Silly commuting racing

Backsplash

After complaining about the lack of SCR yesterday, two great trips; I agree about the pick up in bikes on jamaica road evelyn street; a veritable peloton last night!

I picked up two Condors at the end of tooley st last night, a geared yellow and a black fixed, with the backed up traffic it was hard to keep a rhythm, but more or less stayed together at high speed until I peeled off after deptford creek.

This morning I was kept honest by a fast chap on a lovely Blue Perry fixed.

Let's hope this continues!

W1

cjcp wrote:

Hurrah for tailwinds! Managed a seated, very spinny effort of 33.6 down Millbank. (JG - I don't think you're Garmin reading was iffy last Wednesday.) Bit too much traffic between CB and AB to have some fun along that stretch.

Erm, I had a headwind for much of the Embankment last night (which I was swearing about under my breath, having battled a headwind into work yesterday morning). Yet I have never, ever had a tailwind in and a tailwind home again. The world conspires against us, again.

Robstar24

terrible commute in today, traffic was backed up all the way in from New Cross to VB...think there was some sort of accident.

predictably enough, around 70-80% of the cars (just private cars here, not including vans, taxis etc...) had just one person in them. When I rule the world any motorist who elects to drive into Central London when they don't need to and just has themselves in the car and complains about congestion will be fined, for pig-headedness.

But I had a good laugh at certain points when I could go in cycle lanes and whizz past literally hundreds of cars.

The Running Man

I'd just pushed off from work on the London Road and a chap flashed past me on a road bike and gave me the look as went past so I thought OK then - let's go. I caught him but then he shot round the outside of a bus and through red lights at a pedestrian crossing and tore off.

I caught him again at the Bath RFC training ground and he said he was off to Yatton Keynell. I wondered if he'd get there in one piece as he RLJ'd through the lights at the big roundabout at the end of London Road. I followed him down onto the bypass and sat in front of him to let him draft for a while.

Half way down the bypass his front light fell off so I waited for him to make sure he was ok and then led out again. The A4 up to Box is a horrid stretch so I tend to get my head down and push on. Maybe I did put the burners on a little bit as we climbed up to the Nissan garage but when I looked back for the chap he was about 400 yards away so I guess that technically counts as a scalp?

Other than that a quiet ride home and the same this morning.

asprilla

Since I no-longer go down NKR and Embankment, my SCR is limited; highlight of my day today was beating a Gocycle that overtook me going up the hill in Richmond Park. He then went past me though the red light at the the top of Priory Lane and then he turned to go off ot Barnes at the next lights whilst I went over Bolan Bridge.

When you are struggling against a headwind going up a hill having one of those go past you is nigh-on soul destroying.

Clever Pun

gaz545 wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTOgI2kz1UQ - pwnage on vauxhall bridge...

no scalps though... unless you're wearing a clowns outfit

cjcp

W1 wrote:

cjcp wrote:

Hurrah for tailwinds! Managed a seated, very spinny effort of 33.6 down Millbank. (JG - I don't think you're Garmin reading was iffy last Wednesday.) Bit too much traffic between CB and AB to have some fun along that stretch.

Erm, I had a headwind for much of the Embankment last night (which I was swearing about under my breath, having battled a headwind into work yesterday morning). Yet I have never, ever had a tailwind in and a tailwind home again. The world conspires against us, again.

You've clearly offended the gods in some way.

There was very definitely a block-rocking tailwind for me down Millbank and the rest of Emabnkment last night. The only other explanation is sheer, unbridled awesomeness on my part. I'm not ruling that out.

W1

cjcp wrote:

W1 wrote:

cjcp wrote:

Hurrah for tailwinds! Managed a seated, very spinny effort of 33.6 down Millbank. (JG - I don't think you're Garmin reading was iffy last Wednesday.) Bit too much traffic between CB and AB to have some fun along that stretch.

Erm, I had a headwind for much of the Embankment last night (which I was swearing about under my breath, having battled a headwind into work yesterday morning). Yet I have never, ever had a tailwind in and a tailwind home again. The world conspires against us, again.

You've clearly offended the gods in some way.

There was very definitely a block-rocking tailwind for me down Millbank and the rest of Emabnkment last night. The only other explanation is sheer, unbridled awesomeness on my part. I'm not ruling that out.

I was along there at about 7:15pm or so. Maybe the fairies turned the wind just for me?

Don't rule out unbridled awesomeness though. I certainly don't, which is why I scalp so many roadies.....

cjcp

W1 wrote:

cjcp wrote:

W1 wrote:

cjcp wrote:

Hurrah for tailwinds! Managed a seated, very spinny effort of 33.6 down Millbank. (JG - I don't think you're Garmin reading was iffy last Wednesday.) Bit too much traffic between CB and AB to have some fun along that stretch.

Erm, I had a headwind for much of the Embankment last night (which I was swearing about under my breath, having battled a headwind into work yesterday morning). Yet I have never, ever had a tailwind in and a tailwind home again. The world conspires against us, again.

You've clearly offended the gods in some way.

There was very definitely a block-rocking tailwind for me down Millbank and the rest of Emabnkment last night. The only other explanation is sheer, unbridled awesomeness on my part. I'm not ruling that out.

I was along there at about 7:15pm or so. Maybe the fairies turned the wind just for me?

Don't rule out unbridled awesomeness though. I certainly don't, which is why I scalp so many roadies.....

I went, sorry, blazed an almighty trail, through at about 6.30. I *must* be awesome.

rjsterry

Millbank last night, yes, but it inexplicably disappeared for me too once past DSC. Was quite a bit later if that makes any difference.












(just waiting for that MTFU to come through)

cjcp

rjsterry wrote:

Millbank last night, yes, but it inexplicably disappeared for me too once past DSC. Was quite a bit later if that makes any difference.












(just waiting for that MTFU to come through)

It's on its way...

rjsterry

cjcp wrote:

rjsterry wrote:

Millbank last night, yes, but it inexplicably disappeared for me too once past DSC. Was quite a bit later if that makes any difference.












(just waiting for that MTFU to come through)

It's on its way...

I'm collecting them all in a scrapbook.

jonginge

I went through later and the tailwind was only OK. Certainly nothing like last Wednesday, which was awesome...

cjcp

JonGinge wrote:

I went through later and the tailwind was only OK. Certainly nothing like last Wednesday, which was awesome...

Well, that settles it then. I am awesome and hereby award myself this:

Roastie

Asprilla wrote:

When you are struggling against a headwind going up a hill having one of those go past you is nigh-on soul destroying.

That is one of my nightmares.

ps. What is teh FCN of a Gocycle?

asprilla

Roastie wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

When you are struggling against a headwind going up a hill having one of those go past you is nigh-on soul destroying.

That is one of my nightmares.

ps. What is teh FCN of a Gocycle?

Well I think it's going to haunt my nights for a while to come.

I've decided they are not bikes but low powered mopeds.....

Bassjunkieuk

Clever Pun wrote:

gaz545 wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTOgI2kz1UQ - pwnage on vauxhall bridge...

no scalps though... unless you're wearing a clowns outfit

I dunno, I think a couple *might* have been on road bikes :-)
Also I'm now gonna keep an eye out for a tart on white/black tyres on a road bike when I'm headed over VB or around town as looking at some other vids on u-tube you've come very close to where I live......Croydon Underpass can be great fun!

Un-eventful ride in this morning due to anticipating a WFH (my first!) and then being needed in town due to staff sickness...q a quick change and heading out towards Docklands at 8:45 this morning!

Specialized Needs

Robstar24 wrote:

terrible commute in today, traffic was backed up all the way in from New Cross to VB...think there was some sort of accident.

That's what the signs at New Cross were saying at 7.10am. Advising traffic to take an alternative route.

Ha! :roll:

redvee

Had a couple of random people wave at me on the rode to and from work, one was from WVM who entered a roundabout when I had priority and was too far onto the roundabout for him to pull out. The other was from a lady pulling out of Jurys hotel admitting her wrongdoing and I think I heard a sorry through the window. Does an Audi drivers idea of 18" measure up to anybody elses? Had one try to pass me far too close tonight :x

Bassjunkieuk

Claimed a few rather satisfying scalps on my way home this evening. First few where cyclists I'd clocked going round Westferry Circus as I was un-chaining my bike. They had a 30-60 second lead I reckon and I caught at least one of them on The Highway :-)

Nought then until I got into Dulwich and then had to wait a couple of minutes at a set of temporary traffic lights (a 3 way control.......) so had quite a few bikes, scooters and motorbikes bunch up around me. I think I couple of the bikes followed me but they didn't pass. As I headed across the South Circular towards College Road I spotted the tell-tale signs of red flashing lights ahead and the shadow of people riding bikes with drop bars!!

I followed a Jag up the ride, driven by a pillock who took each speed hump so quick he'd scrap something at the front as he came off them :-) The sets of flashing lights carried straight on over the mini-roundabout so I knew I'd have some people to chase up the hill ahead. As we slowed up for the toll gate (it's a private road!) the chap on the road bike darted round the barrier on the opposite side. The other rider pulled up alongside me and I found he was on a tourer so not technically worthy of scalping. The car ahead of us was having some problems getting the correct money and when the guard had to come out and I heard discussions of change I thought sod this and rode round the other side! Tourer guy had already bumped up the pavement and was riding up the hill and roadie rider was just visible........

Tourer guy was despatched and I then set about catching the roadie, who had a good 30 second lead on me after the hold-up at the gates. I could see I was making ground on him and almost had him before I turned off to follow College Road round, leaving him to slog up the rest of Fountain Drive which the nasty kick and roundabout at the top. I secretly hoped he'd head my way once he got to Crystal Palace Parade at the top so I could have another crack at him.

I arrived at the top of College Road just as the lights changed. Got a foot down and stood their breathing hard with a big smile on my face, hill climbing is good fun :-) Once the lights went green and I joined the Parade I could just see a flashing light ahead that looked familiar :twisted: The rest at the red had let me catch my breath a bit and the climb had really loosened the legs and I started motoring after him. He then RLJ's before the bus garage and then we get a green as we approach the one-way system and he's still heading my way. I get past him along there and don't see him again after that :-D
I was wondering if we could claim "technical" scalps for someone if you make significant in-roads into a headstart that they've had? In this case I did do him proper a bit later in the ride.

To round off a fun ride I then overtook a car on the final descent, was comtemplating doing the Audi TT that pulled in a little to close as I was coming into the road but I'm not sure he's ego would have taken that to well......

The Running Man

Belted out of the house in a real hurry this morning and forgot to check the tyre pressure in the Roubaix which I reckon was no more than 80psi : then about a mile or so from the house I looked down at my speedo to see big fat zeros?? Checked the position of the unit on the forks, checked that the sensor was aligned ........ sensor?? Oh crap!

Somewhere on the road between the house and Blackland Farm there's a computer sensor sparkling in the morning sunshine. I wonder if I could get one of those teams of forensic policemen out to do a fingertip search??

Having a 2 hr bike fit session at TF this lunchtime which might help sort out some aches and pains especially with the amount of time I'm spending on the blommin' bike!!

Lovely morning ride this morning despite the headwind. Where did that come from? I thought it was supposed to be a N. Westerly veering East today??

I'll never believe Carol Kirkwood again - ever!!

il_principe

Great ride in this morning - stayed south of the river and managed 17.4mph average over 6.12 miles. Topped out at 31.3mph despite a decent headwind. Scalped everything in sight. 21:08mph Moving, 25:52mph Total.

rjsterry

After being rear-ended by a chap on a Kona MTB (with discs FFS - if I can stop, so can you) when I pulled up at a red light in Balham, then almost broadsided by a plumbers van across Clapham Common (he nearly took out the guy in front and behind me as well - ironically marked GASSAFE on the back window), then passed too close by another van at Oval lights, I was in no mood for SCR this morning.

At least Kona MTB was very apologetic.

Humph!

will3

The Running Man wrote:

Having a 2 hr bike fit session at TF this lunchtime which might help sort out some aches and pains especially with the amount of time I'm spending on the blommin' bike!!

I should take a well earned rest if I were you. Overtraining, n that....

W1

Now that was a tailwind last night. I'd sacrified a Daily Mail journalist which obviously pleased the Gods. A chap on a roadie nipped past on Millbank wind tunnel when I was dozing which gave me the impetus to up the ante. Made the lights at VB and reclaimed my scalp (together with taking a few) and saw no-one until NKR!

cjcp

What steed are you riding, W1?

vorsprung

I saw the tractor ahead of me holding up some cars

It is yellow with a cab and a digger bucket

As we got to the top of a small rise in the road I filtered past all the cars behind it
On the downhill I went past. There was a bit of flat then it goes to a long drag up

Usually tractors turn off 100 metres up the drag, but this one didn't. I put in a bit of an effort but the sound of it behind me was getting louder. Fortunately, I beat it to the roundabout at the top of the drag. Unfortunately it was still following me though the roundabout onto the A38 around the back of Wellington.

I unzip the vents on my coat.

The road goes on a slight incline again. The tractor gets louder. Then down, I loose it somewhat. Up. Down. Then there is a big downhill with a swooping uphill. I get the speed up on the downhill and stand on the pedals to get up the other side sharpish. I am turnning off the A38 100 metres after the top of that hill, at Peamore X. If you've done a JoGLE then that's the short cut through Nicholasheign.

I turn off, the tractor is beaten. Good job too as that road is a long drag up for about 1/2 a mile.

Crap, the tractor has turned off too.

I flick up a gear and start spinning. The tractor gets louder but the road is narrow and there is traffic coming the other way. I make it to the top of the drag and put on some pace. Then there is a short steep ramp of 16% as we go through Blue Ball. Tractor gets very loud. I think I am doomed. But there is traffic coming the other way and parked cars that force the tractor to pause. This is enough for me to get on to the slightly-uphill-but-basically-flat section and wind it up.

I don't see the tractor again..maybe it lives at the plant hire place at the top of the hill

W1

cjcp wrote:

What steed are you riding, W1?

I'm trying to maintain an air of mystery, which in reality is shame/fear/embarassment. But I think you've mentioned me in one of your posts on this thread previously....

kelsen

vorsprung wrote:

I saw the tractor ahead of me holding up some cars

It is yellow with a cab and a digger bucket

As we got to the top of a small rise in the road I filtered past all the cars behind it
On the downhill I went past. There was a bit of flat then it goes to a long drag up

Usually tractors turn off 100 metres up the drag, but this one didn't. I put in a bit of an effort but the sound of it behind me was getting louder. Fortunately, I beat it to the roundabout at the top of the drag. Unfortunately it was still following me though the roundabout onto the A38 around the back of Wellington.

I unzip the vents on my coat.

The road goes on a slight incline again. The tractor gets louder. Then down, I loose it somewhat. Up. Down. Then there is a big downhill with a swooping uphill. I get the speed up on the downhill and stand on the pedals to get up the other side sharpish. I am turnning off the A38 100 metres after the top of that hill, at Peamore X. If you've done a JoGLE then that's the short cut through Nicholasheign.

I turn off, the tractor is beaten. Good job too as that road is a long drag up for about 1/2 a mile.

Crap, the tractor has turned off too.

I flick up a gear and start spinning. The tractor gets louder but the road is narrow and there is traffic coming the other way. I make it to the top of the drag and put on some pace. Then there is a short steep ramp of 16% as we go through Blue Ball. Tractor gets very loud. I think I am doomed. But there is traffic coming the other way and parked cars that force the tractor to pause. This is enough for me to get on to the slightly-uphill-but-basically-flat section and wind it up.

I don't see the tractor again..maybe it lives at the plant hire place at the top of the hill

:shock: Wow! Were you trying to lead it over a cliff?

Have you thought about selling the rights to this as a remake of Duel?

itboffin

I had an embarrassing low speed off this morning, pulling my buff to cover my ears, left foot unclipped and over I went landing full weight on my right hand :?

Duh! the shame :oops: