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[Closed] Mid- / North-Wales B-roads

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as much as you might like the sound of your engine revving hard, the people that live nearby very probably don’t so much (and the sound really, really carries).

Many times this. I live on what was once a nicely peaceful road on the edge of the Peak District. The amount of motorcyclists and folk in fast cars popping/banging past my front garden is having a massive negative impact on my mental health.

It's driven me to tears before and if I wake up after 3am I generally can't get back to sleep for fear of the first person doing some 'spirited driving' past my house on their early commute, which I'm sure they think is very safe because the roads are empty at that time 🙁 .


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 3:51 pm
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Are you joking or naive?

No, experienced. Everyone has a limit beyond which they think '**** this'. The other side of that limit = unsafe, this side = safe. People appreciate there is some risk, but they think it's small enough to be worth it.


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 4:24 pm
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It is thanks to people travelling to Wales to do some spirited driving, and then publishing said videos or details of that spirited driving road on the tinterweb for all to see, and as a result attracting even more spirited drivers to the spirited driving road, that we now have average speed cameras and policemen hidden inside parked horse boxes etc. on most of the roads that were previously the best for spirited driving.

My suggestion would be to buy yourself an OS map and then go and explore for yourself, preferably somewhere far away from any roads suggested by people on the internet. And if you find a nice stretch of road to enjoy, perhaps consider keeping it to yourself.


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:15 pm
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that we now have average speed cameras and policemen hidden inside parked horse boxes etc. on most of the roads that were previously the best for spirited driving.

Good. It makes driving through Wales more relaxing. I wish there were average speed cameras on all roads.


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:21 pm
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Good. It makes driving through Wales more relaxing. I wish there were average speed cameras on all roads.

I guess if you are someone who is a below averagely skilled driver or someone who likes to switch off and simply get from A to B then yes, average speed cameras make things easier for you as you sit in a procession and can disengage your brain. All vehicles are reduced to the lowest common denominator.

For those of us though who actually like driving and are capable of selecting a safe speed for the conditions, then average speed cameras are a pain in the bum and ruin any enjoyment of driving, and the view with those big yellow poles in scenic locations.

That said through the average cameras on the Cat and Fiddle road near Macclesfield I have worked out you can have a spirited drive through the most fun section, blats up to 80 on the short straights but less than 30 in the tightest bends, and you'd struggle to do the 50 average. And that's in a car with 400bhp. No coppers around either since they installed the new cameras. Bonus!


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:45 pm
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That said through the average cameras on the Cat and Fiddle road near Macclesfield I have worked out you can have a spirited drive through the most fun section, blats up to 80 on the short straights but less than 30 in the tightest bends, and you’d struggle to do the 50 average. And that’s in a car with 400bhp. No coppers around either since they installed the new cameras.

And because of cocks like you I no longer cycle on that road.


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:48 pm
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If you cannot beat a 50 mph average on the cat and fiddle you cannot drive properly

You with your 400 bhp penis extension. I could do it on my 40 bhp vintage bike

Warra plonker


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:51 pm
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I think @wurst.experience is just a troll with a flaccid phallus

Go to bed you silly sausage


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:52 pm
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3 posts to his name - 2 on this thread and one on the petrol thread


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:55 pm
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And because of cocks like you I no longer cycle on that road.

But I always slow down and/or give cyclists plenty of room, normally fully over the other side of the road when I'm passing, and never pass when there could be traffic coming the other way. So how does that make me a cock?

Whenever I've cycled the Cat and Fiddle on the road bike, and I still do from time to time, the problem drivers are the trucks and other traffic that pass far too closely. Normally at way less than the speed limit.

I think the issue you have is confusing speed with bad driving.


 
Posted : 27/09/2021 11:56 pm
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I guess if you are someone who is a below averagely skilled driver or someone who likes to switch off and simply get from A to B then yes, average speed cameras make things easier for you as you sit in a procession and can disengage your brain. All vehicles are reduced to the lowest common denominator.

What ****ing bonkers self justifying twisted rubbish is that?

For those of us though who actually like driving and are capable of selecting a safe speed for the conditions, then average speed cameras are a pain in the bum and ruin any enjoyment of driving

No no no.

1) Everyone THINKS they are great drivers, but much of the time they are wrong. I'm a good driver, generally, BUT I make mistakes like everyone does and I acknowledge this, and I rarely if every drive fast. That should be NEVER but I do slip sometimes. This is wrong. Driving is not a game. You can get pleasure from driving whilst travelling a sensible PREDICTABLE and economical speed. Once you realise this, life is better. Enjoy the scenery, relax, be comfortable, choose quiet scenic roads, it's great. Speed is not required.

2) Even if you were an amazing driver it wouldn't make any ****ing difference because it's shit for everyone else when you zoom about indulging yourself. We hate it. You're being a dick.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:04 am
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And you are confusing owning a 400bhp penis extension with being able to drive.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:04 am
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Everyone THINKS they are great drivers, but much of the time they are wrong.

Where did I say I was a great driver? We all make mistakes and also need to make allowances for the mistakes of others. The extra and frequent driver training I've had though since passing my test does probably make me more skilled than the average driver.

Even if you were an amazing driver it wouldn’t make any **** difference because it’s shit for everyone else when you zoom about indulging yourself. We hate it. You’re being a dick.

I don't care less whether you hate it or not. Your preferences have no sway over how I choose to live my life. I probably hate some of the stuff you do, but I wouldn't call you a dick for having a difference of opinion. That would be a dick move!

And you are confusing owning a 400bhp penis extension with being able to drive.

Nope, read my first reply above. The two are not mutually exclusive.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:21 am
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Going below 30 mph on the bends and being unable to reach 50 mph average on the cat and fiddle with a 400 bhp car but still thinking its "spirited driving" shows you cannot drive properly

I know that road well. I was riding it when you were in nappies

I think you are just a troll.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:26 am
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Going below 30 mph on the bends and being unable to reach 50 mph average on the cat and fiddle with a 400 bhp car but still thinking its “spirited driving” shows you cannot drive properly

Not on the section I am talking about with the most bends you can't, not with leaving an adequate margin for safety in any case. And if you are averaging more than 50 then you clearly are not making adequate allowances for other road users or potential hazards.

Spirited driving does not mean maxing out a car on the public road, it just means selecting the most appropriate speed for the conditions, the fastest safe speed, which is sometimes above and sometimes below the posted limit.

I'd have though you would have known this stuff? It sounds like your idea of a 'spirited drive' involves maxing out the available grip and power of a vehicle on the public highway? Can't condone that sort of thing.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:34 am
 IHN
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the most appropriate speed for the conditions, the fastest safe speed

The fastest safe (and even leaving the definition of 'safe' for now) speed is very rarely the correct measure for the most appropriate speed.

I don’t care less whether you hate it or not. Your preferences have no sway over how I choose to live my life.

Nice.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 10:45 am
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I’ve been looking at buying a Porsche recently. The insurance is less than 1/2 that of a bog standard Fiesta I used to have, so statistically they must be safer

I still stand that I would prefer to be passed by someone driving spirited (or whatever term we are allowed to use) rather than like most folk who are clueless

I’ve just come back from the Isle of Man, many roads with no speed limits. There was lots of controlled spirited driving going on in some lovely cars and bikes.

The car I was in couldn’t get much over 110mph on the mountain road


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 11:32 am
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People who own cars with 250+ BHP and don't take them on a track are fools imo.

'Spirited driving' down a B-road is more dangerous, frustrating to locals and you'll never get close to using more than half of the car's capability.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:15 pm
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You can still enjoy driving without an emphasis on speed.
Concentrate on other road users, smoothness, positioning, balance and awareness.

It's what grown ups do. 🙂


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:22 pm
 wbo
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Next time they come round a corner halfway over the line is there any way I can tell a spirited driver from someone 'clueless' so I know if I'm in danger or not? They all look the same to me


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:28 pm
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I don’t care less whether you hate it or not.

Can you explain how this doesn't make you a dick? Caring about others is a baseline requirement for not being a dick. It's not just me, you realise that right? The response on the thread should indicate that.

Time to have sit-down and a think.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:29 pm
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One of my recent experiences of 'spirited' driving was when a friend of mine was delayed meeting us a Ogwen on the A5 a few of years ago. Somewhere between Bethesda and Ogwen a motorbike overtook straight into the car coming the other way. My mate was called to the inquest and was extremely shaken up, depite being unhurt, unlike the driver going the other way of the biker who is now dead.

Please try to drive sensibly.


 
Posted : 28/09/2021 12:31 pm
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Horseshoe pass would be a road I’d recommend OP, near Llangollen.

Hopefully not tomorrow morning (Sunday 3 Oct) as a large number of cyclists will be riding up it in the Wrexham RC Hill Climb. And anyhow there's too much 'spirited' driving and motorcycling up there already!

When I first had a driving licence I did more than my share of selfish dickhead driving. It was effing stupid and dangerous and I'm just so relieved no-one got hurt. Several people I knew weren't so lucky.


 
Posted : 02/10/2021 11:21 pm
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I live at the bottom of the Brynamman Mountain Road, one of Clarkson's favorites. Driving Gods flock to the place most weekends and tbh sometimes slow the traffic. It is not unusual to be stuck behind a clot of shiny fastnesses that seem to be waiting to have a spirited run up to Herbert's Quarry and then down to Pont Clydach, Llangadog and then on to Llandovery. There is often a group at Troed yr Gwcwr, a very sharp hairpin, with picnic chairs and cameras. A recent addition to the awesome view out over mid Wales was a car on it's roof in a gully. I hope all involved were OK.

I appreciate that the road is fun to drive, even though it has been restricted to 40mph and then 50mph alongside the Afon Sawdde following too many deaths but seriously why do people need to have to delay others so that they in their turn can drive unencumbered?


 
Posted : 03/10/2021 1:01 am
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Horseshoe pass would be a road I’d recommend OP, near Llangollen.

Certainly an excellent descent for those fond of 'spirited cycling'.
One of my my favourites.

Also a popular hangout for the local Fuzz, who seem to take a particular delight in pulling ****s for illegal numberplates and loud exhausts.
I can't imagine they'd be too impressed by someone in a 400hp ego chariot 'pressing on' along a busy road.


 
Posted : 03/10/2021 1:22 am
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@Ambrose - maybe they're all in a rush to get pies from the butchers in Llangadog?

😉


 
Posted : 03/10/2021 1:38 am
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As a former proponent of "spirited driving" the pointlessness of it was brought into sharp focus on the 2018 Bryan Chapman memorial. On the second day I spent the whole time in the company of a group of motorcyclists who would overtake leap frogging through the traffic gradually getting split up. A short while later I'd pass them all parked up in lay-by whereby the whole process would start again. Imagine all that bhp to average the same speed as a mediocre audaxer! 😂

The days of buying a fast car to enjoy on the road have long since passed, if you do you're a bigger victim of marketing hyperbole than even the most up to date mountain biker! 😉


 
Posted : 03/10/2021 9:51 am
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