I did something I’d been putting off for 20 years at the weekend. I changed a tyre!!

Going such a long way, so far from civilisation means having to be able to change a tyre. This isn’t something I normally do. I usually take pride on the fact I can do any garage job, but tyres I always contact out.

Flat tyre? New tyre? Just ride to the nearest tyre shop and have a man do it. Easy. It’s just not with £10 to do it yourself. Never has been.

So with some trepidation I set to with the tyre levers, talc, soapy water and a beer. The new tyre is still on and the air is still in, so I’m calling it a success!!!

OK, so I used a car jack and all of my tools. Not quite and emergency repair, but I know I can do it which is a huge step forward. Do I get the rosy glow of self pride I usually get from my garage exploits?

Nope. It’s still a shit job, it was always a shit job and it’ll always be a shit job. I’ll do it only when absolutely necessary.