It's been a cold week on the triking-biking school run. This morning was minus 4 but Molly didn't seem to mind. We sung Christmas carols to warm up (Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Oh Come All Ye Faithful being firm favourites with my on-board passengers).
By the time I arrived home after dropping Molly off at school, Daisy had a light coating of frost on her. But she seemed quite happy. Well they do say: treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen! But before social services get on to me, Daisy was wearing two pairs of socks, warm boots, insulated nappy, leggings, thick padded thermal over trousers, vest, 2 long-sleeved t-shirts, thick hooded fleece, two coats, two hats, a neck-tube scarf, mittens, a hot water bottle and 4 blankets.
Daisy making the most of the midday sun to regain her circulation before we set sail on the chilly afternoon triking-biking school run
Big trike, small trike. Daisy learning the ropes of three-wheeled travel.
For those who read my ‘Mrs Toyota Landcruiser’?post (and thank you to those who did! Liz, am glad you and your son survived the mud-splashing soaking – it’s amazing how some motorists will slow for nothing, not even children) she continues to drive past us every morning with her entourage of gadget-fiddling children. She still charges up from behind but then noticably slows, giving us a wary distance. We all give her hugely exaggerated merry waves, which to date have not been reciprocated (I can’t understand why not) apart from a slightly raised didget off steering wheel. Well waving’s hard work ,you know, and may interfere with one’s Landcrusing inner-vehicle gadget-listening experience.?
Last weekend I was riding my Roberts touring bike while pulling Daisy in the bike trailer. I was coming up to a blind corner while entering a village on a quiet country lane when suddenly a man in a ‘sports’ car tore up the road behind me.?He flew past me on the wrong side of the road into the corner. A second later his brake lights jammed on and he went from what must have been 40mph to walking pace. As I rode round the corner I could see why: he had met a horse. He inched past the horse before revving away which just goes to show that to some motorists a cyclist and child’s life?is insignificant compared to an animals.
February 4th, 2012
It’s probably because a horse can kick a bigger dent into a car than a child can (More horses should).
February 5th, 2012
Regarding the recent discussions about motorised vehicle users and their attitude to cyclists, an interesting website is that of the cycling lawyer:
http://thecyclingsilk.blogspot.com
He rides with a webcam attached to his helmet which records instances of dangerous driving and has resulted in some of these motorists being brought to justice. However, his view is that the police are far too lenient with aggressive and inconsiderate drivers.
February 12th, 2012
just read the blog about the horse: they’re not too much of a hazard over here in Oz, don’t get too many horses on main roads! Mind you sports cars are another matter not to mention Bdoubles, (or to you UK folk, lorries with attached trailers).
However, on helmetcams, some riders have found them very useful in city situations and have had successful prosecutions. The police over here are a little more likely to do something about “incidents”, although when we get down to it, you really need proof.
The ongoing twaddle about “riders should be registered and have a “number plate” is still raging.Where would one put it, I ask??
February 12th, 2012
If a number plate is really required,it should go on the rear mudgard. It is ni more trouble than fitting a lamp or reflector. In some countries, this happens.
February 12th, 2012
If a number plate is really required,it should go on the rear mudgard. It is no more trouble than fitting a lamp or reflector. In some countries, this happens.
February 16th, 2012
I find roundabouts a danger to me, I often get cut up esp’ when i am going ahead and the car is turning left, they still overtake me. also the car is pulling out onto the roundabout they and have once knocked me over. I slow down as sometimes i’m not sure if the driver has seen me, muh to their disgrace
February 19th, 2012
What a lovely blog this is! I have really enjoyed reading several of your posts, having seen you cycling on your school run (red Smart car). Look forward to waving next time!
February 19th, 2012
Thank you for kindly words – glad you’ve liked what you’ve seen. Will wave too when your little red car next spotted (wish all cars were that size!).