Scalped a car... big time

[Wheeledweenie]

The driver nearly squooshed me near Shepherd's Bush by swerving left without looking and although I shouted 'Idiot!', he apologised and we parted amicably.

We took turns overtaking one another. He and the passenger waved every time they saw me and, laughing, challenged me when I'd planted myself in the middle of the lane right in front of them at a crossing. This continued until west Ealing, I had left them behind for a while and they caught up with me at traffic lights. I asked what had taken them so long and, looking shocked to see me again, shouted: 'You again?! How many gears on that thing?'

'24' I said, before flashing a smile and pedalling off, leaving them stuck in traffic.

All the more sweet for it being good-natured.

 

[HaloJ]

I do love those expressions of disbelief when either you catch a car up or they catch you up after traffic.

 

[toekneep]

Why do non cyclists always assume that the speed you are able to travel at is governed by the number of gears you have?

Nice story WW

 

[Wheeledweenie]

Why do non cyclists always assume that the speed you are able to travel at is governed by the number of gears you have?

Nice story WW

Indeed, if I'd had time I'd have pointed out that my bike's not special, I am

 

[Amanda P]

The correct response is "It's not the gears. It's the engine".

 

[DrSquirrel]

'24' I said, before flashing a smile and pedalling off, leaving them stuck in traffic.

Would have been better with '1' - could help stop the myth that gears = speed.

 

[hackbike 666]

I'd have given him the finger and escaped on the pavement.

 

[2Loose]

I'd have given him the finger and escaped on the pavement.

Only You!

 

[Arch]

Would have been better with '1' - could help stop the myth that gears = speed.

Or, conjouring up a sweet girlish look of bewilderment: "Gears?"

 

[GrasB]

Would have been better with '1' - could help stop the myth that gears = speed.

Actually gears = speed when it comes to longer rides. As the longer the ride the more benefit I gain from being able to keep my cadence at around 110-125rpm. This translates into more speed. If I look at my cruising speed on the fixed & geared bikes my fixed cruising speed is starting to drop off at around 35miles however I'm holding my geared cruising speed up till about 45 miles & the drop off isn't as high.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

Actually gears = speed when it comes to longer rides. As the longer the ride the more benefit I gain from being able to keep my cadence at around 110-125rpm. This translates into more speed. If I look at my cruising speed on the fixed & geared bikes my fixed cruising speed is starting to drop off at around 35miles however I'm holding my geared cruising speed up till about 45 miles & the drop off isn't as high.

*Conjouring up a sweet girlish look of bewilderment*

Eh?