This morning's commute through london

[scouserinlondon]

about to start the journey home!

Can't wait.

 

[Tynan]

the same rider as good as rode into me twice in 100 yards on the way home, he cut back into the cycle lane going too fast to stop so although he saw me coming he cut across me leaving me to brake hard and swerve, no wave, no sorry no nothing

and then at the next lights he tried to force his way past me as the lights changed, I leave you to guess how thay went, he looked like a regular rider mind

loads of part timers, most were fine or at least careful but there were plenty of real liabilities

 

[hackbike 666]

The Mile End Road was grid lock, without the bus lane sections I'd still not have got in, all three channels to make any progress and loads of wobbly scooters and herberts on full sus mtbs with huge knobblies riding in a world of their own, no care at all, zig zagging through the traffic without ever worrying as to what might be coming towards them, it was a bit of a strain

I left at 430am but I found there were more cars than usual and more idiot motons.Very few cyclists.

 

[fossyant]

Tynan, first time they'd get an Oi, second would be asking for trouble.... bang.....

 

[Twanger]

Brixton seemed much the same as normal, just a bit more of it. Railton Road pleasantly empty at half seven. Brixton Road not bad, though many mroe cars. Still empty roads through the back streets up to the Albert Embankment. Lunacy at Lambeth Bridge, mostly caused by idiots on bicycles not understanding that there are cases sometimes when other traffic has priority. A few guys decided to build a ...what was it? Sandbar of idiocy?...right out into the roundabout itself. Sanity restored north of the bridge. I do find that roundabout very easy to negotiate.

Coming home was worse. I went slowly because I was scared of getting hit by a bike. Someone just wobbled and fell off their bike just by Buckingham Gate for no obvious reason.

Bleah! Why relive it?

 

[jybeebee]

I had a very late finish last night so took the overground train home... was thinking I really should have ridden home.

This morning got a bus (empty) to the Dome thinking I'd try out the extra boats that Boris had promised. Arrived to find a empty tube station with trains running. Hopped on and into work in about the same time it usually takes to ride in. Result.

Ride on way home was exactly as people have said - slightly more stressful than normal. But it was good to see more bikes on the road, even if I was more worried about being taken out by them than the usual white vans, minicabs and the like.

 

[Tynan]

you wonder why at 4.30 hack? what sort of crazy arse shifts do you work?

indeed fossy, I think he read my shoulder and hard look just right, scrawney sort and worse, slower than me

 

[hackbike 666]

Train driving.With all the slagging off over the years about how bad the railways are,some of us still get up early to work the early morning trains while you lot are in bed.

 

[Andy 71]

"Hopefully the RMT action will act as a catalyst and get more people cycling and walking - which can only be a good thing."

Not if the cyclists behave like they were this morning. It was chaos and madness with inexperienced cyclists riding dangerously. Frankly they can get back on the tube and leave me to cycle peacefully into work.

I was crossing Chelsea Bridge and a woman, whose mobile phone went off, slowed down while riding on the road, wobbled her bike dangerously, stuck her right leg out into the road to try and balance, then stopped suddenly to fish around in her pockets to find and answer her phone. On Chelsea Bridge. On the road. Madness. Nearly caused a 5 bike, three car, one bus pile up and received a huge amount of verbal abuse from all concerned.

Then you get the other kind of muppet - Mr 'I have a nice roadbike but clearly don't use it very often'.

Had about 3 of them pass me, with their carbon fibre bib shorts, gleaming frames, 'just out of the box' clothing and tyres with clear single figure mileage. These bikes are clearly kept for show, and only bought out at dinner parties as a conversation piece. As predicted, every red light - straight through without a thought. I guess their Campag groupsets must make them invincible.

 

[hackbike 666]

My bike doesn't get cleaned very often.I no longer feel guilty.

 

[junglegusset]

I'm happy to report that the 9 miles of canal towpath which winds its way through the Cheshire countryside and which constitutes my daily commute was once again free from traffic and inexperienced cyclists. There was one numpty on an old (but rather good) mountain bike with nobbly tyres riding like a crystal meth fueled loonatic...........oh yeah, that was me. Worst thing though is being buzzed by bats all time when I ride home at night when I'm on lates, and that time I had to look at that Kingfisher. Eeeeee it's grim 'Oop North! Trouble at mill etc etc....

 

[Aperitif]

As I weaved an intricate trail through block-solid traffic from Notting Hill towards Chiswick, I wondered about how riders would see the difference on this forum.

It was a painfully slow, 'technical' ride, avoiding wing mirrors, gently glancing at drivers turning in the wrong direction, lots of smiling and the impression that the traffic was like a scattering of playing cards - no direction, and everyone thinking they can 'get there quicker' by changing lane. On the descent to Shepherds Bush, with captive traffic in both directions, a road worker struck up his petrol angle grinder and proceeded to carve through London's finest paving. "My my - what a beautiful choking cloud" was the pop. exclamation. Ha ha. - I was gone.

Cockpit observing, as you do, whilst waiting for lights to change or motor bikes to clear off, I noticed a lot of people looking at A to Zs or Tom Toms. Or both. Why are so many concerned in getting 'one over' on the circulation? It will not work - get a bike or walk is the only sure-fire solution.

The sound of the car horns grew louder - and the cyclist moved further forward

 

[fossyant]

Soooo, how was day two........

Some funny comments on LFGSS, one guy came across a bloke, all the kit, nice bike dumped up against a wall,...... just slumped at the road side. Asked if he was OK....'yeh, just tired and out of breath'.....oh dear.....

 

[scouserinlondon]

The joy of flexi time, I'm just heading out now. Hoping for less carnage than yesterday

 

[Jake]

Then you get the other kind of muppet - Mr 'I have a nice roadbike but clearly don't use it very often'.

Had about 3 of them pass me, with their carbon fibre bib shorts, gleaming frames, 'just out of the box' clothing and tyres with clear single figure mileage. These bikes are clearly kept for show, and only bought out at dinner parties as a conversation piece. As predicted, every red light - straight through without a thought. I guess their Campag groupsets must make them invincible.

I clean my bike every time a bit of dirt gets on it, like it to be shinny, new looking and HOT! Although a little concerned about the how the shop fixed the puncture, the tire itself has as big slit in it, which will easily allow an object in and pop another inner tube. not too happy.