To the Ninja and RLJer; Leeds to Dewsbury this eve

[DCLane]

To the rider of a red Specialized road bike in red and black DHB's this evening, 5.20-5.35pm.

The reason I was behind you was simple; it was dusk, no streetlights, you were in dark red and black on a 70mph dual carriageway (White Rose to M62) and I'd seen two cars and a van nearly hit you. You'd also passed two well lit/hi-vis cyclists so had a hint. I cruised up behind you (and said "hello") to ensure that drivers could see you, not because I wanted a race! I might not be lit up like Gaz, but a bright rear light and Hump cover does better than being a Ninja.

You then did a RLJ across a main road, just missing a van. I caught up and passed you when the cycle lane and street lights had started, mentioning the lack of a bike light and to let you draft me up the hill. The response? Another RLJ across another B-road and when I'd caught up again you wanted another race. This time [and note, I was probably childish here] I decided to leave you for dead, just hopefully not literally.

If you want to get yourself killed, then fine. But not just in front of me please!

Although, I'm guessing you probably aren't on here.

 

[Moodyman]

No lights up that dual carriageway at dusk. I know that road well, the man's crazy.

Trouble is some cyclists don't like advice. I once told a female cyclist that her rear light running on a weak battery was not visible behind her rack bag. Her response:

"I'm perfectly fine thank you very much, if I need advice I'll ask you for it"

Also, told a bloke wobbling side to side uphill that he would better off using all the gears at his disposal. His response:

"I no what am doin, am building ma legs up. Dis making me stronger."

Since then, I don't bother giving advice - a courteous hello or waive and ride on.

 

[wiggydiggy]

I've stopped being bothered by other cyclists unless they put me in danger, its responses like this that have made me like that.

 

[Sheepy1209]

I pointed out to one bloke that you couldn't see his back light because of his mudguard - surprisingly it hadn't crossed his mind and he was embarrassingly grateful.

However, I've given up trying to tell people their tyres need pumping up!

 

[DCLane]

Well the Ninja was back again today - no lights again in the dark on a dark duel carriageway.

This time I made the effort to properly let him know. His response; he switched the light he had on, resulting in a dim glow from what must be flat batteries.

 

[classic33]

Well the Ninja was back again today - no lights again in the dark on a dark duel carriageway.

This time I made the effort to properly let him know. His response; he switched the light he had on, resulting in a dim glow from what must be flat batteries.

Where would you get those from?

 

[Bayerd]

Well the Ninja was back again today - no lights again in the dark on a dark duel carriageway.

This time I made the effort to properly let him know. His response; he switched the light he had on, resulting in a dim glow from what must be flat batteries.

What else did you expect?

Next time you see him, a pound to a pinch of shoot says he has new batteries in his lights. Then you can feel smug that you've helped him be more visible on the road.

good work, keep it up

 

[Jezston]

I jokingly told a colleague that his chain was slack and taking a faux pompous air told him it was a disgrace and he should be ashamed.

He apologised profusely and walk away with his head down.

I felt really bad. And too shocked to tell him I was only joking!