This morning's commute and other commuting stories

My Simpsons knowledge is unfortunately severely lacking! Grew up without a TV, so didn't really watch them in their 90s heyday, and now there's too much other stuff I'm already not keeping up with to ever sit down and watch much of it.

I haven't tried the new slalom version of Wightman but the old layout just used to be a constant game of chicken as drivers decided whether, after overtaking you with not enough space before the traffic island, to:

a) slow down
b) crash into the island
c) go on the wrong side of the road
d) pull in on you

On at least 2 occasions I had the full on locked up squeal of sliding rubber over my right shoulder as a car left that decision far too late. Tho far from ideal I do think it's a bit better now.

One thing that really bothers me now is the number of drivers selfish fuckers who still park/wait half on, half off the pavement, straddling the double yellow lines, forcing drivers into the path of oncoming traffic.

Had one such sweetheart open his door on me, fortunately not enough to make contact but in that split second I wasn't to know that. I was considering roadsafeing him but the footage I have doesn't show the number-plate clearly enough to read.

Can't believe no-one's mentioned Father Dougal in the milk float yet. Philistines, all of you.

This.

I'll take the German option!

Right old slog home this evening in winds of 40mph plus. Thankfully I passed the super friendly guy from the bike shop, had a little conversation and then he pointed out my saddle bag was open and I was about to lose a load of stuff. Stopped and did it up and it seems I have lost my boxers and socks, thankfully not my wallet, darts or glasses.

darts

Mega-rep

It was a first time for me.

Finally explains what the squeak was from my left pedal that had been driving me nuts. Thought it was the bottom bracket or cranks.

Glad it didnt happen at a set of lights without realizing as that would have been.a slow speed tumble and then trapped like a tortoise on its back

Used the new cycle lane to negotiate the Rotherhithe Roundabout last night.

Welcome absence of fear of death.

Can't wait to try it tonight!

Left late so less traffic, nice tailwind, glorious blue skies, a hint of warmth, & bumped into a colleague, so can't complain! Also tried the wide angle camera on my new phone, looks pretty cool.

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Recovered my socks from last night. Just the pants to go.

Thoroughly enjoyable ride in on 'the nice bike' in the sunshine with my knees out for the first time in a while. The only incident was when a guy in a car pulled out from a side junction right in front of me, only to immediately brake to take the next turning, causing me to slam on the brakes and gesticulate wildly. As I went past, he told me I just needed to be more patient, which did make me laugh.

Gently bipped by a taxi as I was hammering it down the bus lane to finsbury park station. Don't know where he was expecting me to go. Nice temperature!

first full 12 mile commute for a while because weather / fat / lazy / etc.
nice to be in shorts again.

gale force winds predicted tomorrow so probably back on the train.

Had this happen to me, although she came out of a parking spot. Lightly hit the boot of the car. Insurance says I'm in the wrong btw.

Quick lunch excursion along my commute home and found my pants in the road in the centre of town. After a couple of ride-bys to get over my embarassment and I scooped them up in a carrier bag. All lost items accounted for. Then rode down to the LBS to thank the bike shop guy.

There was quite a high incidence of twats this morning, and being knackered and grumpy after a lot of time in a and es with old folks over the last few days I had a frank exchange of viees with some prick on an e scooter who felt it was ok to just chuck his drink bottle into someone’s garden. He got very vexed when I just started laughing at his threats, even more so when I asked why he was riding his girlfriend’s scooter to work. Escooter riders really are, imho, a bunch of cunts

They must be really good pants.

or only pants.

They're the best and newest pants I own. I could maybe overlook an older pair, or possibly my socks. But I felt these were worth retrieving.

The whole thing is a cover story ain't it? He's just seen some discarded pants lying around come up with this complicated multi-day series of events to justify collecting someone else's used underwear...

The only incident was when a guy in a car pulled out from a side junction right in front of me, only to immediately brake to take the next turning, causing me to slam on the brakes and gesticulate wildly

That is known as the #tootingshuffle down my neck of the woods

I rode that from Shoreditch to Canary Wharf for a couple of years. Peds not a problem but expect punctures, dogs running under your wheels and occasionally passing kids that push you in and nick your bike. (The last one didn't happen to me but saw the aftermath).

Still beat the roads though, was a nice way to see the seasons.

freewheels de-threaded off hub leaving office car park, cue 2 mile walk to station, just started raining...

Would not recommend.

Seems to be a case of "small self esteem person syndrome" going on there, especially if you feel to need to threaten somebody when they tell you it's antisocial to drop a bottle in a garden.