Silly commuting racing

iain_j

It was worth getting my fingers cut up and mucky last night for nice silent braking this morning

Said fingers were rather chilly though.

Canny Jock

itboffin wrote:

i used to ride bikes sometimes to work even

Went sailing this morning, dolphins and turtles everywhere, also spotted the mother of all tiger sharks bloody thing was almost as big as the boat :shock:

Several pints of Guinness later I was ready for a swim before the 38 degree heat got to much and I had to retreat back to the bar for more liquid refreshment.

Carry on, as you were.....

Don't make me come over there...

Anyway, there could have been turtles/dolphins/sharks etc. hiding in some of the massive puddles encountered on the way home last night, however it mostly seemed to be submerged potholes.

cjcp

cjcp wrote:

Managed to nab a scooter on Millbank tonight. And got him again at the start of DSC straight (when he had a roadie in tow, too). All about avoiding the potholes and massive puddles after that.

Had the same scooter on the way in this morning! He had a roadie in tow as well, so had to work hard to stop both of them scalping me. Need a nap now!

cambs

Was rather pointlessly overtaken coming down Broomhill in RP by a moped - on the right hand bend with a car coming the opposite way. A bit risky given the loose surface, and i immediately went past him again. When he eventually caught up he gave me a nice draft all the way to the park gate, must have clipped a minute of the commute this morning

@Amnezia Fixed your bike yet (blue/silver Giant isn't it) ? Wondered if that was you dueling with a Planet X on embankment. He seemed to be on your back wheel most of the way. Good lung-busting effort on VE but he waited til the last minute and stepped out in to the wind to ghost past.

flamite

last night along embankment was a nightmare, dont think it was albert bridge's fault though, the BRITS seemed to be causing a right jam round earls court and surrounding area...

not a sausage this morning

jonginge

flamite wrote:

last night along embankment was a nightmare, dont think it was albert bridge's fault though, the BRITS seemed to be causing a right jam round earls court and surrounding area...

not a sausage this morning

Yeah, I think you're right. It was still backed up when I went through after 8.

This morning there were more bikes than cars...

Scalped a moped going up Millbank. I didn't have to work that hard he was just very slow :?

cjcp

cambs wrote:

Was rather pointlessly overtaken coming down Broomhill in RP by a moped - on the right hand bend with a car coming the opposite way. A bit risky given the loose surface, and i immediately went past him again. When he eventually caught up he gave me a nice draft all the way to the park gate, must have clipped a minute of the commute this morning

@Amnezia Fixed your bike yet (blue/silver Giant isn't it) ? Wondered if that was you dueling with a Planet X on embankment. He seemed to be on your back wheel most of the way. Good lung-busting effort on VE but he waited til the last minute and stepped out in to the wind to ghost past.

OT - cambs - that's a brilliant avatar. 8)

Back on topic, I thought scooters over-revved going down Broomfield

Anyone on here commute a black and red Cervelo Soloist (not G66)?

cambs

@CJCP Thanks, that's my Spesh on the right

Sewinman

A fixie riding numpty muttered 'woooow!' when i overtook him this morning!? I am pretty sure he works in Brixton cycles - mate, get some decent gearing and you won't have to RLJ.

Not really enjoying commuting at the mo, although I am sticking with it - nearly get squished a few times last night and have managed to snap a spoke on the winter hack due to submerged pot hole...it was so deep I think I saw head torches and people pot holing inside.

Meh meh meh. :x

*googles 'snaped spoke'*

rjsterry

Sewinman wrote:

A fixie riding numpty muttered 'woooow!' when i overtook him this morning!? I am pretty sure he works in Brixton cycles - mate, get some decent gearing and you won't have to RLJ.

Not really enjoying commuting at the mo, although I am sticking with it - nearly get squished a few times last night and have managed to snap a spoke on the winter hack due to submerged pot hole...it was so deep I think I saw head torches and people pot holing inside.

Meh meh meh. :x

*googles 'snaped spoke'*

Watch out for the progressive collapse I had on my last set of wheels. First one spoke goes, then another, and another, until you hear that dull 'twing' every week or so. After the 4th or 5th instance, I was informed by the LBS and/or Cycle Surgery that even riding on a broken spoke for a short distance (i.e. to nearest bike shop to get it fixed) over stresses the other spokes, making them more likely to snap. after a while they are all past it, and your rim goes egg-shaped and then it's time to salvage the hub if it's worth it.

Lovely morning BTW. Left about half an hour late, so just a lonely power-pootle for me (have the beginnings of a cold as well so didn't fancy flogging myself).

redvee

Had a right pled on a roundabout tonight, he was progressing slowly to the front of the queue and when he had priority he saw another casr coming to the roundabout and hit the brakes :shock: twice :shock: then when we got onto the exit road he sped up to a max of 15mph which pleased me no end and led to a scalping of a VW Polo.

rjsterry

Felt like this evening was going to be a good one despite having a bit of a cold. Spun down to Blackfriars, over the bridge, and hit a couple of greens to allow me onto the little dragstrip down to The Cut without stopping. However, as I picked up speed behind a taxi, I hit an almighty pothole, which blew out my front tyre and would have done some serious damage to my wrists if my elbows had been straighter.

After changing the tube, I set off again along The Cut, but the bike did not feel right, so I diverted straight round to Waterloo to catch the train. Inside the station, I could get a proper look at the wheel, which revealed a nice big dent in the rim. The wheel is still more or less true, but I can't see anyone successfully straightening the rim out. Time for a new wheel as I think parts and labour to replace the rim would probably cost more (Shimano WH-R560)

Well and truly hacked off :evil: :evil:

Bassjunkieuk

First commute of the year this evening where I could set off in something that I wouldn't consider "the dark"!!!

It can only mean a few things: I can resign the lights to the bike box again soon and start moving out of the winter wardrobe :-D

Hit the sweet sport with the lights in town this evening which was excellent fun as I had a proper blast down the main strip, gave it some beans as I wasn't sure what the car ahead was doing and the one behind didn't seem in to much of a rush :-D

Clever Pun

I noticed scooters do to motorbikes what slow irritating pushy commuters do to faster types waiting at lights... hmm

I saw a roadie tonight just before heading up bromley hill... oh goody some proper action. He's off pretty sharpish standing up and then eventually settles down I get close, he's seen me and I'm hoping for some racing up a hill. he sits up on his flat bar bits and basically isn't going very fast (16-17mph maybe?) thus inviting me to pass by being a bit pathetic, I bring the pain up the hill and crush him

WTF was that about... he gave up before it even started... pathetic

rjsterry

Clever Pun wrote:

I noticed scooters do to motorbikes what slow irritating pushy commuters do to faster types waiting at lights... hmm

I saw a roadie tonight just before heading up bromley hill... oh goody some proper action. He's off pretty sharpish standing up and then eventually settles down I get close, he's seen me and I'm hoping for some racing up a hill. he sits up on his flat bar bits and basically isn't going very fast (16-17mph maybe?) thus inviting me to pass by being a bit pathetic, I bring the pain up the hill and crush him

WTF was that about... he gave up before it even started... pathetic

So disappointing when that happens.

cjcp

Clever Pun wrote:

I noticed scooters do to motorbikes what slow irritating pushy commuters do to faster types waiting at lights... hmm

I saw a roadie tonight just before heading up bromley hill... oh goody some proper action. He's off pretty sharpish standing up and then eventually settles down I get close, he's seen me and I'm hoping for some racing up a hill. he sits up on his flat bar bits and basically isn't going very fast (16-17mph maybe?) thus inviting me to pass by being a bit pathetic, I bring the pain up the hill and crush him

WTF was that about... he gave up before it even started... pathetic

flamite

morning and thanks to the blue/black ribble i picked up as i turned onto embankment from lots road... you gave me a massive dose of mtfu.

very enjoyable ride this am, hardly any cars...!

Clever Pun

rjsterry wrote:

Clever Pun wrote:

I noticed scooters do to motorbikes what slow irritating pushy commuters do to faster types waiting at lights... hmm

I saw a roadie tonight just before heading up bromley hill... oh goody some proper action. He's off pretty sharpish standing up and then eventually settles down I get close, he's seen me and I'm hoping for some racing up a hill. he sits up on his flat bar bits and basically isn't going very fast (16-17mph maybe?) thus inviting me to pass by being a bit pathetic, I bring the pain up the hill and crush him

WTF was that about... he gave up before it even started... pathetic

So disappointing when that happens.

I know, my only consolation is that I scalped him so hard, I'd his balls on string dragging on the back of my bike, with the sign saying "Just Scalped You"

cambs

A new sensation for me last night - had to work so hard to keep my scalp in Richmond Park i actually felt for a few moments i was on the brink of suffocating. Quickly passed though and managed to keep a fit MTB-er at bay (he expressed his dissapointment at the park gate )

cjcp

cambs wrote:

A new sensation for me last night - had to work so hard to keep my scalp in Richmond Park i actually felt for a few moments i was on the brink of suffocating. Quickly passed though and managed to keep a fit MTB-er at bay (he expressed his dissapointment at the park gate )

Know this feeling. No traffic lights or other stopping points at which to take a sneaky breath.

This morning was awful. Very tired. Couldn't get out of the 39, so was forced to spin all the way in. Which duly did my lungs in. Bleurgh.

DonDaddyD

This mornings commuter was largely enjoyable, but I'm finding myself challenging myself and playign games in my head because of the distinct lack of competition.

Through Wimbledon to Oval station, there was nothing so I decided to count the number of traffic lights. I got to 12 or 13 before giving up. I had ridden a mile probably less, maybe slightly more.

By Oval trainstation, my lights go green, I head straight and then turn left onto Kennington Road. There are some cyclist wating at the lights heading from Brixton waiting to cut across and hit Kennington road as well. I apply the power, make it stick press the advantage (just like James told me to during a jaunt around Richmond park) so they don't catch up. They don't.

I then play Outrun with the lights. Some of you may remember Outrun on the Commodor 64 or Atari ST or Spectrum. The old Sega game. Well you race against the clock over a course in a Ferrari, you get to check points and time is put back on your clock. Each check point is about 1 sec further away from the previous one so you always have less time on your clock when you go through each checkpoint.

Anyway, this relates to chasing the lights. I hit my first light on green, the second on as it turns to amber, the third as it's on amber, forth going amber to red and now I really have to put the hammer down. Didnt make it, red, proper. Gameover. Still, it was fun though!

Where are the proper SCRers?

Gazzaputt

Clever Pun wrote:

rjsterry wrote:

Clever Pun wrote:

I noticed scooters do to motorbikes what slow irritating pushy commuters do to faster types waiting at lights... hmm

I saw a roadie tonight just before heading up bromley hill... oh goody some proper action. He's off pretty sharpish standing up and then eventually settles down I get close, he's seen me and I'm hoping for some racing up a hill. he sits up on his flat bar bits and basically isn't going very fast (16-17mph maybe?) thus inviting me to pass by being a bit pathetic, I bring the pain up the hill and crush him

WTF was that about... he gave up before it even started... pathetic

So disappointing when that happens.

I know, my only consolation is that I scalped him so hard, I'd his balls on string dragging on the back of my bike, with the sign saying "Just Scalped You"

The Running Man

Badly misjudged the weather (again) this morning. Decided that as it felt a bit warmer when I was getting the bike out of the garage I'd get back into shorts, and I dropped one of the base layers and off I went.

Doughnut!! It was effing freezing and windy and the rain got very heavy very quickly, and coming down the Batheaston bypass it started effing snowing again.

My hands were so cold and so numb that I had to ask one of the girls in the office to take my gloves off for me and unclip my helmet.

My kit is absolutely sopping wet and I don't know if it'll dry in time to cycle home tonight.

:? :? :?

Clever Pun

Gazzaputt wrote:

Clever Pun wrote:

rjsterry wrote:

Clever Pun wrote:

I noticed scooters do to motorbikes what slow irritating pushy commuters do to faster types waiting at lights... hmm

I saw a roadie tonight just before heading up bromley hill... oh goody some proper action. He's off pretty sharpish standing up and then eventually settles down I get close, he's seen me and I'm hoping for some racing up a hill. he sits up on his flat bar bits and basically isn't going very fast (16-17mph maybe?) thus inviting me to pass by being a bit pathetic, I bring the pain up the hill and crush him

WTF was that about... he gave up before it even started... pathetic

So disappointing when that happens.

I know, my only consolation is that I scalped him so hard, I'd his balls on string dragging on the back of my bike, with the sign saying "Just Scalped You"

eh? I was just disappointed he rolled over and was all submissive, even if your legs are wrecked make an effort rather than just say, ohh this is a bit hard and give up

il_principe

To the bloke on the white Cube roadie (with rugby socks) on Embankment Weds night:

If you are going to pull an annoying overtaking move in front of an SS'er just as the lights go green, you better have the legs to hold your lead and justify said move. Sadly you didn't and your scalp is still drying in my office.

DonDaddyD

See above, that is about pressing the advantage, which is what I mentioned in my post.

SCR: "Helping you to be a better cyclist"

Oddjob62

Il Principe wrote:

If you are going to pull an annoying overtaking move in front of an SS'er just as the lights go green, you better have the legs to hold your lead and justify said move.

I know that feeling

rjsterry

DonDaddyD wrote:

This mornings commuter was largely enjoyable, but I'm finding myself challenging myself and playign games in my head because of the distinct lack of competition.

Through Wimbledon to Oval station, there was nothing so I decided to count the number of traffic lights. I got to 12 or 13 before giving up. I had ridden a mile probably less, maybe slightly more.

By Oval trainstation, my lights go green, I head straight and then turn left onto Kennington Road. There are some cyclist wating at the lights heading from Brixton waiting to cut across and hit Kennington road as well. I apply the power, make it stick press the advantage (just like James told me to during a jaunt around Richmond park) so they don't catch up. They don't.

I then play Outrun with the lights. Some of you may remember Outrun on the Commodor 64 or Atari ST or Spectrum. The old Sega game. Well you race against the clock over a course in a Ferrari, you get to check points and time is put back on your clock. Each check point is about 1 sec further away from the previous one so you always have less time on your clock when you go through each checkpoint.

Anyway, this relates to chasing the lights. I hit my first light on green, the second on as it turns to amber, the third as it's on amber, forth going amber to red and now I really have to put the hammer down. Didnt make it, red, proper. Gameover. Still, it was fun though!

Where are the proper SCRers?

Getting a new front wheel after the pothole on Blackfriars Road put a big dent in my rim - just glad it didn't send me under a taxi. What time do you go through DDD, I don't think our paths have crossed yet?

DonDaddyD

rjsterry wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

This mornings commuter was largely enjoyable, but I'm finding myself challenging myself and playign games in my head because of the distinct lack of competition.

Through Wimbledon to Oval station, there was nothing so I decided to count the number of traffic lights. I got to 12 or 13 before giving up. I had ridden a mile probably less, maybe slightly more.

By Oval trainstation, my lights go green, I head straight and then turn left onto Kennington Road. There are some cyclist wating at the lights heading from Brixton waiting to cut across and hit Kennington road as well. I apply the power, make it stick press the advantage (just like James told me to during a jaunt around Richmond park) so they don't catch up. They don't.

I then play Outrun with the lights. Some of you may remember Outrun on the Commodor 64 or Atari ST or Spectrum. The old Sega game. Well you race against the clock over a course in a Ferrari, you get to check points and time is put back on your clock. Each check point is about 1 sec further away from the previous one so you always have less time on your clock when you go through each checkpoint.

Anyway, this relates to chasing the lights. I hit my first light on green, the second on as it turns to amber, the third as it's on amber, forth going amber to red and now I really have to put the hammer down. Didnt make it, red, proper. Gameover. Still, it was fun though!

Where are the proper SCRers?

Getting a new front wheel after the pothole on Blackfriars Road put a big dent in my rim - just glad it didn't send me under a taxi. What time do you go through DDD, I don't think our paths have crossed yet?

Anytime between 8.30 - 10.30 depending on whether I can wake up...

rjsterry

DonDaddyD wrote:

Anytime between 8.30 - 10.30 depending on whether I can wake up...

I leave Carshalton ideally at 8, but often a bit later, so in theory, we ought to bump into one another now and then. A Giant SCR 3.0 isn't it?

Have new wheel now - a slight downgrade to an R500, but it was what they had in Pearson's, and I don't want to be sans vélo while I track down an R560 (a bit hen's teeth it seems). However, have now ended up at work with bike (was going to drop it in for a service as well, but they can't do it till Monday), but no cycle clothing, and no lights, so probably won't be back on the road until Tuesday :roll: :evil: