An ode to cyclists
Discussion
Today I cycled the 10 miles each way to work for the first time. I must admit that I always thought cyclists were whingeing jessies, and made a meal out of nothing. Now I live in Norfolk, not Streatham, so its not like it's an unpleasant or busy place to ride through, and previously I spent an hour down the gym 3 or 4 times a week so I'm not really particularly unfit.
I can say now that my back hurts, my legs still ache, my ringpiece feels like I've had a night in with Micheal Barrymore, I nearly fell off three times because I forgot I was wearing toe clips when I came to a stop for traffic lights (one of which cycled twice without realising I was there), and as soon as I went near a main road, mirrors started whizzing past at speed disconcertingly close to my left elbow.
After a day I can say that Van drivers and steering wheel biting women seem to pass the closest, and getting overtaken by motorbikes is quite unsettling because they tend to travel more quickly and like to keep within the lane so pass you very close.
HOWEVER, I did make a concerted effort to thank people who were patient, and did my best to indicate and not to hold anyone up on some of the narrow roads. I feel a few of 'us' could try a bit harder so do as you would be done by and all that.
So spare a thought for the lycra lout, he's probably pissed off because his arse hurts and he's permanently filled with the terror of getting fired off by some daft bint in a Micra on her way to pick her web footed offspring up from school
That is all.
I can say now that my back hurts, my legs still ache, my ringpiece feels like I've had a night in with Micheal Barrymore, I nearly fell off three times because I forgot I was wearing toe clips when I came to a stop for traffic lights (one of which cycled twice without realising I was there), and as soon as I went near a main road, mirrors started whizzing past at speed disconcertingly close to my left elbow.
After a day I can say that Van drivers and steering wheel biting women seem to pass the closest, and getting overtaken by motorbikes is quite unsettling because they tend to travel more quickly and like to keep within the lane so pass you very close.
HOWEVER, I did make a concerted effort to thank people who were patient, and did my best to indicate and not to hold anyone up on some of the narrow roads. I feel a few of 'us' could try a bit harder so do as you would be done by and all that.
So spare a thought for the lycra lout, he's probably pissed off because his arse hurts and he's permanently filled with the terror of getting fired off by some daft bint in a Micra on her way to pick her web footed offspring up from school
That is all.
I have started doing some silly commutes and you will notice all sorts of interesting things -
1. Whereas lorry drivers generally annoy me in the car (because I am a selfish t
t) they are the best people to cyclists, bar none. Loads of space and very considerate.
2. Meriva and Polo drivers have not a clue. I am not being generalist. They are all blind.
3. 99% of drivers are actually great. 1% are a nightmare, and I get wound up by this tiny minority. So I need to calm down in the saddle and watch out for these losers.
4. Taxi (minicab) drivers - arghhh. Where do I start.
1. Whereas lorry drivers generally annoy me in the car (because I am a selfish t
t) they are the best people to cyclists, bar none. Loads of space and very considerate.2. Meriva and Polo drivers have not a clue. I am not being generalist. They are all blind.
3. 99% of drivers are actually great. 1% are a nightmare, and I get wound up by this tiny minority. So I need to calm down in the saddle and watch out for these losers.
4. Taxi (minicab) drivers - arghhh. Where do I start.
Small Car said:
I have started doing some silly commutes and you will notice all sorts of interesting things -
1. Whereas lorry drivers generally annoy me in the car (because I am a selfish tt) they are the best people to cyclists, bar none. Loads of space and very considerate.
2. Meriva and Polo drivers have not a clue. I am not being generalist. They are all blind.
3. 99% of drivers are actually great. 1% are a nightmare, and I get wound up by this tiny minority. So I need to calm down in the saddle and watch out for these losers.
4. Taxi (minicab) drivers - arghhh. Where do I start.
I had noticed this... with the exception of 7.5 Tonner delivery trucks, they're pretty frightening usually! Thankfully there aren't too many cabbies present on my route, but I'll meet your Merivas and Polos and raise you a bubble shaped Micra...1. Whereas lorry drivers generally annoy me in the car (because I am a selfish t
t) they are the best people to cyclists, bar none. Loads of space and very considerate.2. Meriva and Polo drivers have not a clue. I am not being generalist. They are all blind.
3. 99% of drivers are actually great. 1% are a nightmare, and I get wound up by this tiny minority. So I need to calm down in the saddle and watch out for these losers.
4. Taxi (minicab) drivers - arghhh. Where do I start.
As for the ringpiece, I think the nerve endings in my vas deferens have started to die off, so this morning's journey was only agonising for about 10 or 15 minutes
Parrot of Doom said:
Do yourself a favour, cycle a minimum of three feet out from the kerb.
It may seem as though you're in a more vulnerable position, but motorists will take greater care when passing you, and you'll be far more visible to traffic entering the road from your nearside.
Funny enough I'd already sussed this. I noticed straight away if I rode on the white line about half of people would skim me, whereas if I took a more central stance I'd only get buzzed by the odd van or farm hand in a pickup truckIt may seem as though you're in a more vulnerable position, but motorists will take greater care when passing you, and you'll be far more visible to traffic entering the road from your nearside.
If you're not wearing any padded shorts... you should. That and a specialized BG saddle will sort out ringpiece issues 
I echo most of what's said above. Just make sure when approaching bus stops you;re not to close to the kerb as you will get cut up. Seen it happen numerous times to timid cyclists.
Be bold, be safe.
I echo most of what's said above. Just make sure when approaching bus stops you;re not to close to the kerb as you will get cut up. Seen it happen numerous times to timid cyclists.
Be bold, be safe.
jodypress said:
If you're not wearing any padded shorts... you should. That and a specialized BG saddle will sort out ringpiece issues
Nope sorry, not ready for the full cyclist getup... plus I think I'd probably end up with a prohibition order if I went out in public wearing skin tight shortsI think my bike already has a gel saddle... I shall check
The Wookie said:
jodypress said:
If you're not wearing any padded shorts... you should. That and a specialized BG saddle will sort out ringpiece issues
Nope sorry, not ready for the full cyclist getup... plus I think I'd probably end up with a prohibition order if I went out in public wearing skin tight shortsI think my bike already has a gel saddle... I shall check
The Wookie said:
jodypress said:
If you're not wearing any padded shorts... you should. That and a specialized BG saddle will sort out ringpiece issues
Nope sorry, not ready for the full cyclist getup... plus I think I'd probably end up with a prohibition order if I went out in public wearing skin tight shortsI think my bike already has a gel saddle... I shall check
And don't ever generalise about who is driving what - you're as likely to get swiped by a scooter as you are an articulated truck. As stated already, 99% of people are fine, but the 1% drive in a frankly murderous manner usually down to lack of attention.
The Wookie said:
Nope sorry, not ready for the full cyclist getup...
You will never enjoy the experience without the right kit! Back pain, sore arse etc smacks of being unprepared. Does your bike fit? Have you got your saddle height, fore-aft adjustment, tilt, stem length, bar rotation etc all sorted?Also - nobody said you had to dress only in skin tight lycra.
Buy some proper cycling shorts, with at least 6 panels - DHB, Endura, Altura, etc etc. Use chamois cream (I like 'udderly smooth').
Wear the shorts next to your skin (no undercrackers) and wear a pair of baggies over the top. Make sure you have no thick seams down your backside.
Any cycling shop will sell you shorts that come in a combo of baggy outers and lycra liners.
Also, wear gloves.
Really... do this. It will be soooo much easier on the body!
So many beginner cyclists think that experienced cyclists 'endure' this pain and discomfort - and they can't see how they ever could do this themselves.
but actually - experienced cyclists wont be getting any pain or discomfort, hence they can ride for hours.
jodypress said:
Be bold, be safe.
Good advice. Assertiveness and road position are all. It's always the timiod ones hugging the kerb, failing to change gear from a standstill properly (always women - always - so not accelerating out quickly enough) who seem to get stressed/clipped/cut up etc. Especially here in London...Helps if you ride a jump mountain bike too, so can hop onto a kerb/crash through a pothole if you are boxed in and there really is nowhere to go. Disc brakes for stopping immediately also something I swear by - especially in wet weather.
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