Silly commuting racing

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  • kingstongraham
    kingstongraham Posts: 28,152
    I have stopped shouting at cars unless it's an involuntary yelp when it's actually scary. It has been my experience that drivers don't generally take my advice on board and resolve to improve in future.

    Bring on the gas works on Priory Lane.
  • veronese68
    veronese68 Posts: 27,815
    Sick to death of this wind, usually a head/cross wind as I go through Bushy Park in the morning. I resolved to take the car today as I'm bunking off early this afternoon to meet the Trouble in the pub and I won't turn up a windswept sweaty mess. Walk out to the car to find a very flat tyre, balls! Back in and change so I can battle the wind again, not being mentally prepared for it made it feel even harder. No competition, people riding the other way were flying of course.
    CJ I've got a cheap GoProalike I've not used yet, bought it for the reasons you describe but can't quite bring myself to actually use it. You are more than welcome to take it and see if you want to actually spend money on such a thing.
    Kinesis Pro6
    Marin Nail Trail
    Cotic Solaris
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    So unfit at the moment. Only three days this week and I'm a bit broken.

    @CJ I to have a cheap action cam. They are all pretty much the same. I've not tried it at night so I don't know what it's like. Also, the kids like using it on holiday to film their surfing / snorkelling, so that's a bonus.

    I have all the bits to put it on the bike, but I've never bothered, although the temptation grows daily.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    KingstonGraham wrote:
    I have stopped shouting at cars unless it's an involuntary yelp when it's actually scary. It has been my experience that drivers don't generally take my advice on board and resolve to improve in future.

    Bring on the gas works on Priory Lane.

    A loud cheer for the impending gas works, too.

    It wasn't a yelp, but it was an involuntary (non-abusive) comment - feel a bit more vulnerable on Priory Lane than in town. But you're right, drivers don't take advice positively.

    Cheers for the recommendations.

    @Veronese - can I check it out? I'd like something for skiing and underwater use, too.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • veronese68
    veronese68 Posts: 27,815
    cjcp wrote:
    @Veronese - can I check it out? I'd like something for skiing and underwater use, too.
    Yes, no problem. Pop round over the weekend or I think we'll be in the Canbury from about 5 if you're WFH today.
    Kinesis Pro6
    Marin Nail Trail
    Cotic Solaris
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Veronese68 wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    @Veronese - can I check it out? I'd like something for skiing and underwater use, too.
    Yes, no problem. Pop round over the weekend or I think we'll be in the Canbury from about 5 if you're WFH today.

    Ok, cheers. Am home today, but day off, so I might stop by if I'm around, otherwise Sunday, as I'm off to Cardiff for the rugby?

    You checking out the refurb?
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • wolfsbane2k
    wolfsbane2k Posts: 3,056
    cjcp wrote:
    I think I'm finally going to buy a GoPro or something for the commute.
    <bunch of idiots>

    Anyone got any thoughts on brands other than GoPro?

    Careful out there, folks.

    viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=13101857
    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* ...
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    Veronese68 wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    @Veronese - can I check it out? I'd like something for skiing and underwater use, too.
    Yes, no problem. Pop round over the weekend or I think we'll be in the Canbury from about 5 if you're WFH today.

    Ha! See you there :lol:
  • kingstonian
    kingstonian Posts: 2,847
    Think I'll be popping in the Canbury at some point to check it out, rude not to
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Wolfsbane2k wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    I think I'm finally going to buy a GoPro or something for the commute.
    <bunch of idiots>

    Anyone got any thoughts on brands other than GoPro?

    Careful out there, folks.

    viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=13101857

    8) Nice one, cheers
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • veronese68
    veronese68 Posts: 27,815
    London-Red wrote:
    Veronese68 wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    @Veronese - can I check it out? I'd like something for skiing and underwater use, too.
    Yes, no problem. Pop round over the weekend or I think we'll be in the Canbury from about 5 if you're WFH today.
    Ha! See you there :lol:
    Excellent. I suspect it may be busy :lol: Might give up and enjoy the tumbleweed in the Wych if it's too busy.
    Thinking about it I won't have the camera to give CJ as I haven't been using it, but he can still come for a drink.
    Kinesis Pro6
    Marin Nail Trail
    Cotic Solaris
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Gah! Can't drink - am driving tonight.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • london-red
    london-red Posts: 1,266
    We were in there for a freebie pint on Saturday afternoon after the Scotland game. They've done a good job. Taking the fam for a burger tonight as they have a deal on food..
  • rhodrich
    rhodrich Posts: 867
    Saw a guy riding a TT bike with disc rear wheel and deep section front on Chelsea Embankment this morning. He must be very brave, or very foolish, in the wind we've been having.....
    1938 Hobbs Tandem
    1956 Carlton Flyer Path/Track
    1960 Mercian Superlight Track
    1974 Pete Luxton Path/Track*
    1980 Harry Hall
    1986 Dawes Galaxy
    1988 Jack Taylor Tourer
    1988 Pearson
    1989 Condor
    1993 Dawes Hybrid
    2016 Ridley Helium SL
    *Currently on this
  • tgotb
    tgotb Posts: 4,714
    Rhodrich wrote:
    Saw a guy riding a TT bike with disc rear wheel and deep section front on Chelsea Embankment this morning. He must be very brave, or very foolish, in the wind we've been having.....
    I quite often do evening TTs at Hillingdon in the Summer, and make a point of using the deep section front regardless of how windy it is; does wonders for confidence and bike handling; maybe he had the same idea? There again, if it goes wrong for me I'll end up in the nettles rather than under a bus.
    I'm not convinced a rear disc wheel makes any difference to bike handling in wind, it's not like it's going to get blown sideways with a rider sat above it; never understood why some traithlons seem to ban them...
    Pannier, 120rpm.
  • drhaggis
    drhaggis Posts: 1,150
    After Scottish midterm, and a ligament injury, I went for the first commute in ages.

    Then this happened.
  • rower63
    rower63 Posts: 1,991
    TGOTB wrote:
    Rhodrich wrote:
    Saw a guy riding a TT bike with disc rear wheel and deep section front on Chelsea Embankment this morning. He must be very brave, or very foolish, in the wind we've been having.....
    I quite often do evening TTs at Hillingdon in the Summer, and make a point of using the deep section front regardless of how windy it is; does wonders for confidence and bike handling; maybe he had the same idea? There again, if it goes wrong for me I'll end up in the nettles rather than under a bus.
    I'm not convinced a rear disc wheel makes any difference to bike handling in wind, it's not like it's going to get blown sideways with a rider sat above it; never understood why some traithlons seem to ban them...
    I’ve been riding a 5cm front throughout this windy weather. I’ve had no scary moments in spite of some ferocious side-gusts, whereas in days of old on much skinnier rims I’ve been blown all over the place. I think the key is just staying relaxed, which sounds simple but takes confidence and practice. It’s when you instinctively stiffen up the whole system goes rigid and you lose control.
    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
  • smokey_bacon
    smokey_bacon Posts: 1,639
    Monumental chopperthon this morning. At one point I couldn't move for all the rapha and dura ace that was out and about was surprised there wasn't a massive pile up at some point. Welcome to Spring!
  • ryan_w-2
    ryan_w-2 Posts: 1,162
    Paceline rider spotted at Elephant & Castle stopped at red light moving debris out the road. Kudos squire.
    Specialized Allez Sprint Disc --- Specialized S-Works SL7

    IG: RhinosWorkshop
  • anonymousblackfg
    anonymousblackfg Posts: 2,029
    Agreed on chopperdom, nice ride in but could do with a lot of drivers being reducated. Rode with Spinny man for a bit, he didn't seem keen on any form of chit chat even after incidents with cars where normally most cyclist find common ground in calling drivers tw4ts. A good bang from his drivetrain later and I spotted him pulling over...

    Now to go trim that strava ride from Thursday where I forgot to turn it offer before driving 325 miles to the lakes.
    If I know you, and I like you, you can borrow my bike box for £30 a week. PM for details.
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 75,661
    TGOTB wrote:
    never understood why some traithlons seem to ban them...

    You have seen the level of bike handling in some of those races haven't you?
    _
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    Lovely ride in, but flat batteries on hrm and stages mean that it didn't really happen.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • tgotb
    tgotb Posts: 4,714
    Asprilla wrote:
    Lovely ride in, but flat batteries on hrm and stages mean that it didn't really happen.
    You can have some of my spare power. Failure to calibrate my PM correctly meant I was doing a solid 450W all the way in.
    Pannier, 120rpm.
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    TGOTB wrote:
    Asprilla wrote:
    Lovely ride in, but flat batteries on hrm and stages mean that it didn't really happen.
    You can have some of my spare power. Failure to calibrate my PM correctly meant I was doing a solid 450W all the way in.

    Data never lies. You are strong, like bull.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • Gallywomack
    Gallywomack Posts: 823
    Yep, noticeably higher numbers of choppers, nodders and all points in between. Various minor annoyances in between home and Rotherhithe, exacerbated by having to hold back for my planned bit of FTP/TT training, so couldn't properly beast anyone. Did 10 miles (plus a bit) at threshold around the Rotherloop, reasonably pleased with how it went (19.6 mph ave), got slowed a few times so will have to try and get there earlier next time, but not bad considering the bike I'm on and the time of year. After that was a bit more zen the rest of the way in, but of course did ensure I overtook anyone putting in effort on the WB CS3 up to Northumberland Av.
    Pompino
  • mtb-idle
    mtb-idle Posts: 2,179
    My first day back commuting for weeks. I've been suffering with a lack of motivation although still putting in some large 100k+ rides at weekends. The horrendous headwinds didn't help with my motivation.

    So back to today and even though it was a bit chilly it was dry and the sun was out so I finally bit the bullet and jumped on my recently acquired 'pre-loved' Specialized Langster for the commute into Canary Wharf.

    The bike felt fine with the bull bars whic hi have never ridden before and I enjoyed the challenge of singlespeed although I seemed to be being passed by a lot of riders on geared road bikes.

    The strange thing was that when I uploaded my 28km trip to Strava via Wifi on my also new Garmin 820 my average speed was exactly the same as always.
    FCN = 4
  • ryan_w-2
    ryan_w-2 Posts: 1,162
    I'm back on CS8 tomorrow since going into hibernation in June last year... You have been warned.
    Specialized Allez Sprint Disc --- Specialized S-Works SL7

    IG: RhinosWorkshop
  • Gallywomack
    Gallywomack Posts: 823
    MTB-Idle wrote:
    The strange thing was that when I uploaded my 28km trip to Strava via Wifi on my also new Garmin 820 my average speed was exactly the same as always.

    Yep, I'm no slower overall since moving to SS, which I guess is partly because there are de facto limits on average speed on any given route if you obey red lights. It just takes a bit of getting used to the fact that you can't click down a few sprockets and smoothly move to SCR speed should somebody have the temerity to come past you. What gear are you running? (Traditional SSer greeting)
    Pompino
  • mtb-idle
    mtb-idle Posts: 2,179
    edited March 2019
    Gallywomack wrote:
    MTB-Idle wrote:
    What gear are you running? (Traditional SSer greeting)

    LOL, I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know off the top of my head.
    #musttryharder
    FCN = 4
  • Gallywomack
    Gallywomack Posts: 823
    Google suggests Langster stock gearing is/was 42-16, which probably would feel a tad spinny on the flat. I'm running 44-16, initially I thought I'd move to 46 or 48t for the summer months but I think I'll probably leave as is. I can just about top 30mph on a sprint, which according to Bike Calc requires a cadence of around 140rpm - not that ridiculous, and TBH I don't think I can sprint much quicker on a geared bike. Think I'm at the sweet spot in terms of being able to go at a decent lick whilst still getting up hills. I am carrying lots of flab though so if that goes I may change my mind.

    The hardest thing to come to terms with is when conditions (ie a strong tailwind/downhill/extra power awesome) allow high speed at minimal effort. For me at least, a high cadence is no problem when putting in a big effort, but when it's high cadence & low effort, things get weird pretty quick - lots of bobbing up and down!
    Pompino

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