Hello all,
Sorry Mate I Didn't See You....
Beautiful weekend ahead - perfect for getting out on two wheels. Before you set out - just take a moment and think about this 'adventure' I had yesterday afternoon.
I'm quite happy to admit that I'm a steady rider - getting over 70mpg from my AL5 Wee so ride for economy not speed ! Had 25 bikes since passing my test in 1996 - last guess ridden about 75000 miles in all. Wear a yellow fluorescent bib and fluorescent orange helmet on every ride. Lights on of course too all the time.
Set off home from work yesterday - same road I always take - local country road. Dry road, sun, no traffic. Got up to the limit (40 mph) and noticed a black Ford Focus turning into my path out of a farm shop in the distance. Watched the car all the way - then about 30 metres before I reached the car, it started to pull out. No time to think, pulled the brakes as hard as I could (I remember shouting no, no, no in my helmet !). Managed to swerve round the front of the car as it stopped. If anything had been coming the other way, I would probably be in the hospital now.
I pulled in and I was shaking. That was close !
She turned, pulled in behind me and got out. Middle-aged lady with teenage son in the passenger seat. She couldn't stop saying how sorry she was and how she hadn't seen me....
Trying to put a positive spin on it - I suppose we can all get a little lazy with our riding after many years and lots of miles. This has given me a shock and made me think about my riding. Another 10 mph and I might have been past her - or over her bonnet ! It makes you wonder though, what more do we need to do to be seen by other road users. Think I am going to fit some additional lights - maybe that will help.
So be safe everyone - this can happen at any time, whatever the conditions, whatever your experience.
Not going to stop me riding bikes of course - they are brilliant and they have provided some of the best experiences of my life ! Enjoy the weekend - might have some more room on the roads if everyone else is watching the wedding !!!!
Regards
Tim