An expensive day

Day off today and it did not rain. Well not until I had outside jobs to do!!! First job of the day was a trip to the Vets. Harvey (the dog) was due for his booster injections. He loves the vet and as we pulled in to the car park you could see his excitement!! Anyway we managed to get them done without too much drama and we walked out with a clean bill of health and a lighter wallet. next job was to replace the microwave, this had departed a few days ago with an associated bang and tripping of the main house fuse. Tesco was next on the list and after filling up with petrol the spending was done. One bright spot was a friend delivered a very large quantity of wood. This was his old conservatory and will come in very handy in the winter. Only problem is cutting it up. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit cheaper.

Cyclists (an observation)

Very busy few days. Passenger numbers seem to have increased. Monday saw the introduction of new services to Victoria and Gatwick. No change YET to our services they are due to start ????? Been a lot in the news about cycling and reducing speeds in built up areas. I have no problem with this as I am a cyclist (well I have a bike) a motorcyclist, a car driver and a pedestrian. So can see the problem from all angles. What I find hard is where cycle ways are provided, as in Swindon and Chippenham you find cyclists riding down the road!! What more they hurl abuse at you if you get too close or dare to give an audible warning!! So cyclists, if you want more routes etc. Use the facilities already provided.
For more information on cycling have a look at http://www.ctc.org.uk

A bit more care

Much quieter on the roads. It looks like the petrol price is beginning to make an impact. I have also noticed an increased in business people using the coach. Loaded with overnight bags and Blackberry, they seem to be leaving the car at home. I was full yesterday at 0430!!!
One thing you realise driving a large vehicle is that you can not pull away from a junction, roundabout etc. as quick as a car. You have to double check left and right. The real problem is when you come across restricted view roundabouts, those ones that are on slight bends and you cannot see very well unless you pull out a little, this is fine. Until..
As you pull out after checking a vehicle appears at speed not even slowing for the roundabout again fine if you are a car but there is still 40foot of bus behind me!! The sounding of a horn follows and we both go on our way. However, imagine I was a bicycle, or a horse!! So when you approach any hazard, you may have right of way but ease off. Think, 'what is the worse that can happen?' and plan for it. Oh, and read the highway code.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070338