Tales from today's commute....

[thefollen]

Was certainly colder than anticipated earlier! Always so tempting to don warmer stuff when first stepping outside. Still, my test to ascertain whether I've made the correct clothing decision is to assess my being at 4 miles in (in my case as I hit Albert Embankment). Went tech-top, shorts with overshorts + fingerless today. Intial assessment was: [Glove Err0r] with the numb fingers but soon became accustomed and at the four mile point was comfortable. Would choose slightly too cool over too warm everytime!

Plenty of fair weathers out today trying to undertake at pinch points/hop in front at lights. I quite enjoy the humdrum to be honest. All in all: very nice! Timed lights very well today, minimal clip-out :-)

 

[Aperitif]

I may have underestimated the temperature. Conflicting reports between my phone (3C) and BBC (5C at 7am) meant I was out in shorts, short sleeve top and armwarmers. It was a bit nippy but not too bad.

I'm starting to really enjoy the riverside park. I've struggled to adopt @Aperitif philosophy that it's about the ride, I'm more of a Clarkson cyclist (more speed, more power!!!) but bimbling along by the river was good this morning. I even conversed with a couple of dog walkers. Shame about the nobbers who treat it as a racetrack. Will just have to push one of them in the river one day

No need to prove anything. The real test is when you can let more than one other cyclist overtake...and not go into a frenzy. Only ever pass them back on inclines - gently applying the gas as you rise. that's fair, and cheery too. Downslopes only count if you are fixie-dixie and your cadence is delivering you safely, at speed! Always smile...I know that's probably the hardest bit for you Mart, but you have shown signs of progress recently.
And the weather is luxurious.

 

[400bhp]

Summer bike is out - no mudguards and clean.

Sods law I happened to find the only flooded road in Cheshire - a water main had burst on Charcoal Road meaning a ride through water for 1/2 a mile. Cue dirty bike.

 

[Origamist]

A bit nippy this am, about zero, but lovely and clear. If this dry weather continues, I will not have to clean the bike at the weekend!

Looks like the Sandbach to Salford Quays commute is about to become a scary reality as we had an offer accepted on a property yesterday

 

[potsy]

Summer bike is out - no mudguards and clean.

Sods law I happened to find the only flooded road in Cheshire - a water main had burst on Charcoal Road meaning a ride through water for 1/2 a mile. Cue dirty bike.

That'll learn ya

From initial observations of the cyclists at the new job I seem to be the only one that actually stops at the red light at the bottom of the estate, maybe I need a bigger sample before I condemn them all as POBS

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Damn! You must have been quick this morning, without the extra weight of that tool. We missed you - could have had some good heckling opportunities!

Yep I was hiding in shame by the side of the busway!

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Hi Kevin ! Twas me who turned round. I was well impressed by the gloves, really should put some into my kit bag, I always end up looking for some leaves to wipe my hands on (and not fezzing up to OH that the gloves might not want to go in with other delicates ...)

Well thanks again mate
It's nice to catch a member on here and put a face to the name!
Hopefully I looked like I knew what I was doing!

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Time to get the road bike out Kev!

I think yor right mate I am fed up
Of being at the back!

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

He might be able to keep up then!

It's. been a long few months on that bike of torture!

 

[fimm]

Rear-ended at very low speed while going onto a roundabout yesterday. Nice lady stopped, details were exchanged. Damage - a bit broken off the rack of the Brompton and one scratch to the car's front bumper. The hinge of the Brompton effectively acted as a kind of crumple zone.
I've reported it to the police for their stats but no other action, and will take the bike to the shop at the weekend and see what the rack will cost to replace. I have warned the driver that bits of Brompton don't come cheap!

 

[martint235]

No need to prove anything. The real test is when you can let more than one other cyclist overtake...and not go into a frenzy. Only ever pass them back on inclines - gently applying the gas as you rise. that's fair, and cheery too. Downslopes only count if you are fixie-dixie and your cadence is delivering you safely, at speed! Always smile...I know that's probably the hardest bit for you Mart, but you have shown signs of progress recently.
And the weather is luxurious.

Hey I smile!!! Most of the time.

Now, remind me again about the letting people overtake thing? Even if I give them a 50 yd start I'm still not allowed to chase them down?

 

[Stephen C]

Was slightly confused when I got to work this morning, a bloke arrived at the same time as me, walked his bike past 6 completely empty bike racks and then locked it to a tree! Nothing intrinsically wrong with the tree, but it wasn't even the closest spot to the entrance...

 

[martinclive]

It's. been a long few months on that bike of torture!

yeah but you are really going to feel the benefit..............

 

[thefollen]

Hey I smile!!! Most of the time.

Now, remind me again about the letting people overtake thing? Even if I give them a 50 yd start I'm still not allowed to chase them down?

Love a good chase (if appropriate and safe ;-)), also give the 50yard head start. Find most overtakes aren't out of competition but moreso the desire for clear air... I say if it's safe to do so, and one can maintain the speed to overtake convincingly and continue to pull away, definitely do it rather than be forced to hang behind. If the other person wants to ramp it up and give chase it's all good- ultimately we're all training each other.

Get overtaken now and again- again it's all good fun. I'm no pro and have no ego about it- also like to smile and tip the metaphorical hat to them :-)

 

[Leodis]

Back on the bike after a couple of weeks off. New route to work via Spen Lane and Kirkstall road, 2.5 miles of cycling bliss compared to Meanwood road.