OV9

I realise there are lots of bikers on here so buckle up...

@Bikers - when riding in a group along major Dual Carriage Ways or Motorways, pick a fucking speed and stick to it...

I was driving back from Holyhead on Saturday and as we left the port, there was a group of 6 or 7 tourers on a variety of machines leaving around the same time. I always travel this route with Cruise Control set to 75 (figuring this is actually near enough to 70 not to be concerned) and try to make smooth consistent progress. So I approach the group, indicate over and pass them all by in about 30 seconds, leave plenty of room before pulling back in and then continue on my way.

About a minute or two later, the lead biker cruises past. His manner was NOT "how dare you pass me" etc. I think his speed just gradually increased and past he goes. Then Bike #2 does the same. Now I'm fixed at 75 so I guess they must have been temporarily doing 80 or so to go past. I'm now stuck in the middle of the group - 2 in front and 5 behind.

Then lead 2 bikes slow to 65 - so round them I go again. This happened another 2 or 3 times and left me with two options. Either slow down and drop in behind them (meaning I'd be constantly accelerating and decelerating between 65 and 80) or get in front of them and leave them behind.

I went for option 2 - I put the foot down, hit 90 for about 30 seconds and with a dab of oppo, I was gone.

Pick a speed lads - it's not hard...

If only it was just bikers in groups..... I find on every motorway journey of any reasonalbe length that I will eventually come across someone unable to maintain a constant speed, and you spend miles (usually painfully slowly) swapping places with them. my solution is also to speed up briefly to create a space (without contravening any laws obvs ossifer).

Sniff & Smith podcast were chatting the other week about - if you could add an extra light on the outside of your car, what would you want it to do/signify, and one option was an "I'm on cruise control" light that might somehow alert these idiots that it's them, not you doing this crap.

Wot Mik sed. Morons are morons regardless of mode of transport.

I will say, I don't like following a car/van on the bike so instinctively find myself passing them when I get an easy chance.. I do try to pull away before settling back down to cruise mind you, something this lot seemingly don't.

People not managing to maintain one speed is a bugbear of mine everytime I have to use a motorway it must be said.

mik wrote: Mon Aug 10, 2026 12:33 pm If only it was just bikers in groups..... I find on every motorway journey of any reasonalbe length that I will eventually come across someone unable to maintain a constant speed, and you spend miles (usually painfully slowly) swapping places with them. my solution is also to speed up briefly to create a space (without contravening any laws obvs ossifer).

Sniff & Smith podcast were chatting the other week about - if you could add an extra light on the outside of your car, what would you want it to do/signify, and one option was an "I'm on cruise control" light that might somehow alert these idiots that it's them, not you doing this crap.

This is especially painful when towing a trailer, and you don't really have the luxury of speeding up to create a space. Then they also end up blocking you in behind a lorry. Repeatedly

I had it on our recent scout camp whilst driving the minibus, which I might add is limited to 56mph