Tales from today's commute....

[Drago]

An average ride this morning, and a decent time despite the headwind. Did spot a funny though...

Close to work there's a narrow road, and 4 huge signs declare no motor vehicles except busses. To make the point there is a car trap, a big home about 2 feet deep, wider that a car but narrow enough a bus can traverse it. Today there was a UKMail Astra van nestling nose first in the hole, driver standing on looking bemused. Serves him right in my view - if he can't see four 10 foot tall road signs then with eyesight ( or observation skills) that bad he has no place on the Queens highway.

 

[Phill057]

As I have said before cars will try and squeeze through gabs that are not big enough for them. So as I always say take the decision away from them and do not give them the space at all. I was feeling generous this morning and kept in to my side and another on coming care the one behind me tried to squeeze pat forcing me in the ditch.

 

[Drago]

Late last night cycling home. Unlit country roads as black as Charles Mansons conscience.

Coming the other way wax a WWW with only the tiniest flashing front light (and a similarly puny flashing rear). How he could see where he was going was anyone's guess.

He was almost on top of me before I saw him, and it was my CREE illuminating him, not his tiny blinker, that first made him visible.

I shouted, "you need to sort your lights, you're almost invisible mate."

He replies "f**k off"

Yet I bet he'd be quick to pipe up on some roadie forum about the injustice of it call if he got wiped out.

What makes people spend several grand on a bike, but then begrudge a few dozen quid on some serious lighting?

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

Not too bad yesterday,bus gave me a wide berth on the section between Elephant and Castle and Waterloo.I reckon some bus drivers are getting to know me round there.Wonder what little gems today's commute will conjure up.Seemed to upset a lorry driver near Waterloo,letting him do his left turn I held back but he let me go first,which I didn't expect.Also held back for a car doing a left turn at Bow yesterday and he didn't seem amused.Im sure his false teeth almost popped out,he seemed to be swearing so much.

 

[campbellab]

Ambulance driver crosses double solid white lines to overtake me doing 30mph on a downhill stretch approaching 30mph zone. Crossed straight over to the other side giving me plenty of room, but the sheep behind him following the professional's example doesn't give me as much room straddling both lines. Still behind the ambulance when it turns into nearby hospital... Disappointing

 

[Drago]

That's an offence - there is no exemption in S.87 of the Act that allows anyone to cross a solid white line. Naughty.

 

[Schneil]

Rain had stopped before I headed out but as I was trying out the Aldi gear I arrived at Uni soaked .. not quite the weather for winter gear yet methinks. .

Which aldi gear was it? Hope it wasn't the gloves, just bought a set

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

Hmmmmmm,start of Sunday's commute,met a boy racer down a Leytonstone backstreet and some guy texting while he was driving over Tower Bridge,as his car was almost up the pavement I did wonder the reason for this behaviour.Headwind in but greatly encouraged that I got stronger during the commute.Coming back not too bad,ruined by numerous cyclists without lights though.Guess I had a tailwind but I felt strong.This time next week I should be on a plane.

 

[trampyjoe]

Which aldi gear was it? Hope it wasn't the gloves, just bought a set

I didn't wear the gloves.
And I've just reread my post .. i was soaked in sweat as it wasn't raining.

 

[Stromtrooper]

Not too bad today. The usual short trip against the wind plus added heavy rain which naturally stopped the moment I got to work. Only idiot I had was a muppet on his moped straightening out the roundabout at work we were both going around nearly knocking me off. Caught up with him and explained what he did and that the odd life saver would help. His reply of 'oh your on a treader so didn't think you went that fast' did not help. Explained a few facts and a rough outline of his future life expectancy should his observation and death machine riding skills not improve.
Plus that he might need to have his moped looked at as a overweight 40+ year old bloke was keeping up with it without being out of breather were only doing 15mph tops!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Boiled in the bag a bit tbh. Ruddy gloomy too. But as a bog standard "I simply need to get to work" commute though, perfectly acceptable. Even Mr Open Reach managed a decent overtake for once.

 

[Rasmus]

A proper peloton going up Bath Street this morning. Two other cyclists!

 

[BSRU]

Nice ride this morning, rain had just stopped and drivers were very patient.
Apart from the biker who slowed down to tell me to use the 50 metre suicide lane on the approach to a mini-RAB instead of taking primary. Witnessed at close quarters a Focus driver drive through a red light then perform an emergency stop when they noticed the cars turning right across her path.
Then finally had the misfortune to meet a berk in a Merc, who must have felt guilty about his crap driving as he drove through a red light to avoid a conversation with me or was just demonstrating even more bad driving.

 

[fossyant]

Commuted to Nana's with the kids - wife staying over with her disabled mum as her dad is away for a couple of days 'rest'. Dropped kids off then set off for work.

Received a 'punishment pass' from a 4x4 Mits. LS200 pick up - Passed wide enough just after a ped island - (I was in primary), but he deliberately cut in early. I bellowed a huge "Oi", which shat the driver up as he swerved back out then braked as I gave him a stack of verbals, and passed him. He shot passed again. Guess what, caught him again in traffic and let rip ! "You were in the middle of the road" was about all he could get out.

I am afraid I "effed" rather a lot - given this guy was younger than me, I think he didn't expect the ranting looney in lycra. Must say had he said anything else I'd have dragged him out the van !

 

[ianrauk]

Wet commute this morning.
Nice for the bike as it had a loving 2 hour clean and fettle yesterday grrrrrrr

Bit boil in the bag too...
But couldn't be arsed to take off the jacket.