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Live blog: Cyclist 'nearly knocked off' in punishment pass by another cyclist; Tim Wellens takes a tumble during Final Breakaway Part 2; Teen given new bike by local bike shop after his was stolen; Mudguard tattoos? + more

All today's news from the site and beyond.....
25 November 2019, 08:46
Cyclist gets 'punishment passed' by another cyclist who claimed he was "in the middle of the road"

We were sent this clip by Chris Impey, who says the incident happened on London's Embankment  around Chelsea Bridge. Mr Impey said he was overtaken by the offending cyclist so closely that he was almost knocked off. He told road.cc: "The cyclist then tells me the reason he did what he did is that I was in the “middle of the road”.  I respond that I was in a primary position; in fact looking back at the footage, I think I may even have been in a secondary one. I was certainly no distance from the kerb and had just overtaken someone else."

As another cyclist challenges the overtaking cyclist at the first set of lights, he shouts him down and then Mr Impey continues to remonstrate with him further up the road: "I try and point out to him that this is the kind of justification give by drivers who commit close passes, but he just keeps telling me to ‘“read the Highway Code”; although he has clearly forgotten to read the part about treating other road users with care and respect.  We continue to discuss the issue as we ride along - he goes on about my positioning, that he is a driver (not unique among cyclists I believe) and with me trying to make the point that I just want to get to work safely."

Mr Impey continued: "As a cyclist, I’m used to getting bullied by cars.  I’ve almost become inured to it.  For a cyclist to do this - and he was very close to causing an accident - I found shocking and depressing.  This is a dangerous stretch of road, without any kind of cycle infrastructure and often with (literally) heavy traffic.  I like to think that people on bikes are looking out for each other, not trying to cause each other harm."

Have you experienced any similar acts of aggression from other cyclists? 

25 November 2019, 11:39
Cyclist punishment pass on cyclist: your reactions
cycle close pass comments 1
cycle close pass comments 2
cycle close pass comments 4
cycle close pass comments 5

There appears to be universal condemnation of the 'punishment passing' cyclist in red from road.cc readers, with many noting that aggressive road users among us use all modes of transport. 

cycle close pass comments 3

There was also the observation that this kind of behaviour can occur on organised sportives... has it ever happened to you?

25 November 2019, 16:20
Not-so-pro bike handling skills

Tim Wellens and Thomas De Gendt of Lotto Soudal did an epic 1000km bikepacking adventure ride last year, and after some unfortunate hold-ups including a sickness bug for De Gendt and a broken bike for Wellens, the pair set off at the weekend for part 2. They've already shared some epic and very snowy scenery from the mountains of eastern and central Spain, and the latest update is this attempt at a 'shortcut' from Wellens. Here's De Gendt's steed for the adventure... 

25 November 2019, 15:41
Nikki and Matt Brammeier welcome healthy baby girl

Multiple British cyclocross champion Nikki announced the birth via her Twitter account today, accompanied by husband and fellow former pro cyclist Matt. 

25 November 2019, 15:33
Near the Newport/Cardiff area and have an old bike? Give it to this fella

Some more good news to brighten your Monday... this self-proclaimed cyclist who is getting "older and slower by the day" is offering to restore old children's bikes and give them away for free. PuffaJones says he's based in the Cardiff/Newport area - if you have anything to donate and can deliver, his Twitter account is linked above to get in touch. 

25 November 2019, 15:22
He really does like to ride his bicycle…
Brian May's Dave Arthur impersonation

We couldn’t help but notice that the flourishing tree in the background makes our very own Killer Queen David Arthur look like he’s rocking the hairstyle of legendary guitarist Brian May! The video in question sees the Fairlight Secan and Mason Bokeh gravel bikes pitched against one another… which one is the champion, and which will bite the dust? To find out, simply break free from this page and click the link here.

25 November 2019, 14:59
Great North Trail wins 'Sports Staycation of the Year' award
great north trail - via cycling uk

The 800-mile route from Derbyshire to Cape Wrath developed by Cycling UK has picked up its first award a little over two months after officially launching, picking up the gong at iNews’ National Staycation Awards.  

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns said, “At Cycling UK we’re passionate about both encouraging and enabling more people to enjoy the UK’s breathtaking countryside, so it’s great to see our Great North Trail recognised by the Staycation Awards.

“The off-road cycling community has been calling for joined up and long-distance routes, which is why Cycling UK developed and launched the Great North Trail. It’s an 800- mile trail from Derbyshire to the northern coasts of Scotland, connecting existing off-road routes with quiet lanes to create an iconic largely off-road route across some of northern England and Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.”

This is all despite Cycling UK admitting the route still "isn't perfect", and say there is an ongoing process in some areas of the trail to negotiate permissive access. This is to designate ideal sections as bridleways rather than footpaths to avoid any on-road sections for cyclists where possible. 

25 November 2019, 14:31
Teenager given new bike by Wallington Cycles after his was stolen

Your good news story of the day comes from the London Borough of Sutton, where a 13-year-old was given a new bike by a local shop after his was stolen from his garden.  

Daryll Barber's mother Faye told the Sutton and Croydon Advertiser that after sharing news of the theft on Facebook, she received for offers of new bikes for her son: "There really are some nice people around. Daryll decided on the bike from Wallington Cycles and was over the moon with it.

"You can't get him off the bike now."

Wallington Cycles owner Duncan Inglis commented: "We were just pleased to be able to help Darryl out with a new bike.

"This wasn't about how it made us feel, it was about restoring a young man's faith in the community."

 

 

25 November 2019, 13:19
Uber loses London licence

Not exactly cycling-related but of interest to London commuters/visitors no doubt - but Uber have been stripped of their licence to operate in London after Transport for London (TfL) said it has identified "a pattern of failures" and that Uber "is not fit and proper at this time".

Uber say the decision is "wrong" and intend to appeal it, as outlined above; we assume their cycle couriers delivering food under the Uber Eats brand and their Jump hire bikes are unaffected.

25 November 2019, 12:46
Seen it all now...

None of the weather protection of mudguards, and probably more expensive than mudguards... whatever floats your boat Mr Oliver Brookes, but thanks for sharing! 

25 November 2019, 15:54
Vittoria Bussi and Letizia Paternoster both hit by cars on the same day

Trek-Segafredo confirmed on Friday that Paternoster had suffered a fractured left wrist and a broken front tooth, while Hour Record holder Bussi was also hospitalised following a crash on the same day. The disappointing news comes as CCC rider Alessandro De Marchi has been calling for safer roads in Italy, while Bussi commented on her Twitter that "unforeseen events and pain are opportunities" after posting the above photo. 
 

 

25 November 2019, 11:16
Dave Brailsford smashes over 80km as he continues recovery from cancer surgery
dave brailsford strava 25th november

Brailsford revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year, and looks to be well on the way back to the very impressive levels of fitness he achieved last year through a combination of high torque riding and a low carb diet. After spending some time brisk walking and doing some light work on an exercise bike at the start of his recovery, he knocked out a ride of almost 82km in his native Derbyshire over the weekend... and the weather even played ball according to the description on his Strava file

25 November 2019, 11:04
Looks pretty quick to us PC Knellar
25 November 2019, 09:46
Team Ineos Chris Froome Pinarello Dogma F12 (picture credit SWPix.com (17)
Official word on Chris Froome going vegan

Team Ineos told us that he's not a vegan, but he's shifting towards a more plant-based diet.

Full story here.

25 November 2019, 16:59
Near Miss
Near Miss of the Day 338: Driver convicted of careless driving for close pass

A lot of people we hear from don't submit footage to police because they think it's a waste of time, but sometimes drivers are convicted based on cyclists' video evidence.

Full story here.

25 November 2019, 08:06
Cyclists, always jumping red lights

To be fair there is one in this clip, but he's vastly outnumbered...

Arriving at road.cc in 2017 via 220 Triathlon Magazine, Jack dipped his toe in most jobs on the site and over at eBikeTips before being named the new editor of road.cc in 2020, much to his surprise. His cycling life began during his students days, when he cobbled together a few hundred quid off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story) and bought his first road bike - a Trek 1.1 that was quickly relegated to winter steed, before it was sadly pinched a few years later. Creatively replacing it with a Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bike around local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive his preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story.  

Add new comment

34 comments

Avatar
EM69 | 4 years ago
2 likes

Come accross this on more than one occasion, earlier this year one guy took offence to us as a group catching and (while giving him plenty of room) passing him. Shouting abuse at us and accusing us of trying to run him off the road, I've seen the look he had on his face a thousand times on motorists. The society we live in today where everybody has to be somebody has created this, as cyclists we have enough issues riding on todays roads without being assholes to one another.

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crazy-legs | 4 years ago
3 likes

Oh you SO want that red jacketed rider to go straight into the back of a parked car don't you?! Why is there never an opening door just when you need one?

I'm not a cruel person really but come on, everyone on here is thinking the same!

Avatar
Simon E replied to crazy-legs | 4 years ago
1 like

crazy-legs wrote:

Oh you SO want that red jacketed rider to go straight into the back of a parked car don't you?! Why is there never an opening door just when you need one?

I'm not a cruel person really but come on, everyone on here is thinking the same!

No, I wouldn't wish harm on the cretin but I'd be relieved if he read all the comments and spent a little time reflecting on what a complete and utter knob he is (as well as how poor his knowledge of regarding road safety, positioning etc is).

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srchar | 4 years ago
3 likes

Oh how I was looking forward to that complete arse being doored off by the parked cars he was inches away from.

Have to say, I'd have found it difficult not to "accidentally" ride into his front wheel after what he did.

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PRSboy replied to srchar | 4 years ago
2 likes

srchar wrote:

Oh how I was looking forward to that complete arse being doored off by the parked cars he was inches away from.

Have to say, I'd have found it difficult not to "accidentally" ride into his front wheel after what he did.

I was hoping he might ride into the back of a parked car when he was holding forth... that would have been comedy gold.

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brooksby | 4 years ago
1 like

Mudguard tattoos?  Is that a real thing or is that a satirical photoshoppy thing??

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peted76 replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
2 likes

brooksby wrote:

Mudguard tattoos?  Is that a real thing or is that a satirical photoshoppy thing??

Maybe they are still saving up for the rest of the bike.

.

.

.

Maybe it's a hipster who's just ridden an AUDAX and wants to commemorate it.

Avatar
ktache | 4 years ago
4 likes

How bad must Uber have been 2 years ago?

Perhaps if they had attempted to get it a bit more right to start off with there might be less problems now.

But that is part of their disruptive business model.

Oh, and for the black cab drivers, don't forget John Warboys.

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ChrisB200SX | 4 years ago
0 likes

To the cyclist in red from Bell End, you were clearly in the wrong, everyone is telling you were in the wrong. Accept it, learn from it and cycle in a manner that doesn't put others at risk... otherwise, one day, you will probably find a bigger dickhead is going to do similar and teach you a painful lesson.

Avatar
EddyBerckx | 4 years ago
3 likes

It really doesn't take a lot to turn people against each other, does it?

 

The cyclist in red is an utter dick. He doesn't represent anyone but himself. It's wrong and utter bullshit to say blah blah blah lycra/middle aged/bradley wiggins wannabee/etc/so on are all the same and deserved to be executed.

 

I've had dickheads in chaingangs close pass me in spoirtive too - the vast majority don't. I've also had the slower riders nearly take me out because they couldn't be bothered looking over their shoulder before wildly swerving. The vast majority of bad riding I see is by utility cyclists in london...but that's because there are more of them and I don't judge all based of the actions of a minority.

 

No one group has more or less arrogant, dangerous dickheads in them...it's fairly evenly spread throughout society. Understand this and stop trying to blame 'groups'!!!

Avatar
Mungecrundle | 4 years ago
5 likes

We don't do victim blaming round here, but Mr Red cyclist isn't going to be a cyclist for long with those road skills.

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Awavey replied to Mungecrundle | 4 years ago
0 likes
Mungecrundle wrote:

We don't do victim blaming round here, but Mr Red cyclist isn't going to be a cyclist for long with those road skills.

I dont understand why he'd even choose to ride like that, so close to clipping those wing mirrors on the cars and the building boards, and the last time I saw someone flick their rear wheel across another cyclist like that when they passed closely,in a sportive fwiw though not deliberately in that case,both riders ended up on the deck and in considerable pain

Avatar
FluffyKittenofT... | 4 years ago
5 likes

  Not surprised the obnoxious cyclist mentioned he is 'a driver' - My suspicion is that is what determines his view of things, even when on two wheels.  A bit like the hit-and-run trolls who sometimes pop up on here.

It's a new form of 'vehicular cycling' - behave as if you were in a car, including abusing and endangering cyclists.

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CXR94Di2 | 4 years ago
11 likes

Cyclist in red, dickhead. You dont cut up others, ride in the gutter and slip by parked cars. The camera rider, was much much safer, holding a safe line away from solid objects

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joe9090 | 4 years ago
4 likes

The close-pass embankment video...
I left London 15 yrs ago before the full velo revolution occurred. Sad to say it didn’t pan out how I had hoped, and it seems to just be a bunfight of shouty male middle class white pricks on carbon, all going too fast - not 'cyclists'.

It's due in part to the overall national psyche - aggressive entitled preachy antagonist mamils (I do wear spandex also!) on a 'stroppy little island' to quote Albarn.

Compare with NL, where the cycling is indeed nirvana, but not beacuse of the 1000's of km's of extensive infrastructure but for the people - chilled, happy, riding around in normal clothes on normal bikes, at 25kmph or so, and having deep respect for each other and for not pissing each other off.

This video is a particularly bad example of current UK cycling. Imagine being a normal cyclist on a granny bike in regular clothes being caught up with those boneheads?
Having said that - the stretch of road in the video would have no parking for cars and a segregated 2-way cycle lane in NL.

 

Avatar
FluffyKittenofT... replied to joe9090 | 4 years ago
2 likes

joe9090 wrote:

The close-pass embankment video...
I left London 15 yrs ago before the full velo revolution occurred. Sad to say it didn’t pan out how I had hoped, and it seems to just be a bunfight of shouty male middle class white pricks on carbon, all going too fast - not 'cyclists'.

It's due in part to the overall national psyche - aggressive entitled preachy antagonist mamils (I do wear spandex also!) on a 'stroppy little island' to quote Albarn.

Compare with NL, where the cycling is indeed nirvana, but not beacuse of the 1000's of km's of extensive infrastructure but for the people - chilled, happy, riding around in normal clothes on normal bikes, at 25kmph or so, and having deep respect for each other and for not pissing each other off.

This video is a particularly bad example of current UK cycling. Imagine being a normal cyclist on a granny bike in regular clothes being caught up with those boneheads?
Having said that - the stretch of road in the video would have no parking for cars and a segregated 2-way cycle lane in NL.

 

 

I wonder if that's true (about the national psyche).  It is tempting to agree, given all the non-cycling-related supporting evidence.  But I think you wildly overestimate this 'full velo revolution' - it's just a couple of semi-decent bits of infrastructure, for the most part nothing has changed, cycle journyes are still a small share of total trips,  and cyclists are still a self-selected, unrepresentative minority group.  Conditions are_nothing_ like the Netherlands, so the demographic and culture is going to be nothing like it.

Avatar
alansmurphy replied to joe9090 | 4 years ago
4 likes

joe9090 wrote:

 

It's due in part to the overall national psyche - aggressive entitled preachy antagonist mamils (I do wear spandex also!) on a 'stroppy little island' to quote Albarn.

Compare with NL, where the cycling is indeed nirvana, but not beacuse of the 1000's of km's of extensive infrastructure but for the people - chilled, happy, riding around in normal clothes on normal bikes, at 25kmph or so, and having deep respect for each other and for not pissing each other off.

 

 

Disagree, that national psyche is antagonistic males, it's more widely associated with drivers than lycra. This tool was talking position and highway code from a position of authority whilst demonstrating piss poor cycling skills. Also why he tried to leg it. If he'd been in his car he'd have been window down and squashing the cyclist into the kerb!

 

Avatar
CyclingInBeastMode replied to joe9090 | 4 years ago
0 likes

joe9090 wrote:

The close-pass embankment video...
I left London 15 yrs ago before the full velo revolution occurred. Sad to say it didn’t pan out how I had hoped, and it seems to just be a bunfight of shouty male middle class white pricks on carbon, all going too fast - not 'cyclists'.

It's due in part to the overall national psyche - aggressive entitled preachy antagonist mamils (I do wear spandex also!) on a 'stroppy little island' to quote Albarn.

Compare with NL, where the cycling is indeed nirvana, but not beacuse of the 1000's of km's of extensive infrastructure but for the people - chilled, happy, riding around in normal clothes on normal bikes, at 25kmph or so, and having deep respect for each other and for not pissing each other off.

This video is a particularly bad example of current UK cycling. Imagine being a normal cyclist on a granny bike in regular clothes being caught up with those boneheads?
Having said that - the stretch of road in the video would have no parking for cars and a segregated 2-way cycle lane in NL.

Using NL to compare is wrong, (and 25km/h is massively out, average speeds are around 10-12mph IME) for one there's a hell of a lot fewer younger males commute cycling in NL for one thing, particularly on the roads, a large % drive cars or get trains (driving has increased in the last  9 years in NL by the same amount that cycling km have in % terms and cycling modal share remains static).

They also don't have to cycle in large shitty cities like London that tend to put people on edge/grumpy, or in fact most other cities in the UK, their conurbations are much smaller generally compared to the UK, that happens when your population is 1/5 and is spread about.

That said there are some riders in the modern era of cycling that seem to have the moton attitude as mentioned above, just MGIF all round, crappy spatial awareness and the language used by the guy in red is just oh so typical of the tin canners, there's a ton of space and yet it's just him that can't manage AND there's a fecking red light ahead to boot!

It's rare but it does happen and whilst it's a bad example it's not that common on the commute thankfully but far more common on sportives/charity rides!

Avatar
iandusud | 4 years ago
6 likes

I love the way he TELLS the other cyclist "don't get involved". That is bullying behavior just as was his close pass. Unfortunately this is not news - there are dicks that ride bikes, sadly. 

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jacko645 | 4 years ago
0 likes

That guy is wearing earphones too, surely it can't just be me that thinks earphones in traffic is a stupid idea?

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brooksby | 4 years ago
2 likes

On the traffic lights clip - how long do you wait before deciding that a set of lights aren't working properly?

Example: there're some temporary lights on my way in (building site works), and I was waiting with about four other cyclists at the front.  The lights were red.  The lights stayed red.  Eventually, the motorists behind us started hooting horns - you know, I think they actually wanted us to RLJ!

Avatar
PRSboy replied to brooksby | 4 years ago
4 likes

brooksby wrote:

On the traffic lights clip - how long do you wait before deciding that a set of lights aren't working properly?

Example: there're some temporary lights on my way in (building site works), and I was waiting with about four other cyclists at the front.  The lights were red.  The lights stayed red.  Eventually, the motorists behind us started hooting horns - you know, I think they actually wanted us to RLJ!

I reckon two full phases of other changes is enough, assuming only yours stays red.*

On occasions I've been at junctions where lights have failed, its interesting how well everyone gets on and negotiates it fairly.

*edit to add this is not official HC advice!

Avatar
quiff replied to PRSboy | 4 years ago
0 likes

PRSboy wrote:

brooksby wrote:

On the traffic lights clip - how long do you wait before deciding that a set of lights aren't working properly?

Example: there're some temporary lights on my way in (building site works), and I was waiting with about four other cyclists at the front.  The lights were red.  The lights stayed red.  Eventually, the motorists behind us started hooting horns - you know, I think they actually wanted us to RLJ!

I reckon two full phases of other changes is enough, assuming only yours stays red.*

On occasions I've been at junctions where lights have failed, its interesting how well everyone gets on and negotiates it fairly.

*edit to add this is not official HC advice!

The recent redevelopment of Highbury Corner (that there London) included "advanced traffic signal technology to allow us to better manage traffic depending on differing conditions at any given time". I don't know how 'advanced' or widespread this is, but if we do have systems which adapt in real time to improve traffic flow according to demand, then it's not inconceivable that traffic at a minor arm of a junction might be forced to wait for two or more cycles before moving. At Highbury Corner at some times the segregated cycle traffic can wait up to about 2 mins for a green phase, with little or no conflicting traffic actually passing. It's quite noticeable that over about a minute's wait, people get impatient and proceed on red.

Avatar
alansmurphy | 4 years ago
7 likes

He won't be around long to offer his advice, absolute shite road craft in the door zone and brushing the boards of the building development.

 

Also loved his attempts to escape, he was blowing out of his arse!

Avatar
Legin | 4 years ago
4 likes

That cyclist from Bell End likes riding in the door zone doesn't he? Shame Mr Impey didn't run him in to the back of the parked cars he was avoiding at the last minute.

Avatar
Bmblbzzz replied to Legin | 4 years ago
2 likes

Legin wrote:

That cyclist from Bell End likes riding in the door zone doesn't he? Shame Mr Impey didn't run him in to the back of the parked cars he was avoiding at the last minute.

It would have been tempting. But... some people are full of self-righteous nastiness (almost all of us, occasionally) and they don't cancel each other out. 

Avatar
Legin replied to Bmblbzzz | 4 years ago
2 likes

Bmblbzzz wrote:

Legin wrote:

That cyclist from Bell End likes riding in the door zone doesn't he? Shame Mr Impey didn't run him in to the back of the parked cars he was avoiding at the last minute.

It would have been tempting. But... some people are full of self-righteous nastiness (almost all of us, occasionally) and they don't cancel each other out. 

You are quite correct; I blame it on too much time at cycle speedway when I was a kid! If in doubt stick em in to the fence was the general rule  1

Avatar
Bmblbzzz replied to Legin | 4 years ago
1 like

Legin wrote:

Bmblbzzz wrote:

Legin wrote:

That cyclist from Bell End likes riding in the door zone doesn't he? Shame Mr Impey didn't run him in to the back of the parked cars he was avoiding at the last minute.

It would have been tempting. But... some people are full of self-righteous nastiness (almost all of us, occasionally) and they don't cancel each other out. 

You are quite correct; I blame it on too much time at cycle speedway when I was a kid! If in doubt stick em in to the fence was the general rule  1

Ah, that's racing, which is like love and war.  3

Avatar
OldRidgeback replied to Legin | 4 years ago
1 like

Legin wrote:

Bmblbzzz wrote:

Legin wrote:

That cyclist from Bell End likes riding in the door zone doesn't he? Shame Mr Impey didn't run him in to the back of the parked cars he was avoiding at the last minute.

It would have been tempting. But... some people are full of self-righteous nastiness (almost all of us, occasionally) and they don't cancel each other out. 

You are quite correct; I blame it on too much time at cycle speedway when I was a kid! If in doubt stick em in to the fence was the general rule  1

As a BMXer I'm used to taking the line, although this can mean someone else has to either back off or go over the berm at times!

Avatar
Legin replied to OldRidgeback | 4 years ago
0 likes

OldRidgeback wrote:

Legin wrote:

Bmblbzzz wrote:

Legin wrote:

That cyclist from Bell End likes riding in the door zone doesn't he? Shame Mr Impey didn't run him in to the back of the parked cars he was avoiding at the last minute.

It would have been tempting. But... some people are full of self-righteous nastiness (almost all of us, occasionally) and they don't cancel each other out. 

You are quite correct; I blame it on too much time at cycle speedway when I was a kid! If in doubt stick em in to the fence was the general rule  1

As a BMXer I'm used to taking the line, although this can mean someone else has to either back off or go over the berm at times!

Seems fair to me; if they didn't like the outcome they shouldn't have been there in the first place  1

Reminds me of when I rode across tram lines in the Berlin Velothon; downhill, it was wet and I had to turn immediately sharp left on crossing the lines; call me cautious but leaning across tram lines in the wet usually means one result. The two quicker than me bell ends who thought they could get round me on that turn ended up dodging pedestrians on the pavement..... feck em  1

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