There are occassions when not using a cyclepath is approriate and some where it is, but we could debate that for days,I arrive home/work a lot calmer for not duelling with people on the A13.( were talikng the A13 out of town not Canning town to inner london)
Anyway this evenings ride home was brilliant fun. A mile in after Canning Town Station a very tall, athletic guy, late 20's early 30s went passed me on a unmarked black road bike, deep section wheels in all black kit with a massive beard. I immediately thought, you have got to let him go, no way can you stay with him. However he had all the advantages on me bar one. He seemed to be carrying all his wordly possesions in a massive rucksack. I shadowed him from 20 -30ft back. He was sprinting out of corners and after negotiating obstacles.
However on the open sections his pack's non aero profile was slowing him down. We had a great tailwind and we were wafting along in the mid 20's sweeping up everyone in our path.
We carried on like this for 9 miles, he would get away at junctions, I would close him down on the open sections and up hills. Finally I thought this has gone on long enough I have to find out how far this guy is going. Then he had to slow for a junction so I made a push and came up beside him. I wondered if he was going to be really pissed of with me for chasing him but no he was delighted with me inspiring him to push on. Turned out he only had a mile to go ( I had a futher 13) .
So now I knew he only had a mile to shake me off, He seemed to really go for it through Dagenham, he would not let me lead and once when I went past he immediately put a sprint on. every light was at green so no respite, but no way was I dropping off after lasting this long. We said our goodbyes as he turned off. I then realised I had kicked the arse out of it and had a headache coming on as I had drunk nothing. I slowed and drank and slowly headache subsided. Rest of the journey done at a slower rate but still grinning like a cheshire cat.