Silly commuting racing
Comments
-
JonGinge wrote:It's a grand tour leader's jersey FFS, how can it not lower your FCN?
I wouldn't let you get ahead of me in the queue for having your stem greased with deep heat if you were wearing that.
(there's seldom a queue by the way and you have to bring your own)
Not a TdF jersey....Fixed gear for wet weather / hairy roadie for posing in the sun.
What would Thora Hurd do?0 -
I have considered it but it isn't really a feasible option - esp when equipment or samples are involvedrjsterry wrote:Roastie wrote:
I am missing The Game so much! Reading the stories does help tho'
Recently I've been worked to the bone & "commuting" (once or twice a week) to South Wales. So much time spent, nay wasted, in a tin can ...
Thought you'd been a bit quiet. No way yo can cycle to Paddington, then get the train to Newport or Cardiff then cycle from there? Could sell it to your employer as "I can work on the train". I've tried it with a folder for my site visits in Bristol and it works fairly well aside from getting changed in a train toilet.. David
Engineered Bicycles0 -
That dab of awesome seems to have done trick, eat my dust mortals :evilRule #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 -
Felt a bit run down today (Little M has prevented me from having more than 3 hrs sleep in a row so far this week), so was assuming that I wouldn't have much to give on the evening commute. Was going to chicken out of the Embankment, but at the last minute, turned right off Blackfriars and down the ramp. Glad I did, as I managed to scalp a proper shaved roadie - white shorts, dark l/s top, thighs as big as my waist - twice. Once on Millbank (one-handed for extra effect), and once between DSC and Chelsea Bridge. Had my facemask on, plus hairy legs, so I think it counts even if I was trying a bit on the second one. Feeling quite pleased with myself, actually
. 1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition0 -
Couldn't believe my luck on the way home today. I don't normally find many other cyclist when riding into town for my short commute so to spy a person on a road bike up ahead (SCR Jedi skills recognising the riding style of a "proper" bike ;-)) but he had about 20m on me and we had fairly heavy traffic moving at a reasonable pace between us.
I think I can cut down the gap and after managing to avoid being sandwiched by the private cab driver in his Primera (what a surprise!!) I apply a bit more power and manage to catch up at the "sweet spot" at the bottom of the brief uphill to cross the railway line :-) I then pull a brilliant impression of Fabian Cancellera at Flanders and power up the incline seated at about 21mph, barely dropping the pace I passed him at on the flat :twisted: Admittedly the "climb" is only about 15-20m but it was still fairly satisfying :-D0 -
Bassjunkieuk, its all about the little hills in London, perfect for shooting up and leaving the unsuspecting behind!
So a glorious morning heading into London.
Hit the embankment for my usual sprint between Battersea and Albert bridge and for the first time the lights allowed for a bunch of 10 or more cyclists to gather. Game on!
Made sure I positioned myself to the right to avoid being squeezed and pinned it.
Left the chasing peleton for dead as they all fumbled into each other whilst me and a guy in full Tri gear (carbon bike, aero bars, aero wheels, it looked sweet) pinned it away! He even had a spare inner tube tied under his seat, FCR 1? :shock:
Either way, he wasn't getting away, he was in full tri position, pushing along, needless to say if he looked to his side was little ol me, sitting upright, pannier strapped to the side, to be honest I bottled the over take :oops: but he was never going to get away. Maybe next time I see him I'll go for the full scalp, it just felt rude!0 -
Bleurgh. Gears still playing up. It's either big gear or spinny gear. With tonight's tailwind, I'm going for the tried and trusted combination of big gear with a side dish of lactic acid build up.FCN 2-4.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."0 -
cjcp wrote:Bleurgh. Gears still playing up. It's either big gear or spinny gear. With tonight's tailwind, I'm going for the tried and trusted combination of big gear with a side dish of lactic acid build up.
I fecking hope so... Being battered in the face wile going down the velvet constitution hill was not pleasant. About time that wind stayed facing that way to help on way homeLe Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]0 -
Not sure I can hack these morning headwinds for much longer. That + Friday legs meant an extra 5 minutes onto my commute this morning. Considered riding along with my scalp held out to the side for easier collection, but at least everyone else seemed to be in the same boat.1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
Pinnacle Monzonite
Part of the anti-growth coalition0 -
-
Great blast home tonight, particularly cruising at 25mph in the cycle lane past the usual Friday night traffic jam between Kingston and Hampton Court. Well apart form the chav kid in the crappy old bmw who decided to move across to stop me from getting passed, but he was probably still queuing when I got home 20 minutes later!
Beautiful end to the week.Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
Sun - Cervelo R3
Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX0 -
I had my first little bit of countryside SCR today.
I put an extra loop into the commute today to push the commuting miles up over 100 this week (I was driving Wednesday), so I was bimbling along a country lane when a light buzzing over my shoulder prompts a quick check and I spot what looks like a trials bike, so I ease up to allow him to pass me on the single track lane.
A few seconds go by, and while the buzzing's closer and louder, he still hasn't passed me. Eventually the moped draws level and overtakes, and I realise I might stand a chance. Stepping up a gear, all thoughts of the gentle ride home in the sun are forgotten, and I know I'm really not prepared for this.
We start climbing a gentle slope, and after half a mile, the moped rider realises I'm still not shrinking in the mirror. I'm close enough to follow his line through the potholes -- he knows the road better than I do -- but I'm not drafting. The road flattens out somewhat, and, keeping that stoic expression I know you've all practised, I decide I've got to go for it.
The two pints of Tangle Foot and half-pound of cheese smothered over a baguette that I'd inhaled for lunch are making their presence felt. The moped begins edging away from me, and my lungs' complaints are joining those of my legs. The road kicks up again, and I know I'm beaten; the moped crests the hill, and disappears from view at the junction.
I retreat to the hedgerow to shake my fist at the sky to the sound of a fading two-stroke.
Damn, another time Mr Moped. I shall go and hang my head in shame.Sometimes parts break. Sometimes you crash. Sometimes it’s your fault.0 -
Wow! Proper SCR action on the way home tonight. Had a bit of fun with a guy on a black Trek with Spesh shorts. I was on my MTB, baggies and big rucksack. He passed just after Clapham Common tube and went onto the drops. I had to give chase. Blasted past him. Think I caught him unawares. LOL!
Then I had to hit the anchors when it looked like a right turning car was going to pull across the lane. He went by not looking very happy. He gained a bit of a lead then got stopped at lights. He was at the front, I was a few cars back. A coach in the right hand lane must have seen the action. He held back and let me pull round the cars to blast Mr Trek for a 2nd time.
I turned to go down Nightingale Lane and he followed. This'll be fun with all the speed bumps thought I. It wasn't to be though as a moped and a car put paid to any downhill bunny hopping antics.
Pootle past Wandsworth Common to the top of Bellevue Road where it was the Trek and a Spesh Sirrus at the lights. A spectacular effort saw me overtake the roadie as he was passing the hybrid. That's where the fun stopped as I was close to home by that time.
Didn't get to hold on to the scalp for long enough to count but it was proper good fun all the same 0 -
davis wrote:The two pints of Tangle Foot and half-pound of cheese smothered over a baguette that I'd inhaled for lunch are making their presence felt. 10/10 for effort, sir. You were racing something with an engine, so no need to hang your head in shame.
There was definitely a tailwind tonight. A stonker of one at that - held 29-30 along the CB-AB stretch, was home in under 50 mins and kept my scalp. Haven't seen the wife and kids all week, so it was good to be seen to be home sharpish. Also needed to shake some lethargy out of the legs after yesterday's somewhat extended journey home from Italy.FCN 2-4.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."0 -
Interesting ride back tonight, going down a slight incline, hitting 35 and then the rise on the other side, only to have a police car coming towards me blues and twos going... on my side of the road.
Mounting the pavement at 30, hmmm not to be recommended!0 -
Had to go into work today (Sunday) , good for scalps though, as you've got all the fairweather brigade out enmasse replete with team jerseys.
Even got a car this morning (Sunday driver)!0 -
gbsahne wrote:Had to go into work today (Sunday) , good for scalps though, as you've got all the fairweather brigade out enmasse replete with team jerseys.
Even got a car this morning (Sunday driver)!
RP had more flash kit this morning than the Wiggle warehouse...
This is the type of day cycling was invented for, and the type of day when you just have to drop the hammer and get involved. 3 minutes off sub-60 for 3 laps. Damnit.FCN 5ish. Unless hungover.0 -
Lovely ride in the sunshine. Saw some other roadies, going the other way. Resisted urge to chase them...0
-
I'm taking the eldest to school tomorrow morning, so will going in later. Count yourselves lucky FCN 2-4.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."0 -
FCN 2-4.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."0 -
cjcp wrote:
Oh! Ok then :oops:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eexLH0afPMo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCfCmD-qZa40 -
That's more like it!
FCN 2-4.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."0 -
It’s amazing what not going out at the weekend and a modest tailwind can do for your times . . .
Despite not having much sleep and struggling to get out of bed, I smashed last summer’s PB by three minutes this morning. Catford/Hither Green to North Acton in 53 mins . . . if there’s a complete lack of roadworks I reckon there’s possibly another 5 minutes in there somewhere but then you’re in the lap of the gods as far as traffic (and traffic lights) goes.
Some good fun SCRing through Hyde Park with a guy on a training run who was well up for it - other than that, there’s no sport to be had on my route in. 0 -
Nothing doing on my route in this morning. Utterly devoid of any bikes at all, let alone anything above me in the food chain, which given I'm down at a lowly 11 is a pretty poor show. Was bang up for it too as I'd just oiled my chain.
And I caught every single red light on the Old Kent Road just for good measure.
Here's hoping for a better return journey.0 -
On sunday I did 170 miles including a fair bit of lumpy Devon. I did some of it with the "lead" group
So this morning I think you can appreciate that my legs weren't feeling especially good.
I used the easier route to work. This is better for SCR encounters as it uses a flatter A road that commuters seem to favour, despite the high traffic volume.
When I got to the first roundabout, on the next entry there was a bloke on a white bike waiting for a gap in the vehicles. I shot past. The next bit is mildly downhill for about a mile. As I wasn't feeling that great the Orbea managed a relaxed 40kph. As the road went to a climb, mr white bike over took. Not fast however so even in my enfeebled state I got on his wheel.
As you know this puts you in the right position to 1) counter attack 2) access the other person
It was a flat bar bike, so he must have caned it down the slope to catch me. It had thin slicks, gator skins or similar, so not a total noob. He has a Castelli top on but 3/4 baggies. Also he realizes I am on his wheel, there is a tiny increase in speed but no 2nd attack.
Can I be bothered over taking again? Remember I am shagged out. Yes of course! As we go over the top of the hill and onto another long gentle downhill his speed is unimpressive. So I cruise past. I don't put the hammer down as I would usually.
Actually, let's face it: usually I would have done 50kph down the first hill and bombed up the 2nd hill and he would be nowhere near. I keep up a moderate tempo but don't look back.
Next thing is, on the verge ahead is another cyclist. They seem to have some problem with their bike. I stop to see if they are ok, This is inbetween towns, it's a long walk to anywhere. No, they are fine. She is about to apply a can of sealant / inflator to her flat tyre. I wish her luck. Mr white bike goes past of course. I get back on the road, white bike is 300 metres ahead. I doubt I will catch him but strangely the 300 metres becomes 200, 100 and then I catch him on the last but one hill. He is painfully slow on the ups. Also as my legs are now warmed up I can apply a little bit more pace without it burning
So the moral and actual victory is mine. 2-1 in overtakes to me and I stopped to help a woman in distress.0
