Going back a few years as I cycled through Dudley, I passed down Castle Hill turning left at the island opposite a McDonalds. At that time there was a fairly good cycle lane that was separated from the traffic by a concrete barrier. The barrier was only there for road works and I think it has since been removed.

So with a good lane to myself I picked up the pace but with a combination of fading light, three school kids walking towards me in the cycle lane and speed, I failed to notice the McDonalds Tomato Ketchup dipping pot in my path. My front wheel put the carton under what must have been a good deal of pressure and it exploded with quite a loud crack, covering my nice new, bright yellow Blues Away Shirt^[1] with ketchup.

I cursed my luck but was halted by the look on the face of one the school kids in front of me.

As I got closer a look of relief washed over his mug and in a wonderfully thick black country accent he told me that: -

"I thart yar'd bin shot"

You just don't pick up these moments when you drive a car to work.

Keep Pedallin'

Gazza.
March 2007

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