BOARDMAN CONTROVERSY

Most of Chris Boardman's Racing was without a HELMET !  It is only in recent years that UCI have
required ALL Racers to wear Helmets and with GOOD Reason !

Because Chris was a wearer of the " Maillot Jeune " , i have brought the matter to this Blog . Today , Chris was on BBC Breakfast TV , riding in normal clothes , without a Helmet . His Companion was in Yellow and wearing a Helmet . Seems a few of the commenters on " Road.CC 2 saw him riding along tthe road .

http://road.cc/content/news/134586-complaints-over-bare-headed-chris-boardman%E2%80%99s-helmetless-bbc-breakfast-bike-ride

Because of the Social Media interaction , Chris went to the effort , of formulating a response which can be found here :

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/campaigning/article/20141103-campaigning-news-Boardman--Why-I-didn-t-wear-a-helmet-on-BBC-Breakfast-0

Regardless of what he says or does , i will continue to wear a Helmet . Fortunately for me , each time i have broken a helmet , i have done little damage to my face or head . Some crashes have been due to external factors such as a TFL Bus Driver trying to kill me with 15+ Tonnes of metal . Other occasions have been when i have had a blowout on a mountain road in the Alps or Pyrennes . Whatever reason that the helmet hit the ground , i have walked away without Concussion , let alone an open wound .

Saturday in the Tirol was a Quiet day on the road , since it was a Catholic Church Holy Day , yet i still found a mongrel that thought Bikes should not be on the road . Ignoring the eastbound white station wagon , this numbskull drove his Hyundai 4x4 across onto the westbound 2 1/2M wide lane , already occupied by myself , as i was driving the bike west at 30+kph . His bonnet was only cetimetres from my knee as i went from about a metre on the road , onto the gravel/grass side margin , when i re entered the road surface , he pulled alongside with the window down , spouting some German Dialect version of his POV . Told to quit or arrive at the Polizei , he drove forward then slammed on the brakes whilst moving right to occupy my line of travel... Having come across peanut brains like him before , i rode left , but stayed out of the impact zone . He continued this idiotic behaviour for about 300Metres , but sped off as more vehicles came along to observe his behaviour .

Having driven off west , i turned and returned to the Kramsach Polizei where i eventually got a Young Lady Inspector , telling me that i should sell my Bikes , as it would be safer to walk !   Obviously she does not read Casualty Statistics , which show CYCLING is SAFER than walking ?  Why would i give up Cycling because she and her Colleagues , could care less about THUGS using Vehicles to KILL & MAIM Cyclists?

TRAFFIC VIOLENCE ( oh YOU thought it was an Accident ?)

Rear ended by 15 + tonnes of Metal tends to change your point of view , about riding a bike on a MARKED CYCLE LANE , in Central london ! The 2nd May Traffic Violence visited on me , as i rode west along Wadsworth Road , heading for Oxon and then Manchester Area , has resulted in TFL admitting LIABILITY !

Had i been driving a car at that time , it would have been repaired by now !  As a 2nd class Citizen , that is a VULNERABLE ROAD USER , i am still awaiting better than the offer of CASH TOWARDS the purchase of replacement garments !  The thugs that work for TFL , have decided that i need to offer receipts , for the PURCHASE of the Garments and DESTROYED/Damaged Equipment !  Seems that the photos i took of the garments after i peeled them off myself , were not good enough ?  Had the Mobile Police Unit Van been carrying a camera , and photoed me sitting on the pavement , even a 2yo child would have concluded that these were the same items !

Having started in Austria on the Monday of that week and ridden in Italy , Switzerland , France and then the UK , those items would have been used more than once . Since in 17 seasons of riding the routes of the ProWorld Tours , i carry only one change of Cycling Suit , it would be fairly clear to even the simple minded , that the Cycling Suit would start out in GOOD REPAIR !  So why do we have these MENTAL RETARDS telling me that they cannot replace the items ?  THEY ARE TOTALLY BEREFT OF HUMANITY !

CHEAPSKATES that they are , they treat Cyclists as if they are the destitute seeking a handout !

Leon Daniels of TFL emailed me to seek details that i had already disclosed on Social Media Sites , guess he wanted his own copy of what i had relayed elsewhere . Since then the Lawyers that i had the misfortune to contact have asked me NOT TO CONTACT him any further !  Had they been working for me , as they are supposed to be , then they would have produced results by now ?  Cosying up to the " enemy " , guess they have many more cases involving TFL , does not sit well with me . Take the cash , is their request !

Since ALL my Garments were " Donated/sponsored " , TFL are NOT getting receipts !  THEY have been advised of the Sponsors donating , so THEY can get on the EMAIL and get the details required to resolve the replacement issue !  The same applies to the Equipment , apart from the camera , for which i doubt i can locate the purchase document ?

So many shops display " Break it , YOU pay for It "!  Seems TFL can destroy ANYTHING , then siddle up and whisper in your ear , " We'll give you 10c on the $ "  , and the VICTIM will roll over and let them pick their pocket ?   WHAT A CROCK of SH#te !

The same weekend that i suffered , a couple of blokes set out from the Manchester Area on a Charity Ride for " Help4Heroes " !  They only made it to south of London before being Hospitalised with severe trauma injuries . Had i arrived in Manchester Area on the Saturday morning , i may well have joined the Seamons Group that rode a part of the way to see them off ?  As it was , i was virtually immobile from the trauma to my left hand side due to being tossed aside like a rag doll by a vehicle in the charge of someone that was given a day off as a reward for " Driving the vehicle "!

Those Guys , were also advised that their perp. , was rewarded with a day off for his inability to control the vehicle left in his charge !  Seems that unless you are DEAD , the Met. Police feel that a "day off "is a suitable way to deal with injured Cyclists !  Surely a " driver Improvement Course " comes BEFORE you take to the roads with a licence to drive anything bigger than a car ?  With Unions being as beligerent as they are , it is likely that each of these drivers , were PAID for the day off , as they were on an Educational Course!

GOT IT NOW ?

Victims SUFFER !

PERP.s are REWARDED !

Justice is supposed to be BLIND !

Not DUMB and STUPID !

This was my email to the " Case Manager " at Met. Police who THINKS he is doing GOOD !

  Copied this email  to this site :  www.facebook.com/groups/StopKillingCyclists , when replying to a comment therein :

  "  Segregation can be the ONLY answer , when TFL D/deck buses are allowed/encouraged to RAM Cyclists that happen to be on Marked Cycle Lanes in front of them ! Fany a day off Mr F#ckwit TFL Driver ? Just ram a Cyclist , then you get a " Paid Day Off " on a " Driver Improvement Course" , courtesy of your friendly PC Plod ! He rides a bike to work and rest assured if HE gets Rammed , the TFL D/deck driver will have MORE to answer for that negligence ! Cyclists are treated as 2nd class Citizens , just as are those with a darker skin ? Cyclists are treated as 2nd Class Citizens , just as those with the need for the Soup Kitchen ? This Cyclist was treated just as SHABBILY as the 2 Manchester Riders , who set out for Rome in support of " Help4Heroes "! The Traffic Violence Perps. were rewarded with a paid day off , to attend a " Driver Improvement Course "! As the victims , theManchester Men got plenty of enforced Bed Rest , i still suffer the inconvenience and discomfort of the elbow injury !
My letter in response to the Met. police advising me that the Traffic Violence TERRORIST passed his " Q & A course " recently ......................................................................................................................

." Totally ignoring my previous Email , means that i have NO REGRETS about advising the world about YOUR abismal efforts on my behalf ! That YOU failed to show even the courtesy of inquiring after my HEALTH , demonstrates that you are worthy of the title " Mr jobsworth "!!

Together with the TFL Personnel that i have had occasion to deal with , i regard you as little better than the dross at the bottom of the barrel !

I am not alone in being treated to this cavalier attitude , since i saw that 2 Manchester Area Men , were treated to the same disregard , when skittled by a trucker , whilst riding from Manchester to Rome , in support of the " Help4Heroes Charity " !

When you find yourself mown down by 15 tonnes of metal , forgive me if i hope it is by someone that your organisation , gave a " Day Off " , to revise " Skills " required BEFORE being allowed to turn on the ignition of the vehicle that they had become licenced to drive !

That both the attending Inspector and Sargeant , that attended my "TRAFFIC VIOLENCE Incident ", they Cycle to work , took the time to see that my Incident was properly documented to ensure a SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION , and YOU and YOUR colleagues have SNUBBED their efforts , speak volumes for the current " Sweep under the carpet " attitude that prevails towards Victims of TFL Traffic Violence !

The Met. Police have an " Anti Terrorism Unit " to safeguard the Citizens of London , who would be better employed dealing with those that TERRORISE CYCLISTS !

When 9 Cyclists were KILLED in November 2013 , the Met. Police solution was " Operation Safeguard "! Great effort to solve the problem ? Since when did VEHICLES have the right to RAM Cyclists off the road ? Releasing Police Officers , not properly aware of the UK Laws about CYCLING , on a STOP Cyclists Exercise , to TELL THEM that they should be wearing Helmets and Wearing High Vis. garments , none of which are required by the Highway Code , OR , UK Laws , demonstrates a level of STUPIDITY that is also demonstrated by giving a TFL Bus Driver a " PAID HOLIDAY " for ramming a Cyclist , and thus causing 5 months ( so Far ) of pain & suffering !

YOU think you are finished with this matter ?

Think AGAIN , jobsworth !

Your Superiors will find the Blogs generated , UNCOMFORTABLE Reading ! No doubt the Tourism London people will be squirming when i finish reminding them of my efforts at Ponferrada , where i showed off the garments destroyed by the " Friendly driver from TFL " , who thought that Lunch would be improved by RAMMING a Cyclist !

Under is the email , previously sent , just so YOU can avoid claiming that it was unseen !

Sincerely

M.Mc Carthy
++++++++++++++

from: "skippy mc carthy" <skippi@ausi.com>

Reply-To: <skippi@ausi.com>

To: <Colin.E.Harris@met.pnn.police.uk>

Cc: <skippy@ausi.com>

Subject: MY REPLY Re: LX/1501386/2014/CH CONFIRM Receipt of Email THIS TIME !

Date: Sat 08/16/14 11:52 AM

SO Disgusted with the reply , which no doubt , was not your decision , that i sent the following through the Facebook Social Media Page : www.facebook.com/metpoliceuk

" Attn Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe

Commisioner of Metropolitan Police

London

Sir ,

As Commisioner of Metropolitan Police you have a considerable Pool of Talent available to deal with the myriad of Incidents that fall within your purview .

No doubt there are some that fall below the Level of Expertise that you would normally demand ?

The matter i now call your attention to , was attended by a Mini Bus full of your Met. Police Officers , who would have had every opportunity to gather sufficient evidence on the scene , to secure the conviction of the offending TFL Bus Driver ! Had i as a vehicle driver behaved in the same manner , i would no doubt have been issued with paperwork immediately , for at the minimum " Driving without due care and attention ", perhaps even speeding or passing too close to a Cyclist ? However because the vehicle is operated by a member of the TFL Consortia , the Inspector Beresford , or his Sargeant may have instructed the Woman Constable to only take down details , for later consideration ?

As far as anyone is concerned the Traffic Violence inflicted on me was due to my deciding to use that road to pass through London ? In the letter sent to me , there is a definite presumption that i deserve no better , for having decided to be a Bike Tourist in London !

After the November 2013 Cyclist deaths , your Police Force scored considerable Publicity with " Operation safeguard " , wherein Cyclists received countless numbers of " FPN " for a variety of offences , some of those offences in contradiction of the " ACPO guide lines "!

When was ramming a Cyclist in the rear on a " Marked CYCLE Lane " that passes a traffic Island , NOT an open & shut reason for a charge to be immediately imposed ? Attempted Manslaughter , Grevious Bodily Harm , etc , when using a FIST , but using 15 ton of a Metal blunt object , that is OKAY ?

Regretably this PATHETIC Example of " Fair Treatment " is not the only Traffic Violence that received the same treatment as shown in this Tweet/article : " Pedals for medals ‏@Pedalsformedals May 5
@Dean_Bousfield, we will be going again, but we will need time to regroup and 'unfold' our bikes and bodies! @HelpforHeroes

So a Charity Group of " Ex Military Guys ( http://pedalsformedals.com/ ) " get wiped out by " Sleeping Driver " , they go to Hospital ( see Photo attached ) andd HE goes to a " Driver Improvement Course ! FAIR DEAL ? Well to the Admin Staff at the CPS ? YAWN ! To the attending Police Officers ? Frustration ?

Unless i am informed by return email / Tweet / other , that your office will review the matter URGENTLY , i will have to do as so many others have done , to have the matter reopened , in order to see the Driver Convicted , seek the services of the " IPCC " .

As you will see from the attachment below my signature , TFL are well known as a source of Misery to the Victims of their ongoing Traffic Violence :

Sincerely

M. Mc Carthy
###########

No doubt , if there are conscientious people running that Facebook page , a copy will be on his desk on Monday ? Should i not receive your confirmation of this email by close of business on Monday , then i shall be following these examples :

http://saferoxfordstreet.blogspot.co.at/2013/12/protecting-their-own-what-i-learned.html IPCC by MP?

The Met’s “re-investigation” of my case compelled by the IPCC simply confirmed that everything Met had done to investigate my collision had been carried out “within standard operating procedures” which - apparently - include:

Not interviewing the victim of a KSI collision involving a TfL bus during the formal investigation phase
Not revisiting the site of the collision during the IPCC-mandated reinvestigation
Not reconstructing the collision...ever.
Not collecting available CCTV evidence in time so it is destroyed
Not reviewing or analysing CCTV evidence (unless two years later and only if compelled to by the IPCC counts)
Not contacting key witnesses (even two years later and even though the Mayor's office managed to do so)
Not reviewing available CCTV evidence to see if it corroborates any witness statements.


http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/cyclist-tells-of-struggle-for-justice-after-almost-dying-beneath-lorry-in-hackney-9670790.html

I have ridden my Bike at ProWorld Road Race Major Cycle Tour Events for the past 17 seasons , i did not spend the first 4 months of 2014 preparing to be cheated of success by some 2 bit TFL bus driver , who was probably speeding to his lunch !

You had better have ALL your ducks in a row , because i will be looking for a conviction of something more noteworthy than "Careless Driving "!

Sincerely

M. Mc Carthy
###################################
--- Colin.E.Harris@met.pnn.police.uk wrote:

From: <Colin.E.Harris@met.pnn.police.uk>
To: <skippi@ausi.com>
Subject: LX/1501386/2014/CH
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 09:19:59 +0000

Dear Mr McCarthy,

I am writing in regards to the accident you were involved in on 2nd May 2014 in Wandsworth Road, SW8.

Evidence suggests that the bus driver was at fault for the incident. It has been decided that the bus driver will be offered a place on a driver improvement course. If he fails the course or declines to attend we will proceed with court action against him for driving without due care and attention.

Please see attached letter. I have also posted a letter to you.

Kind regards

Colin Harris
Case Manager
Lambeth/Bexley
Traffic Criminal Justice OCU


AS IF " jobsworth " cares about what happens to me , during the period that HE claims that the "Traffic Violence Perp " is supposed to be under scrutiny ?


Oh , by the way , the Giro was announced today !  Was going to discuss how it will impact my 2015 Plans , but that will be later !

HELMET CAMERAS

Back in March i received a reply to an item that i wrote in " TourdaFrance.blogspot.com "
! This time they did not address me as " Mrs "!  seems they read the blog piece , as they refer to it in this email submission ?

  "   Ticket "2014031010001733" created!

Date:   Mon 03/10/14 06:33 AM

Dear Mr Mc Carthy,

Once again we convey our sincerest apologies if you feel you have been disrespected. Your original email asked for information that was indeed provided to you in a follow up email shortly thereafter, granted we made an honest mistake when addressing your title. We have provided you with information that you requested,  a suggestion as to what would better suit your needs, as well as an apology for what we repeat was an honest mistake. Unfortunately our CEOs do not frequent our customer service department as they are based at the HQ office.  Apologies for not being able to assist you getting in contact with them as we have protocol regarding the privacy of giving out such personal information.

It is unfortunate that you have decided to write a negative review although our department has apologized repeatedly for the mistake. We do hope you will come to see things differently in the near future and not let a mishap as has happened affect your opinion on a product.

Best regards
Oregon Scientific UK
Customer Service
Tel - 0871 222 1966
@ - technical@oregonuk.com

Being used to dealing with the Organ Grinder , not the MONKEY , i still have not reached the purpose of my original request , that of using a " Loan " unit .  When first in contact , i had the idea to combine their unit with a Garmin , thus seeing what was being recorded as i rode . With having laid out my usual annual Cycling Events , any reasonable person could have seen the amount of Publicity that could have been garnered by cooperation ?  Iin addition there have been " Traffic Violence Incidents " that i have been the unwitting victim of , let alone others , where other Cyclists have suffered Injury .

Local Polizei have treated MOST of my complaints as of " No Account " , principally because i fail to provide " Independent Witnesses " or Video , of the " Supposed event "!   Even when i drag a guy into their Office , and he admits that he caused a dangerous road incident , whilst driving and using a hand held cell phone , they decide " NO ACTION "!   That incident was one of several resulting in No Injury , yet , there have been many others where INJURY has been suffered but as there are NO "Independent Witnesses " the Legal process will drag on into infinity !  Have you ever fought Goliath , with their bottomless Pockets ?  Of course ONLY 2 weeks have passed since the latest Traffic Violence Incidence . Riding on a " Bike Lane " , clearly painted AND SIGN POSTED , i had a London Double Decker Bus ram my rear , as he attempted to pass me in a " Squeeze Point " ! When a traffic Island is put in the road , little wider than the width of a Bus , why would anyone with common sense/awareness or in their " Sane Mind " attempt to pass a Cyclist ?

Thrown onto the pavement by the apparent impact of the faster moving vehicle coming into contact with the rear derailleur , it would appear that the ability to judge the width of the street , failed when the driver attempted to pass the Cyclist in an area which Authorities had decided was a " No Passing " area .

In Europe , passing a Cyclist requires , in MOST Countries , waiting until the road ahead is clear , then passing with in excess of 1M to 1 1/2M , not as done in the UK , where lightly touching the clothing , is regarded as sufficient consideration by most drivers !  Had the Bus not hit the rear derailleur , on this occasion , it would likely have hit the shoulder , thus causing even more INJURY , than the " Walk/Cycle away damage inflicted !  The Police Officer who attended to my Physical Examination , stated he was a trained  " Para Medic " and did a more thorough job than i usually give myself . Suffice to say , he was annoyed with my impatience to get to my feet , even though the whole Left side of my Body was damaged in one way or another .  When the Ambulance People arrived , the 2 Ladies were equally as caring and applied coverage to the Knee and Ankle even though i prefer to leave them exposed to the fresh air after cleaning . To this day , the hip and knee gives me trouble as i walk but i just grit my teeth when Cycling since i have things to do , regardless of the attempted MURDER efforts of the unwitting/gormless drivers that think sitting on their fat butt is the only way to travel .


With the extent of the injuries suffered , i have taken to a combination of Cycling to the edge of Towns or the Motorway Entrance , where i then take to Hitch Hiking . One of the benefits of this mode of Travel , is the variety of people i get to meet and thus the various Nationalities and Backgrounds thus they provide me with an insight into the way others live , not available to me by other forms of transport . To ALL that i have met , i should like to offer my THANKS ! Some have gone far more than the " Extra Mile " on my behalf . With being taken home to Meals , people going far out of their normal journey and offers of accomodation , i have been extremely fortunate , in the people that i have met .

When i asked the Police at the scene of the Traffic Violence to discover WHAT Assistance , TFL Bus would offer to assist with my onward travel as the Bike was no longer roadworthy , they obtained a telephone number !  Now as a film buff i have seen " Harry Potter travel through the Fireplace "!  Yet in the Modern everyday world , i have yet to hear of people being able to get down the phone line to a destination, have you ?  Seems that TFL , which records DAILY Taffic Violence Incidents , takes NO INTEREST in the consequences to those that suffer from contact with them ?

The Police took me in their Mobile Police Station to " Apex Cycles " near Clapham Common , where i had to pay for repairs and parts , that i would normally be able to provide from my OWN Resources . Since i carry a spoke key , the rear wheel could have been " Retrued " by myself , but the snapped Ultegra Rear derailleur was replaced by the " Cheapest Tiagra " available , since i had a " Dureace " available in Manchester on another bike stored there . Of course it was necessary to replace the cabling and outer cable. The fracture of the down Tube will need attention and gets surveyed daily and the bent handlebars and tape will be replaced as will the damaged Saddle , Pedals , Glasses and Broken Helmet !   Those that think that Helmets are an " Affection " , should think about " Brain Damage " ! If you break a HELMET , what would have happened to your Brain let alone the surface of the HEAD ?

Since Ambulances do not carry Bikes , i had NO CHOICE but to sign a " Disclaimer of Responsibility " for the Ambulance Service , when i refused to go to Hospital . No Bones Broken but severely bruised , bloodied and shaken , i was not about to endure several hours in an A & E whilst awaiting a little more TLC. As it turned out , i was in A & E at Shrewsbury 10 days later due to concerns about the lack of progress in the injuries mending .  Xrays and other tests revealed that nothing undue was out of order thus i continued across the UK without a return visit to London . Luckily i got a ride from Reading to Dover via the M25 , which for once was not the largest parking station in Europe .

With my contributions to various " Cycle Safety Org.s " over the years , it appears that i would be well enough known for members to assist by replying to my request to deal with this matter by EMAIL : So far a few comments in the " Facebook web page " , but otherwise it appears that i am on my own !

THANKS FOLKS !

You are as WORTHLESS as the people that make the " DUAL Camera "!

Out of sight , so out of mind !

WHEN will Cyclists wake up to the fact , that aas individuals , WE ARE WORTHLESS , as part of an International Cycling Safety Campaign , OUR NUMBERS will carry the DAY !

On the 21st May , " StopKillingCyclists " will mark the loss of the 5th Cyclist of 2014 . Meanwhile as i read " AmyGillettFoundation " i see " It is with regret we report " for the umpteenth time in 2014 !

TRACEY Gaudry is VP_Cycling at the UCI , since 3rd Quarter of 2013 , but CEO of AGF for several years . Brian Cookson has listened to me in person at Aigle and suffers my Tweets & Emails .  Whilst at Aigle i met a Guy connected with " Off Road Activities , he told me that apart from Amy D. , several other of HIS Communities' Racers have been Lost through TRAFFIC VIOLENCE !

UCI as a member of the IOC , will be only too aware , that Athletes from MANY Disciplines , use Cycling as Cross Training in their endeavours to qualify for the Olympic Events . WHY then are they " Hurrying slowly " to address the continuing " TRAFFIC CARNAGE "?

Yesterday i Tweeted :

skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour  23h

@BrianCooksonUCI @gaudryt C https://www.facebook.com/amygillettfoundation … about BLARING HORNS! STOP it TODAY! RESPECT of CYCLISTS starts at Races not on STREETS !

AS i write this blog , i am watching the repeat of the Giro d'Italia , and you have got it , MORE HORN blaring as the " Official / accredited / VIP / Assh#le " passes the Racers ! Of course that was Friday and this is Saturday , so little time for ACTION ?!

TRY THIS FOR SIZE THEN !

May 21 is going to see thousands gather in London to mark the passing of yet ANOTHER CYCLIST ! WHAT does UCI plan to do ? Tracey , was there ANYBODY in Cairns from " AGF " for the Cairns 1st Ann of Tanya's demise :

http://www.cairnspost.com.au/lifestyle/riders-take-part-in-ride-to-remember-cairns-cyclist-tanya-roneberg-a-year-after-she-was-killed-by-a-car/story-fnjpuwet-1226914127074

BRITISH Cycling could ensure that Pro Cyclists were available , EQUIPPED with a NEWS RELEASE , not only demonstrating support , BUT , outlining WHAT the UCI , on behalf of the INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY , proposes to do ! UCI might even propose a series of TV Ads , similar to UEFA Football's " RESPECT " series ?

The ANT is roaring , but HOW LONG do Cyclists have to wait for the INEVITABLE ? It is an International Epidemic that CYCLING is suffering !

LACK OF RESPECT !

LACK of International ACTION !

NOT WORTH THE EFFORT !

How often do you come across a " Ralph Nader " moment ? Well i am not having one of those , since i haven't got my hands on the product ! Essentially the whole thing boils down to the fact that i am dealing with people who either cannot be bothered about their product , or are too busy to concentrate when there is no cash in hand ?

Seeing a report on a Cycling Safety Facebook page in December of a " DUAL View Helmet Camera " , i sent several emails pointing out my Blogs , Facebook , Twitter & LinkedIN accounts as a way to introduce myself and as an inducement to encourage the " loan " of a unit . I specified a variety of Events that i would be attending , starting with the Kitzbuhel Ski Races in late January 2014 . Those that follow my activities will have seen that i met the Austrian President there , amongst the many Celebrities that i don't normally encounter . Not sure what Felix B. & David C. would have thought of me wearing a Helmet Camera , But Franz Klammer & Luc Alphond have endured my interviewing techniques with a Video Camera .

Winter in Austria is normally fraught with wet and slushy roads , there are plenty of difficult moments where a record of the " Close encounters of the wrong type " , are not enjoyed . This year the roads have been dry and sunny , thus in 10 weeks or so i have ridden close to 5000 km . Even today turned out somewhat different , in as much as i had about 50km by mid morning , then encountered a middle aged rider , heading the other way , which set me off on another 3hr ride . Having left him at Kufstein Hospital which was his destination , i headed over the border into Germany before starting back for the Inntal .

Once again 20km from home there was a fast mover heading towards me , so that occasioned a diversion . He was heading off at a tangent from my direct homeward route , into an area that i usually pass through at the start of a ride , Mariastein . The first few kilometres past in conversation , but when we neared an industrial area , i dropped back to let traffic pass . At the entrance to Mariastein , there is a sharp climb that requires dropping to the 42 ring , but on this occasion the chain fell betwixt , thus all momentum was lost as i had to scramble the chain back to the 55 and by that time i was 150M behind with a fair amount of climbing ahead . The next 10km through several climbs , i managed to retrieve most of the 500M deficit that had accrued , but as it was getting onto 4+hrs in the saddle , when we were into the outskirts of Woergl , i decided that the Wilchenau climb he was heading for , was a climb too far , thus headed home .

Not used a Computer or Polar strap for several years now , so i don't keep a complete record of my daily efforts , so when i claim 150km for a day that others will record as 165+ km , i could care less . It would be remiss to not say that the scenery on a sunny day is breath taking , certainly worthy of filming . As to traffic irritation , it was one of those days where being principally on farm roads , i did not have more than a handful of dolts with their klaxon to contend with .

During the past several months i have had too many occasions of " Expressed Doubt " when i have taken complaints of BAD Driving behaviours to the Polizei . Had i had a visual record of the events unfolding there would have been a more " sympathetic hearing " of the prevailing circumstances . Only when the people admit to their wrongdoing with the Polizei interviewing , do i get any consideration of a hearing .

Moving down the road at 40+kph , events happen quickly . It is necessary to be able to record what happens as the offender arrives , as well as their behaviour in passing . Not good enough to say that you saw them shuffling papers , texting , phoning , shouting at you through open window as they pass by millimetres then swerve into the kerb , to get out of the way of on coming traffic , or avoid hitting the mid road kerb that restricts the approach to a roundabout or junction . They know they are breaking the Law / Road Code , but they are bigger and enclosed in a metal container , and your Lycra clothes are unlikely to damage their shiny paint work ?  Slapping the window only antagonises , even though this proves they are within a 1/2M of you and the Law requires 1 1/2M . For them , YOU are the problem ! YOU are the inconveniencre ! YOU are unimportant because YOU are not in a Vehicle !

WELL YOU CHUMPS , i left my CAR at home because I WANT Exercise ! Unlike you , i am not a couch potato with an ever expanding waist line ! At 68yo , i wish to continue riding a bike for another 20 years , whilst Herr fahrsheiner struggles in and out of his matchbox !

As promised here are the emails of the Helmet camera supplier that think that addressingg a man as " mrs ", displays business acumen :

  "  Oregon Scientific


Oregon Scientific <technical@oregonuk.com>



To:   "skippi@ausi.com" <skippi@ausi.com>



Subject:   Ticket "2014021710003211" created!



Date:   Mon 02/17/14 07:37 AM




Dear Mrs. Skippy,

Thank you for contacting us.

We’ve checked your work and the interest you put regarding the safety of the cyclists on the road and we want to inform you that even though the ATCGecko can be linked to a handlebar it may not give you the results you need.


For your kind of needs we recommend you the ATC_WH:
http://uk.oregonscientific.com/cat-Outdoor-sub-Action-Cam-prod-ATC-Chameleon-with-Waterproof-Housing.html#.UwInCfn_D40

This kind of product can be linked to a handlebar, your helmet or a board, if it’s the case. This has a dual lens system which gives you the opportunity to film from different angles.

 Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Best regards
Oregon Scientific UK
Customer Service


Well they CLAIM to have read my Blogs !   Wonder how many WOMEN wear a Men's beard ?

My reply :

 " YOUR Reply displays a Lack of INTEREST !

Since when has a photo of a MAN , resulted in them being addressed as " Mrs "?

LYING to a person that works for " Physically Challenged Sport " , AFTER , they ask YOUR HELP DESERVES the publicity NOW ABOUT TO BE GIVEN !

Your CEO / MD can write today , OR , i promise that LINKEDIN , Facebook & TWITTER , will help me show YOU , that my request for use of a Current Model at Upcoming Events , was a WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT !

Skippy  ( MR not Mrs ) !



Their reply , somewhat quicker than to their non existant earlier email replies to the initial emails i had sent :

Oregon Scientific <technical@oregonuk.com>



To:   "skippi@ausi.com" <skippi@ausi.com>



Subject:   Ticket "2014030710000964" created!



Date:   Fri 03/07/14 06:18 AM



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Dear Mr. Mc Carthy,

We would like to apologize for the mixup. Please take into consideration that our sole purpose and main focus is to assist our customers and potential customers in obtaining the information that they needed, therefore we did not get around to checking out the about me section on your blog to see the photo that you have mentioned.

At no point were we lying about having checked your work. By saying the phrase we “checked your work”, we never insisted that we thoroughly checked out the entirety of your site page by page and word for word or to analyze who you were as a person (gender/race/age/etc) as this places absolutely no importance in the deciding factors when choosing to do business or to collaborate with a person. We checked out the site to see what your blog was about and how we could be of assistance.

As stated in our previous email, please follow our recommendation for the requirements that you are interested in as they pose better accessibility and purpose for the needs you have requested.

Apologies for the mixup once again and we hope you will continue to find great interest in our products.

 Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Best regards
Oregon Scientific UK
Customer Service
Tel - 0871 222 1966
@ - technical@oregonuk.com

GUESS i am removed from their consideration for testing equipment !

My request to deal with the CEO/MD , appears to be a non starter also !

More will follow , but the Para Games Opening Ceremony is more important than this .

YORKSHIRE INITIATIVE !

SKY TV are already reporting ( hourly ), the " Profitability " that will
come ther way
of the Yorkshire Traders as a result of the Grand Depart of Le Tour from Leeds at the end of June 2014 . Banks are making Money available to those that will be Feeding and housing the anticipated 1 1/2 Million expected to line the routes that the Pro Racers will travel over during the 3 days of Racing in ENGLAND!

In awarding the 101st Le Tour to the Syndicate preparing the "Grand Depart " , a Contract was signed defining WHAT could be done in association with " Amaury Sports Org. rules & reg.s " ! These R & R would be closely scrutinised to see that ASO does not miss any Profit Potential !

Media has already reported that the Syndicate has tried to recoup monies from a variety of Sources to cover expenses such as " Policing (  http://road.cc/content/news/93003-row-simmers-over-yorkshire-tour-de-france-police-funding ) & Public Utilities "! Wonder if there is any " Profit Element " to be gained from the Elementary School Lessons ? Gary Verity has been broadcast repeatedly stating that Banks are "Relaxing Lending " as well as Hyping Up other " benefits " to Yorkshire !

When i met him behind the Finish Zone in Paris at the conclusion of the 2012 Le Tour , he was keen to do all to see that the " Yorkshire Bid " was a success ! When i met him in Nice the day before the TTT of the 2013 Le Tour he was still promising that ALL we discussed was on track . In the many conversations that we had, it was uppermost in my mind , that FINALLY the PARA Community would be treated as EQUALS ! I have not seen the program of Events in Leeds on the day of the 1st Etappe , so cannot comment on whether he has been allowed to follow through ? AND YES Gary , i still want to see the Champion Para Cyclists of Europe INVITED to race the Route , whether they choose to ride , will be THEIR Decision , but how could @TTChamp ( Colin Lynch ) refuse , since he lives nearby ?

Chris Prudhomme was with France TV when we first met . He milked me for ideas about how i managed to ride the Le Tour daily in advance of the Etappe . He made " promises 2 that he wouldd do ALL HE COULD for " Paras Sport " when he became " THE MAN "! Well i have seen 2 Para Racers allowed on the ITT Course , The French National Time Trial Champion , lawrence Thioronet and the Czech European Time Trial Champion . The Czech was ALL " atwitter " before the day , not seen ANYTHING since , about HIS ride !

Both GARY & CHRIS , could if they wish , make the 101st " Le Tour ",   MEMORABLE !

ALL they need to do is PROPOSE to European Governments that CYCLING  an endangered activity be safeguarded by a change of MOTORISTS ATTITUDES !  Daily , being bullied by Vehicle drivers , is not the way NEWCOMERS to Cycling , want to lead their Life ! Politicians rarely consider the DANGERS that are posed by METAL Coffins on wheels , to those in street clothes OR EVEN Lycra , as they negotiate the Road hazards on the way to Work , Shops , Sport or other activities , on a VEHICLE  that has 2 points of contact with the road of about the size of " Postage Stamps "!  Policing Authorities file the blank " Incident/accident forms " in their " SELF SUICIDE drawer ? Great Attitude by those drawing salary for "Protecting and Serving their community " ?

WELL GUYS , here is SOME of the Ideas that YOU can put into effect :

Motoring Rules needing ATTENTION

1/   1M pass at under 30kph

2/   1 1/2M pass at higher speeds

3/   NO PASS of Cyclists in SChool Zones , on or under Bridges

4/   NO Pass of Cyclists within 100M of Road Junction ( doubt it is legal for vehicle to pass vehicle in these circumstances ?)

5/   No PASS by/of ONCOMING Vehicle when Cycle is on OTHER LANE OF ROAD

6/   SIGNALLING of Passing Manouvre and return to lane

7/   Use of Hazard lights to indicate following a Cyclist when requried to slow due to traffic

8/   ALL Large Vehicles to display a Decal depicting " Safe Pass Message "! Even larger 4 x 4 Chelsea Tractors & Tinted windowed vehicles

9/   Allow Under 16yo to ride Footpaths & Over 60yo at upto 15kph , particularly  when accompanied .

10/  Requirement for Police Officers under 35yo , to do Cycling Duties , as Plain Clothes Officers , 5 shifts each month .

11/  Advance Zone at Traffic Lights

12/  Treating Red Light as GIVE WAY on a Left hand Turn at under 20kph

13/  Acceptence of Video Camera evidence for Court proceedings

14/  Introduction of a Federal Vehicular Manslaughter Law , as in Italian Road Code

15/  Should be a prohibition of the use of the Vehicle horn at the rear of a Cyclist ( friends would tap AFter passing ?)


Used these ideas in reply to @amygillettfdn &

http://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/federal-mp-jamie-briggs-says-laws-should-force-motorists-to-leave-onemetre-gap-when-overtaking-cyclists/story-fnii5yv4-1226793989625#comments

Hopefully James will WAKE UP the P.M. tony Abbott , he doesn't reply to any contact , let alone Cycling matters ! Show pony ?


Le Tour  has a BOOK , " Livre de Route " ! In 2012 on page 7 there were RULES ( Bonne Conduit ) ! In 2013 there were a few changes , BUT , even though i wrote Chris in 2012 , there was no introduction of a "Driving Test " for ALL Acreditated Personnel ! Few seeing on the Television , a France TV Guest Van , run the Race Leaders off the Road in 2012 , would dispute the NEED for Drivers to be TESTED ? Flecha and Boogerlands being Profis had the courage to finish the Race in Paris , but WITHOUT fighting out that day's finish !

THIS YEAR A.S.O. can trumpet the ABOVE Initiatives to a WORLDWIDE Audience !  There are elements of Authority persuing SOME of the above , BUT ; WHY NOT help the Cycling Community ?

Lives could be saved ! Cyclists could be able to leave HOME with the Certainty of returning from their journey ? Even MORE people could be encouraged to use the Cycle to fulfill POLITICIANS' Desires to see Cycling " Reduce Pollution and Traffic , Improve Health and other Initiatives "!

Perhaps YOU may even choose to create an answer to this request :

https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/ioc-chairman-thomas-bach-create-an-international-umbrella-cycling-safety-organisation

WHO KNOWS , the 101st Le Tour , might even make EVERYONE happy !

Addition 3rd Jan 2014 :

Those of you that follow my Tweets will know that i have been " rubbishing " SKYNews " for their " Self promo Ads " at 1620gmt which included references to the " Widow of the 7/7 bomber "! Even if they had nothing else , WHY would you give " terrorists " a platform/time of day ?  Seems that after including David Cameron in a couple of tweets , those "self promo ads " have been set aside , hopefully for EVER ! On New Years Day , SKY TV , aired a segment that included the " Gary Verity speaking about Le Tour " , as mentioned above ! Each day since at 1620GMT , just before the sport segment , i always try to watch , they NOW include a repeat of his musings on the benefit that Le Tour will bring to Yorkshire . He is particularly pleased with himself , in that Le Tour is encouraging the BANKS , to loosen the " Lending/Loan Strings ", thus allowing Small Business to invest in the Hospitality Trade in preparation for the event and the ongoing further Tourism that will be anticipated .

Further to this are the following initiatives in Cambridge and Oxford :

http://road.cc/content/news/105631-apply-grants-totalling-%C2%A320k-host-cambridge-cycling-activities-around-tour-de

http://road.cc/content/news/105549-oxford-city-council-launches-%C2%A35-training-adult-cyclists