Well, although I'm still on holiday (summer holidays eh) today was results day so was in work and thought I'd take the opportunity to try out the commute.
The route there via Stirling area is 12, and the route back via Kincardine is 18 miles. Went really well although it's thrown up a lot of questions:
1. I was undertaken by a Post Office lorry on the Granada roundabout. What can I do to protect myself from dying under the wheels of a bloody Post Office lorry on a massive roundabout?
2. The biggest danger I have discovered to cyclists are the traffic islands in the middle of the road for pedestrians. I know to take primary to avoid what happened a few times today, when cars tried to overtake with literally about 20 feet to go. Things like this lead to the next point ...
3. I have discovered I have a poor attitude in response to car drivers who fail to place any sort of value on my life. I found myself basically shouting/swearing/gesturing at a few cars in the morning, which obviously exacerbates the situation. Any tips on being a nice cyclist much appreciated.
4. I hung my cycling top up at work (I showered and changed) and when I put it back on it was minging! Once I was cycling home I didn't notice the smell, but was worried any passing cyclists might be put off their own commute by my smell. Does anyone hand wash their clothes at work then hang them up? Would this work?
5. I was attacked and stung by a kamikaze wasp whilst doing about 20 mph on a cycle path. I wobbled a bit as I tried to kill it but was aware I could have been in danger if this happened on the road. How do I protect myself from these vicious creatures and avoid falling off my bike because they have taken against me?
Apart from these events, truly enjoyed the experience and looking forward to the days/months ahead!
The route there via Stirling area is 12, and the route back via Kincardine is 18 miles. Went really well although it's thrown up a lot of questions:
1. I was undertaken by a Post Office lorry on the Granada roundabout. What can I do to protect myself from dying under the wheels of a bloody Post Office lorry on a massive roundabout?
2. The biggest danger I have discovered to cyclists are the traffic islands in the middle of the road for pedestrians. I know to take primary to avoid what happened a few times today, when cars tried to overtake with literally about 20 feet to go. Things like this lead to the next point ...
3. I have discovered I have a poor attitude in response to car drivers who fail to place any sort of value on my life. I found myself basically shouting/swearing/gesturing at a few cars in the morning, which obviously exacerbates the situation. Any tips on being a nice cyclist much appreciated.
4. I hung my cycling top up at work (I showered and changed) and when I put it back on it was minging! Once I was cycling home I didn't notice the smell, but was worried any passing cyclists might be put off their own commute by my smell. Does anyone hand wash their clothes at work then hang them up? Would this work?
5. I was attacked and stung by a kamikaze wasp whilst doing about 20 mph on a cycle path. I wobbled a bit as I tried to kill it but was aware I could have been in danger if this happened on the road. How do I protect myself from these vicious creatures and avoid falling off my bike because they have taken against me?
Apart from these events, truly enjoyed the experience and looking forward to the days/months ahead!
