thedonal
09-05-07, 06:23 PM
....and 2 near misses!
Well- last day of my long weekend and decided, despite the portent of rain this afternoon, to go for a spin and not sit around the flat with the doldrums (ie psyching myself up to being back in the office, under the workload again).
Did a nice run-to Newlands for a cuppa and one of those fine bacon rolls that they purvey, then south off the A25 to Cranleigh and through to Horsham.
On the way out of Horsham, got to a huge roundabout, onto it, up to second gear, started accelerating and leaning, then the back went nuts- a foot went down on the floor and the back skittered around more- I though "She's gonna go!" but didn't have much time for fear before I got myself upright and away. I laughed at a lucky escape on the way up and for the sheer joy of the edgier side of life but it was another lesson.
It was very wet today so I'm thinking I just went a bit to far and leaned over too much. It may have been diesel or oil on the road I s'pose, but I was on the inside lane, so less likely from a spilt diesel perspective. I was far more careful after that and all was good. Stopped at Rykers for a quick, tiny coffee to warm the hands up a bit and stretch the legs then off to see Ma and Pa.
Finally, just getting into King Charles Road when a c**t in a BMW overtakes (ie comes roaring out onto my side of the road) out of a traffic calming chicane right by the junction where I was about to stop- I stopped early, with more rear wheel sliding action going on and far more fear, adrenaline and finally rage. I was sorely tempted to follow the beemer and smash something on the reckless arrogant w**ker's car. :shaking:
But I didn't. Just went home and washed the bike (the exhaust and wheels looked like I'd been at an off-road meet!). :D
I really didn't mind going riding in the rain and the smell around the trees was gorgeous- did about 75 miles in total, mostly at a moderate tempo and enjoying the lack of traffic around. Though stuck behind a lorry on the way back to Dorking- my visor went rather brown.
There are some luvverly twisties that side of the A25. Gonna have to learn that route a bit better....
Well- last day of my long weekend and decided, despite the portent of rain this afternoon, to go for a spin and not sit around the flat with the doldrums (ie psyching myself up to being back in the office, under the workload again).
Did a nice run-to Newlands for a cuppa and one of those fine bacon rolls that they purvey, then south off the A25 to Cranleigh and through to Horsham.
On the way out of Horsham, got to a huge roundabout, onto it, up to second gear, started accelerating and leaning, then the back went nuts- a foot went down on the floor and the back skittered around more- I though "She's gonna go!" but didn't have much time for fear before I got myself upright and away. I laughed at a lucky escape on the way up and for the sheer joy of the edgier side of life but it was another lesson.
It was very wet today so I'm thinking I just went a bit to far and leaned over too much. It may have been diesel or oil on the road I s'pose, but I was on the inside lane, so less likely from a spilt diesel perspective. I was far more careful after that and all was good. Stopped at Rykers for a quick, tiny coffee to warm the hands up a bit and stretch the legs then off to see Ma and Pa.
Finally, just getting into King Charles Road when a c**t in a BMW overtakes (ie comes roaring out onto my side of the road) out of a traffic calming chicane right by the junction where I was about to stop- I stopped early, with more rear wheel sliding action going on and far more fear, adrenaline and finally rage. I was sorely tempted to follow the beemer and smash something on the reckless arrogant w**ker's car. :shaking:
But I didn't. Just went home and washed the bike (the exhaust and wheels looked like I'd been at an off-road meet!). :D
I really didn't mind going riding in the rain and the smell around the trees was gorgeous- did about 75 miles in total, mostly at a moderate tempo and enjoying the lack of traffic around. Though stuck behind a lorry on the way back to Dorking- my visor went rather brown.
There are some luvverly twisties that side of the A25. Gonna have to learn that route a bit better....