To the guy on Jamacia Road at 8.20 this morning.

[Hip Priest]

If in that four seconds you rode past me and I was sat in an armoured personal carrier, or a Volvo*, would I be at risk?

Depends. Are you wearing a helmet?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Depends. Are you wearing a helmet?

why, will you be aiming for my head?

 

[Mugshot]

The resulting explosion is felt by the Cockwomble, still with hands in pockets who is unable to balance, falling off said bike and breaking neck.

Now I was with you all the way, it's a scenario which is played out up and down the country every day, but I'm afraid you've got the ending all wrong.
Mr cyclist with hands in his pockets does indeed feel the explosion, this immediately warms him up sufficiently to allow him to take his hands from his pockets and place them back on the handlebars. He is then able to ride off into the sunset/rise oblivious to the carnage behind him. But at least he's warm now, that's the main thing.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Now I was with you all the way, it's a scenario which is played out up and down the country every day, but I'm afraid you've got the ending all wrong.
Mr cyclist with hands in his pockets does indeed feel the explosion, this immediately warms him up sufficiently to allow him to take his hands from his pockets and place them back on the handlebars. He is then able to ride off into the sunset/rise oblivious to the carnage behind him. But at least he's warm now, that's the main thing.

Surely the shockwave travels faster than sound....

 

[Mugshot]

Surely the shockwave travels faster than sound....

Which bit has got the heat in it?
And the shockwave, dependant on the direction it came at him from, could give him a bit of an extra boost down the road, an unexpected bonus.

 

[Tynan]

I have to say that most of the riders riding without hands seem to be very good at it indeed, better than some riders with their hands on the bars

my favourite from yonks ago is someone going at speed down the Camden Road on the very long hill rolling a fag

 

[wiggydiggy]

I have to say that most of the riders riding without hands seem to be very good at it indeed, better than some riders with their hands on the bars

my favourite from yonks ago is someone going at speed down the Camden Road on the very long hill rolling a fag

Well it looked a fag maybe but it was camden lol

 

[Mad at urage]

I used to be able to put on / take off wet weather gear, whilst still riding (no hands). Was a trick to get the jacket over my head with minimal loss of vision, but I survived.

Couldn't do it now though (must practice this winter )

 

[rowan 46]

I mainly agree with the op on this. Yes secretly I admire the skill and daring and am a little jealous because I can no longer do it. I have to say that if you don't have a hand on your bar you are not in complete control. It's certainly possible to come off with both hands on the bar no hands makes that possibility a little more likely and even very skilled riders get it wrong. Most of us go into fits of apoplexy when a driver drives with his knees while doing something else. I don't see it as much different myself. We are supposed to be in control of the bike at all times and having your hand in your pockets isn't in full control. (does look cool though)

 

[Mad at urage]

A few times over the years I've had some part of the steering fail. In those circumstances, being competent (through practice - it's the only way) at riding no-handed in traffic can be a life-saver.

 

[Dan B]

Most of us go into fits of apoplexy when a driver drives with his knees while doing something else.

Personally I'd be inclined to cut said driver some slack if his car weighs less than 20kgs and is being driven at about 15mph

 

[snailracer]

He had both hands in his pockets whilst riding on the main road in rush hour.

I had to overtake him, and gave him a very wide berth, but still worried that he could crash at any moment.

Good example of risk compensation - would you have overtaken as carefully and given him as much room if he had been riding with hands on bars?

 

[Jezston]

I got overtaken once while I was pegging it by a bloke with his hands off the bars putting armwarmers on.

Bastard.

 

[ianrauk]

I got overtaken once while I was pegging it by a bloke with his hands off the bars putting armwarmers on.

Bastard.

Liar,

I bet it was a girl.....