This morning's commute and other commuting stories

For various reasons, yesterday was the first time I've used the new E&C southbound. Notbad.jpeg.

very much wanting to be finished for the year now.

This. Northern line this morning - sardine time. I need a holiday.

Good plan, but defo wouldn't last for me :-). Think I will pack a gel again.

You don't expect it on a commute, but the wet got me cold and with my lack of thyroid, I was soon grovelling.

We've all got a bit wobbly on the way home I'm sure. I've had to pack it in and walk up college road.
teh shame still burns my cheeks

Ouch

Yes, as I waited at some lights, no gloves and sweating buckets in December, it did cross my mind what climate my kids will be inheriting.

yeah I was trying to think of a sensible way of bringing that up

This is my excuse for loading up on cereal bars from the snack drawer at 5pm. That they've restocked with chocolate chip Trackers only makes this more of a waistline concern. "They're smaller so of course I need 3"

So many utter tit monkeys last night and this morning, tis no wonder drivers hate most cyclist. Watched 5 mid 50 guys, hi-viz on either hybrid's or MTB compete through E&C and down Kennington each doing risky moves just to stay that little bit in front. Given the conditions last night just wasn't worth it. Also some grunt being a couple arse sat on wheel I then stick my out arm out as I wanted to move around the bus but the fucking wouldn't move so I end up slowing as I'm now stuck behind bus, caught up with him and a little word, apparently I'm to nice on the road I need to be more aggressive, Quote 'The car is the enemy' Wow just Wow

On a brighter note, got a nice smile and a little wave from a women in a Red car as she slowed down so I could move into primary. Also informed a lady that she shouldn't change gears when stationary as that was why she was having problems when move off from the lights. She thanked me and at the next set of light she made a clean get away.

Also feeling grumpy due to what feels like my annual chest infection, although a week earlier then last year so maybe the Rapha 500 is still on.

The cabby that this morning pulled out of a side road in front of me was kind enough, through the medium of scrunched up bilious facial expressions and mouthed obscenity, to let me know that he is dead inside, and there is a massive coronary waiting in the wings of his desolate, barren heart.

Given the conditions last night just wasn't worth it.

It really was grim last night. Particularly, it seems, on the CS7.

Edit: What am I saying? It's always grim on the CS7.

Also, someone learned why taking a wheel through traffic is dumb, after I had to slam on the anchors at a zebra crossing.

That looked like it hurt.

Mug.

CS7 is my highlight.

You want to try streatham then Thornton Heath.

To be fair it's much better since they've put down fresh tarmac, probably wasn't as bad as I thought but not being able to see out of my goggles the big puddles and the number of crazy mopeds it didn't seems stupid to racing through small gaps.

Also noticed that they have put in Bike lights at the end of the superhighway bit heading towards Brixton, gives you at least a second before the main lights change. Also noticed that have put a signup that looks like 'No Right' turn I presume that's not for going on towards Brixton?

She called me names. I returned the favour.
What's the point of using insults that aren't insulting? Is there a list of politically correct insults I can refer to? #ffs

One of the two left turns Gervase St or Leo St on Old Kent Road just before Toys R Us claimed yet another motorbike victim of left-hook across the bus lane this morning. Huge emergency services turnout (8 diff vehicles?) so didn't look good :(

I've seen aftermath of so many accidents there as people use them as a rat run to Asylum Rd.

You want to try streatham then Thornton Heath.

Fair point.

it's much better since they've put down fresh tarmac

Absolutely.

The puddles were particularly good last night. There's a nice deep one outside Kennington station that stretches all the way out into the lane. Need mudguards...

rode a bike to school again this morning.

I've seen aftermath of so many accidents there as people use them as a rat run to Asylum Rd.

Saw one a few weeks back, I paused just to enquire what was happening, had the monkey-brained conway van driver & mate start letting off at me about not wearing a helmet etc. Guilty conscience as they'd just knocked some poor rider off her bike. She was wandering off down the road in a daze, obviously in shock, bike was mangled. Really nasty scene, close escape for her. And the van drivers start laying into me. Whores.

Someone was just being loaded into the back of an ambulance as I rode past. I counted 3 fire engines, 5 police cars and 2 ambulances.

It's a shocker of a turning, people that are using the bus lane and aren't familiar with the OKR get caught out there all of the time, I've seen far too many near misses.

My thoughts are with the rider.

Was called out by a white van driver for using the Blackfriars Underpass, despite numerous signs suggesting I use a tortuous diversion.

Told him that I'd emailed TFL about it, who had confirmed that the signs were advisory only.

"OK - fair enough! Cycle safely, and have a great Christmas" was his unexpected reply!

9/10 - would use Blackfriars Underpass again.

^Ha! That's excellent.

Edit: new page fail.

There are slower but nicer ways to TH.

I used to go Camberwell, Dulwich and Crystal Palace or over the top of Streatham Common (turn left at the tea hut) and down via the back roads. Both routes provide some hills.

WTF where are you winter? Was back in the bib shorts, short sleeve jersey and fingerless gloves, still too warm.

May go topless tomorrow, naked as a last resort.

This, sweating buckets when I got home. Lots of strange looks from winter clad cyclist.