Silly commuting racing

1…621622624626627…2536

Comments

  • UndercoverElephant
    UndercoverElephant Posts: 5,796
    Last night, coming into Musselburgh. It may have said "Iron Man" on your buttocks, but it said, "Fluffy Bunny" on the underside of your scalp.

    :lol:
    Sun - Rain - Snow
  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,064
    I'm going for a bike fitting today and I woke up late, therefore I'm on the best bike and not wearing anywhere near enough clothing Q a quick route change up and over the hills instead of along the valley, that warmed me up very nicely :)
    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.
  • The Running Man
    The Running Man Posts: 574
    2 good rides : last night did Kingsdown and Bowden on the way home. Caught and passed a chap going up Kingsdown but I didn't pay too much attention to what he was riding as I was trying to concentrate on my rhythm. This is my "tired hills" session when I try and replicate how it'll feel having to climb when I'm f*cked ...

    Tore in this morning with a lovely tailwind and at last had a little bit of race action down the London Road with a chap in Total Fitness team kit that I caught at the lights by the Bath RFC training ground.

    Long ride home tonight though : 30+ planned : hope the wind gods are kind ... :roll:
    Specialized Roubaix Pro SL : Litespeed Titanium Siena : Specialized Allez : Specialized Tri Cross :
    Specialized Rockhopper
  • W1
    W1 Posts: 2,636
    rjsterry wrote:
    Just to let everyone know, Millbank is still closed until the end of the week.

    So they can take it apart over a weekend but it takes them the best part of a week to put it back together again?

    Tried a different route yesterday morning, crossing Vauxhall Bridge and then back over Blackfriars. Was much slower than the usual embankment route, though that might be due to all the diverted traffic around Westminster. Seems to be a lot more "faffing about" with lights and junctions on the south side.
  • flamite
    flamite Posts: 269
    W1 wrote:
    rjsterry wrote:
    Just to let everyone know, Millbank is still closed until the end of the week.

    So they can take it apart over a weekend but it takes them the best part of a week to put it back together again?

    Tried a different route yesterday morning, crossing Vauxhall Bridge and then back over Blackfriars. Was much slower than the usual embankment route, though that might be due to all the diverted traffic around Westminster. Seems to be a lot more "faffing about" with lights and junctions on the south side.

    Yes it is a pain, and so is south of the river

    I just turn off cheyne walk, go along royal hospital road, ebury street (its 2 way for bikes), buckingham gate then birdcage walk to parl sq, little traffic till you get to victoria and doesn't take too much longer...
  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,064
    Careful on the south side people there be beasties in them there roads :roll:
    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.
  • MonkeyMonster
    MonkeyMonster Posts: 4,629
    If the racetrack is so borked how are the west london massif going home atm?
    Le Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
    The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]
  • ketsbaia
    ketsbaia Posts: 1,718
    Experienced the highs and lows of SCR in the space of two minutes last night.

    You were an opportunist RLJer on a Viner, taking advantage of my law-abiding ass to gain crucial metres. I was the guy on the heavy black Spesh hub geared dinosaur who waited for green, then summoned forth awesomeness from the very depths of hell to catch, draft for a negligible couple of seconds, then pass you at a thigh-busting pace, all beautifully disguised with a studied nonchalance.

    You were then handed the cruellest of reprieves by the green Korean estate car-driving Cro-Magnon who overtook me (as I was overtaking you, remember), then pulled up to allow an oncoming car to pass, blocking my way and leaving you a gap to filter past.

    You know you were beaten, sir. And one day. One day, I shall reap my rewenge!

    This morning's toughest battle was with the wind, as I slayed all-comers from the lowliest stubby clad MB to the number 21 bus, still clearly piqued and smarting from the injustice of the previous evening.
    One more gear

    Strava profile
  • tgotb
    tgotb Posts: 4,714
    W1 wrote:
    Tried a different route yesterday morning, crossing Vauxhall Bridge and then back over Blackfriars. Was much slower than the usual embankment route, though that might be due to all the diverted traffic around Westminster. Seems to be a lot more "faffing about" with lights and junctions on the south side.
    Lambeth Bridge seems to work reasonably well (crossing back over Blackfriars). Shorter distance than the usual Embankment route actually makes up for the jams (which will get better when they finish the roadworks outside Waterloo Station)...

    In the evening it actually seems to be quicker.
    Pannier, 120rpm.
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    ketsbaia wrote:
    Experienced the highs and lows of SCR in the space of two minutes last night.

    You were an opportunist RLJer on a Viner, taking advantage of my law-abiding ass to gain crucial metres. I was the guy on the heavy black Spesh hub geared dinosaur who waited for green, then summoned forth awesomeness from the very depths of hell to catch, draft for a negligible couple of seconds, then pass you at a thigh-busting pace, all beautifully disguised with a studied nonchalance.

    You were then handed the cruellest of reprieves by the green Korean estate car-driving Cro-Magnon who overtook me (as I was overtaking you, remember), then pulled up to allow an oncoming car to pass, blocking my way and leaving you a gap to filter past.

    You know you were beaten, sir. And one day. One day, I shall reap my rewenge!

    This morning's toughest battle was with the wind, as I slayed all-comers from the lowliest stubby clad MB to the number 21 bus, still clearly piqued and smarting from the injustice of the previous evening.

    :lol:
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Bassjunkieuk
    Bassjunkieuk Posts: 4,232
    Nice little bit of competition for a good chunk of my commute today as I picked up a roadie turning out of College Road as I came down Fountain Drive from Crystal Palace.
    I was considering taking it easy as the markings on the road at the top clearly state "20" and I was followed off the entrance roundabout by a police car :-) I decided b0ll0x to that as technically they don't apply to me and pulled out to the middle of the road to adopt my usual "overtake all the cars" position and bombed off!

    The roadie used the opposite sides toll-gate to get a small lead but after that he spent most of the journey chasing me! We'd bunch up at lights but he'd never maintained a lead.

    I did have to grit the teeth a bit down through Camberwell as the wind was giving me trouble as I'm damn sure I was being blown almost sideways coming over Waterloo Bridge. Also some of the people on the folders seemed to be having some gearing issues.......spotted a couple over WB that where mashing and bobbing all over the place!!
    Who's the daddy?
    Twitter, Videos & Blog
    Player of THE GAME
    Giant SCR 3.0 - FCN 5
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    No SCR this morning. Very odd. Didn't see a roadie until Putney Bridge. Then, when I saw roadies, got stopped by lights. Gave up at CB and pootled. Brief chat about the diabolical traffic with a chap on a very nice, black Colnago.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • notsoblue
    notsoblue Posts: 5,756
    MonkeyMonster wrote:
    If the racetrack is so borked how are the west london massif going home atm?

    Same way really, just a little detour up Victoria St, across and then down Horseferry Road to get to the Roundabout just after Victoria Tower Gardens before Lambeth Road.

    Last night was fun, between Millbank and Putney Bridge there was quite a competitive little peloton lead by a lady on a brown langster who was really giving it beans. Was quite funny to observe all the leapfrogging done by guys (myself included I'm ashamed to say) who didn't like being overtaken by a woman. Weak!
    FCN 4 PX SL Pro SRAM Red
    FCN 8 Scott Sportster '05
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    notsoblue wrote:
    MonkeyMonster wrote:
    If the racetrack is so borked how are the west london massif going home atm?

    Same way really,

    +1. I don't like change, me.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Wrath Rob
    Wrath Rob Posts: 2,918
    TGOTB wrote:
    W1 wrote:
    Tried a different route yesterday morning, crossing Vauxhall Bridge and then back over Blackfriars. Was much slower than the usual embankment route, though that might be due to all the diverted traffic around Westminster. Seems to be a lot more "faffing about" with lights and junctions on the south side.
    Lambeth Bridge seems to work reasonably well (crossing back over Blackfriars). Shorter distance than the usual Embankment route actually makes up for the jams (which will get better when they finish the roadworks outside Waterloo Station)...

    In the evening it actually seems to be quicker.

    I take a similar route, south over Lambeth and then around the back of Waterloo, along The Cut and over Southwark bridge. Its shorter than Embankment but takes the same amount of time due to the traffic lights slowing progress.

    Too the guy on the Giant SS wearing black Prologue team lycra this morning: If you're going to look the part try changing your gearing so that you're not spinning out at 18mph. That will make it less embarrassing when you push to the front of the lights and then get scalp by a baggie geared roadie with mudguards and a rucksack. Twice. The second time I couldn't contain myself and shouted out "Scalp" as I sailed past. It might go against the subtle nature of SCR but it made me laugh
    FCN3: Titanium Qoroz.
  • MonkeyMonster
    MonkeyMonster Posts: 4,629
    cjcp wrote:
    notsoblue wrote:
    MonkeyMonster wrote:
    If the racetrack is so borked how are the west london massif going home atm?

    Same way really,

    +1. I don't like change, me.

    :lol:

    Good stuff. Shall be a later excursion so you're safe tonight roadies.
    Le Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
    The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]
  • El Capitano
    El Capitano Posts: 6,401
    Rightyhothen, as a commuter of a number of years now, I think it’s time I started doing this properly. However…I’m a little unsure of my starting FCN as I ride to work on two different bikes:

    Focus Mares CX bike – complete with mudguards and spds.

    Ribble TT bike – but fitted with mtb spds for shoe compatibility.

    Other things to take into consideration are; I have shaved legs (hmm, smoooooth), ride in full on lycra (hmm smooooth) and carry a backpack that weighs the same as a small car (actual weight is 16lbs!).

    I would imagine the CX bike comes out at 6, being ‘almost’ a touring bike, but not 100% sure where the TT bike comes in – I think it’s a 1?. I’ve used the FCN calculator to obtain these.

    Also, to clarify, and I’m using the Focus for this example, I score points for ‘scalping’ those higher up the food chain – ie Scooters, Roadies with shaved legs, Proper rapid Single speeds, Roadies with hairy legs and Faux Single Speeds but nothing for those lower down the food chain?
    1 2 3 4 (Dead)5 6
  • Greg T
    Greg T Posts: 3,266
    El Capitano wrote:
    Ribble TT bike – but fitted with mtb spds for shoe compatibility.

    Other things to take into consideration are;

    I have shaved legs (hmm, smoooooth)
    ride in full on lycra (hmm smooooth)

    Unless it's a rocket car I think you are pretty much an apex predator and should hang your head in shame if anything short of Thor wearing a (horned) aero helmet does you....

    maths be damned!
    Fixed gear for wet weather / hairy roadie for posing in the sun.

    What would Thora Hurd do?
  • GiantMike
    GiantMike Posts: 3,139
    Not commuting, but at the end of a 50 mile training ride. Bimbling leisurely along at 19mph I was passed by a fat bloke on a moped.

    5 seconds of thigh thrusting later and I'm on his tail at a steady 30, and then grimace hard to reach 33 and pass him on his right. I managed to stay ahead for a full 30 seconds before he inevitably passed me, making out he was texting somebody on his phone.
  • greg66_tri_v2.0
    greg66_tri_v2.0 Posts: 7,172
    El Capitano wrote:
    Rightyhothen, as a commuter of a number of years now, I think it’s time I started doing this properly. However…I’m a little unsure of my starting FCN as I ride to work on two different bikes:

    Focus Mares CX bike – complete with mudguards and spds.

    Ribble TT bike – but fitted with mtb spds for shoe compatibility.

    Other things to take into consideration are; I have shaved legs (hmm, smoooooth), ride in full on lycra (hmm smooooth) and carry a backpack that weighs the same as a small car (actual weight is 16lbs!).

    I would imagine the CX bike comes out at 6, being ‘almost’ a touring bike, but not 100% sure where the TT bike comes in – I think it’s a 1?. I’ve used the FCN calculator to obtain these.

    Also, to clarify, and I’m using the Focus for this example, I score points for ‘scalping’ those higher up the food chain – ie Scooters, Roadies with shaved legs, Proper rapid Single speeds, Roadies with hairy legs and Faux Single Speeds but nothing for those lower down the food chain?

    Ok. I'm calling the Ribble and the Focus as road bikes. If the Ribble has aerobars, then your FCNs are 1 when on the Ribble and 2 when on the Focus. If you sport wraparounds, then drop those numbers by one each.

    If yer in Team Kit lycra, then there's another 1 point reduction.

    Basically, think of yourself as a T Rex of the commuters, but with a fricking great pink neon target on your back. You have to slaughter everything in sight just to stand still.

    Ride fast. Real fast...
    Swim. Bike. Run. Yeah. That's what I used to do.

    Bike 1
    Bike 2-A
  • W1
    W1 Posts: 2,636
    TGOTB wrote:
    W1 wrote:
    Tried a different route yesterday morning, crossing Vauxhall Bridge and then back over Blackfriars. Was much slower than the usual embankment route, though that might be due to all the diverted traffic around Westminster. Seems to be a lot more "faffing about" with lights and junctions on the south side.
    Lambeth Bridge seems to work reasonably well (crossing back over Blackfriars). Shorter distance than the usual Embankment route actually makes up for the jams (which will get better when they finish the roadworks outside Waterloo Station)...

    In the evening it actually seems to be quicker.

    Cheers, will give it a go - westbound along Embankment in the evening can be a nightmare.
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    @El Capitano - wot the others said, mate. :lol:
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • lost_in_thought
    lost_in_thought Posts: 10,563
    Greg66 wrote:
    El Capitano wrote:
    Rightyhothen, as a commuter of a number of years now, I think it’s time I started doing this properly. However…I’m a little unsure of my starting FCN as I ride to work on two different bikes:

    Focus Mares CX bike – complete with mudguards and spds.

    Ribble TT bike – but fitted with mtb spds for shoe compatibility.

    Other things to take into consideration are; I have shaved legs (hmm, smoooooth), ride in full on lycra (hmm smooooth) and carry a backpack that weighs the same as a small car (actual weight is 16lbs!).

    I would imagine the CX bike comes out at 6, being ‘almost’ a touring bike, but not 100% sure where the TT bike comes in – I think it’s a 1?. I’ve used the FCN calculator to obtain these.

    Also, to clarify, and I’m using the Focus for this example, I score points for ‘scalping’ those higher up the food chain – ie Scooters, Roadies with shaved legs, Proper rapid Single speeds, Roadies with hairy legs and Faux Single Speeds but nothing for those lower down the food chain?

    Ok. I'm calling the Ribble and the Focus as road bikes. If the Ribble has aerobars, then your FCNs are 1 when on the Ribble and 2 when on the Focus. If you sport wraparounds, then drop those numbers by one each.

    If yer in Team Kit lycra, then there's another 1 point reduction.

    Basically, think of yourself as a T Rex of the commuters, but with a fricking great pink neon target on your back. You have to slaughter everything in sight just to stand still.

    Ride fast. Real fast...

    A 6? Heehee good luck. TBH the 'tourer' is a bit confusing, but you defo need panniers for it to be a tourer in my book.
    FCN 7/1
    Viner Maxima, Tifosi CK7, Giant Bowery, Old commuter.
  • kelsen
    kelsen Posts: 2,003
    cjcp wrote:
    @El Capitano - wot the others said, mate. :lol:

    So basically there's nothing for you to write about on this thread other than being scalped :lol:
  • MonkeyMonster
    MonkeyMonster Posts: 4,629
    kelsen wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    @El Capitano - wot the others said, mate. :lol:

    So basically there's nothing for you to write about on this thread other than being scalped :lol:

    Unless he sees, catches, overtakes and scalps G66 who I think is the only scalp worthy person willing to admit it on here on a normal commute... :lol:

    Good luck with that...
    Le Cannon [98 Cannondale M400] [FCN: 8]
    The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]
  • Bassjunkieuk
    Bassjunkieuk Posts: 4,232
    MonkeyMonster wrote:
    kelsen wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    @El Capitano - wot the others said, mate. :lol:

    So basically there's nothing for you to write about on this thread other than being scalped :lol:

    Unless he sees, catches, overtakes and scalps G66 who I think is the only scalp worthy person willing to admit it on here on a normal commute... :lol:

    Good luck with that...

    I dunno...I'd imagine JG would be a worthy foe and even IP if he's still commuting on the exotic italian :-D
    Who's the daddy?
    Twitter, Videos & Blog
    Player of THE GAME
    Giant SCR 3.0 - FCN 5
  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    kelsen wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    @El Capitano - wot the others said, mate. :lol:

    So basically there's nothing for you to write about on this thread other than being scalped :lol:

    the odd scooter is a worthy scalp...
    Purveyor of sonic doom

    Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
    Fixed Pista- FCN 5
    Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    Hey, are any of you lot the bearded big chap on the be-panniered MTB with a frog attached to the rack, who I encountered both last night and this morning? You are one powerful m**********r!
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    biondino wrote:
    Hey, are any of you lot the bearded big chap on the be-panniered MTB with a frog attached to the rack, who I encountered both last night and this morning? You are one powerful m**********r!

    A frog? You sure? Stay off the drugs, kid. :)
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Kieran_Burns
    Kieran_Burns Posts: 9,757
    cjcp wrote:
    biondino wrote:
    Hey, are any of you lot the bearded big chap on the be-panniered MTB with a frog attached to the rack, who I encountered both last night and this morning? You are one powerful m**********r!

    A frog? You sure? Stay off the drugs, kid. :)

    how was it attached? Was it ribbited on?
    Chunky Cyclists need your love too! :-)
    2009 Specialized Tricross Sport
    2011 Trek Madone 4.5
    2012 Felt F65X
    Proud CX Pervert and quiet roadie. 12 mile commuter

Categories