London isn’t exactly known for its freak weather occurrences. It has to be said that Mother Nature is quite kind to this little city of ours…Okay, so, we’re never going to have the same sort of summers, as the Algarve, and we can always be sure of rain during Wimbledon, but as far as hurricanes and earthquakes, are concerned, we can be pretty safe in saying that it isn’t going to hit on a monumental scale, unless you are ridding a scooter that is.
I woke up yesterday morning hopping to get a full day in on The K and one quick look out the window told me blues skies with a few bright fluffy scattering of clouds. The trees were blowing in the wind a bit, but wind rather than dark skies and rain, I thought to myself. I started my day by doing List 2 Run 1 – Graham Rd (E8.) to Hanover Gate – Regents Park (NW1) Again my logic in doing this run is because I know the start point. I know I should really be working my way through the lists from the top, but seeing as I’m new to this, best to do runs where I kind of know where I’m going… From there I did List 2 Run 2 – Barker Street Station (NW1) to Halkin St (SW1). Got a bit confused with this run. Baker Street Station, the one I found, was on Baker Street, but on the list it goes – Baker Street Station – Lve on Left Marylebone Rd – Left Allsop Pl – Left Baker Street. This for me was confusing; the only think I assumed was that there is an entrance on Marylebone Road. I carried on with the run from Baker Street regardless. Baker Street – Forward Portman Square… Note must find out if there is an entrance to Baker Street on Marylebone road.
My final run of the day List 1 Run 8 – Ritz Hotel (W1) to Battersea Park Station (SW8.) and the first run, since being on the knowledge, that I have manage to nail first time. I’m hoping that this will happen more often, as I seem to be getting better at spotting the roads.
I hadn’t really had much of a problem with the wind; admittedly it was a bit blustery, out, but I’d felt safe all day that was until I drove back over to the other side of the river via London Bridge where I nearly had lift off. I can honestly say I thought a strong gust of wind was going to take me over the bridge and into the River Thames all I could do was hold on tight while leaning into the wind, while shouting the lords name JEEEESSSSUUSSSSS.
A definite lesson has been learned today. I was, always, fully aware of how dangerous it could be while out on the scooter in the rain, or during a frost, but I have to say that until my encounter with the gust of wind on London Bridge I wasn’t completely aware of how easily a strong wind can quite literally throw you around like a rag doll.
