This morning's commute and other commuting stories

last commute of the year today, got the train instead of full commute due to inclement weather conditions.
#backonitnextyear

Nicely cold and damp, but no wind so can't complain too much.

Two close passes this morning just to wake me up. I could have talked to one driver at the traffic light, but if they are not realizing they were maybe 50 cms away from me, then it doesn't give me confidence it would have been a quick and easy win.

In defence of the B&M toplight brake, rode a tnrc a while back and the fact that another rider even noticed it was a brake light means it worked. Useful for this exact type of riding, i.e. close together in proper darkness.

No one I've ridden with has ever noticed :(

That’s cos you never brake.

Stopped at temporary traffic light. Hatchback flies through afterwards. Red Lights are optional before 7am I guess? I didn't get that memo.

#bloodycyclists

Sat at a red light in RH turning lane when a black cab blasts through the red light and turns left making loads of other cars have to emergency brake. Shook my head at and gesticulated/pointed the absolute fuckery and another cabbie behind me called me out "you lot do that all the time". Funny thing was a car who was now in the LH turning lane said the same to the cabbie hahaha. Full bore gammon rage directed at the car driver about road tax/fuck cyclists ensued - in front of some very shocked looking passengers he'd seemingly forgotten were there.
smug/10

you lot

Love this. Reminds me, must pay my Cyclists Union dues.

Arrived to work with a wet bum two days in a row.

Sorry wrong forum.

Yep. I was even being cautious. Builders (who I assume we're something to do with the work) came over and asked if I was okay and started saying the mats are no good and someone needs to fix it.

No, no this forum’ll do. Tell us more

All the people behind you on a tnrc? Subtle boast post from overly-competitive-skully.

Hahaa. I always get a boost when people take wrong turn and suddenly I’m near the front for a minute.

saw this ridiculousness in chalk farm this morning: https://metro.co.uk/2018/10/26/learner-lamborghini-spotted-in-north-london-and-lessons-only-cost-20000-8077412/

Do you think anyone would take offence if I went round Kingston with a 15mm spanner and switched all these SS rear wheels round to the fixed gear side?

#FixNotFaxe

People have the right to their own free wheel.

Cx training on my commute. Love it

Everyone was full of Christmas spirit this morning, peace on earth and goodwill to all wo(men).

Actually no - they were just as c*ntish as usual.

^Yep - witnessed the tail end of an argument between 2 cyclists and what appeared to be an Uber driver this morning on Sumner Road in Peckham.
Uber driver (who had his 2 young kids with him) was shouting v aggressively at a cyclist who was acting much calmer than I would have been.
Appears the Uber driver took offence to the cyclist being in front of him and must have given him a punishment pass.
"I drive for 10hours every day and you cyclists are always weaving in the road in front of me..."
Thought it was going to kick off but thankfully he got back in his car.
His son - guessing aged about 9 or 10 - was standing next to him during the row.
One day that kid will want to ride his bike on the road. His dad won't let him because there are cunt drivers just like him...

Left late, travelled late, arrived late. #late
Just wanna say 'thanks' to the weather, particularly that bastard headwind, for helping out with the whole 'late' thing. You've been rly gr8. cheerz.

Last weekday commute of the year ends up being compromised by a couple of beers at work after closing, thus me getting as far as London Bridge from N16 and thinking “ah fuck it” and grabbing three beers from M&S and getting the train home instead.

Back in for half a day tomorrow as it’s Mrs JJ’s birthday tomorrow so missing out on proper work Xmas drinkies. Bah.

Weird uneasy atmosphere out there on the roads on the evening ride home. Usually predictable roads felt anarchic and vaguely threatening.

#visitTooting

Know what you mean. Wife was out earlier in the day and said it was crazy. My ride back was predictably quiet - still saw some crazy driving. Assume it was the booze.

Very quiet on the roads round here today. Looks like they’re all in the supermarkets last-minute panic shopping with blood pressure high enough to pop a vein.

Meat and booze aisles: pandemonium, ransacked.

Milk and dairy aisles: strange calm, nice place to be.