The daily "I cycled to work" thread
Discussion
I was abused by 2 drivers through their open windows for riding along a road and not using a new shared pavement/cycle path (at 25mph), with a dodgy exit at the end, on the way home. One was oncoming and slowed to abuse me, the other came up from behind and slowed to abuse me. Neither was being held up at all....
They were both of the delta-male, brave in cars, overweight, knuckle-dragging type and shouting, swearing ("f***ing cyclists!!") and gesticulating at me, rather than just asking why I wasn't using the path.
It's not big or clever, but I responded in kind. I didn't look like a frightened victim. Both drivers drove off hating people on bikes, as they did anyway.
They were both of the delta-male, brave in cars, overweight, knuckle-dragging type and shouting, swearing ("f***ing cyclists!!") and gesticulating at me, rather than just asking why I wasn't using the path.
It's not big or clever, but I responded in kind. I didn't look like a frightened victim. Both drivers drove off hating people on bikes, as they did anyway.
A blustery ride home. The wind felt to be in all directions and having a full messenger bag in my back didn't help. I made decent, consistent pace, though.
I had a chap pass me with a cheery "Good evening" as I built up to cruising speed. He then slowed, I passed. And repeat. We chatted briefly at the next lights.
I'm then not sure what happened to him then as he wasn't in sight behind me when I turned off and I had been heading the same way as him -I'm hoping that he is not lying in a layby gasping...
If you are going to do the nonchalant overtake aren't you supposed to stay ahead, or turn off to pretend that you are still ahead?
Surely he contravened "The rules" in various ways?
I had a chap pass me with a cheery "Good evening" as I built up to cruising speed. He then slowed, I passed. And repeat. We chatted briefly at the next lights.
I'm then not sure what happened to him then as he wasn't in sight behind me when I turned off and I had been heading the same way as him -I'm hoping that he is not lying in a layby gasping...
If you are going to do the nonchalant overtake aren't you supposed to stay ahead, or turn off to pretend that you are still ahead?
Surely he contravened "The rules" in various ways?
Edited by MC Bodge on Thursday 30th July 19:50
Great ride into work today fastest ever average pace. 20.1 miles @ 18.8mph average, 1050ft of climb and the same for elevation loss.
Happy with that. Fastest today on quite a few strava segments as well including portsdown hill which is a great climb, though I am a sucker for preferring the more steep stuff, and portsdown hill doesn't get that steep really. Still, hit 42mph coming down the other side.
Happy with that. Fastest today on quite a few strava segments as well including portsdown hill which is a great climb, though I am a sucker for preferring the more steep stuff, and portsdown hill doesn't get that steep really. Still, hit 42mph coming down the other side.
E65Ross said:
Great ride into work today fastest ever average pace. 20.1 miles @ 18.8mph average, 1050ft of climb and the same for elevation loss.
Happy with that. Fastest today on quite a few strava segments as well including portsdown hill which is a great climb, though I am a sucker for preferring the more steep stuff, and portsdown hill doesn't get that steep really. Still, hit 42mph coming down the other side.
Good stuff. Around here it is rare to top 35mph. Over on the edege of the Peak, 40+mph is a regular occurence.Happy with that. Fastest today on quite a few strava segments as well including portsdown hill which is a great climb, though I am a sucker for preferring the more steep stuff, and portsdown hill doesn't get that steep really. Still, hit 42mph coming down the other side.
When I was young and foolish I saw 98Km/h (or ~60mph for the Imperialists) on the bike computer down the Newlands Valley on a hot day. It felt fairly quick and a bit sketchy!
Try to do 200kms Mon to Fri on the commute and this week I could only ride 4 days, then on Weds I woke up and just didn't feel like it at all after several late nights with friends staying. Would have meant coming up short as today I've got a flight to catch to get to Sepang for the weekend.
So, decided best course of action was to catch up and do 54kms this morning as the commute so I've still ridden 4 days and topped off the 200kms for the week. Leave bike at the office - very secure - and ride it home Monday after a lift to work in the morning, then do the reverse route of 54kms and then I'm set up for my next 4 day 200kms week. We're off to Cambodia for a few days, so a plan had to hatched to hit the targets when short weeks are the only option and no weekend rides to catch up.
There's something very nice about a longer run in the morning, sneaking out the house early to not wake up the family and the sun coming up over the jungle. Traffic was hectic in places I didn't expect though.
So, decided best course of action was to catch up and do 54kms this morning as the commute so I've still ridden 4 days and topped off the 200kms for the week. Leave bike at the office - very secure - and ride it home Monday after a lift to work in the morning, then do the reverse route of 54kms and then I'm set up for my next 4 day 200kms week. We're off to Cambodia for a few days, so a plan had to hatched to hit the targets when short weeks are the only option and no weekend rides to catch up.
There's something very nice about a longer run in the morning, sneaking out the house early to not wake up the family and the sun coming up over the jungle. Traffic was hectic in places I didn't expect though.
Not been riding to work a lot this July due to various reasons - wife tore her leg cartilage, so have had to drive her in, plus preparing to go on holiday. Took the bike with us though, and been doing some miles in Southern France near the Spanish Border. The cycling infrastructure here is amazing, dedicated roads, quiet, and drivers respect cyclists a lot more.
South of the border, In Barcelona, they have dedicated cycle lanes in the centre of the roads, and lots of rent a bike schemes.
I think the UK has a lot to learn about cycling infrastructure - it needs continual investment and separation with quality constructed paths, not the odd 0.5 km of green painted Tarmac that's rutted to buggery in the last 6 weeks of the financial year which is what we seem to get.
South of the border, In Barcelona, they have dedicated cycle lanes in the centre of the roads, and lots of rent a bike schemes.
I think the UK has a lot to learn about cycling infrastructure - it needs continual investment and separation with quality constructed paths, not the odd 0.5 km of green painted Tarmac that's rutted to buggery in the last 6 weeks of the financial year which is what we seem to get.
Was certainly a bit chillier this morning. Went out with a short sleeve jersey and a winter jersey over the top. My first leg to the train station is only a mile, so its not really enough time to warm up. At one point I thought I was going to need my ear warmers.
Managed to commute on the bike every day this month resulting in 163 miles on the Brompton and £102.50 saved instead of using the tube. Hoping to keep up the momentum in August and September.
Got to buy some more jerseys in the upcoming months though and that all eats into the savings. I've discovered that I really need to use a clean jersey everyday, as I sit on the train and I don't think its fair to sit on the train with a jersey that stinks of two days of riding sweat. I'm ok for the short sleeve stuff, but don't have enopugh for the winter and I really like the Gore soft shell jerseys and that they are very expensive at £80-£100 each. I have got some cheaper DHB winter jerseys, but they really aren't as nice.
However, this morning, I am back on the Tern folder (piece of sh@#) as I've sold it and buyer is collecting it from the local station. Fairly pleased as I only lost £20 on it
Have to get the tube home and that will cost me £2.30 
Managed to commute on the bike every day this month resulting in 163 miles on the Brompton and £102.50 saved instead of using the tube. Hoping to keep up the momentum in August and September.
Got to buy some more jerseys in the upcoming months though and that all eats into the savings. I've discovered that I really need to use a clean jersey everyday, as I sit on the train and I don't think its fair to sit on the train with a jersey that stinks of two days of riding sweat. I'm ok for the short sleeve stuff, but don't have enopugh for the winter and I really like the Gore soft shell jerseys and that they are very expensive at £80-£100 each. I have got some cheaper DHB winter jerseys, but they really aren't as nice.
However, this morning, I am back on the Tern folder (piece of sh@#) as I've sold it and buyer is collecting it from the local station. Fairly pleased as I only lost £20 on it
Have to get the tube home and that will cost me £2.30 
bakerstreet said:
I really like the Gore soft shell jerseys and that they are very expensive at £80-£100 each. I have got some cheaper DHB winter jerseys, but they really aren't as nice.
Eh?I ride more than most, in most weathers, and have never spent 80-100quid on a jersey.
Just layer up for winter?
Long sleeve base layer/jersey.
optional mid-layer - thin fleece/merino/thick fleece
softshell, windshell or Waterproof on top
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