Which way would you go? And why?

On my commute yesterday, reluctantly, I had reason to take another trip through suburban leicester rather than my usual rural route, as the crow (or barn owl) flies.
You'll be aware of my previous reaction to the experience of this specific suburban cycling route.  However, having ridden this route again, I still have the same opinions...
But I was led to think....

In life generally, I guess it's my nature to generally take the easier more pleasurable option. Surely would it not be madness not to?

My usual choice, is relatively comfortable; I enjoy flowing familiarity with negligible hurdles and man-made encounters. It is raw, spatial and rich in the spirit of something 'natural' (?)... It's relatively smooth and takes me where I intend to go... skirting intriguing worlds and lives with little incident... yes, it does have has it's unforeseen encounters but it's a an enjoyable option.

An alternative choice is a way populated with life in abundance. Much of what you'll find is in either in need of care and attention, badly designed, or both. It's past is evident, daily life and common culture are stamped on walls and faces. You'll encounter raw humanity... 'warts and all', but also what you find is rich in living lives, both sweet and sour.

Do Robert Frost's thoughts apply? Challenge? Avoidance? Survival? Common Sense?


Which way would you go? And why?

Life's too short to finish it early!

If you are fully aware of the info below, please share this with a friend...

- When passing cyclists, give them plenty of room, time and space to manoeuvre.
- Before overtaking make sure there’s a room ahead
- Allow plenty of room... do not cut in.
- Give cyclists at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.
- You MUST NOT overtake by crossing a solid white line... unless cycle’s travelling at 10 mph or less.

I WAS NOT FULLY AWARE...

[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36, TSRGD regs 10, 22, 23 & 24, ZPPPCRGD reg 24]

Motorcyclists and cyclists

211  It is often difficult to see cyclists... Always look out for them before you manoeuvre...   Be sure to check

mirrors and blind spots carefully.

212-3  When passing cyclists, give them plenty of room. Give them time and space to manoeuvre.

Overtaking

162 Before overtaking you should make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead and that there is a suitable

gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake.

163 Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so.

You should allow plenty of room... do not cut in.

Give cyclists at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.

165 You MUST NOT overtake by crossing a solid white line...

You may cross the line to overtake a cycle if they are travelling at 10 mph or less.

You MUST NOT overtake the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing...

You MUST NOT overtake by entering a lane reserved for other vehicles...

If you are able to download a FREE sheet of 5 bookmarks to print, trim & share, here's a link: FREE Bookmarks

SPONSORSHIP: If you know of bodies that might simply sponsor the production and distribution of such an important road safety message, then contact the Bookmark People; ranging from a few thousand homes to an entire region, they can place targeted library bookmarks which can deliver your message uniquely to the heart of the community.

 
Alternatively just share this post!    Life's too short to finish early!

Feeding Eli...

You may be aware that we have a menagerie in the household with the beloved Cheese, Pickles and Bryher, (as well as umpteen inanimate bears and things) but our wet friends always give us cause to chill and wonder.
Over the years we've had a healthy tank and been lucky to only seen a handful of residents depart for the tank in the sky (bin). One of the oldest present residents is Dyson the 4" Bristlenosed Pleco Ancistrus, alas not seen in the above vid as he hides under a log now and lets the younger fish strut. We have a Cameroon Armoured Shrimp who again resides mainly in his hole, but does venture forth to shed his skin occasionally. Another oldie is Cory the Corydoras who we've had from early days, about 4 years. The others are an assortment, with this spring's addition of a few Guppies now continually populating (and feeding the big boys) with live young! Talking of big boys, of course there's the prowling Sharky the Red Tailed Shark, who the little-ones let believe 'is in charge'.
The video above shows the bidiem ritual of feeding Eli the Fire Eel. We got Eli while almost an elver about 2 years ago, then ~ 3", now you see he's about 6" but he could grow to 20"...  w-e'll see.