Wednesday 18th November

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so, to my ONE follower, apologies for my quiet period. Illness has taken me off the road - plus the general rubbish weather.

However, I'm now back with a vengeance and my regular rants will continue....

So, to the woman in the red volvo this morning who tried to overtake me on a dangerous roundabout... what were you thinking?! Am I invisible? or were you still fast asleep? Here's a tip; get on a bike and try it out for yourself. Just because you're in a tin can, it doesn't give you the right to shun me into a flower bed.... OK, enough of that. Onto the next one....

And this is to the whole of the Number 85 bus route..... how thin do you think cyclists are? Judging by your driving on Kingston Vale, approximately 3mm wide would be my assesment. Also, in case you didn't know, IT'S A 30 SPEED LIMIT UP THAT HILL - NOT 50. When you go past us at that speed, and without pulling over, the slipstream pushes me into the kerb. Don't worry, I will be having words with the garage.

Think that's it for now. I'll be back though undoubtedly....

Friday 23rd October

It has been a quiet week, but cycling in at 6.30am every day has its advantages! A weary week meant a late start today, and of course, the inevitable NDE (near death experience).... Today, twas a classic.... bus in front, cycling happily along at 20pmh (contemplating why Monday's are always choc-a-bloc, but where have all the people gone by Friday?), and an IDIOT came flying out of a right hand road forcing me into the back of the bus. Unfortunately, my breaks didn't work properly and I was virtually a whisker away from hitting my head on the back-of-the-bus ad.... I can't remember his number plate which is a pain 'cos I'd love to name and shame him....Fairly clapped-out non-descript car.... Anyway, suffice to say that I shall be looking out for him on Monday, Tuesday....... and the rest of the week!

Friday 9th October

Probably the most aggressive day on the roads for a long while... but the most notable event was a black cab, LS55 EZT, pulling across 3 lanes of traffic right into me. If I hadn't caught him in the corner of my eye and pulled left, I would have been toast. Trying to decide whether to report him or not... any thoughts?

Quite glad it's the end of the week so that my nerves can recover. Although training ride tomorrow in Surrey Hills and Brighton run on Sunday.

Monday 5th October

Back on the bike after a week off - asthma attack and cold... so good to be back, but straight into the rain wasn't so great.

I'd forgotten that brakes don't work in the wet, and nearly took out 2 pedestrians on a crossing.... this time it was MY FAULT! Hands up when it's my issue!!

Having locked up my bike in a row of probably 30 other bikes, mine looks slightly ridiculous sitting there in its raincoat - the only one.... does no-one else care about their precious steeds??!

Dreading tonight as the rain is set for the evening... plus it's going to be dark. Hopefully no serious 'NDEs' in tomorrow's post....

Wednesday - Friday 2nd October

Asthama attack has prevented any cycling this week.... I have itchy feet to get back on the bike but need to go to France this weekend.

Back Monday! Watch out for further stories from the road

Friday 25 September

No cycling today as out with friends later, but just to let you know that I had a long conversation with Clive Bull on LBC last night live on air. I basically called for Londoners to take a chill pill and stop being so aggressive. I especially singled out:

Van drivers
Dizzy dolly mums in 4 wheel drives
Taxi drivers who don't use their mirros

Do we think that will ever happen?! Perhaps I'll start a petition...

Thursday 24th September

Nothing more beautiful than, at 7am in the morning, driving through a mist-soaked Richmond Park with the glow of the sun framing the setting, and deer gently padding out of the mist to greet the day.... nothing more beautiful until an ancient old codger doesn't see you and virtually wipes you off the road into oblivion!

All I can say is I-D-I-O-T!!! You shouldn't be driving that clapped old Rover (surprise surprise)... If I see you again, I'm phoning the DVLA AND the police. You are dangerous to society.

Apart from that, quite a good journey there and back today! Wizzed around the back routes after the experience with Chelsea crowd last night