Silly commuting racing

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  • rower63
    rower63 Posts: 1,991
    anonymousblackfg wrote:
    Good ride home on Friday crossing paths with Rower a few times but he was clearly pootling, I had a constant sense that at any moment on Queens Ride or Priory lane that an orange and Ti coloured flash may scream past ...
    You should've said Hi. But yes on Friday, being rucksack day, I just wanted to get home without too much effort. Though a couple of miles from home in Hampton I passed a scruffy-looking Brompton who was going extremely slowly, but he latched on into the bit of wind there was. I tried lamely a couple of times to shake him, which produced some fairly energetic sounds behind me, but in the end I couldn't be bothered. Not a word of thanks as I turned onto my road...
    Dolan Titanium ADX 2016
    Ridley Noah FAST 2013
    Bottecchia/Campagnolo 1990
    Carrera Parva Hybrid 2016
    Hoy Sa Calobra 002 2014 [off duty]
    Storck Absolutist 2011 [off duty]
    http://www.slidingseat.net/cycling/cycling.html
  • Gallywomack
    Gallywomack Posts: 823
    Met a pal this morning in Lewisham for a pootle on Q1, which was nice. Coming out of my road I encountered a roadie who I think I've seen before, fairly small bearded chap with an orange bag cover - I have no idea what he was on, must get better at noticing bikes.

    Knowing I'd be pootling from Lewisham on I opened up the taps through Catford having tracked him at a safe distance up to that point. Was surprised to see him still with me by Lewisham and even more surprised and a bit shamefaced when he shot off like a hare through Cornmill Gardens as I was slowing to wait for my mate - must have looked to him like I'd totally shot my bolt (which, er, obviously wasn't the case in the slightest...).

    Anyway, chapeau sir, you have good pace and I look forward to jousting with you again. Picked up my 2nd fastest ever time on the Catford-Lewisham segment, pleased with that on the SS, proves I can get the legs spinning pretty effectively, although the SSE wind this morning is about as favourable as possible for that segment.
    Pompino
  • hopkinb
    hopkinb Posts: 7,129
    Back on the bike finally, after mechanical issues, and a couple of days off this week for half term. Brand new sparkly drive train fitted by me yesterday. Bottom bracket, crankset, chain, rear derailleur (not required - but was on offer, and my old "wi-fli" one is filthy and scratched up, so will be cleaned up and kept for if I ever go somewhere properly lumpy and fit a 32 tooth cassette) and cassette, plus a new rear derailleur cable. Smooth and silent, lovely gear changes. I gave it all a gentle test last night and it all seemed fine, but I was delighted that it didn't all explode in a hail of shrapnel the first time I put any power through the pedals.

    Got into a bit of scr alongside Clapham Common with a skinny guy on a trek - we did have a chat - he comes in from Dorking via Sutton. I had no real legs to speak of after my enforced break, and had a heavy bag, with laptop etc, but a kind tailwind meant I could keep up and at least appear competitive.
  • smudge002
    smudge002 Posts: 17
    Gallywomack wrote:
    Met a pal this morning in Lewisham for a pootle on Q1, which was nice. Coming out of my road I encountered a roadie who I think I've seen before, fairly small bearded chap with an orange bag cover - I have no idea what he was on, must get better at noticing bikes.

    Knowing I'd be pootling from Lewisham on I opened up the taps through Catford having tracked him at a safe distance up to that point. Was surprised to see him still with me by Lewisham and even more surprised and a bit shamefaced when he shot off like a hare through Cornmill Gardens as I was slowing to wait for my mate - must have looked to him like I'd totally shot my bolt (which, er, obviously wasn't the case in the slightest...).

    Anyway, chapeau sir, you have good pace and I look forward to jousting with you again. Picked up my 2nd fastest ever time on the Catford-Lewisham segment, pleased with that on the SS, proves I can get the legs spinning pretty effectively, although the SSE wind this morning is about as favourable as possible for that segment.

    That would be me (long time lurker), heading from Petts Wood into the City - I am riding a Giant Propel but it's almost completely black so it's difficult to work out what it is from any kind of distance.

    I saw you turning onto the A21 and picking up speed quickly but I was already going at a fair lick down the hill so blasted past. Given your slightly "larger" build (no offence meant) and SS, I was very surprised to see you come past at Catford but couldn't let it go, even when we were touching 27mph on the flat! I jumped onto the cycle lane earlier than you did when we got to Lewisham and didn't expect you to put the anchors on in Cornmill Gardens as I was fairly close behind you at the turn. I shot past and expected you to at least follow me onto the A20 but I couldn't see you when I looked round.

    The rest of the journey was pretty uneventful although given the early hour and lack of traffic I decided to keep the pace relatively high through Deptford -- Surrey Quays -- Beromdsey until I got to London Bridge (which was carnage as usual).

    Anyway, thanks very much for the unexpected workout - it was a PR for me on the Catford-Lewisham segment.

    If that is your usual commuting time, I don't think you'll see too much of me as that was uncharacteristically early. Secretly I am quite glad though, as I'm not sure I can cope with such a frantic commute too often and I dread to see what kind of pace you'd be able to maintain with some gears. Chapeau!
  • Gallywomack
    Gallywomack Posts: 823
    Nice one, that's a decent distance you're doing! I tend to take it a bit easier myself but it's so rare to encounter anyone with a bit of pace in the early stages that I usually feel compelled to give a bit of beans and see if they respond. Apologies for the sudden stop in the park, as I say was a bit surprised you were still there! And no offence taken ha, know I don't fit the usual profile - aiming to shrink a bit over the coming months...

    Just kudos'd and followed on Strava as I'd worked out who you were from today's leaderboard on that segment.
    Pompino
  • anonymousblackfg
    anonymousblackfg Posts: 2,029
    hopkinb wrote:
    Brand new sparkly drive train fitted by me yesterday. Bottom bracket, crankset, chain, rear derailleur (not required - but was on offer, and my old "wi-fli" one is filthy and scratched up, so will be cleaned up and kept for if I ever go somewhere properly lumpy and fit a 32 tooth cassette) and cassette, plus a new rear derailleur cable. Smooth and silent, lovely gear changes. I gave it all a gentle test last night and it all seemed fine, but I was delighted that it didn't all explode in a hail of shrapnel the first time I put any power through the pedals. .

    Good to hear all is solved and you bagged an upgrade. I am busy umming and erring over whether just to spend £50 on a new cassette and chain.

    I enjoyed pushing it a bit on the way home last night, a quick girl on a cube and a guy in pink shorts and face mask but though I could get a gap I just could not snap the elastic.
    If I know you, and I like you, you can borrow my bike box for £30 a week. PM for details.
  • kingstonian
    kingstonian Posts: 2,847
    Saw a bloke with a snapped Specialized frame yesterday evening. It happened when two cyclists crashed into each other at the Blackfriars crossover point, I was about 50 yards back so didn't get a clear view but I suspect both were trying to jump through the lights as or just after they turned red. Both the top and down tube were snapped so he'd definitely had a big thump when they collided.
  • kingdav
    kingdav Posts: 417
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  • rower63
    rower63 Posts: 1,991
    Kingstonian wrote:
    Saw a bloke with a snapped Specialized frame yesterday evening. It happened when two cyclists crashed into each other at the Blackfriars crossover point, I was about 50 yards back so didn't get a clear view but I suspect both were trying to jump through the lights as or just after they turned red. Both the top and down tube were snapped so he'd definitely had a big thump when they collided.
    Yes I've visualized that potential accident myself. Imagine you're coming along Lower Thames Street from under the tunnel in Westminster direction, and you're racing to get past the crossover point before the the lights go red, you'll notice there's a crowd of cyclists waiting to cross. It just takes one to anticipate, and you have no chance...

    I always go through there with caution.
    Dolan Titanium ADX 2016
    Ridley Noah FAST 2013
    Bottecchia/Campagnolo 1990
    Carrera Parva Hybrid 2016
    Hoy Sa Calobra 002 2014 [off duty]
    Storck Absolutist 2011 [off duty]
    http://www.slidingseat.net/cycling/cycling.html
  • kingstonian
    kingstonian Posts: 2,847
    rower63 wrote:
    Kingstonian wrote:
    Saw a bloke with a snapped Specialized frame yesterday evening. It happened when two cyclists crashed into each other at the Blackfriars crossover point, I was about 50 yards back so didn't get a clear view but I suspect both were trying to jump through the lights as or just after they turned red. Both the top and down tube were snapped so he'd definitely had a big thump when they collided.
    Yes I've visualized that potential accident myself. Imagine you're coming along Lower Thames Street from under the tunnel in Westminster direction, and you're racing to get past the crossover point before the the lights go red, you'll notice there's a crowd of cyclists waiting to cross. It just takes one to anticipate, and you have no chance...

    I always go through there with caution.


    I think that is exactly what happened, I'd expect one or both of them were RLJ'ing.
  • anonymousblackfg
    anonymousblackfg Posts: 2,029
    Reminds me of dodging the front end of a bike at the end of a section of pave when riding Roubaix. On reflection I can't figure what happened with all the cables but as I passed I think I was to concerned with getting feeling back in my hands and arse.
    If I know you, and I like you, you can borrow my bike box for £30 a week. PM for details.
  • sgt.pepper
    sgt.pepper Posts: 300
    2nd pinch flat this week.

    I'm in a foul mood.
  • shamrock134
    shamrock134 Posts: 714
    Sgt.Pepper wrote:
    2nd pinch flat this week.

    I'm in a foul mood.

    Join the tubeless master race. :twisted:
  • hopkinb
    hopkinb Posts: 7,129
    Saw a lovely bike on the way in. I'm assuming it was titanium - ultegra di2, full guards, boyd wheels. Everything all shiny and new. I didn't get the brand - but the illegible decals looked like they ended in "k". Chap riding it wasn't travelling quickly, but I think he was just enjoying the bike.

    Little bit of an effort up and over southwark bridge, as I didn't take the avoid route that I normally do now. Dropped all hangers on, got a gold pot. Nice end to the commute.
  • analogueboy
    analogueboy Posts: 72
    hopkinb wrote:
    I'm assuming it was titanium - ultegra di2, full guards, boyd wheels. Everything all shiny and new. I didn't get the brand - but the illegible decals looked like they ended in "k". Chap riding it wasn't travelling quickly, but I think he was just enjoying the bike.

    Not a guy on a lynskey with rapha kit? I see someone quite early anywhere from Richmond to Putney that matches that description, doesn't go very fast on the flat but pushes/jumps *every* light so I often end up repassing him a lot.

    Lovely bike though, my perfect commuter..
  • anonymousblackfg
    anonymousblackfg Posts: 2,029
    Commuted in late due to waiting for a plumber who never showed up! very quiet between missing the rush and it being half term. I'm likeing this dry weather, I might even dust off the good bike.

    Rower, apologies for not saying hello, first time I bumped into you on Friday I was keen to thank the tw4t in fluro on your inside who almost took me out when he assumed I had the scant regard for red lights that he did when approaching some at 40kph.
    If I know you, and I like you, you can borrow my bike box for £30 a week. PM for details.
  • hopkinb
    hopkinb Posts: 7,129
    analogueboy wrote:
    hopkinb wrote:
    I'm assuming it was titanium - ultegra di2, full guards, boyd wheels. Everything all shiny and new. I didn't get the brand - but the illegible decals looked like they ended in "k". Chap riding it wasn't travelling quickly, but I think he was just enjoying the bike.

    Not a guy on a lynskey with rapha kit? I see someone quite early anywhere from Richmond to Putney that matches that description, doesn't go very fast on the flat but pushes/jumps *every* light so I often end up repassing him a lot.

    Lovely bike though, my perfect commuter..

    I passed him in Tooting, so I dunno if it's the same guy. Could have been a lynskey I suppose. A lot of work to keep a bike that clean, especially if you commute daily on it.
  • frogonabike
    frogonabike Posts: 157
    hopkinb wrote:
    analogueboy wrote:
    hopkinb wrote:
    I'm assuming it was titanium - ultegra di2, full guards, boyd wheels. Everything all shiny and new. I didn't get the brand - but the illegible decals looked like they ended in "k". Chap riding it wasn't travelling quickly, but I think he was just enjoying the bike.

    Not a guy on a lynskey with rapha kit? I see someone quite early anywhere from Richmond to Putney that matches that description, doesn't go very fast on the flat but pushes/jumps *every* light so I often end up repassing him a lot.

    Lovely bike though, my perfect commuter..

    I passed him in Tooting, so I dunno if it's the same guy. Could have been a lynskey I suppose. A lot of work to keep a bike that clean, especially if you commute daily on it.

    Did he have a few orange (I think) anodised bits? Hubs, skewers etc

    I've seen a guy of that description on the Tooting to Epsom stretch in the past and wondered how his bike was so clean every time
  • hopkinb
    hopkinb Posts: 7,129
    frogonabike wrote:

    Did he have a few orange (I think) anodised bits? Hubs, skewers etc

    I've seen a guy of that description on the Tooting to Epsom stretch in the past and wondered how his bike was so clean every time

    Yep, that's him.
  • rower63
    rower63 Posts: 1,991
    hopkinb wrote:
    ... Could have been a lynskey I suppose. A lot of work to keep a bike that clean, especially if you commute daily on it.
    A few years ago during my commute, someone I saw often asked me "How d'you manage to keep that bike so clean?"

    I replied "over-detailed explanation of what I do to it any weekend after a wet week"

    "Ah, so you clean it, then? Makes sense."

    Actually, I think I passed Rapha/Lynskey guy this morning
    Dolan Titanium ADX 2016
    Ridley Noah FAST 2013
    Bottecchia/Campagnolo 1990
    Carrera Parva Hybrid 2016
    Hoy Sa Calobra 002 2014 [off duty]
    Storck Absolutist 2011 [off duty]
    http://www.slidingseat.net/cycling/cycling.html
  • hopkinb
    hopkinb Posts: 7,129
    rower63 wrote:

    I replied "over-detailed explanation of what I do to it any weekend after a wet week"

    Is that the sonic cleaning of all of the parts bit?

    My wife moans at the time it takes me to spray it with gt85 and wipe off the worst of the shyte with an oily rag. Taking it all apart and giving it a bath, then putting it all back together will not make me popular.. :D
  • rower63
    rower63 Posts: 1,991
    hopkinb wrote:
    rower63 wrote:

    I replied "over-detailed explanation of what I do to it any weekend after a wet week"
    Is that the sonic cleaning of all of the parts bit?

    My wife moans at the time it takes me to spray it with gt85 and wipe off the worst of the shyte with an oily rag. Taking it all apart and giving it a bath, then putting it all back together will not make me popular.. :D
    Yes, but ultrasonic bath usually on just the chain unless the brakes or derailleurs have stopped moving. I disassemble the cassette and give the sprockets a white-spirit wipe, and a mild detergent wash/wipe on the rest of the bike too.
    Dolan Titanium ADX 2016
    Ridley Noah FAST 2013
    Bottecchia/Campagnolo 1990
    Carrera Parva Hybrid 2016
    Hoy Sa Calobra 002 2014 [off duty]
    Storck Absolutist 2011 [off duty]
    http://www.slidingseat.net/cycling/cycling.html
  • W1
    W1 Posts: 2,636
    rower63 wrote:
    hopkinb wrote:
    rower63 wrote:

    I replied "over-detailed explanation of what I do to it any weekend after a wet week"
    Is that the sonic cleaning of all of the parts bit?

    My wife moans at the time it takes me to spray it with gt85 and wipe off the worst of the shyte with an oily rag. Taking it all apart and giving it a bath, then putting it all back together will not make me popular.. :D
    Yes, but ultrasonic bath usually on just the chain unless the brakes or derailleurs have stopped moving. I disassemble the cassette and give the sprockets a white-spirit wipe, and a mild detergent wash/wipe on the rest of the bike too.
    Amateurs - put all the parts in the dishwasher every few weeks. NB not, I repeat, NOT the washing machine.

    Anyway, dirty is better.
  • frogonabike
    frogonabike Posts: 157
    Washing machine works, you just need to put the parts in a (preferably white) pillow case
  • arsey
    arsey Posts: 171
    Upper Richmond road closed on my way home, chaos everywhere
    Canyon Ultimate CF Disc
    Vitus Energie Disc
  • sgt.pepper
    sgt.pepper Posts: 300
    shamrock134 wrote:
    Sgt.Pepper wrote:
    2nd pinch flat this week.

    I'm in a foul mood.

    Join the tubeless master race. :twisted:

    Definitely been eyeing tubeless - may get them when the 4 seasons on my backup commuter need replacing.

    The first time I take responsibility for, probably wasn't running enough pressure for the amount of weight I had over the rear wheel. The second was crashing down a bloody pothole at speed, very irritating.

    The Raleigh's dynamo build is done now though, so back on my 1 1/4s.
  • hopkinb
    hopkinb Posts: 7,129
    This town, is coming like a ghost town...

    Eerie. Fog. Fewest cyclists I have ever seen on CS7. I had The Specials playing in my head all the way in.
  • wolfsbane2k
    wolfsbane2k Posts: 3,056
    Lost out massively to a roadie this morning while I took the hard tail bike in for a off road route home...
    so much so, I didn't even try as he blasted past me, felt like a 10mph difference..
    Intent on Cycling Commuting on a budget, but keep on breaking/crashing/finding nice stuff to buy.
    Bike 1 (Broken) - Bike 2(Borked) - Bike 3(broken spokes) - Bike 4( Needs Work) - Bike 5 (in bits) - Bike 6* ...
  • anonymousblackfg
    anonymousblackfg Posts: 2,029
    hopkinb wrote:
    This town, is coming like a ghost town...

    Eerie. Fog. Fewest cyclists I have ever seen on CS7. I had The Specials playing in my head all the way in.

    Traffic generally was light given I was early as well, not as early as I wanted to be though, I need find a way to either keep kids sleep longer or have the Dorris have even the slightest ability to get out of bed in the morning.
    If I know you, and I like you, you can borrow my bike box for £30 a week. PM for details.
  • AyBee
    AyBee Posts: 36
    Help needed: just moved jobs and have been told I’m 11th on the waiting list for 30 bike spaces...i.e. that’s not going to happen in a long while. Are there any storage/changing spaces around Queen Victoria St? I have no idea where to start, but after 8 years of commuting daily, this is going to drive me insane getting the tube!!

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