SAS Spotted Vol 2
Discussion
Saabaholic said:
Cyclist on the A30 at Blackbushe Airport at 9.40pm this evening. Wearing a jersey with a big Pistonheads logo on the back...
That was quite probably me! 
I was on my way home about then, between the new A327/A30 roundabout and the BCA access roundabout, initially heading east, then 'U'-turning at the roundabout to get back onto Blackbushes Road.
I do hope I was behaving myself and riding well. I'd hate to let the side down!
Edited by yellowjack on Tuesday 11th August 00:13
yellowjack said:
Saabaholic said:
Cyclist on the A30 at Blackbushe Airport at 9.40pm this evening. Wearing a jersey with a big Pistonheads logo on the back...
That was quite probably me! I was on my way home about then, between the new A327/A30 roundabout and the BCA access roundabout, initially heading east, then 'U'-turning at the roundabout to get back onto Blackbushes Road.
I do hope I was behaving myself and riding well. I'd hate to let the side down!
Edited by yellowjack on Tuesday 11th August 00:13
Saabaholic said:
Yes, i was behind you at the BCA roundabout (In a loud Red Saab 9000) as you were turning around and heading back.
I'll apologise for not noticing the Saab! I mean, I knew there was a car behind me, but they "all look the same in the dark" - just a pair of bright lights in a dark shape, and some noise.If it doesn't sound too daft, can I have some independent views on a few things?
1. Clothing. Was the white top enough, or would hi-vis or reflectives have made more impact?
2. Lighting. I had two rear lights going, but were they too bright, not bright enough, or just right?
3. Flashing. (Fnaar, fnaar, quit giggling at the back
) I can't remember whether the light fitted to the bike was flashing or steady. Which better assists you as a driver to see and pass me at night? It should have been 'steady' in proper darkness, but I'm not sure I remembered to switch functions last night. The light clipped to my shirt is always set to flash, more as a back-up than anything else as it's not quite as bright as the 'good' one.4. Signals and road position. Were these positive and justified? Did it make sense as to what I planned to do? Or did I move right too early, or fail to signal clearly enough? I try to 'play fair' with following traffic, while riding 'positively' with my safety as my primary concern, but sometimes I feel that following drivers don't understand why I do certain things like ride further out from the verge at times.
I ask these questions as that particular 'U' turn at the roundabout really concerns me as a cyclist. It's a bit dicey in a car to be fair, as westbound traffic doesn't always seem to be expecting traffic to be 'doing a circuit' of the roundabout, but it's the only (legitimate) way to get from the A327 across the A30 onto Blackbushes Road when heading south. I can't understand why the road designer didn't take the opportunity to slightly realign the ends of the A327 and Blackbushes Rd, and draw them together with the A30 at a single 4-way roundabout. I've no doubt the roundabout is safer than the junction that used to be there, but feel that they've missed a trick there.
Sorry for the questions, but it's not often I get to ask for feedback from drivers. I try to be at least 'competent' as a driver and cyclist, while aiming for excellence. I'd like to think I'm better than average, especially at the visibility thing, as it drives me nuts seeing 'ninja' cyclists out in dark clothing without lights.
And thanks for the 'spot'!
Z06George said:
Vaughn in his silver Challenger this afternoon driving through Earley and a red 50s Chevy pickup in Reading. Both looked and sounded ace!
Didn't know you were from these parts, yup always out and about in the challenger and the 66 Vette gets a fair few outings as well so keep an eye out for that one vaughan watkins said:
Z06George said:
Vaughn in his silver Challenger this afternoon driving through Earley and a red 50s Chevy pickup in Reading. Both looked and sounded ace!
Didn't know you were from these parts, yup always out and about in the challenger and the 66 Vette gets a fair few outings as well so keep an eye out for that one onyx39 said:
Yup
onyx39 said:
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