"(T'other) Dave" <no-one@nowhere.org> wrote in message
news:5p3Bb.21306$SV1.10331@news-binary.blueyonder.co.uk... <snip>
> I'll either be back in an hour...or 5 or so... Fingers crossed ;-) Dave.
>
...or 2....
So, got to gatehouse on site at Cannock entrance. 4 Workmen, opened door to hut then when I walked
in asked - " ain't one o' them protestors are yer??"..."Nah mate, spent 14 years in traffic jams on
that M6, this roads long overdue as far as I'm concerned!!" (smart answer, thought I, for an 'on the
spot')...Asked if I could ride me bike on their nice new motorway before it opens up for public use.
They 'ummed' and 'arred' and didn't think it'd be a good idea...I'd get pulled off down the way and
there's police about...and that...So, I thanked them and made my weary way home...or at least I
should've (and intended to, 'onest ;-). I cycled around a bit, followed the motorway, took a couple
of photos of the empty road (so unusual round these ere parts), then came upon a gateway onto the M6
Toll...Well, I couldn't resist. It was locked but a nice light 'racer' made for quick work and I was
over.....whoooeee!!...I'd seen a couple of vehicles go up while I was riding around, so didn't
expect to be on there long. I started cycling and I have to say, it was fantastic - well lit, no
crud, very smooth etcetc. After a while I came across a set of toll booths on the other side
(northbound) and on my side (southbound) there were a team working from the back of a van, burning
tar stuff. They only saw me at the last moment, despite anti-clandestine hi-viz clothing and
flashing lights (the cyclist cloak of invisibility served me well tonight ;-)...I heard a
"whathfu***" but was gone by the time they had a chance to react properly. Onwards...... A while
later I came across the Brownhills turnoff. I took a photo of the Motorway sign and continued on my
way. At the turnoff, there were several cars blocking the entrance but I didn't choose to
communicate with them and I don't think they saw me, at least certainly not quickly enough to let me
know I shouldn't have been on there. I probably got about another mile before a car came in the
opposite direction and flashed me down. The gentleman inside asked me what I was doing on the M6
Toll road. I told him I was just going for a ride before the cars took it over for ever more from
tomorrow. He informed me that I shouldn't have been on there as there would be cars driving
backwards and forwards and he wouldn't want to be collecting my bits tomorrow morning (presumably
overshadowing the official opening ;-). I asked him which was the quickest way off and after
consulting his three colleagues in the car he decided back to the Brownhills turnoff. I said ok,
acknowledging that he was right and I was wrong <ahem!!> I followed him for a short while, then
legged it over the fence and rode home.... a happy bunny, despite a police car trying to take me out
at a crossroads. Traffic lights in my favour - WVM waiting to turn right - me very focussed on
making sure he don't try to turn with me in his way and b*gger me, if a cop car didn't suddenly
appear from my left, blue lights flashing but no twotones. I saw him just as I was in front of him
and he papped his horn - ooops! - a cheery wave and I got home in one piece.
Still, here's to that lovely stretch of tarmac that as from tomorrow, will never be quiet
again - RIP
Dave.
