CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure

Bicycle versus Motorbicyle

(11 posts)
  • Started 11 years ago by I were right about that saddle
  • Latest reply from I were right about that saddle

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  1. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I've been steaming the ten miles out here to work since January, but I'm heading off straight from work for the weekend so today I travelled by motorbike.

    Conclusion? It's only five minutes quicker than cycling with the wind behind and ten minutes quicker against the wind. At the same time, I missed the ride on the canal, including the array of familiar faces (2 Kool for Skool, Gembo's Ent, Martin Clunes, Sleeves Up, Upsidedown Riser Bar Guy, Purple Helmet Lady, The Suit, Maximum Spaceman...) and the bucolic greenery. My occasional glimpses of the canal had me longing for the tranquility of the towpath...

    Posted 11 years ago #

  2. Greenroofer
    Member

    @IWRATS I've found that on a shorter version of your route there is no four-wheeled vehicle that will get me home as quick as my bike during the rush hour. Even a taxi can't do it. I guess a motorbike might be a bit quicker.

    Maximum Space Man was today completely dogless.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  3. jdanielp
    Member

    Is Maximum Spaceman the guy with the walking stick who often has two dogs accompanying him, therefore taking up the full width of the towpath? The dogless hint helped...

    Posted 11 years ago #

  4. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @jdanielp

    I really need to produce the Observer Book of Towpath Citizens...but yes, that's him. Key identifiers are;

    Border collie on lead
    Border terrier off lead
    Big gloves
    Walking stick at forty-five degree angle
    Shopping trolley (optional)

    2 Kool for Skool;

    Black hoodie, hood up, no helmet
    Shades, even in the dark
    Unbranded mountain bike with nice components
    Goatee

    IWRATS

    Red forks, red helmet, red rucksack, big red bell
    Ratty nineties alloy hybrid
    Yellow shades
    Exagerated aqueduct chivalry
    Keen interest in canal wildlife

    Posted 11 years ago #

  5. wingpig
    Member

    "Exaggerated aqueduct chivalry"

    You need to put a feather in your red helmet, so that it can be flourished when the helmet is doffed as you bow extravagantly to someone coming in the opposite direction whilst floridly beseeching them to pray proceed in blank verse.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  6. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @wingpig

    I actually did make a ridiculous sweeping bowing/directing movement in order to head off any prospect of your wingpiglet heading into the Victoria Street traffic flow at PoP3. Like most people I was overcome with awe at the sight of the young man proudly scooting along the highway and lapsed into some sort of medieval homage.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  7. wingpig
    Member

    Aha. I'll consult my files and memorise what you look like, then.
    I developed a bow in my late teens after it became evident that people were misinterpreting silence and nods as rudeness rather than social ineptitude.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  8. le_soigneur
    Member

    My commute from Blackhall to Musselburgh can be pedalled faster than motorbiked- depends on wind direction & strength, not taking a shower into account.
    The only time it is faster by car is on a bank holiday, even factoring in a shower both ways.
    It is probably safer pedalling too, only about 3 miles on busy road and the rest on NEPN or seafield shared use/prom & porty prom.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  9. gembo
    Member

    I know of a man whose motorbike was stolen recently by some youth, who then crashed it and are in hospital. Big excess on insurance. he now has to get from trinity to south Queensferry by bus very early. I have recommended a push bike. Not sure about my Ent?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  10. KeepPedalling
    Member

    Bicycle versus Motorbike down Alpe Duez (I won't tell you the result!)

    http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring/motorcycle-takes-on-bike-on-tour-de-frances-famous-alpe-dhuez#full

    Posted 11 years ago #

  11. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I just came down from Inverness by motorbicycle, which allowed me to see rush hour in Perth and Fife. Some people we cycling round the A9 'Perth bypass'. I would not do that. It looked hideous. Didn't spot any bridge pedalers.

    @Gembo your Ent is 'Straggly Rutger Hauer', now known to be 'John'. He wears a big Yes badge and gets a cheery 'hello' from me.

    Posted 11 years ago #

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