Hi, came across the existance of this forum on clubpcx

[halfabusa]

hello mate, welcome to the forum! Good to have someone from my area. Where in Welling are you? I'm near gipsy road and commute to Moorgate passing more or less the same roads as you are.

I've been going through the same route for over 4 years now, so you can call me a seasoned rider on these side of the woods. Don't let this accident get to you though, as it can happen to the most seasoned of us too... in fact it happened to me too a couple of months ago just after sun in the sands roundabout going towards the traffic lights on shooters hill road. As i was passing stationary queue of cars, some biker suddenly pulled through between two busses and as it was early morning, i was still half awake.

It didn't help that my brakes were shot and in need of a change, or that it rained previous night and the road was like sheet ice. a good few meters later i was lying on the wrong direction on the road looking at my bike which kept on sliding another 10 meters after i stopped. Luckily the other direction was empty as i slid because of the traffic lights being red ahead...


For me all was fine apart from a bit of bruises but i have to say, these yamaha panels must be made of kevlar not plastic!

Got up and kept riding as soon as the shakes settled down...

Anyways, don't worry of your bike's scratches. It helps in london in many ways. First off, scum won't want to steal it as there will be more shiny alternatives, and seconly the cyclists/cars keep far away thinking you're either a noob or a maniac, both of which helps

I'll keep an eye out for you in the mornings. What time do you pass through aye gee?

[halfabusa]

As for getting used to the route and which lanes are best for progress, here's a video i captured going from welling to cannon street some time ago, which you can refer to if you like.

[woozy-uk]

many thanks and wow, your right near to me. im actually in bexleyheath. got my bike from Jim at Aye Gee

edit. sorry i see u noted the above.

i normally go past shooters hill about 8.45-9.00 in the mornings. I dont go past aye gee as i come out the right hand road you can see after aye gee, i come home on the A2 and take the bexleyheath turn off, unless im visiting my father in QE hospital.

I find the traffic on blackheath common really frustrating but am too scared to approach oncoming lorries and buses, so am normally waiting in the line with the cars watchign other bikers go past me

[halfabusa]

Unfortunately that's quite late for me as i pass through the roads an hour earlier than you. Once you get used to the traffic, you'll be more confident, don't worry. It all takes time. Also each route have their own rules and traffic behaviour. I noticed this when i temporarily changed my route to go through Blackwall tunnel. I felt like a novice when i first went through there. It's like going to a different pub first time after visiting your local for years...

[woozy-uk]

tbh i should be leaving earlier than that but the traffic is worse im sure. i could meet you one day if you dont mind, ill buy you a tank of petrol.

i came home via blackheath tonight and did the oncoming traffic manouvre but on the white lines it feels like my wheels slip

[halfabusa]

Sure mate, pm me before a day you like to meet and we'll go together. No need for petrol, a cup of tea is more than enough I never rode a pcx so i can't comment why it feels that way, but if you're not confident on them, better to stay off them.

[poldark]

tbh i should be leaving earlier than that but the traffic is worse im sure. i could meet you one day if you dont mind, ill buy you a tank of petrol.

i came home via blackheath tonight and did the oncoming traffic manouvre but on the white lines it feels like my wheels slip

That's normal - road paint is slippy whatever bike/scoot you're on, though perhaps smaller wheeled machines make it feel worse. Other things like manhole covers and tarmac repairs do the same, these things are worth learning to watch for if you're likely to have to brake, especially if you're not going perfectly straight and upright.

Please watch the "commuter training video" I posted earlier as this will help you build knowledge and understanding, but of course practice makes perfect!

Good luck

[woozy-uk]

that video is absolutely brilliant, thankyou

[poldark]

that video is absolutely brilliant, thankyou

Yep I think so too, I like the replay analysis just makes it easier to understand why he does certain things & see the risks in real-life.

Hope it helps you.

For anyone else he missed it this is well worth a look - http://www.qualityyorkshireriders.com/y ... -guide.php

[woozy-uk]

well i ended up part exchanging the pcx for a geared bike this week. I loved the PCX, it was a great bike and is a great bike. But i wanted to get to grips with gears as i now have the motorcycling bug. so on Tuesday I part X'd the PCX for a Varadero

this is the new bike