Don't know where the other thread went so I'll start again:

I came off my bike for the first time on Saturday . Luckily there wasn't a lot of damage to the bike because it landed on me! I've learnt three things:

1. Always look ahead. There may be some a55hole who has decided to stop in the outside lane of the North Circular and let another car hit them in the rear . The car behind that then brakes sharply, causing the poor guy on the bike to pull sharply on his brakes.

2. Never travel too close to the car in front (see above). Unfortunately, after hitting the brakes the bike rider hits an oily patch and goes down. Luckily only doing 30mph and stops sliding within inches of the third car. Also just fails to get hit by any vehicle coming up the inside.

3. ALWAYS wear safety gear. The full extent of my injuries were a twisted ankle, bruised shin and bruised palm. Without my protective gear it could have been a hell of a lot worse.

It won't stop me from biking (I have no choice, I have no car at the moment and live too far from work to drive through London traffic). However, I will be more careful in the future. Think of me when you are driving...

Glad to see you're OK. I guess it’s not that much of a coincidence (there must be a fair few bikers having accidents in this weather), but I have only recently bought a bike (only my first, still got my L plates!) and I too came off the bike and had a long but uneventful slide. Other than a sprained shoulder, my gear took the brunt. Can I add another point to your list as:

4. Do not brake hard on white lines whilst its raining.

Likewise, it wont stop me from riding but it did make me a little nervous for the next few days. And some 4 wheeled drivers need to learn some manners

Glad youre OK, BnB.

Thanks. I only passed my test at the beginning of last month (full licence) so I was expecting an accident sometime, but it's still a shock when it happens. My main problem seems to be with Merc drivers. They never seem to want to pull over when I'm filtering . When are you going for your full licence, NML?

Nothing planned yet; I have yet to pass my theory (got the book over a month ago, and haven’t opened it since…D’OH!), but once that’s out of the way I can’t wait to do my direct access, and get a bigger bike. You’ve mentioned the bike you got; was it a Ducati?

I’ve not noticed a particular car driver being particularly annoying, but have already encountered a few random nutters. London traffic does keep me on my toes…

I have to take the North Circular all the way from Barking to the A40 (so that's pretty much all the way round!) and then on to Slough, four times there and four times back. That's not including part-time work. So you get to work out who is the problem. I've only got a Suzuki GS500 but it's enough for what I need for the moment. It beats practically every car off the lights (we're not talking Porches and Ferraris here ), is slim enough to get through the hold ups and does around 50mpg. Job done.

Passing the Direct Access was the best thing I've done. My best mate did the restricted and I'm sure he's regretting it now. The theory is easy, hell, even I passed , but do buy the DVD available to practise the 'Hazard Perception' test. Invaluable.

Glad your ok B&B. TO be fair though you are made out of steel. MY dad broke his leg in a moto bike accident and his left leg is 1 inch shorter than the right now.

That makes me feel better ! I don't want to be any shorter than I am now, thank you very much.

A bit of understanding from car drivers wouldn't go amiss

I came off my hellhound (a Vespa really) when some bloke pulled out in front of me in the pouring rain and then jammed his brakes on because there was a bin wagon 200 yards up the road.

I hurt my ankle and shoulder but the £500 repair bill was more painful!

Also, councils, clear up the leaves - they are as slippy as hell to people on two legs or two wheels

I’m part glad I don’t have that commute, but sometimes wish I had to travel further. I only do 10 miles, from ‘Sarf London up the A23 into the heart of the capitalist beast; and most days I’m annoyed the journey ends

I’ve only got a piddly Honda CG125, but its reliable and easy to use; don’t know what the MPG is but it costs a damn sight less than a rail/travel card. Thanks for the shout on the DVD; I’ve tried some of the trial tests online and usually passed with nowt but some common sense. At first I wasn’t too bothered whether I did the normal or the DA but after riding for a while I have to have a bigger bike; the buzz is awesome

quote:

Originally posted by blackandblue:
That makes me feel better ! I don't want to be any shorter than I am now, thank you very much.

Ditto!

Looks like a close one BnB. I'm having driving lessons at the moment. I was gonna go with a scooter but I decided against it because of the various dangerous situtations that have been mentioned.

Glad you are ok bnb.

Love the new thread title. It made me laugh.

Philosophy essays. Just think, I could be in the pub now!

Crappy Heating Systems

Ours decided to start playing silly fookers on Sunday. Thankfully we can still get hot water, but Casa Mezz is colder than a penguin's hoop.

Lovely big bill to look forward to on Thursday as well

Women Who Call People "Mate"

Commonly found sporting a velour tracksuit and a 'Croydon Facelift' (greasy hair pulled back in to a ponytail so tight it could arouse Shergar).

They need to put down the pint and pick up a copy of Cosmo...

Hope you're ok, bnb.

Thanks Verno, thanks Bracey. Injuries already almost healed, bike needs handlebars straightening and new fly screen. What doesn't kill you...

Hey, hope you're ok, bnb.

Many thanks, Dels. I'm hoping come early December that you'll be writing on here . But not for an accident.

What's happening early December?

I know the Milan derby is being played on the 12th, so you'll be the one most likely back in this thread.