City said:Hi Everyone,
Just joined today and thought that I would say hi
It's good to see that I'm not the only new one. Welcome.City said:Hi Everyone,
Just joined today and thought that I would say hi
Laterider1958 said:It's good to see that I'm not the only new one. Welcome.
What kind of riding are you doing at the moment? I see you are from the UK, so I guess you may have had a lot of non-riding weather over the past couple of months. Here in South Australia, we have had lots of very hot weather and I haven't gone riding for weeks. The forecast for this weekend looks more favourable - going to be cloudy and cool.. Hopefully there won't be too much wind.
Do you have lots of bikelanes or paths available to get away from the fast traffic? I think I've seen English programmes on TV showing cyclists without helmets. Is that right?
Laterider1958 said:At the moment we are entering almost perfect riding weather, which is a far cry from what we have experienced for months. When it is really hot you not only have to cope with heat generated within your body (when I stop my face feels like it is on fire and is bright red for quite a while), but also the sun exposure - the sun can be scorchingly hot. Sunblock is not really the answer, just wearing longer sleeves and pants if you can stand them.
I found riding of an evening - before dark, to be the answer to the hot weather. Only did town rides of an evening. I would not try riding in the dark as I worry that drivers won't be aware of me (even though I have bright lights and wear light coloured clothing). Intend to get a bright fluoro top for extra safety. Last year, during autumn, winter and spring, I went for 10-20+ km day-time rides on the nearby quiet roads just out of town. Luckily there are many quiet sealed roads and dirt tracks and each ride can be varied.
I can see that the weather in Britain would have its downfalls. Can't imagine how anyone would negotiate snow and copious amounts of rain. If it rains here I won't ride my bike as I don't want it to rust. I guess your weather could be a bit unpredictable.
Here in Australia, it is against the law to ride without a helmet. I didn't know if Britain was the same. By your answer I take it helmets are desirable, but still optional. We Aussies always have 'helmet hair', which is quite attractive, especially when it is combined with sweat. Such a good look!(Please read between the lines!)
Laterider1958 said:I'm lucky in that I only have to ride 2.5 km to get to work and this morning it took me under 10 mins. At 8.10 a.m. when I leave home, our small city is just waking up and there is very little traffic. The home trip is more eventful and busy though.
Yesterday a 4 wheel drive towing a caravan pulled out in front of me from a petrol station driveway. The older driver eventually saw me (when I was about 10 feet away) and stopped well over half way into the road (I had the brakes applied already). Had to ride up close to the middle line to go round him. And today I was coming up to a round-about and another 4 wheel drive overtook me about 10 feet from the intersection and turned left in front of me! That vehicle's passenger side mirror had been snapped off - perhaps the younger female driver had cut somebody off before! Needless to say, I am riding very defensively.
Today I rode my Avanti and yesterday, my old 10 speed (30 years old). Must admit that todays ride was much more comfortable. I felt I needed the more efficient brakes too!
Going to ride again tomorrow - hope it's not going to be 3 times and then you're out.
janiejones said:Hello and welcome from Australia,
Welcome to the forum, it can be very helpful and entertaining and even annoying now and then.
I love London. I've only ever caught the bus, taxi and walked on your roads - I don't think I would be too sure about riding in the traffic.
What do you ride?
KatieS said:Hi there. I'm from the south-east (not quite London) and new to the forum too. Well done for braving the London traffic. I found it really intimidating at first, but it quickly becomes second nature!
I'm just starting to ride again after a long break (nearly two years since I last rode with any regularity). Stopped after getting ill with pleurisy and am finding it really hard to get back into it. I plan to be cycling to work regularly by the summer (it's about 20 miles each way). Seems like a distant dream on current performace though
matagi said:Keep it up! As you gain fitness, the Tower Bridge will become less daunting and you'll be flying up there in no time.
Well, I'm giving it my best shot!City said:Don't worrie Katie, I am sure that you will get back on your bike and your memory will then become a living dream.
That sounds like a lot of treats to reward yourself with to meI am just hoping that I keep it up.....by riding to work each week I save near enough a £100 per month, when I see the extra cash in bank I know that it is well worth it!
KatieS said:Well, I'm giving it my best shot!
That sounds like a lot of treats to reward yourself with to me
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