

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Thanks 👍

[@AndrewMuspratt-u5i]

Recommend Schwalbe Marathon puncture resistant / puncture "proof" tyres ... A small investment for a lot of peace of mind !!! If your second hand bike still has second hand tyres it would probably be worth investing in the new tyres anyway as old tyres are always more prone to puncture !!!

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Thanks for stopping by. I only use the bike for short rides and commuting. But if I get more serious I’d consider it. Thanks again

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Nah then, ey up me duck. I must say I'm disappointed you doing a cycling video, you didn't pop a wheelie or do a few bunnyhops, lol. Ay a good'un 🙂👍

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Haha! I’m not the most confident on two wheels but thought I’d give it a go! X