This morning gave me a hint as to what it would be like to commute in the winter... well at least a dry, sunny winters day.
It was lovely & sunny, but the temperature was a bit raw... i think it was about 6-8 degrees C, when i left according to the thermometer.
my body was really warm and did not feel the cold, but my lower face\chin and hands felt cold. i was wearing summer gloves, so have no insulation, my fingers were going numb. by the time i got to work my hands were stiff and my chin felt like it was someone elses.
so, conclusion.... gotta buy some winter gloves & some heated grips for the pinkies, then a winter muff for my chin.
lets see ehat that does, because today was a grin, but winter could be very cold indeed.
Friday 31 August 2012
Tuesday 28 August 2012
Faster... Faster.....
Possibly because of the kids school holidays, but my journey in/out of London is taking me 50-55 mins... excellent... like i said not sure why. i am expecting it to be because of the school holidays, and hoping that when everytone gets back to work, it does not extend too much.
i think my route home is better though, deffo, and i am gonna keep that up. and it's kind of pleasant riding past "Ol' Buck' ouse'" and seeing my ol' mate "Big Ben" each day.
then there is the jaunt down embankment by the river... kinda nice scenery.. better than through the City. i do that in the morning, and a lovely morning this morning.
i got a coupla bits of news to add to this blog which you may/may not find interesting, but hey i've started so i'll finish. a la "Mastermind".
First: i got a helmet camera... now some of you will be on the floor laughing and tittering at this statement, and i can see why... i am actually with you on the basis of the quote, but i mean a camera for my motorcycle lid. The initial idea came from reading other blogs, and magazines about motorcycle commuters into London. It is primarily used as a kinda backup for insurance etc. as it documents the car driving idiots that do stupid things where bikes are concerned. i'm not sure how long the novelty will last before i decide it is too much bother, but for now to get a few trips down and placed on you tube will be worth it anyway. it may be good to also use for please when on some real nice rides, but that is way in the future. keep checking the site, because i'll post links to you tube here.
Second: i have decided after a long and hard study of magazines and the like, that my upgrade to a proper bike (i say this only because i am on a 125cc with an L-plate, which is considered bottom of the stack in the motorcycle world, and shown absolutely no respect on the road.) i think this is a good thing, as it teaches you to be humble and earn your stripes. it shouldn't be that anyone can do a DAS in 3 days and then go onto the road with a 650cc.. i think anyone that sticks a term on a 125cc with an L-Plate earns there right to complete the Module 1 & 2 and then as a badge of honour remove the L-Plates and slide across an upgrade 650cc of their own... anyway i digress. the bike i am looking at is a "Kawasaki ER-6N".
i think my route home is better though, deffo, and i am gonna keep that up. and it's kind of pleasant riding past "Ol' Buck' ouse'" and seeing my ol' mate "Big Ben" each day.
then there is the jaunt down embankment by the river... kinda nice scenery.. better than through the City. i do that in the morning, and a lovely morning this morning.
i got a coupla bits of news to add to this blog which you may/may not find interesting, but hey i've started so i'll finish. a la "Mastermind".
First: i got a helmet camera... now some of you will be on the floor laughing and tittering at this statement, and i can see why... i am actually with you on the basis of the quote, but i mean a camera for my motorcycle lid. The initial idea came from reading other blogs, and magazines about motorcycle commuters into London. It is primarily used as a kinda backup for insurance etc. as it documents the car driving idiots that do stupid things where bikes are concerned. i'm not sure how long the novelty will last before i decide it is too much bother, but for now to get a few trips down and placed on you tube will be worth it anyway. it may be good to also use for please when on some real nice rides, but that is way in the future. keep checking the site, because i'll post links to you tube here.
Second: i have decided after a long and hard study of magazines and the like, that my upgrade to a proper bike (i say this only because i am on a 125cc with an L-plate, which is considered bottom of the stack in the motorcycle world, and shown absolutely no respect on the road.) i think this is a good thing, as it teaches you to be humble and earn your stripes. it shouldn't be that anyone can do a DAS in 3 days and then go onto the road with a 650cc.. i think anyone that sticks a term on a 125cc with an L-Plate earns there right to complete the Module 1 & 2 and then as a badge of honour remove the L-Plates and slide across an upgrade 650cc of their own... anyway i digress. the bike i am looking at is a "Kawasaki ER-6N".
It is a 650cc, and is classed as a "Naked Sports" bike, because it has no fairings. but is ideal for commuting as the running costs are meant to be low, and the bike has an upright position with a half decent seat. i do want a decent upgrade that i could have fun on as well. i plan to attempt a few bike trips and rallies when i upgrade, see more of the country on two wheels, because it looks superb. an the experience i have had on my 125 has been fantastic. i am trully a convert to 2 wheels. Watch this space.. of course Module 1 & 2 first, and maybe next spring i will consider the upgrade.. get a winter under my belt.
Third, Final: i think i may created a hells angel out of the missus. She brought up a few weeks back about a friend that went on a bike trip with her hubby on the back of a bike, and seemed quite keen on the idea, but more that that i think she seems quite keen on riding herself.... i think she feels why should i have all the fun..... it is common for people in the biker community to go abroad on trips riding through Tuscany on 2 wheels as part of a pack.... even across the US on a Harley (my Dream...) so maybe it could present a few holidays in the future and a chance to meet new types of people. More than this i think she may start by getting a 50cc scooter for back/forth to work, which is just 6-7 miles away... a scooter would be ideal for such a journey. Quick, cost effective, easy to park, but more importantly giving here a taste of 2 wheels. i suggested the scooter, becuase she was a bit unsure she would a) like it, or b) be confident on a geared bike. so, a scooter would provide the stepping stone to a geared 125cc. the best part is for a 50cc she just needs a bike and a helmet, no other license or qualifications needed. then she can take a "theory" and "CBT" for a geared 125cc. i think the future is bright, and can imagine the missus on a "Suzuki GSX 650".... get in..... i am gonna push the scooter idea, and even keep looking for deals.
Thursday 16 August 2012
What a Pleasure....!
Well
last night i decided to take a different route home, to mix up the journey a bit. The weather was nice, i wasn't in a specific hurry to get home.. so.....
i decided to go from work down Park Lane, down to Parliament and then Embankment all the way to Limehouse Link.
the journey took 50 mins.... a record..... :)
i think this is attributed to the lack of traffic on the roads though by holidays and school breaks. i doubt very much it is gonna be the norm.
but, great.. and to add to this, my inward journey took me 60 Min's, again a record. i have changed this as well..
it is a good idea to break up the journey because you start to learn alternative routes, and how all the roads connect, which bears you in good stead when traffic problems occur.
i know this blog is turning into a Bikers blogs, but at the moment i am just recording events that seem to make a difference to my life.
i have also noticed that my control of the bike is much better with time, i can manoeuvre the bike easier at low speeds using fine control of the clutch, break & throttle.
this holds good stead when coming to do the "Direct Access". which i may take soon :) i think maybe next month.....
last night i decided to take a different route home, to mix up the journey a bit. The weather was nice, i wasn't in a specific hurry to get home.. so.....
i decided to go from work down Park Lane, down to Parliament and then Embankment all the way to Limehouse Link.
the journey took 50 mins.... a record..... :)
i think this is attributed to the lack of traffic on the roads though by holidays and school breaks. i doubt very much it is gonna be the norm.
but, great.. and to add to this, my inward journey took me 60 Min's, again a record. i have changed this as well..
it is a good idea to break up the journey because you start to learn alternative routes, and how all the roads connect, which bears you in good stead when traffic problems occur.
i know this blog is turning into a Bikers blogs, but at the moment i am just recording events that seem to make a difference to my life.
i have also noticed that my control of the bike is much better with time, i can manoeuvre the bike easier at low speeds using fine control of the clutch, break & throttle.
this holds good stead when coming to do the "Direct Access". which i may take soon :) i think maybe next month.....
Tuesday 14 August 2012
Traffic Woes
Actually, today the lanes were mostly open, so the journey was'nt too bad 1hr 10m again. different route, but oh so many bloody traffic lights in London.
at present i am not an agressive driver, and remain calm and cautious most of the time, hence i sit a bit back in traffic if i have to then overtake when moving.
the weather was horrendous, piddling with rain all the way until i hit the City....
this is the piece to take in though... "i got flashed... doing 38mph entering the Limehouse Link..." which is a 30mph limit. so expect points soon and fine...
i do not think it is me that is unlucky, rather than me not being used to London traffic really. the roads and laws, actual and unspoken are quite different, and the only way to learn them is to experience them.
oh well.... i'll be doing 30mph all the way home tonoght...:)
at present i am not an agressive driver, and remain calm and cautious most of the time, hence i sit a bit back in traffic if i have to then overtake when moving.
the weather was horrendous, piddling with rain all the way until i hit the City....
this is the piece to take in though... "i got flashed... doing 38mph entering the Limehouse Link..." which is a 30mph limit. so expect points soon and fine...
i do not think it is me that is unlucky, rather than me not being used to London traffic really. the roads and laws, actual and unspoken are quite different, and the only way to learn them is to experience them.
oh well.... i'll be doing 30mph all the way home tonoght...:)
Monday 13 August 2012
Post (Main) Olympics
Hey Ho
since my last post i have had a "Week Off", "Olympics - Done" and "got my bike back". Well i actually got my bike back at the start of my week off, RESULT.....
so i was out over the weekend and the week ahead for at least 30-60 mins each day.. finding excuses to get on the bike... ".... We need milk!", "....need to post a letter!" etc but taking the long route to get the items.
Anyway had some great moments, and 1 bad moment. Now, everyone has said thus far, that with biking it is not you (the biker) that gets into trouble rather than other people causing it for you.
this is what happened.....
last Sunday i was out on a jaunt going down the country lanes near Laindon where i had not seen a single exhaust for ages. i pull up to a give-way, which is a T-Junction with a curving bend (should be a STOP, really), anyway. i see to my right a Van indicating left into the Junction, and i see to my left a small Silver car driven by a "Silver surfer".
so, i am in right hand side of my lane indicating to go right, i have a White bike, Hi-Viz and it is a clear sunny day with the sun high and to my left (ie behind the silver surfer) causing no blindness at all and showing me to be highly present The silver surfer reaches the junction first and decides to try to cut the turning, as obviously i was not seen.... until...... i see this happening in slow mo, but i know what the outcome may be.
she is on a direct course to hit me square on the left side, as she has totally cut the corner and is turning into the my left hand lane, oblivious of me..... i start frantically back pedalling the bike as i cannot move forward because of a following car, or right because of the van..... she notices me... (i guess it is the whites of my eyes she actually sees now....) and stops... cms from my legs...
now first i am surprised she has not keeled over with a heart attack, second i wonder what the Bloody hell she was thinking cutting a corner, and third so, so surprised i got away with it...
the van man stopped and checked all was OK, and suggested he would be a witness if needed, but as actually no harm done, i was keen to get out of there..
so, the lesson has been drummed into me... ride defensively, ride like everyone wants to get you, ride like every car and drive cannot see you, as bikers (yes, i do class myself as a semi-biker, until i get my full license) we have a rough deal, that is all other drivers, and the road itself (pot holes, drain covers, mini roundabouts......)
Round 2
Now that is done, i am back to work after a fantastic week off with the family, and back to work, and the first time into London since the Olympics started.
What i noticed straight away was that although the Olympics had finished, the lanes were still operational.....? why...? They were only meant to ferry players/VIPS around for the games. Now the games have finished, what are they for?
the Para-Olympics yeah, but that is not for a coupla weeks. so it is obvious, it is for the "Sett Blatter" types out there associated with the EOC, that need taking to the airport, bar, strip club.... without being bothered by us commuters and residents of London. Screw em......
my journey this morning was a little different though to try to avoid the biggest Olympic lane hotspots, and only took me 1 hr 10 on the road as opposed to 1 hr on the road. i think ,mainly due to the unfamiliarity of the route.
Quite liked the change of route though, so may keep it in the mix. although most of my biking over my break was on lanes and local towns, it was apparent i was a bit out of practise with regard to filtering, i am sure i'll get my nerve back.
since my last post i have had a "Week Off", "Olympics - Done" and "got my bike back". Well i actually got my bike back at the start of my week off, RESULT.....
so i was out over the weekend and the week ahead for at least 30-60 mins each day.. finding excuses to get on the bike... ".... We need milk!", "....need to post a letter!" etc but taking the long route to get the items.
Anyway had some great moments, and 1 bad moment. Now, everyone has said thus far, that with biking it is not you (the biker) that gets into trouble rather than other people causing it for you.
this is what happened.....
last Sunday i was out on a jaunt going down the country lanes near Laindon where i had not seen a single exhaust for ages. i pull up to a give-way, which is a T-Junction with a curving bend (should be a STOP, really), anyway. i see to my right a Van indicating left into the Junction, and i see to my left a small Silver car driven by a "Silver surfer".
so, i am in right hand side of my lane indicating to go right, i have a White bike, Hi-Viz and it is a clear sunny day with the sun high and to my left (ie behind the silver surfer) causing no blindness at all and showing me to be highly present The silver surfer reaches the junction first and decides to try to cut the turning, as obviously i was not seen.... until...... i see this happening in slow mo, but i know what the outcome may be.
she is on a direct course to hit me square on the left side, as she has totally cut the corner and is turning into the my left hand lane, oblivious of me..... i start frantically back pedalling the bike as i cannot move forward because of a following car, or right because of the van..... she notices me... (i guess it is the whites of my eyes she actually sees now....) and stops... cms from my legs...
now first i am surprised she has not keeled over with a heart attack, second i wonder what the Bloody hell she was thinking cutting a corner, and third so, so surprised i got away with it...
the van man stopped and checked all was OK, and suggested he would be a witness if needed, but as actually no harm done, i was keen to get out of there..
so, the lesson has been drummed into me... ride defensively, ride like everyone wants to get you, ride like every car and drive cannot see you, as bikers (yes, i do class myself as a semi-biker, until i get my full license) we have a rough deal, that is all other drivers, and the road itself (pot holes, drain covers, mini roundabouts......)
Round 2
Now that is done, i am back to work after a fantastic week off with the family, and back to work, and the first time into London since the Olympics started.
What i noticed straight away was that although the Olympics had finished, the lanes were still operational.....? why...? They were only meant to ferry players/VIPS around for the games. Now the games have finished, what are they for?
the Para-Olympics yeah, but that is not for a coupla weeks. so it is obvious, it is for the "Sett Blatter" types out there associated with the EOC, that need taking to the airport, bar, strip club.... without being bothered by us commuters and residents of London. Screw em......
my journey this morning was a little different though to try to avoid the biggest Olympic lane hotspots, and only took me 1 hr 10 on the road as opposed to 1 hr on the road. i think ,mainly due to the unfamiliarity of the route.
Quite liked the change of route though, so may keep it in the mix. although most of my biking over my break was on lanes and local towns, it was apparent i was a bit out of practise with regard to filtering, i am sure i'll get my nerve back.
Friday 3 August 2012
Olympics
Well Hey
Peeps...
i have
not been Motor biking it, because the steed has been in the garage with a
faulty Fuel Pump.... which is what i thought it may be due to other issues
reported on the web. so, the start of the Olympics has been by train and
tube... not Boris bike (as most bike parks have been shut down....)
i have
got to say my journey into & from work has been excellent both ways.. even
better than before the Olympics ever happened... i think people have literally
decided to avoid London in its entirety and gone away or are working from home.
i hope to
get the bike back this weekend, so i am expecting to start commuting as normal
soon. so to all that are at home.................. STAY THERE...:)