Search found 304 matches

by charliepolecat
12 Sep 2019, 9:04pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind
Replies: 83
Views: 4170

Re: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind

I give the warning. It stops the rider in front, often unaware of your presence, getting a fright as you pass them which could break their concentration and give them a fright.


There is a broad measure of opinion born from experience that actually giving out the warning does quite the opposite. Have you ever noticed when you do call out to less experienced riders that their natural response is to turn their heads to look around thereby causing them to swerve into your riding line? The correct and safe riding style however always requires of the rider to ride in a safe and courteous manner conditional upon the conditions and always to be expecting the unexpected.
by charliepolecat
12 Sep 2019, 8:33pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind
Replies: 83
Views: 4170

Re: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind

My view is you shouldn't be calling out at all,


It's a misnomer to believe that calling out is merely to inform other cyclists on the road/trail that you are coming, it is in fact to tell the other cyclist to 'hold their line' so as not to veer into you.
by charliepolecat
12 Sep 2019, 8:09pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind
Replies: 83
Views: 4170

Re: People shouting 'left' 'right' etc on a cylce path whilst approaching from behind

In the US it was common practice for cyclists on shared use facilities and during organised events to say to joggers, pedestrians, or slower cyclists, 'on your left/right' or 'passing on your left/right',

"On your left" is pretty common practice throughout the US - with some variations.

Two things about the practice in the US,though... 1) many shared use facilities in the US have signs asking pedestrians and joggers to keep to the left, and cyclists to keep to the right, except when overtaking


I've never seen signs like that. Everyone - walkers, runners, cyclists - understands the need to stay to the right. What you will sometimes see is a sign saying cycle no more than 10 MPH when passing pedestrians - and which everyone ignores.
by charliepolecat
11 Sep 2019, 11:00pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: A cyclist and real justice
Replies: 27
Views: 2172

Re: A cyclist and real justice

the judge is a weak kneed bag of @@@@ and the CPS are their usual load of poop!


From my observations and read opinions, that seems to be the general view throughout Britain.
by charliepolecat
11 Sep 2019, 10:04pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Trans Asia tour (organised)
Replies: 6
Views: 686

Re: Trans Asia tour (organised)

Simple: Go to Moscow, throw stones at Lenin's Tomb, get arrested, be sent to a gulag in far east Siberia, escape, borrow a yak, get to the Bering Sea, cross when the ice is hard, and once you are in Alaska you'll be ready to ride across North America. No sweat.
by charliepolecat
11 Sep 2019, 9:58pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Deloitte Ride Across Britain ( 2011 - ongoing )
Replies: 107
Views: 39423

Re: Deloitte Ride Across Britain ( 2011 - ongoing )

Here it is:

ORGANISERS of the annual Deloitte cycle ride have apologised for the lack of respect shown at John O'Groats during the completion of previous events.

The apology follows the recent decision by two local busniesses – Stacks Coffee House and Bistro, and Flavours, the ice cream and confectionery shop – to close their doors this weekend when the event is due to finish at the end-of-the-road site in protest at Deloitte's previous use of the facilities.

Complaints were made about the "consistently aggressive and rude attitude" of management and security staff, as well as litter left behind every year by some of those involved in the 980-mile charity cycle challenge which is due to conclude in John O'Groats on Sunday.

More than 1000 cyclists set off from Land's End on Saturday, September 7, on the Deloitte Ride Across Britain cycling challenge.

The end-to-end route is made up of nine stages over as many days and sees cyclists ride over 100 miles each day.
Deloitte Ride Across Britain cyclists celebrate after one of the events.
Deloitte Ride Across Britain cyclists celebrate after one of the events.

Karen Hannaford, head of event organiser Threshold Event Operations, said: "Threshold apologises profusely and we are ensuring all riders and crew members are briefed thoroughly about not leaving litter, and being respectful to the local area and community."

Threshold has contacted Stacks and will speak to Teresa Wymer, one of the owners, after this year's event is finished so that she can talk through the issues and work on a solution for next year.

Ms Hannaford said: "Although we will still be using the car park for coaches, we will try to move the bike packing and bike packing vehicles round the back. However, we cannot promise this at this stage. We have also offered to pay for all use of the car park."

In a post on Facebook, Stacks owners Teresa and Rebecca Wymer have put up a notice about their protest and planned closure – in unison with Flavours – and the reasons behind it.

They stated: "The charity aspect of this event is admirable, however the general lack of respect towards our little town and its community during finishing day has forced us to take action.

"After years of feeding this back to Deloitte it has fallen on deaf ears."

As well as the "consistently aggressive and rude attitude of management and security staff" and littering, the business owners point out that the complete takeover of the car park blocks access for "loyal locals" and visitors.

They also state: "Three years running event partakers have used local businesses as bus waiting rooms. We wouldn’t mind this, of course, if they were to put back into our economy.

"However, here at Stacks we have seen time and time again, cyclists buying one bottle of water between several customers and then taking out their own snacks and food to eat – using our supplies and space. Obviously, this does not apply to all, but unfortunately in our case the majority."

They conclude: "This has all been relayed to Deloitte every year we have been trading – yet no change has come about. Therefore, we will be shut on September 15.

"We wish them the very best of luck with their cycle and live in hope that Deloitte decide to change their attitude."

On Sunday the cyclists will set off on the last leg of their journey which will take them from the Kyle of Sutherland up to Lairg, through Strathnaver and on to Bettyhill and Thurso as they make their way to John O'Groats.
by charliepolecat
11 Sep 2019, 2:51pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Deloitte Ride Across Britain ( 2011 - ongoing )
Replies: 107
Views: 39423

Re: Deloitte Ride Across Britain ( 2011 - ongoing )

A thousand cyclist? That's a bit much for any community, maybe the organisers should cut back the numbers in order to present a more welcoming stance.
by charliepolecat
10 Sep 2019, 2:44pm
Forum: Health and fitness
Topic: Acute Hip Pain
Replies: 10
Views: 1067

Re: Acute Hip Pain

Speculation and internet diagnosis won't get you anywhere.Best see your GP, get an X-ray and go on from there.


Best advice!
by charliepolecat
10 Sep 2019, 2:34pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Not all cyclists are perfect! (head butt pedestrian)
Replies: 38
Views: 2721

Re: Not all cyclists are perfect! (head butt pedestrian)

The bloke is a violent nutter and needs taking off the streets, regardless of his chosen mode of transport at the time of the offence.


Yes indeed.
by charliepolecat
9 Sep 2019, 5:26pm
Forum: Health and fitness
Topic: Hot weather fluid consumption
Replies: 12
Views: 923

Re: Hot weather fluid consumption

It is not possible for the body to absorb the amount of water we take in during hot rides no matter our cravings. The result is a bloated stomach and still a fluid deficiency. We all have differing metabolic absorption rates - some sweat more than others - and only trial and error can help us decide how to manage the issue.

A 40 mile ride a day ago in 100 degree heat resulted in me weighing 2 pounds less than at the start even after taking in about 3 - 24 ounce bottles during the ride. Bonking is part and parcel of riding in extreme conditions and we learn how to cope - or stay home.
by charliepolecat
9 Sep 2019, 4:49pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lisbon to Paris
Replies: 5
Views: 953

Re: Lisbon to Paris

Just about 1,375 miles then. Worth a look. Thanks.
by charliepolecat
9 Sep 2019, 2:24pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lisbon to Paris
Replies: 5
Views: 953

Re: Lisbon to Paris

Thanks for that. It's a long way then? :roll:
by charliepolecat
6 Sep 2019, 3:43pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lisbon to Paris
Replies: 5
Views: 953

Lisbon to Paris

Is there any such thing as a fast but safe route (tip of the hat to Mick F) from Lisbon to Paris?
by charliepolecat
4 Sep 2019, 11:23pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: accomodation without booking
Replies: 15
Views: 2226

Re: accomodation without booking

I'd just like to add: There was never a day when I did not look forward to a comfortable bed with a warm shower already pre-booked. I would have hated to have to search around for somewhere to sleep or settle down in a field, or campsite when I was as tired as I could possibly be at the end of each day.

Seeing the hotel or GH ahead knowing I had a room waiting lifted my spirits. It is so much nicer if planning on 100 mile + days having accommodation already booked.
by charliepolecat
1 Sep 2019, 10:46pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: LeJog on the NCN | Leaving in September | Is there ANYTHING else that I should know?
Replies: 42
Views: 7794

Re: LeJog on the NCN | Leaving in September | Is there ANYTHING else that I should know?

Just setup a JustGiving page so if any of you would like to donate then please feel free.

What?! Everyone else on here pays their own way, why do you think you deserve charity? There's too much of this going on - "I want to have a good time and I want you to pay for it". Crikey!