London buses (TT column 15.07.13)

My week has been rather comparable to London buses, you wait a while then they all arrive at once. The first instance I can't say I was waiting in hope but knew it was not going to be far around the corner. I've been a little lax with my bicycle maintenance but luckily got away with it for over 2.5 thousand miles, it seems that luck has ended. After having various new parts, a service and other necessary tweaks I was ready to hit the roads again so headed off on a few longer routes. It was on the way home from a trip to Crackington Haven that I commented how my bicycle felt rather "wobbly" and this wasn't due to my limited riding skills this time, it was eventually diagnosed as a slow puncture (my first). Due to my slight lack of preparation I am still without a pump but thankfully a kind member of Tavistock Wheelers refilled my tyre. Being a slow puncture so close to home it wasn't worth repairing so after another refill in Tavistock I was hoping to make it home. Unfortunately this was unsuccessful but as a result I was kindly rescued by my parents and also avoided the nasty climb back home. It was only my first ride after this incident - fitted with a new tyre -  when it all happened again, this time a little more dramatic with a blow out just two minutes down the road.
Items in need of repair do not end there, recently my Hoover, toaster, handbag, sunglasses and shoes have all given up - it must be all that walking and cleaning I do.
On a more positive note I have had a sudden influx of invites, I am guessing it is perfect party weather. The only problem being the order of events split between home, Bath and London have involved far too much time sat in my car in the baking sunshine.