The daily "I cycled to work" thread
Discussion
Fugazi said:
Oh I know this all too well, people generally look but don't observe and so miss cyclists, motorbikes as they're tuned for watching out for cars and buses. Now at a stretch, I 'could' understand to a certain extent if they pulled out on me because there was busy traffic, parked cars, bad sightlines and I was lost in the noise. But this was a wide, clear road and I would have been clearly moving against the dark asphalt behind me as I was the only thing on the road at the time.
Luckily, like you I don't trust people so I'd scrubbed off a fair bit of speed before the junction according to Strava and was instinctively covering the brakes but she left it so late that there was no chance of stopping. I'd made the mistake of assuming she had seen me and was waiting for me to pass because the road was clear in both directions and she'd have been able to clear the junction had she set off after arriving at the give way line when I was further up the road.
Ah well you live and learn, fortunately I think me and the bike got away without a scratch despite hitting the car hard. Checked the bike at uni and everything was still running true and not even a mark on the paintwork or the new bar tape! Not sure about her wing and bonnet though, I think my 80Kg lump may have left a reminder for her to look more carefully next time.
It can happen to anyone and, yes, in some instances, you do think, "surely they won't pull out now".Luckily, like you I don't trust people so I'd scrubbed off a fair bit of speed before the junction according to Strava and was instinctively covering the brakes but she left it so late that there was no chance of stopping. I'd made the mistake of assuming she had seen me and was waiting for me to pass because the road was clear in both directions and she'd have been able to clear the junction had she set off after arriving at the give way line when I was further up the road.
Ah well you live and learn, fortunately I think me and the bike got away without a scratch despite hitting the car hard. Checked the bike at uni and everything was still running true and not even a mark on the paintwork or the new bar tape! Not sure about her wing and bonnet though, I think my 80Kg lump may have left a reminder for her to look more carefully next time.
I was once surprised to be hit by an unseen car that crossed in front of a stationary bus that I was passing on the left, in a cycle lane. The result was a Broken bike and cracked ribs. I did leave a big dent in the side of the car, though.
I'm now very wary of such things.
I had the displeasure of cycling into Manchester earlier, having not done so in the day time for a long time.
The lack of consideration, observation, forward planning and room given to me by quite possibly the majority of the car drivers I encountered was astounding.
The aggression and impatience of others was extremely irritating.
I had genuinely forgotten what it can be like. Thankfully I get to ride on quiet roads and trails most of the time these days.
Thankfully I had decided to wear a hi-vis jersey -So at least they knew that they were abusing a cyclist.
The lack of consideration, observation, forward planning and room given to me by quite possibly the majority of the car drivers I encountered was astounding.
The aggression and impatience of others was extremely irritating.
I had genuinely forgotten what it can be like. Thankfully I get to ride on quiet roads and trails most of the time these days.
Thankfully I had decided to wear a hi-vis jersey -So at least they knew that they were abusing a cyclist.
I had my first puncture on the way to work today. Just under 3km from work. No idea what caused it as I could see now damage to the tyre. Good fun changing it in the rain with many people from driving by. I'm pleased to say that 5 of 7 cyclists that passed asked if I was alright and/or suitably equipped to get going again.
I was hoping to come on here and say that this was hopefully the last properly cold ride in of the winter, as temps are set to get milder this week as we push into March.
But the west of Feb looks like it still has some real chill in store. Also rain. And wind. Lots and lots of wind.
Never mind. Head down and carry on I guess.
But the west of Feb looks like it still has some real chill in store. Also rain. And wind. Lots and lots of wind.
Never mind. Head down and carry on I guess.
Blimey a cold snap this morning, ambient temp was about 0 , but there was an ice cold light wind that cut through you!
Loads of ice at first, then blazing sunshine
Was quite nice, but running late so couldn't enjoy it, was proper pant twitching doing 15 mph swerving down a narrow icey track
Loads of ice at first, then blazing sunshine
Was quite nice, but running late so couldn't enjoy it, was proper pant twitching doing 15 mph swerving down a narrow icey track
Zip finally failed on my Sealskins overshoes having been in daily use since October (is this a normal length of time for a relatively premium brand of overshoes to last?) Seems odd having to buy multiple bits of kit for a winters use. Anyway, I left them at home and my feet froze. Defrosted by about 9am.
CoinSl0t said:
I do pity you poor buggers riding in the cities, you have some real commitment 
It wouldn't be fair to show you my scenery on my ride in.
Plenty of scenery here in London, thanks. Two legged, two wheeled, four wheeled, bricks and mortar.It wouldn't be fair to show you my scenery on my ride in.
My previous commute used to bring me over Waterloo Bridge at the end which gives some of the most beautiful views I know. These days I cycle towards the city and see the sun coming up over the steel and glass. It can be spectacular.
Horses for courses :-)
AC43 said:
Plenty of scenery here in London, thanks. Two legged, two wheeled, four wheeled, bricks and mortar.
My previous commute used to bring me over Waterloo Bridge at the end which gives some of the most beautiful views I know. These days I cycle towards the city and see the sun coming up over the steel and glass. It can be spectacular.
Horses for courses :-)
Hehe, you are entitled to your 'views' My previous commute used to bring me over Waterloo Bridge at the end which gives some of the most beautiful views I know. These days I cycle towards the city and see the sun coming up over the steel and glass. It can be spectacular.
Horses for courses :-)
I'll take a snap of my sea views and you take a snap of a Hackney cab/soot/congestion and we'll see who wins
Sat in the office at the moment looking out at the blue sky, I'm itching to have an early day and go for a spin. (aint gonna happen though)
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