Tales from today's commute....

[MisterStan]

Chilly, but a lovely sunny start to the day. Saw an owl again this morning down by the lakes, I have seen him most mornings for the last week or so.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Although I'm a champion of the Gatorskins I've gone for something different this time around Continental Grand Prix 4000S II, hope they are just as resilient!

They're crack on. Got over 8000 miles out of the current set on the hack and they still have life left in them yet.

 

[Nocode]

Lovely sunny ride into work this morning. Hadn't realised how light it's getting in the morning these days - left 06.30-ish and by the time I was 5 miles down the road into Bromley it was light.

Passed two cyclists riding together around the top of Bromley North, said "Morning" to them both and neither responded. Grumpy gits.

The A200 was lovely and quiet this morning too - must be half term *yay*

 

[ianrauk]

Wet, wet, wet...did I mention it was wet? Not too bad commute, apart from the wet
Unfortunately, this weather brings out numpties: 3. Two close passes, whilst this idiot began to overtake me on a blind corner where I would have nowhere to go

Ah well, hopefully tomorrow morning is like this morning

You seem to have a higher numpty quote then most others on here.
Where are you based to get such a high quota every day?

 

[Simontm]

You seem to have a higher numpty quote then most others on here.
Where are you based to get such a high quota every day?

Considering how many cars and vans pass me each day, I think the percentage is very small.
The issue is probably the number of pinch points on the route and driver determination to get ahead - I work with cars and drive as part of my job so perhaps I am harsher on driver behaviour than others, but, especially when I join the A232, the driving skill levels seem to dramatically decrease - although dishonourable mention for South Lane and the inability of cars to stop at the Give Way

 

[ianrauk]

Considering how many cars and vans pass me each day, I think the percentage is very small.
The issue is probably the number of pinch points on the route and driver determination to get ahead - I work with cars and drive as part of my job so perhaps I am harsher on driver behaviour than others, but, especially when I join the A232, the driving skill levels seem to dramatically decrease - although dishonourable mention for South Lane and the inability of cars to stop at the Give Way

Still haven't said where you are
I probably have the same amount of traffic or even more my commute being in SE London. And have one road where there are 5 pinch points. I take the middle of the road at the pinch point every single time, making my intentions very clear. That way there is no way they can pass.

Edit: A232.. Croydon, Sutton?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Winter is back

 

[Simontm]

Still haven't said where you are
I probably have the same amount of traffic or even more my commute being in SE London. And have one road where there are 5 pinch points. I take the middle of the road at the pinch point every single time, making my intentions very clear. That way there is no way they can pass.

Edit: A232.. Croydon, Sutton?

Head from Surbiton area to Croydon every morn. The vast majority of the time, the West side of the A3 is fine and then South Lane with the inability to stop at Give Ways and I am not playing chicken! Worcester Park is generally fine, Sutton the same, then Westmead is iffy as it's a fast downhill with four pinch points but again generally nothing happens. Then I hit the A232 at Carshalton and driver behaviour plummets and you have to have your wits about you. Then at Waddon Marsh, it generally calms down again. Odd really.

 

[Mo1959]

Winter is back

Yep......it's not over yet that's for sure. Only had a wee jog but noticed icy patches.........and now the wind has picked up and rain come on.

 

[summerdays]

Still haven't said where you are
I probably have the same amount of traffic or even more my commute being in SE London. And have one road where there are 5 pinch points. I take the middle of the road at the pinch point every single time, making my intentions very clear. That way there is no way they can pass.

Edit: A232.. Croydon, Sutton?

I do have one very short section with pinch points that I get very bad driving on a regular basis, and although I do use primary I'm a little wary given how many times I've seen them almost hit the bollard or go around the other side of it, or just manage to cut in as we arrive at the bollard. It's just the area, it's also the area where I will see lots driving without seat belts, kids not using seat belts etc, and where I like to be in the ASL at the lights as if I'm not the fraction gap between me and the car in front means they turn right across me. Normal aggressive behaviour doesn't even register there as I just expect it. Two minutes and then I'm out the other side.

 

[400bhp]

My Gators are dead, 4400miles of trouble free riding and as of yesterdays ride home i've managed to get 3 punctures in 2 rides!

Although I'm a champion of the Gatorskins I've gone for something different this time around Continental Grand Prix 4000S II, hope they are just as resilient!

The GP4000s are great tyres. I have them on my winter/wet weather bike. As mentioned upthread I had to bin the rear tyre after something managed to pierce a great big hole in tt. However, on balance, I wouldn't buy them for commuting in winter as they are not quite resilient enough for punctures/wear & tear (you'll be fine with them). I have decided to go for Continental 4 seasons instead and just ordered some.

 

[Dave 123]

First dat back after my little trip to Mallorca and I go and fall off on black ice. Bit of a sore knee.
The bloke getting out of his car crapped himself, it really shook him up, nearly had to give him a hug, poor fella!

 

[Biscuit]

After last nights soaking, and not quite drying out my gloves enough I froze solid on the way in this morning. Meh!!

Added to this in the wet conditions yesterday, I broke my journey at Haverhill ( ), to replenish my stock of GT85. One for work, one for home. Wet feet, rubber overshoes, hurrying downstairs to make sure bike still safe outside, fell down the first set of stairs...on my arse and back. ( There was an element of style in my demise, staff giving me marks out of 10 ) .

And so it is this morning, that I dawdle in on the road bike this time, so I can freewheel, as left knee is not the full quid today. And the bag on my back is really helping the bruising.

But hey....enough negative news.....it's sunny !!!!! Yay!!!

 

[L Q]

Cant say I enjoyed this mornings ride to work, Out of the 10 miles 8 down country lanes that resembled an ice rink, took it fairly easy and although the back wheel slipped a few times I stayed upright, roll on the spring

 

[ianrauk]

A bit of difference in London today

Last week.. grey, grey and grey....

Today