Fans rip into Jumbo-Visma for Pogačar "on his knees" radio advice that aged terribly; "I should say cars, but actually I think it might be bicycles": James May answers favourite vehicle question + more on the live blog

mattw wrote:

I can never read any articles on E-Bike Tips - it says "unable to handle".

Anybody else?

You misunderstand the message sir.  It's the AI department of Road.cc who have decided, in their synthetic wisdom, that you are unable to handle an e-bike.  You might think it a compliment.

Perhaps if they paid attention to their surroundings, and not their phones, I doubt it weould be a problem.

brooksby wrote:

Remember all that fuss a few weeks ago about a new cycle lane which people kept tripping over?

Well, now They're 'aving a go at the blind!

https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/06/wolverhampton-kerb-built-for-the-blind-is...

Quote:

One shopper said: ‘It’s crazy. I came out the Mander shopping centre with a few bags, I crossed the road and almost went flat on my face when I didn’t see the kerb.

‘There is a white line but it’s so close to the new cycle and pedestrian markings you can barely see it. I’ve seen lots of people almost come a cropper over it.’

Another said: ‘The council seem to have put something in to help blind people but created a trip hazard for everyone else.

Is it really that difficult to have a raised kerb that is easily visible?

On the one hand, I want people to look where they are going most of the time, but on the other hand, we shouldn't be putting trip hazards around the place. On balance though, I think we should err on the side of trip hazards if only to wake up the phone zombies.

But isn't it all about having it on in the background?

We shouldn't see it as amazing, but I only have to think back a couple of years to know I would have seen 25 miles as amazing.

A lot of people wouldn't consider walking a mile, so I think that if they see a "normal" person doing "amazing" distances, they might be more inclined to think "hey - I could give that a go"

Steve K wrote:

The only depressing thing in that clip is the response to him saying he's done 25 miles today (gasps and "That's amazing").  We really shouldn't see that as amazing - it's perfectly do-able by a normal, healthy, middle-aged person.

I rarely have time to do any recreational cycling: practically all of my cycling is commuting or going to the shops.  My commute is 6-9 miles each way (depending on which route I take).  I frequently have someone say to me, "You cycle six miles?  But that's such a long way!".

So I can understand why 'civilians' might think that a twenty five mile ride is incredible.

brooksby wrote:

Steve K wrote:

The only depressing thing in that clip is the response to him saying he's done 25 miles today (gasps and "That's amazing").  We really shouldn't see that as amazing - it's perfectly do-able by a normal, healthy, middle-aged person.

I rarely have time to do any recreational cycling: practically all of my cycling is commuting or going to the shops.  My commute is 6-9 miles each way (depending on which route I take).  I frequently have someone say to me, "You cycle six miles?  But that's such a long way!".

So I can understand why 'civilians' might think that a twenty five mile ride is incredible.

I agree with both you and HoldingOn - I meant it's depressing that cycling a few miles is seen as such a feat.

Steve K wrote:

I agree with both you and HoldingOn - I meant it's depressing that cycling a few miles is seen as such a feat.

Amen to that.

I must admit, I was surprised at just how far you can cycle without requiring a massive amount of fitness (I don't mean "you" as in specifically you Steve K - I mean the general "you"!)

I think the mass-cycling videos that I enjoy are brilliant because there are so many different types of people out cycling. It starts to show people that you really only need a bike to be able to get out and cycle a few miles. I would estimate if you can slow walk for ten minutes, you will be able to cycle for 30 minutes - but that 30 minutes could take you 5 miles. Even more so with an eBike. (the mass element of it, shows them they wouldn't be alone)

We just need "normal" people to see that kind of cycling. Make them aware its well within their reach!

HoldingOn wrote:

I must admit, I was surprised at just how far you can cycle without requiring a massive amount of fitness (I don't mean "you" as in specifically you Steve K - I mean the general "you"!)

I think the mass-cycling videos that I enjoy are brilliant because there are so many different types of people out cycling. It starts to show people that you really only need a bike to be able to get out and cycle a few miles. I would estimate if you can slow walk for ten minutes, you will be able to cycle for 30 minutes - but that 30 minutes could take you 5 miles. Even more so with an eBike. (the mass element of it, shows them they wouldn't be alone)

We just need "normal" people to see that kind of cycling. Make them aware its well within their reach!

I was definitely not very fit when I started commuting 11 miles each way to work (admittedly pretty flat miles - hills make much more difference than distance per se).  I agree with everything you say, with the proviso of my normal complaint about not being in the videos.

Years ago I would have been in that camp of amazement.

Now, if I just cycle to the train station it's just under 6 miles. If I use the Brompton to take with me and avoid the underground, it's another 6+ miles across London to work. So total for the day of 20+ miles. I like to point out to people that this is achievable with a bit of effort. I'm not super fit, I'm still overweight and in my forties.

Steve K wrote:

The only depressing thing in that clip is the response to him saying he's done 25 miles today (gasps and "That's amazing").  We really shouldn't see that as amazing - it's perfectly do-able by a normal, healthy, middle-aged person.

Some folk are so dependent on their cars that to even walk 1mile is a challenge. My work colleagues considered a 5 mile commute by bike an ultra challenge. I spent forever trying to convince one that the 1mile for him was doable and it wouldn't turn him into a sweaty mess and the only reason I wore lycra was because I took a twenty mile plus loop home. The same individual bemoaned the fact he was overweight and had a gym membership that he never used because he was always too tired. Tried to explain that the exercise would sort out the tiredness. He's still driving and has now bought a wankpantzer. 🙄

I used to work with someone who drove 2.5miles to work everyday, and then had a gym membership, the gym was only a mile from their house and they also drove to that too, and theyd ride a static exercise bike to keep fit.

they werent the only one I just gave up trying to convince people that a 1mile bike ride wont make you so hot and sweaty that you need a shower afterwards, and it only takes minutes and you could wear normal clothes if you needed etc etc, because there was always another excuse they had that meant they couldnt possibly consider it a valid option