My cousin N and I were cycling across Northumberland to Hexham on his blue bike. When we reached Humshaugh I asked if we could stop for a while to admire the Georgian high street. N agreed, but only on the condition that I would look after the bike.

I wandered over to a group of people to pet their dog. When N joined us he asked about the whereabouts of the bike. I looked around and all I could see was a section of the crossbar and the paniers. All the other parts – the handle bar, seat, and wheels – had been stolen.

There was nothing else for it but to stand by the side of the road and try and hitch a lift for the last few miles of our journey.