Training update and grumpy old man rant!

Well the clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and it's been quite difficult to get out on the bike. However, I have been cycling to work and I have had my lights blazing away on the dark unlit roads from work to home. I say this as it's been a bit hairy at times to be honest.

A scary road - if you are a cyclist

I have a bit of a grump to share with you after a close shave with a Mini last night. I won't tell you the details as Rosemary will get all worried (too late now you idiot - doh!) My apologies for this in advance .

Anyway this is not aimed at the majority of motorists who are generally very considerate (you the reader included of cause :)). However there are some car drivers who seem to resent cyclists to an alarming degree. I'm going to call it 'Jeremy Clarkson syndrome' cos he hates cyclists.  I realise that we do hold up the traffic occasionally and I am sorry for that. I really try to stay out of the way, but the abuse and downright dangerous way some car drivers treat us is just scary and way over the top. I had one guy cut me up so close the other week he ran me into the curb and then stuck the V's up at me for good measure.

Don't get me wrong, there are some idiot cyclists who cut through traffic and jump lights, but they are not representative of the majority. And before you say anything, I know we don't pay road tax. I would honestly love too if there was such a scheme. But if we did you can expect a huge cycling lobby demanding better road surfaces and no lethal grids, less pot holes, more bike lanes and a better attitude from the police who I don't think could care less about cyclists (maybe I am wrong about that last bit). Don't even get me started on Buses and HGVs. Frightening is an understatement.

probably my favourite TV presenter - but a grump with cyclists

So drivers (and I am one too) please if you find yourself getting irate with a cyclist because he/she is holding you up, just think what it must be like for the cyclist when you miss them by inches in your ton and a half of steel. Or better still try cycling yourself just once for 1 mile on a busy road and I guarantee you will see things differently. Please, please allow us a bit more room and be patient with us. That cyclist could be your Son/Daughter/Brother/Sister/Mate/Boss (ok bad choice that last one Brian).  And your pie and chips won't be any colder for the extra 10 secs behind a cyclist, I promise! (and that's what microwaves are for anyway).

Another grumpy old man

Once again, please accept my apologies for this shameless rant. Rosemary says I am getting to be a grumpy old man with grey hairs growing out of my nose, ears and other orrifices. I keep telling her I'm not old.