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@D._Generate
I had cycle training this morning with Will. I arrived a bit early to Victoria Park and had to guess who Will was when he approached; it was a bit difficult as he didn't look quite as much like a Victorian racehorse as I was led to believe.
He started the training with a bike check and I was a bit embarrassed to find my rear tyre had been skidded through further than I realised in a few places. I think the crud mudguards I put on have kept me from really checking it as often as I should.
The training went well and I was pleased to hear that I was doing things the right way. I did learn quite a few useful tips and how to apply them. I think the filtering technique and the emphasis on always having a plan B was great. I filter a lot and have been guilty of not thinking ahead enough to have a backup plan.
I have been looking over my shoulders a lot more lately, and I really do believe that helps moderate drivers' behaviour as well as keeping surprises to a minimum. I learned to not just do glances as I have been, but to give a few long looks down the road and concentrate on what cars are behind and what spaces and gaps exist.
I have never driven in the UK so I learned a few things about the traffic markings that I hadn't realised. Another helpful tip was to do a bit of 'profiling' of cars/drivers. Obviously certain drivers should raise a bit of a warning flag to pay more attention which did come into play when a learning driver with instructor started to enter the roundabout as we were going around.
On the ride home I was following through on what I was shown and making more eye contact with drivers. I never really looked behind me whilst stopped at a light and I found that acknowledging the driver(s) behind me had the result of a pleasant ride along the next stretch where they weren't trying to overtake at pinch points.
I really think I got a lot of value out of the training. Will is a great instructor, a pleasant cycling companion and an all around nice guy. I heartily recommend this for everyone and after talking to my wife, she is keen to undergo it as well.