Silly commuting racing
Comments
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xfit wrote:Scalp committee decision needed.
If you overtake a full shaved legged roadie in pinarello sponsored club gear but it's obvious he's not really trying does it still count? I'd love to say yes as surely his pride should dictate he not be dropped for any reason by a 'slow hybrid' in baggies. Surely a cause for a bit of celebration as I don't see too many commuters on my run but I ended up just feeling a bit childish.
That depends.
If he immediately goes past you again, as you are zipping up and celebrating, no scalp
If he does't, scalps yours. (he was probably just a poseur)
Search your feelings, you'll know.0 -
xfit wrote:Scalp committee decision needed.
If you overtake a full shaved legged roadie in pinarello sponsored club gear but it's obvious he's not really trying does it still count? I'd love to say yes as surely his pride should dictate he not be dropped for any reason by a 'slow hybrid' in baggies. Surely a cause for a bit of celebration as I don't see too many commuters on my run but I ended up just feeling a bit childish.
who cares if it counts or not, SCR is not really a points scoring game.
SCR is the sense of achievement you get from beating a worthy competitor.
only you can decide.0 -
amnezia wrote:xfit wrote:Scalp committee decision needed.
If you overtake a full shaved legged roadie in pinarello sponsored club gear but it's obvious he's not really trying does it still count? I'd love to say yes as surely his pride should dictate he not be dropped for any reason by a 'slow hybrid' in baggies. Surely a cause for a bit of celebration as I don't see too many commuters on my run but I ended up just feeling a bit childish.
who cares if it counts or not, SCR is not really a points scoring game.
SCR is the sense of achievement you get from beating a worthy competitor.
only you can decide.
but it's also based on crushing people who look the business, if they don't live up their rating they need to look at themselves in the mirror and wonder why.. why a numpty has crushed you...
Whatever bike I ride if someone has the temerity to try and overtake I'll do my best to fend them off or just overtake immediately and leave them staring at my arse as it flies off in the distance
To this mornings ride, again I wake up feeling like I've been throat fu<ked by a cactus and generally feeling knackered.. so I set forth again powered by green throat ejections.
Today again I pass a couple more SS'ers who seem to be increasing in number, I pass a roadie who to his credit he wont give up, he keeps catching me at the lights/traffic and sets off a little faster due to gears and then I proceed to drop him again, keep trying lad.Purveyor of sonic doom
Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
Fixed Pista- FCN 5
Beared Bromptonite - FCN 140 -
xfit wrote:Scalp committee decision needed.
If you overtake a full shaved legged roadie in pinarello sponsored club gear but it's obvious he's not really trying does it still count? I'd love to say yes as surely his pride should dictate he not be dropped for any reason by a 'slow hybrid' in baggies. Surely a cause for a bit of celebration as I don't see too many commuters on my run but I ended up just feeling a bit childish.
Was he in Sigma Sport gear by any chance?
If he was I ridden along with him a few times from Lewisham. Think he's Simon Law or Gary Dodd.
Either way he wouldn't give a flying shite about you passing him. SCR is not on his radar at all.0 -
Okay MF'ers I'm outta here look out for ninja red SS rider wearing civvies heading KX to Waterloo via The Cut, daddy needs a new pair of something ....Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
Gazzaputt wrote:xfit wrote:Scalp committee decision needed.
If you overtake a full shaved legged roadie in pinarello sponsored club gear but it's obvious he's not really trying does it still count? I'd love to say yes as surely his pride should dictate he not be dropped for any reason by a 'slow hybrid' in baggies. Surely a cause for a bit of celebration as I don't see too many commuters on my run but I ended up just feeling a bit childish.
Was he in Sigma Sport gear by any chance?
If he was I ridden along with him a few times from Lewisham. Think he's Simon Law or Gary Dodd.
Either way he wouldn't give a flying shite about you passing him. SCR is not on his radar at all.
Do you mean Simon Lawn? I thought he lived out in the south west direction, but could be wrong. I've seen him two or three times. First was a couple of years ago. Chatted with him up Broomfield Hill in RP - was very chuffed I stayed with him. Different story last year.... :oops:FCN 2-4.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."0 -
After the gentle ride home last night and the even gentler outward bound journey this morning I decided it was high time for a "balls out" ride home this evening, seeing as I'm still on the local ride I only have about 2 miles (without diversions) and rarely see another cyclist going my direction!
This evenings ride was just sweet. I took the route that involves a nice long residential road that can let me get a good rhythm, tuck in on the drops and just go for it. Felt very good chugging along in My Favourite Gear, spinning away around 90RPM (est.) doing a nice 23-24mph. I made a pact with myself to try and maintain it for as long as possible and only really let up towards the end as I approached the mini-roundabouts which are normally a magnet for ignorant drivers.
Arrived at the last set of lights before I get home and lined up just behind a car, no point trying to get ahead as it's on a corner that I know the car will most likely cut. When they go green I follow the car, sitting just off their rear driver side and wait until we pass the pedestrian crossing island ahead. Once we're clear I up the power and gradually pull alongside the rear door, then the driver door, then the front tyre.........before doing a quick shoulder check and swinging back in front!! Got out of the saddle to make sure I didn't just put in all that effort to be re-taken and don't see the car again until I slow to turn up my road :-D0 -
Been a bloody good day for me. New camera mounted on the shoulder strap of my bag to give the view of the speedo :oops: but on the way in culled a scooter as he was held up in traffic and I filtered past him and he didn't attempt the re-pass, alas the camera was at the wrong angle to get it in memory card
. Get into work and the boss calls me into his office and offers me a 6 month contract at the charity I've been volunteering for the last few years 
Not the best money but it's a start back into the world of the employed. I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.0 -
I'm getting the impression that there's a band of merry Hybrid commuters out there on the cusp of turning full roadie, everyone once in a while I see one giving it beans of course I'm a heartless fecker so I toy with them like a cat with a mouse, I feel no guilt I was you..
I'm also enjoying showing off my knee strap I think it adds that you've just been done by an injured FGSS woohahahaha :twisted:
I got the early train again this morning and to my delight at the light near the IMAX there were so many cyclists I would have had to take my shoes and socks off to count them all, there I was waiting at the red as they all passed by :evil: the red stayed red for ages and ages grrrrr then the funniest thing ever a burd riding fixed or poss SS with two full disc wheels :shock: brightly painted, no my eye sight not what it was but even from 50ft away those looked cardboard Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
not enough strong cyclist around my area i blitz everyone and i just keep going.. lol. SOME CHALLENGE ME please
Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
north west of england.0 -
In the car today - dogly walk at lunch and docs this afternoon! Boo :-(0
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Today I gained one, lost one and nearly wasn't here today.
OK from the beginning. Raised my seatpost which seemed to improve my pedal technique ability to ride up an incline (because there are no hills in London) and generally hold my speed for longer.
I was running 10mins late.
Got to my drag strip going the opposite direction (Tooting Bec - Balham tube), a messeger type fixie behind me - he is a higher FCN. Lights go green and he is trying to overtake me, I clip in proper (yes I was going one legged), a twitch from the fast muscles and I'm hitting 22mph from about 15. I've dropped him I thought. <<insert sound FX>> he sails past my bike shudders from his wake as he does so
. He then proceeds to overtake another another two cars before RLJing through the Balham lights.
It was bad guys, this has not been a good week for me all the while I'm giving chase to him I had an internal monologue going - think Wonder Years - saying how bad and dreadful it was to loose on my road. I nearly cried.
Anywho. I did however get to work in record time shaving 2 mins off my commute from yesterday and a total of 5mins when I first started this commute, Wimbledon - Gray's Inn Road. And before any of you jump on me, yes traffic, traffic lights and other such variables are present. I cannot account for those I'm simply calculating how fast (actual cycle time it takes for me to get to work, variables be damned. It's not a damn maths class.
As for the rest:
My near missFood Chain number = 4
A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game0 -
I had a super satisfying one last night. Chap tried to keep up with me on the A202 eastbound, and only caught up because I stopped for numerous red lights. I so enjoyed his panting and wheezing as we talked, whilst I was in normal unflustered conversation. Childish, but oooh so satisfying!!
p.s. how's this for a nice overtake back in summer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riYeT1FlTWo0 -
itboffin wrote:I'm getting the impression that there's a band of merry Hybrid commuters out there on the cusp of turning full roadie, everyone once in a while I see one giving it beans of course I'm a heartless fecker so I toy with them like a cat with a mouse, I feel no guilt I was you..
I am one of those aforementioned merry Hybrid commuters, and I like to surprise the odd roadie. :P
Most of the time I'm lucky to see another cyclist - let alone going my way. When I heard the tell tale click of gears behind it was a bit of a surprise. A quick glance behind confirmed I had a fully kitted roadie drafting me :shock:
I was feeling a bit rough this morning, so had been pootling at 18mph. Cue a quick gulp of MTFU-laced oxygen, and the legs started to spin up to the mid 20s. I was expecting to be spanked good and proper*, but he just sat behind for a mile or so.
"Cheeky Fecker" I thought. I signalled right for the next junction and moved into primary. He sidled up next to me on the inside, and a smiling guy at least in his early sixties dipped his head and said "Thanks for the tow". He turned left and engaged warp drive..........
"No problem" I replied, feeling chuffed I'd contributed to his morning ride 8)
*OT, but us country folk are strange.Giant Escape R1
FCN 8
"Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."
- Terry Pratchett.0 -
BentMikey wrote:I had a super satisfying one last night. Chap tried to keep up with me on the A202 eastbound, and only caught up because I stopped for numerous red lights. I so enjoyed his panting and wheezing as we talked, whilst I was in normal unflustered conversation. Childish, but oooh so satisfying!!
p.s. how's this for a nice overtake back in summer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riYeT1FlTWo
Chapeau for you and your cheating bike Christ you're down low. Do you have a big flag? 0 -
Bear in mind that's the height of the camera at my bottom bracket. My head is about the same height as that of a Caterham driver. No need for a flag, I'm already many times more visible than any upright cyclist.
p.s. cheating is where it's at!!! Even slightly more aero than a very good TT bike. Sadly I don't have the power to go with such a nice machine.0 -
No impressive scalps yet, but did manage to draft a twenty something slim female roadie (don't think her legs were hairy
) for a mile after she passed me and that is as a fattish grey beard (mid forties) on a Carrera Subway 8 (= MTB with slicks?) plus stuffed panniers. Guess she was not racing as this was 8.45am and she turned into the local secondary school, not likely to want to appear with sweaty 'pits in front of a class of teenagers.
On the way home once played cat and mouse with a flat bar road bike chap who annoyed me by undertaking me on a 6" strip of hard shoulder then as we went downhill into a village I overtook and passed a long queue of cars on the right easily as he struggled to negotiate them on the nearside (at least I think that is what happened), but then he was on my tail just before I turned off the main road as we climbed out of the village again, so would have had me pretty soon otherwise.
I have not got close to any roadies when riding the Carrera otherwise but have surprised a couple when riding my Pacific Reach 20" wheel folder, which does seem to get their dander up as they invariably respond (invariably with success :oops: )
No fixies down my way as far as I can tell, would have thought the hills precluded them?0 -
BentMikey wrote:Bear in mind that's the height of the camera at my bottom bracket. My head is about the same height as that of a Caterham driver. No need for a flag, I'm already many times more visible than any upright cyclist.
Unless of course there are cars in between you and the viewer...0 -
Except on my upright bike I poke out over the tops of cars... I'm sure you've had this argument with many people before but it does seem to me to be a real and genuine concern.0
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biondino wrote:Except on my upright bike I poke out over the tops of cars... I'm sure you've had this argument with many people before but it does seem to me to be a real and genuine concern.
And car drivers see you? Not me they don't when I'm on my road bike in that situation. From experience I'm just as likely to be seen on the 'bent because of my road positioning - I'm often near the offside.
I've done some 20,000 miles on recumbents in London traffic, and I can categorically say that it's fecking terrifying on an upright by comparison. It's like you've donned a cloak of invisibility, not only do car drivers not see you, but they also utterly take the p1$$ with your safety bubble. I'm always relieved to be back on the recumbent, it's *much* safer than an upright IMO.
There are only two visibility issues I've come across, and they all relate to me seeing others, not others seeing me because my head is behind my feet. One is at a T-junction - sometimes I have to sit up to see over the bonnet of a car next to me. Not significantly different to being in a car to be honest. The second is filtering through multiple lanes of standing traffic and wanting to change "lanes". I have to be a little more careful about checking for other filtering two wheelers.0 -
BentMikey wrote:biondino wrote:Except on my upright bike I poke out over the tops of cars... I'm sure you've had this argument with many people before but it does seem to me to be a real and genuine concern.
And car drivers see you? Not me they don't when I'm on my road bike in that situation. From experience I'm just as likely to be seen on the 'bent because of my road positioning - I'm often near the offside.
I've done some 20,000 miles on recumbents in London traffic, and I can categorically say that it's fecking terrifying on an upright by comparison. It's like you've donned a cloak of invisibility, not only do car drivers not see you, but they also utterly take the p1$$ with your safety bubble. I'm always relieved to be back on the recumbent, it's *much* safer than an upright IMO.
There are only two visibility issues I've come across, and they all relate to me seeing others, not others seeing me because my head is behind my feet. One is at a T-junction - sometimes I have to sit up to see over the bonnet of a car next to me. Not significantly different to being in a car to be honest. The second is filtering through multiple lanes of standing traffic and wanting to change "lanes". I have to be a little more careful about checking for other filtering two wheelers.
O-kay. I can fully understand that when you're visible you stand out a mile compared to an upright bike. But it's the times when you're not visible, and I am, that could kill you. I guess I need to think this through more - maybe such occasions are vanishingly rare.0 -
How do drivers stay in their lane, assuming they make the effort, that is?0
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biondino wrote:
I'm bored.Food Chain number = 4
A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game0 -
DDD if you bend over, I'll love you too!
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BentMikey wrote:DDD if you bend over, I'll love you too!
Not on your nelly.Food Chain number = 4
A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game0 -
Le Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]0 -
Chaps, can we have an SCR excemption for anyone riding at night in ninja mode?
....I've just been scalped good and proper by a bloke on a VERY nice TCR, dressed in black with only a weak-ass torch on his helmet. Mate, it you can spend that on a bike, you can afford a couple of blinky lights! Swine went past me at 30 mph, with little warning. I kept up (just about) but couldn't get near him before he turned off. :evil:
This was on unlit 60 mph roads, by the way! If he's still alive now, he's lucky.0 -
Gazzaputt wrote:xfit wrote:Scalp committee decision needed.
If you overtake a full shaved legged roadie in pinarello sponsored club gear but it's obvious he's not really trying does it still count? I'd love to say yes as surely his pride should dictate he not be dropped for any reason by a 'slow hybrid' in baggies. Surely a cause for a bit of celebration as I don't see too many commuters on my run but I ended up just feeling a bit childish.
Was he in Sigma Sport gear by any chance?
If he was I ridden along with him a few times from Lewisham. Think he's Simon Law or Gary Dodd.
Either way he wouldn't give a flying shite about you passing him. SCR is not on his radar at all.
Not sure about the Sigma sport gear.
The only thing that struck me about him was he was quite tall (at least 6' as I am 6'3") and he had on white sidi cotton looking overshoes with huge wholes in the heel...strange the things that stay with you eh?
How to differentiate between a 'fast' and 'slow' hybrid?0 -
Couple of random one off roadie bikes this morning, blue like CJ's kona but something else and something else. Did anyone else notice more cyclists overall today? Am sure the gaggles of hi-viz hydriders are breeding,,, Chapeau to the fixie and oldtimer roadie who came back on last stretch of racetrack before blackfriars. Can't wait for computer assisted start sections that ban slow people from going to the front... Please don't do that.
and I doff my hat in a gentlemanly manner to the cute lass on the giant road bike.Le Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]0
