@HankChief
Ah, I hope I didn't incite you to attempt the two bike thing post-pub. I'm very keen on both drunkenness and riding two bikes, but both can go wrong. Hope you're OK.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting
Confessions of a Cycle Commuter
(1669 posts)-
Posted 7 years ago #
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@IWRATS - it was a full 24hours post pub so I can't use that excuse.
I've done it before several times without issue so no idea what was different this time apart from I ended up on the deck.
No lasting damage to man or machines.
Posted 7 years ago # -
The one person two bikes routine was much more prevalent in the 1970s in my head. So hats off to hankchief for reviving though even in the past people must have tumbled. We can't all be Chinese state circus acrobats?
Posted 7 years ago # -
We can't all be Chinese state circus acrobats?
That's just, like, your opinion, man.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Soon after having to walk your bike up the hill, the doctor tells you that you have Pneumonia.
And then having to walk the bike up the hill in the other direction.
(have had a chest infection since start of Feb that won't go away)
Posted 7 years ago # -
@baldycyclist. Not good. I was cycling downhill until couple of days before hospitalised with pneumonia, pleurisy and empyema. Was taking the train home. I thought I had got rid of the pleurisy, maybe I did but the silent pneumonia got me. Needed intravenous antibiotics and a lung drain. Hope you avoid both of these
Posted 7 years ago # -
@gembo @baldcyclist This cycling malarkey is more dangerous than I thought.
Posted 7 years ago # -
@dougal, lot of chest infection About.
My better half a was pushing the particulate line. Fortunately my consultant who drained my lung was happy to tell her the benefits of keeping cycling outweigh the risks.
Most times you go to GP you have a virus and they can't help but that one time you have bacterial infection, that is the time they need to listen to your chest and send you for X-ray.
In my case I had left it way too long. As the GP said Where are the medical students when you need them, that is a text book crackle. (After listening to my lungs). Also freaked the radiographer out. The fluid drained was not infected so empyema was downgraded but the five nights with the incontinent insomniac geriatrics on the lung ward will always be with me.
Posted 7 years ago # -
"This cycling malarkey is more dangerous than I thought."
Weirdly when my lungs are broken, on a normal year twice I actually find it easier to cycle. Walking usually results in breathless, where cycling at 6 or 8 mph on the Pashley is quite easy, well except where there is wind or incline. Then you still have to walk.
Even when not I'll I find it pretty much impossible to walk at the pace of a normal person.
Posted 7 years ago # -
One day I'll accept that the answer to "It's starting to spit, should I put on waterproofs or just chance it?" is always "put on waterproofs".
Posted 7 years ago # -
I kept them off today about lunchtime and got away wioth it but heavier now.
I would rather be slightly wet on the outside of my clothing than sweating within from so called breathable waterproofs.
Posted 7 years ago # -
My shoes have gone missing from the office.
I keep a pair of casual shoes at my edinburgh office. I've managed to lose them this week somehow. I had to wear cleats all day yesterday!
Posted 7 years ago # -
I managed 7.4mph ave dragging the boy in his trailer to childminder today. Sore legs, rather than lungs.
Peak flow of 470, progress...
Posted 7 years ago # -
I managed 19.1mph average hauling the torpedo today on my longer route to work. I'm feeling a bit tired in my legs, I have to say.
I may well take a more relaxed approach to commuting tomorrow and give myself a rest.
Posted 7 years ago # -
I was riding along the NEPN heading for work when I spotted a regular dog walker standing still looking distressed (I thought) with her dog uncharacteristically close behind her. She was looking in the direction of another dog walker so I thought there may have been an altercation. I stopped to ask if she was ok. "yes", she replied, "I'm just looking for my dog".
Another day I cycled past a dog squatting in the middle of the path. As I overtook its owner I informed him how his dog had fallen behind and what it was up to. When he looked at me confused, I turned to point out the actual owner clearing up the mess.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Took summer bike off hook in garage. Tyres as expected a little soft. Spotted slight tear or bulge in front one. Decided to pump it up and see what would happen. Got to 105 psi. Fine. Did a small bit of weeding. Tiny explosion. Appear to have turned no p or slow p into full blow out.
I blame Eddie -h for this.
Changed tube blew tyre on back wheel up to 105 psi.
Pit bike back on hook.
Might take it for spin in a minute or two.
How much of a tear on the side wall is too much of a tear?
Posted 7 years ago # -
Mmmmmm… I don't trust anything with sidewall damage.
Posted 7 years ago # -
@folds, yes I fear new tyre and due to blasted lurgy did not go out on either the winter or summer bike this morning but on the upside the taters are going in I cannot wait for anymore chitting.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Could be worse. I'm in Livingston. I have now been in an H&M. The memsahib says I have been in GAP once before so that's twice now.
Sitting on a stone listening to some Motown which helps a bit.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Malls of Livingston require stamina. Lot of child exploitation in h & m
Went up to Harlaw saw an orgy (in the pond) queued for Machiato. Walked home made bacon butties for five dungeon dragon types. Not as good as cycling to the Humbie hub
Posted 7 years ago # -
It wasn't my idea and I didn't get anything.
Now trying to play I Want You Back by the Jacksons for number 4 son. Might take a wee while.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Due to decathlon random stock scenarios I now have a Grand Prix with black chilli on the front wheel measuring 25 mm complementing the espoir on the back measuring 23mm. A spare 18-23 mm tube and a 18-25 mm tube with an 80mm valve which I reckon must be for deep rims? I know someone with deep rims
Posted 7 years ago # -
After over two years of bike commuting here I finally joined the Bike Diving Group: the Union Canal Section this morning. I heard of those people and was even wondering recently I whether I would ever have a chance to join. As in most cases, I reckon, it was under the bridge (by Heriot Watt) when the cyclist (whom I didn't hear) on the other side of the bridge didn't leave me enough room. He was very nice and apologetic though. Fished out me and bike. Even left the contact details in case of any issues with bike or phone.
Given the windchill this morning I headed home first to warm up and change as it was only 30min away instead of still 1h to work.
I gave the chain a wipe and put some oil. What's the best way to protect the bike from going rusty and wonky now?
Posted 7 years ago # -
@bill - it may be worth a bearing service (headset, bottom bracket, wheel hubs) in case water made it past the seals.
Basically disassemble, re-grease, reassemble, however not all bearings are designed to be serviced ("sealed bearings"), so it may not always be possible.
Might be a bit extra corrosion on some parts, but probably not much more than a bike that is exposed to the rain - but if you hear water sloshing around the frame, best to find a way to tip it out!
Robert (not a mechanic)
Posted 7 years ago # -
@ Bill - unlucky.
There is a small section of the Niddrie Burn opposite the Miners Social that seems ripe for falling into - no flat embankment, just a slope - I look at it most days and make a mental note never to end up with the shopping trolley (and this week a wheelchair) there.
Posted 7 years ago # -
@bill that is unfortunate indeed. Aqueduct is where most diving occurs. Did the cyclist coming the other way have a bandana?
I nearly forced my colleague Alan into the drink. At the bridge from WoL path to towpath. He sent me photo of aircraft carrier turning sharply.
Posted 7 years ago # -
@bill
Easily done. I did a year on the canal and still can't believe I haven't tasted canal water.
For the bike - what @Roibeard said. Bike Station will strip and rebuild for about £80.
Posted 7 years ago # -
I thought I was getting old and unfit and the suspension fork past its best.
Turns out my brake caliper is out of line and I had the fork locked out.
Dolt.
Posted 7 years ago # -
@All, thanks :)
@Roibeard @IWRATS Thanks. I have never done this, so perhaps need to get it done in a shop. Annoying thing is that I got my bike serviced just the other week and spent over £100. There is a definite rattling noise and the rear cassette doesn't seems to be tightly fixed anymore.
@gembo no, he didn't have a bandana. I usually try to remember ring a bell at that bridge as well.
@Iain McR I saw a wheelchair in the canal as well but a long time ago. At the place where I fell I din't (at least can't recall) touch the bottom, so it's at least 1.5-1.6m deep. Seeing all the shopping trolleys I thought it was much shallower.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Canal slopes from side nearest towpath roughly three feet deep to far side six feet so middle might be 1.5 m bill you did not touch bottom but hopefully also your head did not go under?
Posted 7 years ago #
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