CR 11-09-10

[Keith]

Depleted numbers at CSS this morning. Only 5 started out in the TG. At some point we lost one.

Four doing through & off on the dual carriageway in light rain didn't appeal, so we did a lap of the Rusper race circuit instead.

Once again a camera was needed to decide the Charlwood honours.

[Amy]

After last week's cold, I actually felt like giving the 18s another try. Had hoped to just sit at the back and hang on and maybe fall off to the 17s but it was all over the place... Sorry, if I was shouting a bit much - surprised me too - not even PMT week..

Anyway, riding wasn't too bad and I stayed on most of the way round though a bit off the pace on the hills and on the final run in to the cafe when the strongest riders got the smell of tea/coffee/cake and took off like there wouldn't be anything left if they got there too late...

Few more rides like that and better should tighten up a few places - almost back to my svelte self of a few years' ago (I think).

[Amy]

Forgot to mention the Ede's van on my way to the start. It reminded me of last week's "discussion" about drivers' behaviour

The removals van came up behind me just after Hackbridge station and they didn't go past me till nearly under Wallington station. To say that having a large lorry on my tail was annoying me is a slight understatement - it's also worrying. It may be that the driver genuinely believed he couldn't pass me safely but... I don't think so. I think he only overtook me because I'd slowed right down and he had to overtake

Oh and I punctured for the first time in ages just after the motorway junction on the way back Don't think I'm ever going to win a prize for the fastest tube change especially when the tube seems to be a bit on the small side and wouldn't sit in the well of the rim

[Snoop Doug]

[quote="Amy"]Forgot to mention the Ede's van on my way to the start. It reminded me of last week's "discussion" about drivers' behaviour

The removals van came up behind me just after Hackbridge station and they didn't go past me till nearly under Wallington station. To say that having a large lorry on my tail was annoying me is a slight understatement - it's also worrying. It may be that the driver genuinely believed he couldn't pass me safely but... I don't think so. I think he only overtook me because I'd slowed right down and he had to overtake

[Dombo]

[quote="Snoop Doug"]

sfunny innit, one person's wossname is another one's thingie...I think that's how it goes. I know that route and it's pretty tight. I'd rather a lorry behind me than getting squeezed off that road any day. So I'm going for the considerate lorry driver vote. Takes all sorts - and I'm an optimist @ heart .

[Amy]

Well, in all the time I've been up and down that road, most lorries, buses and coaches seem to be able to get past without too much hassle... In fact, to be honest, it's a bit of a shock to have a considerate driver - I'm not used to it

Not to mention I wasn't exactly riding fast...

[Phil H]

Professional drivers have a lot to lose so ought to be careful. Not sure how this applies to a certain large taxi company you see around.

As a driver, sometimes it's a difficult call. You don't want to overtake when it's a bit tight but you don't want to be seen as menacing either.

[Ivor]

He was probably just cruising along admiring the view...

[Antloony]

[quote="Ivor"]He was probably just cruising along admiring the view...