Cycling: issues/noticeboard

[Ladymuck]

Oh - sorry Sandperson...twas a lovely offer...it just doesn't sound like my cup of tea, that's all. No offence intended. If it had been about his whole life, I would have considered reading it - it would have got me off this forum (haven't read a book for AGES because all my spare time is spent on here LOL). But a book surrounding his death? hmmmm....Is it a big book or a little book?

[Sandperson]

Erm, it was a general offer to the people on the thread I'm afraid LM, not just you. Why don't you have a look at the Amazon link and make up you own mind as to whether it talks about his whole life?

[Grandma1]

In my day, only the poshest kids owned a bicycle.

[katie1997]

This post has been intentionally left blank.

[Ladymuck]

Oh, I realise that SP...I still think it was a nice idea to offer it up for borrowing though...

Anyway, you prompted me to look the man up. Gosh, there's lots on the net (including a youtube clip of his last moments - very sad). But, did you know that a film may be made about his life? Click here.

[Sandperson]

Yes. Shane Meadows is talking about it. I doubt it'll happen. Tbh LM there's not a lot cycling related that escapes me.

[felt-tip]

I really enjoyed this cycling book by a local(ish) author. Lots of local references too.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-Artist-Life-Saddle/dp/1841151041

[Proj London Health]

ECG (E'dulwich Cycle Group)

River Wandle ride: Easy going ride

This Sunday we are heading to Morden Hall Park, one of key area's where the River Wandle was used to power the local Mill. Its a great ride with and equally good stopping point for a spot of tea / coffee in their team rooms.

When: Sunday 6th Feb

Where: 9am Goose Green Texaco garage.,

[Ladymuck]

Cycling and chatting on phone?

[Sandperson]

Always a bad idea I think. Even people walking whilst on their phones are a nightmare.

[felt-tip]

We are leaving East Dulwich and moving to Walton-on-thames in 3 weeks. Is that a do-able commute (to Bloomsbury) on a bike? TFL cycle planner says 33km. My current commute is 11km. Yikes!

Does anyone else have very long cycle commutes?

[Ladymuck]

That, to me, does not sound like a commute: more like training for the Tour de France. It would take you forever - no?

[felt-tip]

I reckon an hour and fifteen once I have my fitness up!

Most of it is on very quiet roads and through parks so wont hit traffic until Putney.

[felt-tip]

and I wont do it every day!

[Applespider]

When I'm cycling through traffic, I don't like having any distractions - a phone or headphones. It just feels like I'd lose one of my senses by doing so. And the argument that a distracted driver using a phone would cause more damage seems irrelevant to me - if it's likely to distract you from the road, then you shouldn't be using it regardless of what you're cycling/riding/driving. I'll add pedestrians who text as they walk without glancing up to that list. I suspect if you were cycling along a deserted cycle path in the countryside, you may feel slightly differently.

felt-tip, my ex used to have an 18 mile cycle each way to work. He only worked 4 days a week but it was do-able. He did have the option of using a train should he feel particularly knackered any evening; and used to gradually build it up each spring.

Would there be any option of getting a train part of the way in with the bike (to start with) and then build it up that way? So you get a train from home to the 20k point and cycle from there? The parks do sound like a lovely start/end to the day.

[acumenman]

You will need to shower and change when you get in to work after a 20 mile slap.

Perhaps an electric bicycle or electric motor cycle might be the way forward, 40 miles per day is an awful long commute on pedal power.

['bout now]

FT, I used to cycle from Surbiton to Covent Garden, its one of the things I truly miss. Start by doing twice a week if you can and just work up to three or four. Make sure you include Richmond park, early mornings plus no traffic and the occasional Stag showing off are sublime experience that sets you up for anything.

My route was Surbiton, Kingston, Richmond Park, Roehampton, Lower Richmond road, Putney Bridge, New Kings Road, Lots road, Embankment, Parliament square up to CG, if that helps.

[felt-tip]

Thanks all. Yes I have a vespa also so can mix it up.

Thanks for the route tip 'bout now. I reckon I'll do the same and just get to Kingston Gate by going up past the Moseley reservoirs and then through Hampton Court Park. Im really excited about it now! Riding in today just up through Greendale was lovely with the dew steaming off the playing fields and the blue skies overhead.

How long did that take you by the way?

Which way did you go through RP. I ride SS so want to avoid any big hills.

[Pearson]

I'd be temped to go geared for that sort of commute if I were you?

You're knees will love you for it ;-)

Sound like a great ride into work though, i'm very jealous!

[felt-tip]

I've just sold my geared bike!

Are you telling me I have to go to Condor this lunchtime and put a deposit down on a Gran Fondo tourer... oh, okay, you've twisted my arm.

[Pearson]

Well... it wouldn't hurt to have a look now would it?

Cycle to work might help, and all the money you would

be saving on travel of course.

Might be a shrewd investment!

['bout now]

I did all that route fixed. The biggest hill is in RP or the Col de Putney Bridge, all do-able. It took me about 45-50 mins each way, weather depending. I'm jealous.

I went into RP via kingston gate towards Richmond, right on the shared Footpath towards the center, then left up to the ballet school, down the hill then right and out through Roehampton gate.

['bout now]

Oops didn't want to put you off the obviously necessary purchase of a new bike, I err, oh err you'll need one obviously, cycle to work, train fares, carbon footprint etc. etc. etc. Must have purchase honest.

[felt-tip]

I can't really justify it... the whole reason behind moving is to save ?500 a month on rent towards a deposit on a house. I can't go and then spaff ?1500 on a lovely new tourer... especially as I now know there are other FGSS riders doing similar treks into town.

But if you see someone with tears in their eyes screaming "'bout now, you lying toad" riding an old SS up Sawyers Hill... you know who it is.

[Ladymuck]

But how much would an annual season ticket from WOT to Central London cost you?