Tales from today's commute....

[ManiaMuse]

Had a spectacular moment and nearly came off my bike but saved it going at approximately 1mph over a patch of oil...

Was coming from a side road to a junction. A car and a van waiting to turn in front of me so I coasted and slowed down behind them. Road looked damp at the junction but I didn't think this was odd despite it being dry and sunny all day.

First car was taking ages to pull out even though traffic was clear and I was getting impatient and didn't want to put my foot down. Was nearly at trackstanding speed before he pulled out and I stood on the pedals as the van in front moved.

Next thing I know, the back wheel completely loses traction and the front wheel is pointing in a completely different direction. By a feat of strength and gymnastics I wrestled the bike, somehow unclipped and ended up perpendicular to the road and facing the pavement. Hop onto the pavement and in my embarrassment (there is a car behind me) I try to cycle off quickly but the exact same thing happens again!

Get off the bike this time and notice that the following cars are all slipping as they are pulling out, so it must have been oil? Or perhaps my legs are exerting too much power and my back wheel couldn't take it?

 

[fossyant]

Man flu...no commute. Son was in hospital with a virus as his blood sugars wouldn't come down. Fortunately he came out last night but he has kindly shared it with the family.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

It was pleasantly warm and sunny at lunchtime so I set off a bit earlier than usual and added a few miles on. The wind direction's turned around today, so I'm looking forward to a tail wind to help me up The Hill on my way home. So far this week it's been like towing a caravan.

 

[MisterStan]

I am going to have thighs like Andre Greipel if these headwinds don't cease soon!

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Got up this morning to clear skies and it was very chilly. Sun soon came up and was virtually no wind.

Tonight very warm and again hardly any wind - had a cracking ride home. Only downside is if I had done another 1.3 miles I would have jumped my Eddington Number up, oh well a target for tomorrow then

 

[martinclive]

Well @kevin_cambs_uk it was me tonight - shortest ride of the year - closest call - stupid impatient bint turned right across in front of me on the Trumpington Street to go up to grand arcade - I'm not sorry to admit she got a very loud shout as she tried to look away - all I wanted was a hand raised in acknowledgement that I'd just saved her licence by seeing the danger
Amazingly driving back from the golf club tonight we saw the car in front do the same turn right (different road) in front of a well lit highly reflective cyclist - fortunately it stopped half was through the maneuver
Seen or heard of too many close calls in last few days - stay safe everyone

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

The best wheels are in with a pal for a once over today so took the hack. Also, I bought one of the bike backpacks from Aldi recently so thought i'd give it a test by ramming it full of goodies. I don't normally like riding with a bag on but do you know what, it was actually really good. Very comfy with lots of pockets for your stuff, recommended!

 

[fossyant]

More man flu

 

[MisterStan]

I'll change the record soon, but another morning and and another headwind! Nice run in nonetheless, cooler again, took my knee warmers off (whilst moving!) after a while as was beginning to overheat, really busy on the busway this morning.

 

[Simontm]

So much for the rain coming in later on in the day - damp ride in with a touch of a headwind.
Drivers surprisingly good- must be saving it up for the proper downpour later but...
As I was turning into the Rec ground, one impatient driver decided to overtake on the other side of the traffic island - luckily the oncoming cyclist was sufficiently back enough to not be affected.
And a BMW driver moved into my path, causing me to slam on the anchors - don't think he checked his sides or rear view
So, numpty count: 2

 

[Hacienda71]

Looked out of the window this morning sunny. Thought great, set off half a mile in thought this is a bit windy. First climb of the day realised there was a horrendous headwind blowing. Just checked the weather when I got into the office 25 mph Easterly hopefully will get the remnants of it on the way home for an elusive tailwind.

 

[L Q]

Had a great ride home last night, got onto the cycle path from Woodhall to Lincoln and was met by a Deer standing on the path looking at me for ages before moving out of the way and bounding into the field next door then a few miles from Lincoln I had an owl flying side by side for at least 250 yards, incredible sight and he kept looking at me then flew directly over my head and back he went. Now if I had been in my car I would never had seen either.

Only downside was the mouth full of bugs I kept getting, they don't taste great

 

[I like Skol]

I had an owl flying side by side for at least 250 yards, incredible sight

They do that as noisy cyclists often scare small creatures out of the bushes, which they then swoop on. I've had the same thing when driving along quiet country lanes.

 

[Origamist]

Strongish x winds but kept up a reasonable pace. Dry and around 9C

Piss-poor overtake by a HGV near Byley with the opposite lane clear. Forgot about it quickly as the sun poked its nose out.

At Hale, moving at about 4mph in the center right of the lane adjacent to a junction (yes, you've guessed it CCers I'm turning right, but not indicating, covering the front brake) when a driver edges forward, wanting to turn right into the opposite junction as I'm about to swing right. She hits the brakes and looks at me like I'm an idiot. I smile and remember it's time to use the inner ring!

Might go the longer way back as traffic is much better through Marthall, Over Peover, Goostrey, and Twemlow Green...

 

[martinclive]

Had a great ride home last night, got onto the cycle path from Woodhall to Lincoln and was met by a Deer standing on the path looking at me for ages before moving out of the way and bounding into the field next door then a few miles from Lincoln I had an owl flying side by side for at least 250 yards, incredible sight and he kept looking at me then flew directly over my head and back he went. Now if I had been in my car I would never had seen either.

Only downside was the mouth full of bugs I kept getting, they don't taste great

Mega!
Had one flying along beside me (but maybe only for 100yds) hunting in my front light at dusk a few months back - was amazing!