Silly commuting racing

UndercoverElephant

Scalped a learner driver this lunchtime past Musselburgh racecourse. I wouldn't normally, but he pulled out in front of me and proceeded to do about 23 mph. I was running a bit late, so I overtook at about 30. The looks on both his and his instructors faces were priceless. :twisted:

Also, just back from a week in France, hired a Dutch shopper bike while I was over there (see new avatar). What a god-awful lump that was. The frame flexed so badly that if you tried to lay some power down, the pedal would scrape the floor!

Still scalped a couple of hybrids whilst I was there. :P

Pufftmw

Kieran_Burns wrote:

cyclopsbiker wrote:

don't mind being a dude, makes me feel cool...

I thought girly dudes were dudettes? 8)

LOL - Hey bud, found you, see you on the dark side

Pufftmw

In this commuting game, what are the rules re traffic lights and keep left signs etc? ie The Highway Code?

On my new commute into Aldgate from Lewisham, I am forever overtaking a variety of machinery (loadsa points ) but when I stop at lights, they inevitably jump them and disappear off down the road. I then have to catch them up again and re-overtake :roll: This gets a bit tedious to say the least until I get a run of lights and lose them far behind.

The slightly damp run in this morning saw less commuters than usual but toasted the lot of them

Anyone else run up/down the A2/A20?

asprilla

You've got to obey the highway code. Anyone who doesn't immediately becomes a target (well, for me anyway).

dondare

I was passed once this morning and once this evening. They were younger, fitter, stronger and faster than me on lighter bikes with skinnier tyres; so I should be admitting getting cleanly scalped - except: they ran red lights and so disqualified themselves. What silly Billys.

mtb-idle

cast your mind back to Monday evening and i was coming towards the end of my commute home approaching Morden when i spied a rider up ahead. Lower FCN than me (or is it higher?) but i was moving fast so glanced behind me to check all was clear and pulled out and overtook.

Saw another rider a distance behind me and thought nothing else about it until....

Whoosh! and he was past me, really hammering the pedals.

"He's fast" i thought for a micro-second but then spotted the full Pearson kit, the shaved legs and the competitive instinct kicked in.

Gave it the beans myself and caught him surprisingly quickly and then it's do i slipstream him for a breather or keep on going?

F*ck it, keep on going and i blasted past him and saw the slack-jawed surprise on his face as i kept it going for the next hundred metres or so. Glanced over my shoulder again as I approached the roundabout and he was back in the distance.

I probably took a different turning to him but I never saw him again and I'm claiming that as a worthy and well-earned scalp that was all down to my instant reaction... 8)

jonginge

Had a nice ride home. Was minding my own business and overtook a gaggle of allsorts* and one jumped on my tail. Got thanked by a chap on a panniered roadie wearing a yellow top for the tow to VB lights. We mutually complained about the headwind in and home. I resumed being the leadout man at a steady tempo. As traffic allowed we swapped turns into the wind. S'all good.

Had a bit of a moment when a driver half pulled out from a side-road on the LRR in putney. She'd misjudged my speed but I was able to stop safely enough. She apologised and had even started to reverse when 2 other roadies, who'd been a couple of seconds behind, swept past and gave her verbals. A trifle unnecessary, I thought. I do need to change my brake blocks now, though


* you decide which variety is a roadie; anFG/SS; a hybrid; an mtb etc

itboffin

Nice easy ride home until the rain started and went and went and went then the wind started and bam! energy gone :?

110 miles in 2 days of commuting might have been a bit adventurous that goodness tomorrow is a rest day :?

SamWise1972

I rarely get a chance to SCR in Southampton on my way home, but it was there today. Bloke in work gear (not a suit, looked like he was a construction guy) on a Claud Butler roadie, for some reason he was in a low gear, spinning away. I was closing anyway, but gave it some beans to make it count, and swept past him. Down the road, the cycle path crosses a large roundabout, and I was delayed waiting for several cars to pass, so even though he was WAY behind, he ends up on my tail, and nips past me on one of the little link sections. On the other side, he seemed to be making an effort to get away, and whilst I still passed him comfortably, I didn't rip him a new one quite so much.

I'm sure the suit, the office shoes and the folding bike rub salt in the wounds when I pass people, but I like to think that watching the ukulele that I have bungied to my backpack disappear is what really takes the biscuit. People must feel they've been scalped by some sort of executive tinker.

W1

Had a dabble with a very quick chap on a white road bike, red top, red helmet, embankment this morning. Got past him and another quick chap (white bike, black sweat band, no helmet, no hair), thought I'd made it stick but he obviously put the power down and we diced along towards VB when he got ahead. Tried to catch up but couldn't, could only keep pace. Took him with some deft filtering (no scalp) and then lost him somewhere in the chaos around Parl Sq but he might have turned off. Helps keep the average up!

lost_in_thought

Gah.

I still have a head cold. It's also playing havoc with my heart rate, which is fun.

In an attempt to flush it out my body is going into red alert levels of snot production.

This means I have become relatively adept at blowing my nose (EDIT: with a tissue) while riding along. It occurred to me on HSK that this would be an hilairous way to scalp someone, so I found a suitably slow roadie, and did so.

:twisted:

rjsterry

Mr Quickstep shorts on a blue Ribble wasn't quite so obliging last night: no scalp this time, but a good test all the same.

Not much this morning and past LBR the traffic was all fairly heavy and slow moving, presumably as a side effect of the m/c protest in Trafalgar Square (saw a couple of scooters with campaign tabards).

cjcp

A roadie squeezed between me and the pavement on Lower Thames St this morning while waiting at a red. Irked me. Then jumped another red. Irked me even more, so he had 80 yards on me going up the rise that is Byward St and "BOOM!", I go by*. Obviously I'm trying, but I (legitimately) get through two sets of further lights just before they turn amber. He wouldn't have.



*To wild applause from onlooking peds and motorists, I like to think

Stelvio_W

Mr Quickstep shorts on a blue Ribble wasn't quite so obliging last night: no scalp this time, but a good test all the same.

Thats me. Whats your kit and choice of weapon?

When was I more obliging? If it was last week then I was on post-marmotte-ian recovery and the week before that I was on pre-marmotte-ian "take it easy".

Had a visit from the fairy on the entry to P square and had to watch the gaggle of >FCN's that I had just left in my wake, pootle past. There is never a mavic bike when you need one.

Pufftmw

Good run in this morning, decimated a simillar (but younger) opponent (mtb/road tyres) up Brockley Rise, diced with a few motorbikes (big jessies) and caught most of the lights right up Old Kent Road, Twr Bri Rd then overtook one of our couriers as I crested the bridge. That to me is always a sweet moment as it gets them all embarassed

26m 50s

rjsterry

Stelvio_W wrote:

Mr Quickstep shorts on a blue Ribble wasn't quite so obliging last night: no scalp this time, but a good test all the same.

Thats me. Whats your kit and choice of weapon?

When was I more obliging? If it was last week then I was on post-marmotte-ian recovery and the week before that I was on pre-marmotte-ian "take it easy".

Had a visit from the fairy on the entry to P square and had to watch the gaggle of >FCN's that I had just left in my wake, pootle past. There is never a mavic bike when you need one.

Aha! Another SCR spotter point.

I was on the old white Giant (skinny steel frame - with guards last night); red jersey, black shorts, small dark blue Crumpler. I think our previous encounter must have been pre-Marmotte-ian.

I always have a bit of a dilemma when I get to CB: I know I need to turn off there to get home in time to see the littl'un before she goes to bed, but it does always seem a bit like ducking out early.

jonginge

lost_in_thought wrote:

This means I have become relatively adept at blowing my nose (EDIT: with a tissue) while riding along. It occurred to me on HSK that this would be an hilairous way to scalp someone, so I found a suitably slow roadie, and did so.

:twisted:

That is awesome work. I think we'll have to start a scoring system for scalping style

jonginge

Stelvio_W wrote:

Mr Quickstep shorts on a blue Ribble wasn't quite so obliging last night: no scalp this time, but a good test all the same.

Thats me. Whats your kit and choice of weapon?

When was I more obliging? If it was last week then I was on post-marmotte-ian recovery and the week before that I was on pre-marmotte-ian "take it easy".

Had a visit from the fairy on the entry to P square and had to watch the gaggle of >FCN's that I had just left in my wake, pootle past. There is never a mavic bike when you need one.

How'd the marmotte go? I have mixed feelings about mine. Next year, next year...

jonginge

Pearson got some new brake blocks this morning. Needed them this morning as traffic was a bit rubbish. No scalps worthy of the name

Butterd2

Been off the bike for a week now (stag and wedding) so really need to get back into it with only 2 months to go before my Pyrenean C2C so hill repeats in Greenwich Park are the order of the day going home now. (Not quite Tormalet but what can you do).
Plenty of commuters giving funny looks as you reach the roundabout at the top of the hill and just spin it around and ride back down again.
One or 2 fixies but no real scalps however only one guy (white Specialized roadie) of matching FCN overtook me on my 5th rep so not too unhappy with that.

rjsterry

Butterd2 wrote:

Been off the bike for a week now (stag and wedding) so really need to get back into it with only 2 months to go before my Pyrenean C2C so hill repeats in Greenwich Park are the order of the day going home now. (Not quite Tormalet but what can you do).
Plenty of commuters giving funny looks as you reach the roundabout at the top of the hill and just spin it around and ride back down again.
One or 2 fixies but no real scalps however only one guy (white Specialized roadie) of matching FCN overtook me on my 5th rep so not too unhappy with that.

Err, the North Downs? A bit further out, granted, but easily reachable 'before breakfast' at the weekend.

EDIT: Sorry, that's might sound a bit arsey - certainly don't mean it like that. If you're in SE London, then there are a good few climbs around Sevenoaks and Westerham, which should be within fairly easy reach, even if you jump on a train for a couple of stops to get to the 'action' quicker.

MonkeyMonster

JonGinge wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

This means I have become relatively adept at blowing my nose (EDIT: with a tissue) while riding along. It occurred to me on HSK that this would be an hilairous way to scalp someone, so I found a suitably slow roadie, and did so.

:twisted:

That is awesome work. I think we'll have to start a scoring system for scalping style

How about as long as you do it in style you can get a -2 bonus score off theirs so 4's can scalp 6's etc.

No-hands + sitting upright
Blowing nose
Doffing cap and "a cheery good morning to you sir/madam" (delete as applicable)
Freewheeling while pretending to look at watch and tapping it to make sure its stll ticking

Any others...

asprilla

Good run in this morning, all spinny spinny and not much in the way of red lights or difficult queues. Much chaff dispatched, but nothing of note.

mrc1

MonkeyMonster wrote:

JonGinge wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

This means I have become relatively adept at blowing my nose (EDIT: with a tissue) while riding along. It occurred to me on HSK that this would be an hilairous way to scalp someone, so I found a suitably slow roadie, and did so.

:twisted:

That is awesome work. I think we'll have to start a scoring system for scalping style

How about as long as you do it in style you can get a -2 bonus score off theirs so 4's can scalp 6's etc.

No-hands + sitting upright
Blowing nose
Doffing cap and "a cheery good morning to you sir/madam" (delete as applicable)
Freewheeling while pretending to look at watch and tapping it to make sure its stll ticking

Any others...

I can claim a pretty good one of these. Was overtaken by a red light jumping roadie while slowing for the lights turning onto london bridge. I waited until they went green, set off after him, reeled him in, then realised I hadnt had my inhaler and was about to enter the smog fest that is bank and moorgate - so i scalped him while riding no handed using my blue inhaler! He wasnt happy.

rjsterry

MonkeyMonster wrote:

JonGinge wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

This means I have become relatively adept at blowing my nose (EDIT: with a tissue) while riding along. It occurred to me on HSK that this would be an hilairous way to scalp someone, so I found a suitably slow roadie, and did so.

:twisted:

That is awesome work. I think we'll have to start a scoring system for scalping style

How about as long as you do it in style you can get a -2 bonus score off theirs so 4's can scalp 6's etc.

No-hands + sitting upright
Blowing nose
Doffing cap and "a cheery good morning to you sir/madam" (delete as applicable)
Freewheeling while pretending to look at watch and tapping it to make sure its stll ticking

Any others...

(When it's a bit cooler) siting up, removing rain/windproof jacket, rolling it up and stuffing it in back pocket.

Consulting an A-Z (just kidding - always keep your eyes on the road).

Taking glasses off, giving them a clean, then replacing.

UndercoverElephant

rjsterry wrote:

MonkeyMonster wrote:

JonGinge wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

This means I have become relatively adept at blowing my nose (EDIT: with a tissue) while riding along. It occurred to me on HSK that this would be an hilairous way to scalp someone, so I found a suitably slow roadie, and did so.

:twisted:

That is awesome work. I think we'll have to start a scoring system for scalping style

How about as long as you do it in style you can get a -2 bonus score off theirs so 4's can scalp 6's etc.

No-hands + sitting upright
Blowing nose
Doffing cap and "a cheery good morning to you sir/madam" (delete as applicable)
Freewheeling while pretending to look at watch and tapping it to make sure its stll ticking

Any others...

(When it's a bit cooler) siting up, removing rain/windproof jacket, rolling it up and stuffing it in back pocket.

Consulting an A-Z (just kidding - always keep your eyes on the road).

Taking glasses off, giving them a clean, then replacing.

My best ever was going past a hybrid on my old BSO, no-handed, whist doing trunk rotations.

That bike knacked my back.

Butterd2

rjsterry wrote:

Err, the North Downs? A bit further out, granted, but easily reachable 'before breakfast' at the weekend.

EDIT: Sorry, that's might sound a bit arsey - certainly don't mean it like that. If you're in SE London, then there are a good few climbs around Sevenoaks and Westerham, which should be within fairly easy reach, even if you jump on a train for a couple of stops to get to the 'action' quicker.

No not arsey, I do get down there at the weekends (Downs, Ide and Toys Hills etc) but even they are no real preparation for what is to come. Greenwich Park just gives me a little something midweek during my commute.

Stelvio_W

JonGinge wrote:

Stelvio_W wrote:

Mr Quickstep shorts on a blue Ribble wasn't quite so obliging last night: no scalp this time, but a good test all the same.

Thats me. Whats your kit and choice of weapon?

When was I more obliging? If it was last week then I was on post-marmotte-ian recovery and the week before that I was on pre-marmotte-ian "take it easy".

Had a visit from the fairy on the entry to P square and had to watch the gaggle of >FCN's that I had just left in my wake, pootle past. There is never a mavic bike when you need one.

How'd the marmotte go? I have mixed feelings about mine. Next year, next year...

Ahh so so .. first time. Wont have time next year so will be back in two to get gold (was 20 mins off)

Personally, for you I think having the steak the day before at the little place behind the Alpe was a bad idea. I would have gone for the swinging kebab or maybe even a salad !!!
!

rjsterry

Butterd2 wrote:

rjsterry wrote:

Err, the North Downs? A bit further out, granted, but easily reachable 'before breakfast' at the weekend.

EDIT: Sorry, that's might sound a bit arsey - certainly don't mean it like that. If you're in SE London, then there are a good few climbs around Sevenoaks and Westerham, which should be within fairly easy reach, even if you jump on a train for a couple of stops to get to the 'action' quicker.

No not arsey, I do get down there at the weekends (Downs, Ide and Toys Hills etc) but even they are no real preparation for what is to come. Greenwich Park just gives me a little something midweek during my commute.

True, there are no Alpine climbs near London (unless you count Box Hill for the hairpins ) but I reckon you ought to be able to get a route along the Downs which strings together a fair bit of climbing, some of it a good deal steeper than Alpine climbs. Or if you are short of time, you could try reps of Succomb's Hill?

jonginge

Stelvio_W wrote:

JonGinge wrote:

Stelvio_W wrote:

Mr Quickstep shorts on a blue Ribble wasn't quite so obliging last night: no scalp this time, but a good test all the same.

Thats me. Whats your kit and choice of weapon?

When was I more obliging? If it was last week then I was on post-marmotte-ian recovery and the week before that I was on pre-marmotte-ian "take it easy".

Had a visit from the fairy on the entry to P square and had to watch the gaggle of >FCN's that I had just left in my wake, pootle past. There is never a mavic bike when you need one.

How'd the marmotte go? I have mixed feelings about mine. Next year, next year...

Ahh so so .. first time. Wont have time next year so will be back in two to get gold (was 20 mins off)

Personally, for you I think having the steak the day before at the little place behind the Alpe was a bad idea. I would have gone for the swinging kebab or maybe even a salad !!!
!

Haha. Maybe a few fewer beers would have helped, too.

Stupid forum versus real names :oops: