Search found 683 matches

by dodger
13 Nov 2020, 10:04pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Boris's Brain is missing
Replies: 3961
Views: 207233

Re: Boris's Brain is missing

I just like the sound of "Cummings and Goings", especially the latter. GOODBYEE - you won't be missed.
by dodger
4 Aug 2020, 8:31pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: COURTESY DAY
Replies: 0
Views: 314

COURTESY DAY

Had a regular trip through the lanes/B roads to Looe and back this morning.
Obviously busy. Looe is a big attraction for tourists. I often have a moan about the attitude of drivers but today was the most couteous day I've had for a long time.
Cars holding back and waiting and not then racing by. Cars passing considerately. Cars and vans waiting for me a passing places in the narrower lanes.
It helps to make up for those days when everyone seems to be mad.
I met a massive tractor completely filling the lane and he smiled and shouted out "Sorry", because reversing was not an option for him. He waved his thanks when I rode back 40 metres or so.
I stopped a couple of times to let waiting drivers pass and had cheery waves in each case. Sooo pleasant.
Must remember not to get complacent!!
by dodger
28 Jul 2020, 9:08pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock
Replies: 30
Views: 1227

Re: tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock

Hate hate hate ticking clocks, ticking our lives away. Particularly as I've got much older and there's much less time left.
by dodger
28 Jul 2020, 9:04pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: heat, haircut & hat - warning!
Replies: 21
Views: 1121

Re: heat, haircut & hat - warning!

Redvee wrote:Was out in London Thursday with only a pair of sunglasses for protection and my head today was a little tender, luckily I've got some aftersun cream in the bathroom cabinet so rubbed that in today.

I'd have been worried about the rest of me getting burnt with only sunglasses on, not to mention the expectation of arrest!
by dodger
28 Jul 2020, 8:59pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Pointless gesture - or simple genius?
Replies: 24
Views: 1135

Re: Pointless gesture - or simple genius?

The sad fact about bikes languishing in sheds and garages is that people who try to go cycling or get back to it are put off by the perception (and reality) of danger on the roads.
Unless motorists are forced to accept that cyclists have an equal right to be on the roads through legislation (such as presumption that in a collision, the motor vehicle must prove they are not culpable) then there will be many more bikes sitting idle.
During lockdown cycling on roads was far more pleasurable than now so I guess our virgin and returned cyclists will by now be reverting to cars, and who can blame them?
I've been cycling for 60 years and am unhappy to be on many roads even here in supposedly sleepy Cornwall. As a youngster I used to cycle all over on all roads without fear, but now I plan journeys carefully to avoid traffic as much as possible. It could be that I've just grown more cautious with experience.
So if tubby BoJo wants us back on our bikes the government must legislate to introduce ways of making cycling safer.
by dodger
8 Jul 2020, 8:59pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Are you going to the pub?
Replies: 13
Views: 450

Re: Are you going to the pub?

Imagine if Mick F is a super-spreader without knowing it! - He will single-handedly have created his own pandemic in S E Cornwall.
There is no way I'm entering a pub until I'm satisfied there is no more risk.
by dodger
3 Jul 2020, 4:06pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Lockdown Nostalgia
Replies: 23
Views: 2067

Re: Lockdown Nostalgia

Oh dear. Estimated 80,000 tourists on their way here (Cornwall) this weekend.
After a brief excursion on two A and two B roads today I'm going to stick to the country lanes. Lots of traffic and lots of speed on the As and Bs and even when they stick to the speed limit and give a metre clearance, it's frightening.
In fairness, it's not just the tourists. There are two main problems. Tourists are afraid to get close to the hedges, especially with them being rather overgrown at present, and locals drive too fast in the lanes because they are used to them being relatively quiet.
Think I'll have to take up off-road biking.
by dodger
1 Jul 2020, 8:36am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Touring food
Replies: 72
Views: 3829

Re: Touring food

I carry 2 expedition meal-in-a-bag sachets that just need boiling water, but only for emergencies. Ditto a supply of "trail mix" because it's high in calories per weight. Quick cook porage/porridge is good for lasting energy but nothing beats freshly cooked fish and chips or a real cornish pasty.
Tins are too heavy, unless using them soon. Individual coffee sachets or coffee bags are handy.
I have tried not carrying a stove and pans, just cold food and whatever I can buy on the day and it certainly saves on weight. It costs more and is less attractive in sparsely populated areas, but it is my preference.
by dodger
1 Jul 2020, 8:25am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Post-Covid-19: Could some ferry operators ban cyclists?
Replies: 68
Views: 5050

Re: Post-Covid-19: Could some ferry operators ban cyclists?

There is no logic to Brittany Ferries treatment of cyclists. I think they are such a small part of their business that they can't be too bothered with them.
I've traveled on BF many times by bike or car and loading a bike is quick and easy. Cyclists carry low food supplies and eat and drink plenty on board.
Bikes are usually tied up in corners where vehicles can't fit, so no space issues.
Pricing has no relationship to how busy they are and, last time I checked, it was cheaper to load a car with 4 bikes on the Plymouth to Santander ferry than 4 cyclists without cars. BF were unable to justify it when I queried it.
BF protest their green credentials but it's all hot air when it comes to bikes, which, for a professed cycling nation, is hypocritical.
That said, their staff and ships are great and they are very handy for me, albeit expensive, so are my first choice for Brittany and western France. Otherwise I travel Newhaven to Dieppe for a lot less less than half BF prices, and still save, even with increased fuel cost.
by dodger
19 Jun 2020, 3:10pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: To the lighthouse – one of the UK’s toughest bike rides
Replies: 37
Views: 1831

Re: To the lighthouse – one of the UK’s toughest bike rides

The only reason I'd like to visit Cape Wrath is to make it the end point of a ride from Cape Cornwall, as an alternative to LEJOG.
I guess much of the route would be the same, but, if JOG is as touristy as Lands End, I wouldn't want to go there anyway.
by dodger
19 Jun 2020, 3:06pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Average speeds for women
Replies: 20
Views: 2162

Re: Average speeds for women

"Quite respectable" is an understatement. I generally average about 10 mph, although if you know the Cornish terrain, you'd understand why.
I used to watch my cycle computer and worry over speed, but then I realised I wasn't enjoying the ride. Now I've junked the computer and just cycle at a pace where I can look around.
by dodger
18 Jun 2020, 2:18pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Lockdown Nostalgia
Replies: 23
Views: 2067

Re: Lockdown Nostalgia

Out at 8.00ish for a circular ride to Whitsands. Mainly lanes but small sections of larger roads.
Another increase in traffic numbers, but I guess there are more people off to work or school.
Generally considerate drivers but I've noticed that, in addition to Audi, BMW and Merc drivers, there are a fair number of VW or similar vans of the size that surfers use that are driven fast and too close.
So I think, on reflection, that my nostalgia isn't for the early lockdown, but for those far off days in the 60s, when cycling was (or seems to have been) quieter and safer.
Perhaps it's rose-tinted specs, but I can recall cycling happily on my old Raleigh 3 speed to Tavistock or up the A38 to Totnes and not having any problems with traffic.
by dodger
12 Jun 2020, 9:28pm
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Little Britain.
Replies: 47
Views: 1687

Re: Little Britain.

"Losing" Little Britain is no real loss. There were some funny bits, but overall it was a cruel programme, and made worse by the seeming delight of the 2 main players.
I shed no tears for this and many other older racist, sexist and stereotyping shows. Good Riddance.
by dodger
9 Jun 2020, 4:42pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Lockdown Nostalgia
Replies: 23
Views: 2067

Re: Lockdown Nostalgia

Caught part of a police interview yesterday which, I think, basically said there had been a marked increase in accidents in the preceding couple of weeks in Devon and Cornwall, which they attributed to speeding since the relaxation on travelling.
Not surprised.
Off the roads, I've seen a huge increase during lockdown in cyclists and joggers/walkers using the Plym Valley trail from Plymouth out to the edge of Dartmoor.
Great to see lots of youngsters as little as 3 years old on bikes with parents, and, although it means a slower pace and no riding 2 abreast, it's worth it to see the obvious enjoyment.
One of the attractions of this route is that it's tarmacked. Last week a trip along the Camel Trail was very bumpy. It was a pleasure to exit the trail and ride the lanes to St Breward and Blisland. Pity the pubs are still closed in St Breward, Blisland and at Dunmere Bridge car park, but at least the cafe at Wenford Bridge is open at weekends for takeaways.
by dodger
7 Jun 2020, 4:36pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Lockdown Nostalgia
Replies: 23
Views: 2067

Re: Lockdown Nostalgia

Went out again today to Looe in S E Cornwall.
Definitely busier, although not with the tourists normal at this time of the year. Lots of locals glad to get out, despite the temperature and impending rain.
Again, mainly considerate drivers, but just more of 'em.
The town was busier and thankfully, was able to get a takeaway coffee and Martins pasty.
I hate to think what it will be like once the restriction on holidays is lifted. All the signs are that it will be a bumper staycation year, as people shun crowded planes and opt for closer-to-home holidays.
Think I might avoid all roads except the back lanes!