Boxed in by nobbers attempting to race

[palinurus]

There's nothing wrong with commuter racing, but I reckon it's cheating to pass your opponent when they are at the lights or slowing due to traffic conditions rather than weakness.

 

[skudupnorth]

Cycling in the big city is abviously totally different to my commute,all i get is the odd school kid weaving or just riding the wrong way up the street or knacked out old Halfords specials creaking along ...no challenges for me

Must drag the bike down to the outlaws in Bedford and have a pootle down to see what al the fuss is about !

 

[chap]

Commuter racing

Yeah, I have nothing to prove: I cycle a Brompton. Although you do get the odd lycra-clad pear shaped no-hoper that feels it necessary to make a point. I used to experience that from the vantage point of my car but, not that I did anything in retaliation.

The best thing to do is just to ignore them, if they hurt you, after venting out your frustrations with your D-lock, chances are that they will suffer more as many pedestrians and drivers loath crazy cyclists anyway so you'll have no shortage of witnesses.

Alternatively, if you're not in the mood to take the high-road, know the route is safe and think you can do win, race them. Despair: a middle-aged goon in team colours (and matching racer) thrashed by a normally dressed person (esp. if on a small-wheeled folder)

 

[B-B-BikeyStrike!]

But commuter racing is sooo fun! I'm sure girls love even if they think i'm being purile.

I always give other cyclists a wide berth though, and make sure no pedestrians are affected by my s-s-s-s-super fast cycling skills!!!

Safety first, Speed a VERY close second!

 

[HLaB]

I don't tend to race much as I'm usually concentrating on my surroundings. I do like to push hard sometimes though and occaisionally have somebody taking offence to me passing them and it turns into a race; they can be enjoyable.

 

[I am Spartacus]

In comparision to city commuter racing. riding the highways and byways of Staffs you have to choose your opponent road warrior very carefully....... too many ex pro riders still knocking about with far too many years on the clock who can still give you a real pasting

 

[swee'pea99]

There's nothing wrong with commuter racing, but I reckon it's cheating to pass your opponent when they are at the lights or slowing due to traffic conditions rather than weakness.

+1. If I get beat by someone taking silly risks and/or riding without due consideration (eg, weaving thru' peds), it don't count. (Nor do it count, blue boy, if peeps sneak up on the inside while you're waiting at the lights and push you over )

 

[ttcycle]

WW - I profess as you have probably guessed already from our conversation the other night that I am a commuter racer! I suspect that the Uxbridge road is a clear, straight stretch which people can whizz down. I however, will always put safety first, slow down if hazards are coming up only to watch the idiots racing emergency brake and squeal down the road almost a fraction too late! Plus, don't see the need to RLJ to gain an advantage -it's pointless, though to be honest there is no point racing everyone. I think the post re recovery and training rides may sometimes apply as well as people may be training on their commute (not always a useful strategy in London with the many stop starts though but all those PB times to beat -lol). However, I do agree that the close passing and overly aggressive behaviour is not necessary and can be very unsafe. I've never passed too closely unless someone has moved into my path without looking behind them and do try to be considerate.

Commuter racing can be a real fun part of the commute if done with care and consideration to other road users!

For the record WW - you're pretty fast...just get some drops bars and you'll beat em all soon -hahaha

 

[BigSteev]

I suspect that the Uxbridge road is a clear, straight stretch which people can whizz down.

Ummm, not really. I used to commute down it between Hayes End and Shepherd's Bush and as it passes through Southall, Hanwell, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton there are only a few sections not regularly interupted by traffic lights, junctions etc. However, I did used to race down it mainly because a) as part of a 20 mile each way commute going slow wasn't an option, I don't really do going slow anyway and c) when I do the same route for ages I find I need something to keep me motivated and trying to improve my times was one thing I'd do to achieve that.
However, this was several years ago and there weren't that many cyclists on that route then. I suspect there are a fair few more nowadays.

 

[ttcycle]

Wouldn't know Big Steev- don't cycle those parts - was a guess on my behalf!

 

[BentMikey]

Yes, I saw your little sprint on CM last month, TT. LOL, quite quick!

 

[ttcycle]

Oh bloody hell BM - didn't know there were people watching!lol! That was me back on the bike at CM for the first time in three weeks off and after some surgery so got some way to go before I am actually feel I am up to scratch and able to race in the categories!

WW - hope the commute home was less aggressive!

 

[Breedon]

Had my first commuter race last week, the guy sucking my back wheel for a good 10 mins for a rest then dropped me on the long straight the basterd.
But it was fun and made me push hard like i allways do anyway and we didnt take silly risks.

 

[BentMikey]

I actually had to work a bit to keep up, LOL!

 

[Wheeledweenie]

I LIKE commuter racing on occasion, just to be clear, but only when it's safe and everyone's happy to be doing it. I just hate being blocked in and near-hit by other people who are being silly. I paced myself againt someone once and it turned out she was on a FNRttC with me a couple of weeks later. She was bloody quick!

TTCycle, to be called fast by you is an honour indeed. I am not worthy.