There is no doubt that cyclists are an inconvenience to law makers and police.
However, after my experiences in London last year, I can see why there’s an impression that cyclists everywhere are like those in London and hence “deserve what they get”. Cases should be worked on their merits but there’s a deep dislike of cyclists from many road users in the UK that will only be solved by concerted efforts over a long period, with very public driver prosecutions required to show what’s acceptable.
Those woollen leg warmers are an odd look
Massive, grim headwind on the way in today.
Hoping for a nice push on the way back. Fingers crossed the rain holds off too
The last 10 miles were along a cycle path so everything dried out. The shower looked like Tough Guy though
Riding home. Car stops at T junction ( to my left ). He sees me, stops, then goes, then stops again. I bin it thinking hes going. Just slammed the brakes on and couldn’t get unclipped in time.
He stopped and checked I was ok. Second pair of bib tights ruined in as many weeks.
We swapped numbers and he sent me the money for the bib tights.
I should have stopped safely to be honest so I was annoyed with myself more than anything.
I live to commute another day…
For lack of a better place …
does anyone have any experience with getting bikes booked on trains? I’m looking at tickets for my June adventure. We’re heading from Devon to London, last train of the day so it’ll be dead, at like 9pm, get’s in at midnight or so. But i can’t book any bike spaces on the trainline app or on GWR site. Have tried a couple of different services. One (with a changeover) will let me book 2 bike spaces max, but only guaranteed for ‘part’ of the journey. Well that’s fuc*ing helpful!
Aren’t they supposed to be encouraging sustainable transport options?!
This is turning into a rant. But before i do commit to a full rant … does anyone have any intel around this issue? Particularly on GWR or SWR?
Ta
Not up on the latest, but think it used to be you only booked if the bike was going in a separate guards van on an inter-city. The small electric trains are just first come, first served, but usually ok unless someone is taking the place with a pram.
OK cool, thanks. Think i’ll have to go old school and give ‘someone’ a call. I can’t imagine there’ll be many people on the train at that time of night!
If you’re getting an Avanti then you need to pre book.
No prebooking on Cross Country, or there wasn’t, but good luck getting on one! They’re always rammed.
People don’t like bikes on trains 
Good luck!!!
then fucking forget it the train wont turn up
one of my sons has travelled Waterloo to Sherborne several times with his bike. SW rail. Don’t think he ever booked - I’ll ask him
edit:
Soaked on the way in but glorious sunshine on the way home - even rode with no gloves!
@gingerbongo on the odd occasion I’ve taken a bike on SWT I haven’t booked - like Fruity says just get on the carriage with the bike logo on it
The Internet wins today 
Just adding I’ve never had a problem getting a bike on an off-peak train. My experience is mostly SWT and GWR but also in Wales. Includes a couple of times the train was unexpectedly busy. Guard’s always been helpful. Just watch for rail replacement although you can get a bike under a coach - just.
Sorry for randomly dragging this up 3 years on - do you recommend the ass savers? My mudguards have seen better days so am taking them off and wondered about going down that road.
I only have one bike (shameful I know) so something that’s easier for switching them on and off is quite attractive. I don’t do winter commuting/riding, so they don’t need to be industrial, but if they cut the mustard for a long Sunday ride with changeable weather or still damp roads and cycle paths that’d be great.
I use one on my summer bike if I think it might rain but still going to use the bike. It keeps the worst of the dirt of your backside.
They don’t compare to a proper guard though.
You’ll still get wet but maybe avoid that line of muck that you get up your back
I recently bought an Ass Saver Win Wing. Very easy to take on/off. But I’ve not used it yet in the wet…
Oh, I hadn’t seen those ones. They look like a better option, especially with having a saddlebag that would still get soaked with the standard version that attached under the saddle. Although it looks like they also do a bigger one that goes on the frame. It says it’s not compatible with “monostays” - what does that mean…?
