Tales from today's commute....

[biking_fox]

Back on it now after a few interrupted weeks. Friday evening saw me on the floor after a ped stepped out straight in front of me. Not even a cycle lane, just stepped into the road. I had enough distance to take the worst of the speed off, so got away with a couple of minor scrapes (bike was fine!) I'm sure they'll have a bruise though. Was very apologetic. but " I thought you'd gone past me already" is one of the more bizarre excuses!

Today was hot - well at least full sun quite warm and a reminder why I do enjoy riding!

 

[sevenfourate]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

 

[ianrauk]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

All year round, in every weather except for very bad ice. (Which to be fair has only ever stopped me a couple of times in over 20 years)

My commute is cycle/train/cycle
Currently doing 100 miles a week. 8 miles either way Monday to Thursdays. Fridays is 8 in the morning followed by 27 in the afternoon as I cycle all the way home in good weather.

This is my 44th year of cycle commuting to work

 

[biking_fox]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

Yes have done for decades, although not quite so many as Ianrauk. Usually 6 miles each way, heavy rain shortens to 3. Get some decent lights (readily available now cf a few years ago), Gloves, a waterproof jacket, and a changing room at work (not quite so easy to get hold of if it isn't there already) and you're set. I'm a big fan of Proviz as a brand.

 

[Arjimlad]

This July I reported a Mini driver who, along a bendy country lane, overtook the sensible driver who had been following me, and sped past me way too close on the approach to a blind T-junction I was approaching. The police said "positive outcome" of a warning letter, fixed penalty or prosecution. I would expect a warning letter really. It was a dry, sunny day.

Today it was a very wet, nasty day and the same driver attempted to do the same thing, (overtaking the car behind me) only he had to pull back in behind the car which had been following me, as an oncoming driver braked hard and sounded their horn. Maybe this second report will result in police action which will have a greater effect on this impatient twonk.

 

[Arjimlad]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

5-10 miles in, 5 miles home. Studded tyres when it is icy.

 

[fossyant]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

10-11 miles daily, 3-4 days a week. I've stopped icy commuting now though, don't need another broken pelvis and hip socket. I have ice tyres, but they aren't infallible (as I found out).

 

[Alex321]

I only commute 2 days a week anyhow (Wed & Fri), since I now only work 3 days, and one of those is from home.

I generally keep on through the winter - just under 14.5 miles each way. But strong winds or ice will stop me.

 

[wafter]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

I have since I started commuting on the bike; I've never not ridden because of the weather but the winters have been relatively mild recently and I will shorten the route from the usual 7 miles out and back into town for sausages to the most direct 3-4 miles.

Again on the way back I usually do errands / fitness stuff / generally bimble and typically do about 15-20 miles on the way home, although again this drops markedly in winter to more direct and less frequent trips for necessities.

I have it pretty easy as it's all within the city and there are some good cycle routes (by the river etc). Hats off to those who brave larger / more rural roads; especially in the cold and dark of winter's depths.

This July I reported a Mini driver who, along a bendy country lane, overtook the sensible driver who had been following me, and sped past me way too close on the approach to a blind T-junction I was approaching. The police said "positive outcome" of a warning letter, fixed penalty or prosecution. I would expect a warning letter really. It was a dry, sunny day.

Today it was a very wet, nasty day and the same driver attempted to do the same thing, (overtaking the car behind me) only he had to pull back in behind the car which had been following me, as an oncoming driver braked hard and sounded their horn. Maybe this second report will result in police action which will have a greater effect on this impatient twonk.

View attachment 821679

View attachment 821680

What a complete bellend - I wonder how far the Police will go based on footage like this..? Clearly the dickhead in question is a persistent offender and a threat to those around them...



Today's riding has generally been nice. Left late this morning but made good time in the ridiculously warm and muggy air. A pleasant ride but was properly saturated upon arrival at work.

Muggy again when I left but otherwise a lovely night for a waft. Usual jaunt out north then back along the tow path for a bit of trimming and a stretch in the park.

Remembered that for the first time in months I had a serviceable Mp3 player so enhanced the glorious ambience with a fine goth rock soundtrack and found myself incredibly happy simply to exist as I headed into the setting sun enveloped by the warm aroma of autumnal decay.

Scored a few reasonable reductions from the supermarket before heading home with a few nice little interactions; seems maybe everyone’s still breathing a collective sigh of relief after the summer’s heat wave.

Dreading the winter but today has been a fine example of my favourite season – long may it continue

 

[HLaB]

A pretty quiet commute. The only thing that really happened was getting to the Station to find the earlier London train late. I could have got on, the first few carriages were real busy but it emptied out towards the end. I decided just to walk round to my regular train which is completely empty until a few stops down the line.

 

[Mazz]

So glad I got lucky today with the weather.
Plenty of ominous-looking dark clouds in the direction I was heading and it started spitting with rain (I wasn't wearing a jacket either). Thankfully a break in the clouds and I somehow managed to avoid the worst of the rain!

 

[fossyant]

Soggy one. Hosed it down for the first half of my commute, and by the time it eased off enough to 'think' about taking the waterproof's off, I was only 15 minutes from work. Melted in those 15 minutes. Some 'bell endery' around the local high school, as usual.