This morning's commute and other commuting stories

Yup, somebody got wiped out. They had to close the road to cut the car and lift it off the scooter.

Had my first clipless mishap weaving through some traffic on Kennington Park Road just after Oval. Stopped to let someone filter up the right of a stationary car, had to do so quite quickly, forgot I had to clip out.

Luckily there was a very nice Jag for me to put my hand on for balance, so I didn't hit the ground.

Otherwise a very good commute - the benefits of being clipped in are pretty awesome. Speedy on the straights.

7/10.

took road bike into work, as a shakedown for Wednesday Night Ride tomorrow.
Felt good and fast. Will do one day a week from now on..

Arrived unexpectedly at some road works on yesterday's commute. Hopped onto the pavement for the first time in years. Instant karma: fell off into a long, thin puddle and slid along it on my hip, spraying mucky water left and right as I went.

It was worth it for the haze of Minstrels crumbs a homeless man sprayed over me as he cheered my demise.

choccy/10 would munch on sloppy seconds again

Scooter down near Lambeth Norf station today. Fella was all modded up in a big parka. Looked to have done his ankle. Police on the scene.

Hope you're OK.

First commute on the Spring/Summer bike, felt strange on 23" tires compared to the 32" I've been using on the CX bike. Much slower cycling like learning to ride again. Must sort out the brakes currently have the stopping distance of a 3-year-old.

First bike commute in nearly two weeks, had to use full suspension* 29er. Achieved new levels of springy spongy ballon tyred comfort but damn hard work.

*soft nose with a Brooks Champion Flyer for the arse.

Little scare on the way home tonight.
Seatpost snapped in half as I went over a road hump.
Somehow managed not to injure myself.
Not sure i'll bother getting another vintage seatpost to replace it.
Riding home fixed afterwards wasn't much fun.

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wouldn't fancy that up me gary.

You've done up your Cateye clamp too tight.

I missed your question, 6 days ago, andy, but a George is a George the Third=turd. So Rameye then guessed right, I had my trousers down...

On yeah, how did everyone feel in the smog? Air looked really hazy and brown today.

Yeah mate I caught that, I just thought it was fog as I left the house this morning but as I rode up the OKR and into town I realised it wasn't dissipating.
I've got a newly broken rib right on top of my left lung which isn't helping me on the commute as it is but I had no breath this morning or this evening at all. Shitty air.

didn't you guys get the memo? when there's smog about, you're supposed to STAY INDOORS. frankly, you only have yourselves to blame if you feel like you can't breathe. outside. where air is made.

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/02/pupils-indoors-lunch-smog-uk-government-adviser

Bottom of Margery Street about to cross Farringdon Road. Red light, ASZ pretty full of cyclists already and no cars around whatsoever.

I stop towards the back of the ASZ, and about thirty seconds later some old woman arrives and says to no one in particular "Could you move up please, there are more cyclists to fit in the green box". After looking around, exchanging puzzled looks with other people (still no sign of any cars), I asked why she needed to be in the green box to which she replied "I was just trying to point out that... ...I'm a grumpy old woman".

Quite.

Working on the 20th floor means I get a great view of it. It's as bad today by the look of things.

Thanks Boris, you mendacious cunt.

Shocking how bad the haze was yesterday. Didn't feel as bad this morning

On the ride from Bow to Holborn today it feels like there has been a conscious decision to implement as many mid-to-minor roadwork sites as possible. On the upside the air was definitely less toxic this morning. 6/10.

Stopped by a motorcycle copper this morning for RLJing at Kings X - he couldn't nick me as he couldn't see the light, but gave me a good talking to. He was bang on - it was a stupid RLJ so a good stop.

I then followed him all the way to Old Street; along the way he stopped three motorcyclists for dodgy riding. Genuinely restored some of my faith in good policing.

Especially as he pulled a motorcyclist over for crossing an ASL - right next to an Operation Safeway officer who was doing nothing about it...

On the ride from Bow to Holborn today it feels like there has been a conscious decision to implement as many mid-to-minor roadwork sites as possible.

This is happening all over London. Often seems to happen around this time of year, usual explanation is that the local authorities road budget is on a "use it or lose it" basis so they go on a spree at the end of the financial year so it doesn't come out of next years funds. Tho this may be an urban myth.

Whoever rents out those little temp traffic lights is onto a winner tho.

Spend all of this year's budget, get the same next year, or more. Save some money, get your budget cut.

@middleofnowhere I'd heard of this as well, and was wondering if it was true or just apocryphal (i.e. my mum read it in the daily mail. will she never learn?).

either way it was brutal.

I've always heard it re. roadworks.

I completely underdressed this morning. FML.

Mudguards were rubbing, had to do some emergency adjustments with leatherman before my ride returned to blissful silence.