Hello Again

happy_acid_face

Hi (again) all,

You probably don't remember but I posted up here a good few months back along with the many others who were, and still are, looking for advise on a new bike using the bike to work scheme. Well after waiting a fair few months for Trek to land their bikes in the country my bike arrived last Thursday and am now happy to say that I have been cycling to and from work every day so far this week (Killester to Cabinteely) without any major problems. The bike I ordered is going perfect for me (Trek 1.5 Road). I'm pretty sure you guys helped me with the decision so I just wanted to say thanks.

So what have I noticed so far? Irish roads have not improved at all since I last cycled about 8 years ago (There is a pot hole just after the Merrion Gates coming from the coast that has been there since I can remember). Drivers are just as crazy as when I left and I have nearly been knocked down twice out of the three days I have cycled at the roundabout outside The Point (or 02 these days). I had originally feared the the 40ft trucks but now I realize its not the trucks you have to look out for, its the motorists that will stop at nothing to get out in front of them! Also, whats the story with pedestrians just casually strolling out in front of you????

Anyway, just thought I'd stop by and say hello!

Peter

Hello! Last few days have just felt great being on the bike, even though it's cold I have still noticed plenty of people out.

Just on the roundabout at the point, are you taking an assertive road position in the middle of the lane you're in? Or is the problem people pulling out in front of you?

abcdggs

Glad to hear you're enjoying it, keep it up!

happy_acid_face

I've been correct alright, it was cars pulling out in front of me. Both times I have had a big wheeler behind me and both times I swear I could almost see the fear in the drivers face when they realized they could be caught behind it. The first time a security van pulled out and I had to slow down fairly abruptly. As I focused on the van that was now about 6 - 8 feet ahead of me another car came flying up my inside. It stopped me dead in my tracks which meant I nearly fell over as I'm still trying to get used to the cleats.

Weather has been really great though, nice and brisk!

Lumen

happy_acid_face wrote: »

Also, whats the story with pedestrians just casually strolling out in front of you????

Careful, they have an advocacy group now.

CheGuedara

Lumen wrote: »

Careful, they have an advocacy group now.

and a video game...

Jawgap

That's a pretty decent commute - well done and continued happy cycling - it'll only get better as the weather improves.

I think the artics are fine as long as you give them the respect 30+ tonnes of road vehicle deserves and stay out from the inside of them- I tend to be more worried about dumper trucks (poorly trained drivers) and vans (always in a hurry) but common sense goes along way to keeping you safe.

On the roundabout thing, I'd echo what others have said - as counter-intuitive as it seems you have to be assertive (not aggressive) in your positioning approaching and navigating them.

Limestone1

Is that the pothole on the slipway just after the Merrion gates before you merge onto the Rock road ? In fairness, they have actually repaired it a few times but the recent weather has opened it up again.
What I find more annoying is the state of the Rock Road itself considering it has been resurfaced not that long ago.

blorg

Jawgap wrote: »

I tend to be more worried about dumper trucks (poorly trained drivers)

+1 on that, they seem to need no training whatsoever. Construction trucks (dumper trucks and cement mixers) are far and away the worst for sideswiping you in my experience.

Blowfish

Limestone1 wrote: »

Is that the pothole on the slipway just after the Merrion gates before you merge onto the Rock road ? In fairness, they have actually repaired it a few times but the recent weather has opened it up again.
What I find more annoying is the state of the Rock Road itself considering it has been resurfaced not that long ago.

It's been open long before the recent ice/snow though. It's definitely one you need to keep an eye out for, especially when it's wet as it get hidden below a puddle.

briano

happy_acid_face wrote: »

...I had originally feared the the 40ft trucks but now I realize its not the trucks you have to look out for, its the motorists that will stop at nothing to get out in front of them! ...

Yeah, still keep an eye on those trucks, especially when they are leaving the docks onto the road by the point (refuse to call it the O2), they tend to be only just arrived in the country, texting, tired, etc etc.

It's a good commute though, no doubt I'll see you for some commuter racing!