Problem: I like filtering
 

I have two different ways i can get to work, both the same sort of distance but one way is a dual carriageway filled with traffic. Thing is i keep going this way because i enjoy the filtering :smt103 Shocker i know. Does anyone else do this. I think i do it because it adds variation for my 4 mile ride to work lol.

Stu

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

My commuting options:

1) A55, dual carraige way, 49miles from home to work. Chance of filtering, especially in the evening. A couple of points where the lanes merge into one, which means bottle necks on busy periods. Friday before a bank holiday, guranteed heavy traffic enroute to the island.

2) A5. Pretty straight line stuff, tourist trap, and sees a fair number of tractors. Easy to overtake, and then off on the A543 over Denbigh moors with a risk of sheep. Around 55miles in total. Takes the same amount of time as #1 if you get a clear run.

3) A5 until the A470, north on that for a spell, then over via Llanfair TH, Llansannan and meet up with the A543 after the moors. The North Wales run went this way because the road is good. Get stuck behind a tractor at the wrong point and you're doomed though. This is around 65miles.

4) Head down to Llanberis, over Pen-y-pass to pick up the A5, then as per #2 or #3. This is by far the longest route, approx 85miles, depending which I choose out of #2 or #3.

I pick & choose from the above, mainly depending on time when I'm going to work, and mood when I'm on the way home. Sometimes I pick #1 on a bank holiday weekend, just for the filtering.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I like filtering too, its even better in Portsmouth as the drivers are a tad surprised by my actions. Maybe its cus I filter like I'm in London and round here there used to slow arsed sports bike riders who are paranoid. But thats how I've always done it, like threading a needle.

So far in ten years of riding (touch wood) which has been ten years ofr filtering I've only hit 2 mirrors, once on my 125 when the rear drum brake gave up. Plus once on the Super 4, when I didn't notice the van mirrors and clipped mine on then.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Oh yeah, love to filter. I hate it when I miss the rush hour! Passed 4 miles of crawling traffic on the A road, 2 miles stationary on the motorway and no end of light queues this morning. 35 mins which would have been 1 Hr 20 in the car.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Any option I chose involves filtering. I don't mind filtering but I'd rather be on an open and clear road any day of the week!

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Agreed.

Though I have to admit there's something satisfying about getting through a load of traffic I'd have otherwise been stuck in... :thumbsup:

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I had to ride through a very busy brighton on friday. There was lots of traffic.

And I too, enjoyed the thrill of filtering, the mastery of slow control, the adrenaline rush of just avoiding being squashed between two Brighton & Hove buses.

Matt

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Solution: Move to London.

:smt043

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

There is an undeniable satisfaction to be gleaned from passing a mile of traffic; like Grinch says, it's kind of threading a needle (though I'm in no way a particularly good/confident/aggressive filterer) and makes you feel like you're "in the zone" :)

Prefer open and empty twisties though - though apparently, despite my thoughts to the contrary, I don't actually own the road and have to share it?

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I have no choice but to filter here, and enjoy it everytime.

Route 1 is Up over Dulwich, down into Camberwell and along the Walworth Road to the Elephant. This route is horrible, too many roadworks and trafic lights for any sort of Filtering.

Route 2 is my most usual, Dulwich to Herne Hill, through Brixton with plenty of filtering onto the A23 with it's motorcycle enabled Bus Lane up to Kennington, past Waterloo and up to Blackfriars.

Route 3 is probably out there, but i've only lived in the area for 5 weeks.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Seven land miles - through Plymouth - love it - bit hairy sometimes but that's the accepted risk. Naturally, prefer the open road - occasionally do 'the twisties' on a sunny day.8)

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I have 3 options for my ~17 mile trip to work.

1) A50, grid-locked duel-carrageway.
2) Country lanes.
3) Other main single lane A-Road.

I normally don't bother with 1 because it's a slightly longer route, and at some parts, when traffic is staggered around the lanes you just can't filter through the middle.

I vary between the other two though... If the weather is good and dry, I go with 2, the country lanes! Lots of twisties, lots of fun!
However if the weather is bad/greacey roads/etc... then I got for 3 as it's a VERY wide road nearly all the way in with constant filtering, some bus lanes for parts of it (with no cameras) and generally very straight so I can still to the journey in a similar time in the wet than I can do it in the dry! :)

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Yup I like filtering, tho' when I say that I am thinking of when I am on the CG, at which point I often get home think "Am I Evil?" I used to commute into MK which offers many opportunities for filtering and on the CG I'd go the route that required it.

The SV is nothing like as nimble. I'm quite happy to cut to front of queues and stuff but I always make a point of whatever I do, don't do it at the expense of car drivers, long term I don't think thats fair or clever. So easy to make the time up on a bike anyway I don't feel the need to take every opportunity.

Can you tell us which roads you're talking about Plowsie? I'm likely to know them and I'd be interested to know and comment.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I've been commuting in London for about 13 years and I'd far rather have clear roads than have to filter. If there's little traffic I can get to work in about 22 minutes. If I have to filter all the way, it can take 45 minutes. I always have to do some filtering, but the amount can vary considerably.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I like filtering too but don't get to have a go at it very often. The only times I've done any kind of proper filtering was in my trip to York yesterday and when I went to Matlock a while back. York was great fun as the roads are fairly wide and thers 'cycle' lanes everywhere.

Still prefer a proper open road though!

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

i hate filtering i hate cars being on the same bit of road i'm on, i want it all to myself:)

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

End of A45 by the M1 Junction 15 mate going over down the A508 towards Roade or Blisworth(where i work), usually the roundabout is packed aswell so it's even better. I find the SV nimble enough for me.
I'm not saying that I go out on the bike just to commute just that I enjoy it sometimes, i think it is because it adds a bit of variation to the ride.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

To all those that say they prefer an open road over filtering, this may sound strange to you, but open roads get boring after a while!!

Filtering is a nice welcomed change of style.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I'll just say I like it all, well almost all of it. Riding in snow ain't that fun, but I've done it more then a few times.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

[quote=Grinch;1211000Riding in snow ain't that fun, but I've done it more then a few times.[/quote]
Riding in snow/ice is fine. It's the moments that your front wheel goes left, and your rear goes right that you want to be concerned about.

I've overtaken quite a bit of traffic going uphill in the snow with the back wheel spinning freely. Giggled all the way up the hill.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Same but on ice my back wheel span like mad, although i did stop to change my underwear i thought was pretty cool after.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Plowsie,ya not alone, i love filtering down the A45 in the mornings.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

:D

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

filtering i think is way more fun than a dual carriage way. i filter every morning and afternoon going to and from work and love it. i overtake other bikers who decide not to filter through, then they start to follow me. i act like a snow plough through traffic. have had quite a few close one though. i get back home and think " oh my god i really shouldt do that". but then, next morning, happens all again!
i have altered the gearing to 14 - 47, and it is perfect for around town and nipping through traffic. out of lights as well is very fun.

snow wise, i prefered it on the motorcross. done it a couple of times ont he sv but dont really want to risk loosing control with the power behind the wheel of the sv compared to a little 250 motorcrosser

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I went through a bit in Kingsthorpe last night and it was very tight, but i got myself trapped so i had to go through the middle of traffic going my way, instead of in between oncoming traffic and traffic my way. Just folded in the mirrors and tootled along.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Blisworth?

Lovely tunnel.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

What on the barge lol

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Dunno why I didn't see your reply sooner? Anyway...

You could filter a double decker bus through the approach to that roundabout so I can see why you'd have no problems on the SV ;-) It does get rather busy there, I didn't know it got to 4 miles queues though. I get on at 15A to avoid it, though I'm early enough that the traffic isn't too bad anyway.

What time do you go through there? I guess it's well after me but if it's not I might get the CG out and come play some time :-)

I like the image of folding the mirrors in, tho' I'd rather hit something with them than anything else.

To add to my earlier post, or rather clarify it. I do like a bit of filtering, but i wouldn't want to do miles of it all the time. It's just too dangerous and tiring. So the 10+ miles people are talking of would be pushing the scales of risk vs reward. Not to say I woudln't do it, but that I'd take it easy. I like filtering in traffic jams on motorways and stuff. I refuse to got to Cambridge on the A14 to visit friends on 4 wheels. All three of my bikes have done that trip.

Oh and I went to school in Roade!

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Wow - I managed to post a post after you before you according to the times on the posts. Guess that'll be the server clock reset thingy some peeps have talked about. Might go read abotu that now.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

12 hour clock:wink:

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

open roads boring? not when you only do about 3k per year:rolleyes:

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Defo, although I'd rather be on the open road for the 25 mile commute there is something very satisfying if I take the Tyne tunnel here in the notheast for two reasons, one it can sometimes take cage drivers 30 minutes to get through including the cue maybe longer and I'm through in a fiver. Second is that....... he he it costs the suckers £1.20 each way and it costs me woooohoooo a wapping .20p for that satisfying 5 minutes.

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

See, there's the difference. I do 3k a month! :(

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

As a humble (read loony) courier I feel that I should enter this debate!

FILTERING IS COOL!!! :twisted:

Anyone on the A4,M4, A40, M.... anyroad in and around London that gets buzzed by a black H**da CBF500 riden by a bloke in Red, Black and White leathers with St Georges Cross (I'm English see) knee sliders and a matt black Caberg flip lid......its me!!!!!

Apologies to anyone I carve up/make feel silly!!

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Just a thought - does the odomoter click round when you rotate the wheels to clean them? :p

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I've only been riding for a few months now, and yesterday I had to come in to work for 09.00 I usually start work at 07.00 or 19.00 so I never get stuck in traffic. But yesterday I had the morning rush hour traffic to contend with and I was far too scared to attempt filtering on the M62 and M1.

There was definitely enough room for me to do so if I wanted and loads of other bikes zoomed past me as they filtered through. I'd love to be able to filter
I guess its down to confidence and experience. I've even been overtaken by learners filtering through traffic, and there is me keeping my position in the traffic.

Melody

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

I tend to do more city riding and filtering these days than open country roads, TBH I feel a bit out of my depth when I'm on a countryside rideout with friends! :oops: :lol:

I don't mind filtering at all really, the concentration involved is good for getting the old grey matter working in the morning (and believe me, I need all the help I can get)! The wee scary moments with sleepy cagers that are part and parcel of the exercise get the adrenaline pumping and always ensure I turn up at work with a big goofy grin on my dial. :D

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

You're entirely right, it's all about confidence. On my little CG125 at first I didn't ever dream of filtering. It scared the wits out of me. Then one day another biker slowly filtered past me, and I'd been sat still for 10mins, so figured sod it, it's a little safer to follow them than do it by myself, so follow them I shall. Haven't looked back since.

See, I don't get the adrenalin, but I do get the grin. Twin Stebel Magnums. Nuff said. :thumbsup:

Re: Problem: I like filtering
 

Thoughoughly enjoyed a weekend run into Kensington....especially the elevated bit of the M4... don't know why....Arrived complete with Stupid Grin...