Scary screaming cycling lady (the London Banshee)

I have to date sadly failed to capture evidence of The Banshee, but since the challenge was laid down my general heightened level of awareness (well, one step up from dozing), acutely peeled eye and easily accessible camera phone have lent me something of a pre-disposition to capitalise upon interesting encounters by recording them for posterity. This morning heralded the first such occasion - I bring you AFL Dude.

I captured these images despite considerable physical risk - both in the case that he had glanced over his shoulder seen me mid-snap - and because I was traversing the southern Elephant and Castle roundabout one-handed at the time transfixed upon a one-inch square phone screen. Nonetheless, I did my duty in the name of education and perhaps mild amusement for the forum.

All that was foretold is true. Observe his imposing frame, tricking the distant observer into supposing he is riding a childs bicycle for a wheeze. The reality is that his towering hulk makes an adult sized bike look hopelessly inadequate. See his ursine shoulders, striking fear into telephone directories lest he tear them asunder in a display of strength. Lastly look at his helmet. For this phenomenon there are no words. A true God of the road.

I fear The Banshee will prove to be considerably wilier quarry. Visually she is indistinguishable from a thousand commuters. She reveals herself upon issue of her cry - and despite its sometimes protracted nature, entraining short instructive sentences, it is by its nature a fleeting occurrence. Rather like someone operating a loudhailer or perhaps a compressed air horn from the window of a passing car as you stand at a pelican crossing. Startling, brief, leaving the dumbstruck victim questioning the assailant's identity and motive.

Still, I urge you please to remain vigilant. Be prepared, like a coiled spring. Capture The Banshee's cry!