downfader
extimus uero philosophus
- Location
- 'ampsheeeer
So today I thought I'd head out of Southampton into Park Gate and try and find a) a decent route to a local cycle shop and b) the roads that lead to Hill Head. I went the long way about it as I was in no rush due to having the day off.
So first problem, some narky drivers swinging in towards me. Several of them. If it wasnt for the good drivers who gave me space I'd have given up there and then and just walked home, and even reconsidered how and when I cycle. Part of me sympathises with cyclists who used the pavements in the area.
A couple came within a few inches of the bars. I found myself getting quite stressed by it, and doing the "pushing hand" and shouting "more space please!" Drivers who followed did this. There was no bother on their part as there was no oncoming traffic, and where my stamina allowed I waved thanks and nodded, hoping they'd see my appreciation.
I get close to Park Gate, cant find the side road, but worryingly as I approach a green light down by the Hard/boat yards a lorry shot past me and flicked on the indicators. This was despite me doing about 25mph. He was close to my right side, about a foot I'd say, and managed to get about 15m in front before turning, with me braking to avoid conflict. I had all kinds of images run through my mind, "is this how cyclists die when involved with large vehicles?"
Lots of road works in Bursledon. I did about 35mph down the hill past Tesco, realised too late that road works were coming up otherwise I might have got off and walked around an easier route. Since I was keeping up with the cars, yes even up hill, I went through in primary... only to find that the people incharge have put in rumble strips which sucked out all my speed and nearly broke bits off the bike. F***ing nightmare. Worse than hitting a pothole.
I got lost in Fareham, after 15 minutes of riding about found myself back in Park Gate and decided "s*d it, I'm going home."
Oh and every now and then someone at work will tell me theres a cyclepath towards Tesco on Bursledon Road. There isnt. Infact, oddly, there is one sign. But it doesnt tie in with anything and is on its own. Theres no markings or other signage to denote cycle facility. I do wonder if this is a guerrilla cycle path effort.
So first problem, some narky drivers swinging in towards me. Several of them. If it wasnt for the good drivers who gave me space I'd have given up there and then and just walked home, and even reconsidered how and when I cycle. Part of me sympathises with cyclists who used the pavements in the area.
A couple came within a few inches of the bars. I found myself getting quite stressed by it, and doing the "pushing hand" and shouting "more space please!" Drivers who followed did this. There was no bother on their part as there was no oncoming traffic, and where my stamina allowed I waved thanks and nodded, hoping they'd see my appreciation.
I get close to Park Gate, cant find the side road, but worryingly as I approach a green light down by the Hard/boat yards a lorry shot past me and flicked on the indicators. This was despite me doing about 25mph. He was close to my right side, about a foot I'd say, and managed to get about 15m in front before turning, with me braking to avoid conflict. I had all kinds of images run through my mind, "is this how cyclists die when involved with large vehicles?"
Lots of road works in Bursledon. I did about 35mph down the hill past Tesco, realised too late that road works were coming up otherwise I might have got off and walked around an easier route. Since I was keeping up with the cars, yes even up hill, I went through in primary... only to find that the people incharge have put in rumble strips which sucked out all my speed and nearly broke bits off the bike. F***ing nightmare. Worse than hitting a pothole.
I got lost in Fareham, after 15 minutes of riding about found myself back in Park Gate and decided "s*d it, I'm going home."
Oh and every now and then someone at work will tell me theres a cyclepath towards Tesco on Bursledon Road. There isnt. Infact, oddly, there is one sign. But it doesnt tie in with anything and is on its own. Theres no markings or other signage to denote cycle facility. I do wonder if this is a guerrilla cycle path effort.
