First proper eventful commute

[karlos_the_jackal]

Started with slightly raised saddle positioned and pumped up tyres. first half mile farm drive was a bit slidy, then onto the road with much better power in the legs, probably one or two gears up at most times and probably 3 or 4 on the mini hills, knees feel like new.

Then a mercedes left turned across me!! luckily there was enough of a gap between the kerb and the pavement, it started coming across when i was behind it (so i can see indicator lights!)so thought i would just slowly slide down the side of it rather than go directly for the kerb, good choice as all i got in the end was dirt on my leg. i think all the car drivers around me were in more shock than i was as i just got back on it straight away, adrenaline. the driver didnt even say anything.

Then as hitting central london there was a woman probably mid 30's passed her on several occassions but she RLJ every time even at 4 way junctions.

Also got fly in eye.

 

[ianrauk]

Hello mate,
well at least you got to work in one piece.
I'm a little confused at the incident
Why did you feel the need to go down the inside of the car if it was indicating left?

As to fly in the eye, invest in some cycling specs...

 

[karlos_the_jackal]

Definitely need some eyewear

And the car wasnt indicating! was taking probably a bit too much speed myself anyway. Once biten twice shy

 

[ianrauk]

Sorry mate you post doesnt make that clear, you said you could see the indicator lights...

as to eyewear.
These are what I have, and good value imho.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Pro_Triple_Lens_Sunglasses/5360036778/

Are you riding your new Tricross?

Definitely need some eyewear

And the car wasnt indicating! was taking probably a bit too much speed myself anyway. Once biten twice shy

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

I think Karlos is saying he was behind the car so could see the indicators but that they weren't being used. If you see what I mean.

I'd still have thought that trying to go up the inside of a car at a junction was a bad idea. Unless the car had overtaken just before then and was doing the classic left hook?

 

[ianrauk]

Yes, yes & yes

I think Karlos is saying he was behind the car so could see the indicators but that they weren't being used. If you see what I mean.

I'd still have thought that trying to go up the inside of a car at a junction was a bad idea. Unless the car had overtaken just before then and was doing the classic left hook?

 

[karlos_the_jackal]

yes, it was almost classic left hook scenario. but i would say that although it had overtaken just before hand, i obviously mis interepreted the slowing down as slowing down for slow moving traffic in front rather than a turning across into side road.

Thank god they've got places to put pictures on claim forms otherwise i'd be useless at describing things ( and i work in insurance!)

Live and learn.

And no tricross yet. going to make sure i deserve one by getting a bit fitter. It can be my prize for hitting 500 miles in July

 

[hackbike 666]

That's nothing,I had a knobend this norning at London Bridge indicating left while going right which was a bit confusing as I was on the right also,preparing to turn into Stamford Street.So I had to point at knobends indicator as obvioulsly he was talking to his mate commenting about how good his driving was no doubt.

 

[jig-sore]

just had a skip lorry pull out in front of me when entering the village of Barby. if i hadn't slowed down i would have gone straight in the back of him !

raised my arm as if to say "what the fu.." and he either told me where to go or said sorry, wasn't a very clear gesture

then to add insult to insult, as he went over the raised mini roundabout a great pile of muck and stones came off the back of the truck all over the road in front of me

i made of point of keeping pace with him through the village just to prove he had gained nothing by cutting me up