Tales from today's commute....

[LoftusRoadie]

The ride in this lunchtime felt awesome for some reason. I'm putting this down to the day off from bike commuting I gave myself yesterday. Can one day off revitalise to such a degree?

Well I took the train home last night instead of biking it, but this morning I rode in and I was 4 mins faster than I had ever done previously. Very happy with that. First time I've managed over 14 mph average. So, yes, perhaps a little rest does help.
One idiot as I got towards the the railway crossing at Cheshunt. I was riding straight on - a car came quite quickly from a side road and stopped just at the white line. I moved slightly away from the kerb just in anticipation of her not seeing me (but still not even in a primary position) and this idiot coming from the opposite direct from me wanted to turn right and moved his car about a meter onto my side of the road. As I let out a shout of warning at him, he stopped and just laughed at me. Buffoon!

 

[potsy]

Good to hear you're back on the (new) bike, Potsy! I was worried you were going to get a Segway for the commute...

Cool but not as cold as I thought this morning. In fact, it was glorious - sun shining all the way in. Bit of a cross/headwind, but not too strong. Legs didn't feel too heavy, so might add a couple of miles on tonight.

Then the issue is what's for tea: fish and chips, Chinese take-away or an Indian take away! Decisions, decisions!

You must leave later than me once it has warmed up a bit, either that or too many car commutes has turned me into a southern softie

 

[Spartak]

Used my Singlespeed for the first time in ages on today's commute - I do enjoy the simplicity of it 8-)

Any Bristolians recognise the bridge ?

 

[summerdays]

The one over Kings Weston lane, where you have to decide what is the safest position to ride in the road! By the edge you get stupid overtakes, too primary you end up facing the silly overtakes!! I hate that stretch especially up hill!

 

[hennbell]

Had what I though was a quiet ride to work on a sunny morning. A co worker starts complaining about my bicycle commute, I instantly tell him I am not even going to waste my time having a discussion with him. He claims I caused a 5 car tail back this morning. Again I dont even discuss it with him but got back to check the video. He is in the truck that I wave at.

View: https://youtu.be/KUuTRnLc3U0

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Couldn't get warm this morning so convinced myself if I keep riding at some point I will do. Well, I never so at almost 40 miles I thought I'd better start work. Lovely return leg this evening, hard going in many places but a great first day of the month at 90 miles+.

 

[fossyant]

Had what I though was a quiet ride to work on a sunny morning. A co worker starts complaining about my bicycle commute, I instantly tell him I am not even going to waste my time having a discussion with him. He claims I caused a 5 car tail back this morning. Again I dont even discuss it with him but got back to check the video. He is in the truck that I wave at.

View: https://youtu.be/KUuTRnLc3U0

I counted 3 cars over the whole video. God that road is featureless.. ? How do you cope ?

 

[Spartak]

The one over Kings Weston lane, where you have to decide what is the safest position to ride in the road! By the edge you get stupid overtakes, too primary you end up facing the silly overtakes!! I hate that stretch especially up hill!

The uphill from Combe Dingle to the top ( Iron bridge ) is one hell of a grind - especially if you get caught at the lights half way up !

 

[Jayaly]

I was cycling home, with my 2½ year old daughter in her seat, asleep.
She dropped her beloved teddy bear.
The passenger of an overtaking vehicle wound the window down to tell me. I stopped to turn around.
Then a following vehicle slowed so the passenger could tell me that the cyclist behind had picked it up.

So if that cyclist is a member here - thanks!

Faith in human nature restored.

Got to love nice people at times like that. Will you rig Teddy his own little seat belt just in case it happens again?

 

[summerdays]

The uphill from Combe Dingle to the top ( Iron bridge ) is one hell of a grind - especially if you get caught at the lights half way up !

No .... If you are me you are praying the lights will turn red as you approach!!

 

[hennbell]

I counted 3 cars over the whole video. God that road is featureless.. ? How do you cope ?

I cope by getting in front of traffic and holding everyone back.

 

[HLaB]

Last night was tail wind assisted; I was supposed to be saving my legs for a TT, it never worked; it started to spit and I got carried away out running it.

The wind thankfully settled down this morning or it would have been hard work. I was early though so I took a slightly longer route. Nothing really to report except it was quite nice weather and it was a bit stop/ start in town.

That stop/ start theme continued to night with traffic lights, MGIF to block the road, HGV's parking on roads unsuitable for them and level crossings It was a nice evening and the wind had changed again and I had more time so I decided to head into the wind. Just the one numpty to report. Through the tiniest, twisty-est little villages. Despite wide and long straight roads either side of the village numpty chose that point to squeeze by and cut in. Numpty also forgot he was towing a caravan, despite it being 3-4 times the size of their 4x4. Thankfully, there was just enough room behind a parked car that I was able to dive into or I'd been clipped at minimum It was a nice evening though so I forgot about that till now and went on with my ride. I said last week ,it was an enjoyable ride and I'd do it again and fortunately I got the chance

 

[HLaB]

Had what I though was a quiet ride to work on a sunny morning. A co worker starts complaining about my bicycle commute, I instantly tell him I am not even going to waste my time having a discussion with him. He claims I caused a 5 car tail back this morning. Again I dont even discuss it with him but got back to check the video. He is in the truck that I wave at.

View: https://youtu.be/KUuTRnLc3U0

Somehow I don't think those two other trucks waited behind you on that wide straight empty road and there was another two vehicle waiting behind you I think you made the right choice not wasting your time

 

[fossyant]

I cope by getting in front of traffic and holding everyone back.

Meanie.......

 

[fossyant]

I know you cant tell your colleague he is a fatty, but....