Just got back from my first Critical Mass

[thomas]

I've wanted to go for a while and this afternoon I got the train to London from work and went to see what it was like. I wasn't sure if it'd be my sort of thing and for the whole part I quite liked it.

On the most part, I don't think anyone went with bad intentions or there to annoy people, but obviously it does and some people do things which are unnecessary. I'd say drivers were mixed, quite a lot found it fun and liked it, giving support cheers and toots & stopping for a chat, some really hated it and were really gobby, holding their horn down, driving into cyclists (even when the police were there) etc...and many more were quite impartial about it all and realised that they would be delayed further by aggravating it all.

I don't really think that it'll get us any more rights/respect on the road from some people, but it may show just how many people actually cycle. Whatever the case it was a good laugh and a good way of letting off steam.

The best way I could describe it would be, it's a bit like the school playground.

Few stories, before I go for a long hibernation.

The taxi driver who claimed that we caused 10 year olds to be run over.

The old lady in an Audi, who started pushing her way through, when the lights were red (people waiting) and threatening us if we scratched her car.

When there was a massive, mass, of cyclists stopped by those big lights and TV adverts (what's it called?), completely blocking traffic, but then forming a gap for a G Wizz to squeeze through (with a driver who found it really funny).

I would go again as I did enjoy it...though, I've jumped more red lights in one night, than I have in my life!

 

[hackbike 666]

Never been on one.

 

[thomas]

Never been on one.

I wasn't sure what I'd think but really liked it. There were some dangerous drivers, but you can kind of laugh at it a bit more as there are so many of you laughing at them too.

I'm not for red light jumping, but I'm not going to lie, I basically jumped most lights (did stop for a few)...but when you're going through with hundreds of other people, with more stopping the traffic, it's probably the safer option. I stopped doing that once I left the mass though.

I'd recommend trying it out...worst case, just leave early.

 

[Radius]

Aaaargh Thomas! Me n Andy (ilovebikes) were there!! Probably saw you as well! (i was riding a white fixie with front aerospoke and bright bright green bar tape, yes you lot, you heard me correctly!)

 

[thomas]

Aaaargh Thomas! Me n Andy (ilovebikes) were there!! Probably saw you as well! (i was riding a white fixie with front aerospoke and
bright bright green bar tape, yes you lot, you heard me correctly!)

yeah he just PMed me...I was going to blooming post yesterday to see if anyone else was there...never mind!

Your bike does actually sound familiar - you got a photo?....I was on my Allez, with my helmet camera and an Orange rucksack (if that helps).

It sucks, but I think all the footage I got is pretty lousy - was hoping to be able to maybe stick a few bits of the ride on 'tube.

Ended up in thingy market, left when a few others did, then when I saw the London Eye I left the group (it had split up a bit too much for their to be any point in staying).

I think I averaged about 5/6mph for the ride...with a max of 16mph...you beat that

 

[Radius]

I did see a helmet camera, it stuck out a mile, but couldn't see the rider (head in crowd), so it could have been you! I ended up in the market too, riding around so you probably saw me then as well...
See if you can find me on my bike in your footage, I'd love to know what it looks like being ridden

 

[Jim_Noir]

I was going to go to the one in Glasgow tonight ((Welll last night now) But took the Dogs down the beach and forgot all about it.

 

[The Jogger]

are these some type of protest rides....

 

[thomas]

I did see a helmet camera, it stuck out a mile, but couldn't see the rider (head in crowd), so it could have been you! I ended up in the market too, riding around so you probably saw me then as well...
See if you can find me on my bike in your footage, I'd love to know what it looks like being ridden

When I was falling asleep I remembered I did see you...and having seen the photo I remember the bike! I bet £50 one of your mates was taking the piss out of how much your bar tape cost at the start....and you started by a tree, next to the road where it was on the corner. I was all of about 3 meters away - so we basically met.

The only reason I remember all that is because the messenger I was talking to was taking the piss out of your front wheel - he wasn't a fan of it....I do like the bar tape though!!

I only saw a few helmet cameras, a few on handlebars and the only other helmet camera, was on a lady on a penny farthing (obviously not me ). I had a look at the footage last night and, the first half of the ride isn't covered as something went wrong and the file is corrupt and what I did record isn't really that good. The camera is aligned for cycling, rather than stopping and standing everywhere so it's caught a lot of sky and cheering. I'll try and cut something together though.

are these some type of protest rides....

http://www.criticalmasslondon.org.uk/main.html

Everyone has a different reason for going, but it's basically a ride around London, following who ever is at the front. For me, I went just because I'm fed up with being treated like a second rate citizen, at times, when cycling.

 

[Tharg2007]

are these some type of protest rides....

if thats what you want then yes. people use it to protest others use it just ride round surrounded by bikes

 

[PBancroft]

I quite like the idea of going on one, maybe next month...

 

[thomas]

I quite like the idea of going on one, maybe next month...

From my experience I would recommend it. If you don't like something you can just carry on/leave the mass. I imagine there are some times when it is lousy and just not your cup of tea.

Everyone I met was really friendly and just out for a laugh and a bit of fun.

I'll be in Vietnam for the next one, but will hopefully go with an friend to the July one. I've convinced him

 

[PBancroft]

From my experience I would recommend it. If you don't like something you can just carry on/leave the mass. I imagine there are some times when it is lousy and just not your cup of tea.

Everyone I met was really friendly and just out for a laugh and a bit of fun.

I'll be in Vietnam for the next one, but will hopefully go with an friend to the July one. I've convinced him

We'll have to see - will need to figure out the logistics of getting my bike there and back, as there isn't a direct train up there (unless I leave from work, which I could do...).

If I put off next month, and go to the July one instead anyone up for an informal CC meet?

 

[HJ]

are these some type of protest rides....

Yes see here...

 

[thomas]

If I put off next month, and go to the July one instead anyone up for an informal CC meet?

If I do go, I'm more than happy to meet people...just give me a PM nearer the time if you are thinking about it and I'll pass out my mobile number or something.

Would you be doing the London one? I just took a train up after work.