This morning's commute and other commuting stories

Always feel sorry for people who don't know what the gears do and happened to have bought their bike in a really low one. Must wonder what they're doing wrong

Ha! Or really high gears. Those people grinding along at 15rpm with their kneecaps about to pop off into orbit. Just shift down.

I've seen one guy a few times on my commute who seems to be stuck in the easiest gear, he speeds away from lights and then puts in about 10 superfast pedal strokes, coasts for a bit and repeats all the way to the next set of lights. Never changes gear. I almost asked him about it once. Might offer to have a fiddle with his derailleur next time I spot him.

I remember being stuck behind someone once who was spinning such a low gear I was struggling to stay upright at the enormously low speed we were doing.

He of course went around and sat in front of me at the following lights.

He of course went around and sat in front of me at the following lights.

Arguably the most annoying thing possible during the commute (along with all the other equally annoying things). I have been moved to enquire of the sitter how fast they're planning on setting off when the lights change (only once, and I was on a mission on my summer bike, whereas the sitter was pootling along on a crappy BSO).

Was sitting at the lights behind a car up near Turnpike Lane and the two guys inside were checking me out hardcore... Feeling sexy yet violated, I rode past and a guy leans out the window and said what sounded like "pigtail-it". No idea what it means.

I've seen one guy a few times on my commute who seems to be stuck in the easiest gear, he speeds away from lights and then puts in about 10 superfast pedal strokes, coasts for a bit and repeats all the way to the next set of lights.

#bmxlyf

To the chap who asked for directions to West Dulwich station, I accidentally sent you to North Dulwich. Sorry, I keep mixing those two up.

<3<3<3 cycling home in the daylight

Rebuilt my pringled wheel and had my first commute fixed after 4 months of immobility or pain.

Even if I am taking things ever so carefully it was so good to ditch the tourer.

This. Next step, ditching base layers.

Glad to hear that you are back on the road.

Take it easy!

Probably not the right thread for this, but I've needed to buy a few bike bits quickly lately - either on my way to or from work. I've taken to stopping by the Cyclesurgery on Holloway Road, they're really nice, way better than either the Evans or CS in Victoria. Friendly and knowledgeable and the geordie guy in there is especially on it. Would heartily recommend.

Any suggestions for avoiding bus-mageddon going southbound on Walworth Road, Camberwell Road and Denmark Hill? End goal is to reach Crystal Palace. It's ok in the morning but seems to take forever filtering in the evening.

I go Northbound AM through Camberwell and Walworth Road and then in the evening go Kennington Road, Brixton Road, Loughborough Road, Milkwood Road, Norwood Road, Croxted Road, Alleyn Road, Gipsy Hill.

You could try to head down Portland st which runs parallel to Walworth > through Burgess > Southhampton way > Benhill and then up Camberwell Grove. It's quite a detour and the grove is a much steeper hill, but definitely quieter. And you can then head through lordship lane or the village from then on.

Edit: stevo's suggestion is probably less "quiet way"

For reference, my evening route from Blackfriars/Upper Ground to the West end of Church Road takes me about 40 - 45 minutes.

Camberwell Grove is a pretty nice climb, though, and there's not much traffic on it now it's been filtered at the bridge.

Going via Milkwood means you only have one climb at the end, effectively going around Denmark Hill instead of up and over it.

Nice, thanks. I don't mind the climbs, its the lights and the busses that are the problem!

Walworth goes from two lanes to one a lot, hence bus fuckery. Kennington and Brixton Roads are busy but for the most part have enough lanes to cope. Once you get off those, there are far fewer buses so single lanes are ok. Except South Croxted Road, which is way too narrow, hence a slight detour down Alleyn Road which is wider but has speed bumps so cars mostly avoid it. Plus you can swear at all the rich people's houses as you go past.

milkwood is pinch point arseholery central, moreso with redwing coaches having a depot there. probably still less shit than walworth road mind you.

Do what duckland said, by far the best route.

Agree with duckland, did that route for 3 years and it is definitely the best way to avoid Walworth.

I'm used to Cat5 promuters going all out to win the race to the next set of lights/stationary traffic but saw one on an electric bike doing the same today. He was really mashing away doing full nodder but with power assist. It struck me as a little bit odd.

Milkwood Road is one of the worst rat-runs in all of London. I much prefer the Walworth Road, not that they are two streets to choose from. When I go down to Herne Hill I generally use Shakespeare Road/Railton Road rather than Milkwood Road, even if it's a detour. The levels of rat-running on Shakespeare Road are generally much more tolerable.