Depressed and contemplating selling my Bike - Cardiff

[Bruce85]

Must admit i always dreamed of getting my ideal road bike that i finally did on a cycle to work scheme, but since i have started riding i must admit that enjoyment has been few and far between.

It seems every time i go out i risk my health because other road users are oblivious to cyclists or dont care. I had some guy undertake me in a roundabout and then look at me all angry like it was my fault. Then some stupid woman nearly cleaned me after doing a 3 point turn.

I wanted it so i can cycle to work but even this is risky 0900am as the roads are busy so i cant get up to speed. Even though i average 20mph on the road other cars seem to find it acceptable to try to overtake a meter before a roundabout. Im getting to the point of frustration where i want to get off my bike and kick the crap into a passing car. Its like they feel i have no rights because i go slower.

Im contemplating selling my bike as im not getting out of it what i want, its a boardman large road bike, comes with odometer shimano spd pedals,.i have bought schwlable marathon plus tyres. Also has nice set of LED lights.

If anyone interested let me know,

 

[Banjo]

I think we all have moments like that. Dont rush into selling the bike. Go out early on weekend mornings and with summer coming the evenings are great. If you dont want to do the commute then dont beat yourself up over it.

 

[ianrauk]

+1 to what Banjo said.

Unfortunately the interaction with traffic, cars and the motons that drive them is part and parcel of commuting in a city environment. It's very easy to lose one's rag (And I do often having to commute in London - I did once kick the crap out of a car that knocked me off and drove off, it was quite therapeutic in a way, but not advisable obviously). But try to relax on your commute and let these instances wash over you with a dismissive wave of the hand. (whilst giving the finger

)

The more you commute the more you will learn to anticipate any problems/incidents. Moton's are sat in their tin cans trying to get to where ever they need a millisecond faster then anyone else, getting fat in the process. They are the dumb ones sitting in traffic jams. You however are a cyclist, filtering past. Cycling is enjoyable, even commuting. Spring/better weather will soon be here which will make it even more so. There is nothing better then commuting to work and back in glorious sunshine.

20 mph average, blimey that's very high for a City commute. Wish I could do that in London (or anywhere for that matter)

The best way to enjoy your bike is to get out at weekends. There are a good few Cardiff based forumites, (Banjo for one) give a shout out for some weekend riding companions, get out there and get riding with some fellow cyclists.

 

[snailracer]

Look for an alternative route.

 

[DrSquirrel]

Finding another route is your key, don't worry about adding a few extra miles, if its quieter you will enjoy it more and probably end up not losing much time anyway

Post your location up, others might beable to help you with better routes if you're not sure...

 

[the snail]

I think we all have moments like that. Dont rush into selling the bike. Go out early on weekend mornings and with summer coming the evenings are great. If you dont want to do the commute then dont beat yourself up over it.

+1 Would be a terrible shame to sell the bike. Get out at the weekend, maybe with a club, then you will get the chance to really enjoy the bike and stretch your legs, and hopefully enjoy the company too. Maybe you could work out a better route for the commute to avoid the motons. I don't know how experienced you are, but maybe you could focus less on speed, and look at your riding style and avoid some of the problems by defensive/assertive riding. Don't let the barstewards grind you down!

 

[Dayvo]

I think we all have moments like that. Dont rush into selling the bike. Go out early on weekend mornings and with summer coming the evenings are great. If you dont want to do the commute then dont beat yourself up over it.

+3. Wise words indeed.

Try and find an alternative route to work, or see if you can leave earlier/later (to and from) to avoid peak traffic.

Hopefully, though, your real cycling benefits will come in your leisure time. See if there are any other forumers in your neck of the woods you can team up with.

Good luck!

 

[Bruce85]

Guys thanks for the replies, made me chuckle a few times, my problem is i like to feel the burn and when i get stuck behind slow moving traffic it slows the heart down, teh only way i can describe my frustration is if you have seen the film crank.

I have not had a chance to really open up and see what the bike an do (or me)

Yea i was supposed to go on a ride i think Banjo offered but i have been offline for a while.

I think slowing down until im out of the city might help and it does not help thats outh Wales has more pot holes than tanned blondes.

Im grateful to come on here and rant though because this morning i did feel like i was going to have a falling down moment on the way to wrok

Much appreciated for the replies

 

[magnatom]

I've found over the years that the rate of incidents has dropped for me. I think the reason for this is that I have learned how to control my space better. That is not to say that I was riding dangerously or doing things wrong, it is just that there are techniques that you can employ that encourage other road users to behave around you.

A good first step would be reading Cyclecraft by John Franklyn. He has some excellent advice on how to ride on urban roads.

Even now I find I go through good patches and bad, but I can assure you that it is well worth it in the long run. Yes it takes a while to get used to at the start, but if you hang on in there it will be worth it.

 

[Amanda P]

Having invested in the bike, if you're going to ride it in busy traffic, it might be wise to invest in some training as well. It makes all the difference in minimizing adventures like the ones you've described.

It won't help you go any faster, but city centre traffic isn't the best place for speed. Weekend runs are what you need for that.

 

[ChrisKH]

Look for an alternative route.

+1

This really is the dark period for me as I hate the cold, but I know in a few weeks it will be worth it. I had real problems on busy roads on just a short commute. I decided it wasn't worth the hassle and now have a longer route with fewer issues.

 

[Rochenko]

What's your route, Bruce85? Cardiff has some really bad spots but I generally find it a good city to cycle in. Would second advice about cycle training.

 

[mickle]

Well you see Falling Down was ruined for my by the innaccuracy of his route. I can't remember the precise details but it's like he starts off in West Hollywood, walks to Down Town then pops up in Beverley Hills then Hollywood and somehow appears in Venice and Silverlake before finally landing in Santa Monica. Totally unrealistic, like an enormous zig-zaggy squiggle. It'd be like jumping off the bike in Cardiff and walking to Newport via Penarth and frickin Barry Island. And Monmouth.

 

[mickle]

But your point stands. All drivers are ****s.

 

[XmisterIS]

Bruce - yep, some drivers are complete @rseholes - they're the "me me me me me" type of people.

Also, try to find an alternative route - even if it's longer than the direct, busy route, I guarantee you'll enjoy it more.