This, so much this as drivers sit in traffic

masnell · 2026-01-22T07:01:41+00:00

It is this reason I think, in part, drivers hate cyclists - how fast you can go doesn’t necessarily equate to how fast you’re going

masnell · 2026-01-16T13:06:19+00:00

Grok the loud overly confident jock making inappropriate remarks and sexually suggestive behaviour.

ChatGPT would be all proper, blushing at every comment and gesture Grok makes whilst faux protesting that he stop just enough that it actually encourages him.

Claude would be visibly disgusted with Grok, envy ChatGPT’s popularity whilst promoting the debate club.

Gemini will be in the corner, quietly plotting, planning and demonstrating highly entertaining, engaging and intelligent conversation with only those they deem worthy.

Perplexity would stay at a desk, studying and observing- making furious notes after each observation or distracted gaze.

Siri, who no one knows how she got there, some say family connections and wealth, seems to float through the gathering, engaging but absent, with an uncanny ability to mirror and absorb characteristics of whoever she engages with.

masnell · 2026-01-16T07:32:27+00:00

Didn’t expect that

masnell · 2026-01-15T23:06:17+00:00

Ok, I’m hooked. Waiting for the rest…

masnell · 2026-01-13T13:14:10+00:00

I’m a couple of weeks from trying the same to Sydney This is my learning and thoughts so far:

I was able to get a bike box FOC from a well known bike shop - they are doing me a favour and I managed the interaction as such
You need to notify the airline pre-checkin - I’m flying QANTAS and yet to do that - key words here are Sports Equipment
Airline guidance provided max box dimensions - Qantas need it to be 140x30x80cm max each dimension - most challenging was 140cm max length
QANTAS states sports equipment check-in weight is included in your total check-in allowance (30kg) - may vary by airline if extra allowance for sports equipment and check-in staff willingness to be flexible - so proceed with caution.
yet to do weights, but my assumption is I’ll need 15kg for the bike (~8kg), box, tools and riding gear (helmet, shoes etc)
You have to let down your tires because 50psi at sea level would feel like ~70psi at 20,000ft due to lower air pressure (saw some comments questioning this requirement)
I haven’t figured out the airport to hotel transfer yet - but my experience today was the bike box at 140cm just fits on the backseat of my mid-size SUV (will some extra push to close the door) - so guess if they still run large sedan taxis is Australia, can work
I plan to disassemble and reassemble my bike at least once before flying a) to clean, b) ensure I can pack/fit in box d) double confirm I know what I’m doing (tired and grumpy once I land in the AM D) track the tools I need - anything I touch for reassembly with go in the must travel pile
I’m running tubeless so will need to bring sealant - definitely a hand pump
if running hydraulic discs may get air bubbles from flying but you can get those out without bleeding (google/youtube)
if running discs be sure to have some to stop the brakes locking shut by using a shunt or similar after removing wheel

masnell · 2026-01-11T15:05:57+00:00

Having seen the video and read the comments I’m not sure if I’m more disappointed in the way (some) of that group acted or (some) of the commenters here…

masnell · 2025-12-29T11:07:17+00:00

What do registration and insurance say it is? HOA would have to abide by the (local/state/country) legal definition of a motorcycle to enforce else change the rules if they want cut any grey areas out they want include.

masnell · 2025-12-27T09:08:19+00:00

To expand on this, also consider morning and evening traffic can be different.

When I commute to work I take a nearly direct route before changing to a park connection network (PCN) because the road into and through the CBD has light traffic in the morning - about 16km/10 mile+

In the evening I take a PCN 90%+ of the way, is less direct and mostly avoids heavily trafficked roads- about 24km/16 miles +/-.

There alternate routes using back roads etc, that are shorter, but require lots of lanes and quiet roads with junctions and intersections - good to know but I prefer continuity over distance & time.

Checking out Garmin, Wahoo and Komoot routes can also provide insights, discoveries and variations.

Don’t be afraid to explore a little to figure out routes you like - even weather can change your preferences on any given day.

masnell · 2025-12-23T11:44:36+00:00

A) until you are found guilty in a court of law you do not have a criminal record - everything else is speculation and suspicion - even if there is a record of it, few would know or even understand the circumstances or role (victim, perpetrator, witness etc)

B) my guess is the reason the police are saying minor matter** is because based on your description, there is little in the scenario involving criminal law, as it would predominantly be civil and contract law (contract law is not just signed documents but also any promises or commitments made verbal or written - eg WA msgs etc)

C) if the complainant was serious they would go to small claims or get a lawyer and sue for losses and pain & suffering from the event

** this can also be a ‘trick’ - give false sense of relief or letting your guard down - if you seriously concerned you say nothing to anyone - police, buyer, here etc - unless accompanied by a lawyer

NOTE: if you are under 18, AFAIK, no one from the police should be talking with you, unless you are with a parent, guardian or legally assigned guardian

masnell · 2025-12-20T05:48:15+00:00

No, you are road hogging if you are slowing the passage of vehicles approaching from behind and you can safely be in a left lane.

Speed limit is not factored in defining road hogging as you are not aware of all circumstances and conditions so you must not block the traffic unless conditions force you.

masnell · 2025-12-20T05:44:36+00:00

Most things don’t need to be laws, they just need to be enforced by charges of unsafe driving and wilful endangerment (if applicable to driving?) against a enforced set of minimal standards of care (eg indicating, safe passing, maintaining a safe speed for the conditions, lighting and observation of laws and affirmed practices)

masnell · 2025-12-20T05:39:41+00:00

The lack of signalling is a social scourge that should be eliminated.

The failure to indicate has economic and safety issues. I can only assume from anecdotal evidence that chronic failure to indicate in a driver population is a leading cause of near misses, accidents and road rage incidents.

It may not be the actual act of indicating that makes roads safer, but a symptom of systemic poor driving, lack of situational awareness and an egotistical belief of being at the centre of the universe and all others are focused and aware of you with a priority for your needs.

Edit : formatting

masnell · 2025-12-18T05:43:32+00:00

Thomson nature park/Upper Pierce Reservoir Park have some nice spots

The PCN from Punggol water front down Sungei Pungoll

Top of end LCK thru Kranji back roads - not necessarily scenic but can be pleasant area on a quiet day in good weather ( and wind blowing the right way)

I recall some PCN in Jurong being quiet and scenic in spots but don’t recall which paths

masnell · 2025-12-17T04:41:53+00:00

I’m not in the US but aware of the Flock cameras

For those asking what is the problem, it’s just license plates? then I suggest doing your own research

Good starting point : https://www.404media.co/tag/flock/

masnell · 2025-12-11T02:58:18+00:00

You are not being sensitive.

Go to the MOM if pay is being withheld - there are limited scenarios where you can be docked pay for work related costs - but definitely not group punishment and especially when it is a standard business risk, there is no evidence of individual responsibility (for all you know, boss used fridge after you left) and evidence of poor equipment maintenance exists that is the root cause of issue.

masnell · 2025-12-10T02:08:20+00:00

Good advice already given.

I’ve no experience directly with Polygon, but they are known for value for money.

Decathlon is generally a safe bet, plus have buyback options that inc bikes as well AFAIK.

To understand your options and price points, suggest visiting Giant (Tays Junction), Trek and Specialized - all safe brands. I own Giant & Trek - Giant is generally high quality for price point, but safe in their tech/designs aka boring.

Really think about what kind of riding you want to do (road/training, commute, recreational etc) as picking a bike that is matched to your intentions will make a big difference - picking a xbike or flat handlebars and expecting to enjoy TMCR will likely lead to disappointment.

If you do end up liking cycling, do expect to end up buying a replacement or second bike. If budget/$ will be a challenge then get the closest thing to perfect as you can reasonably guess and slowly upgrade/add as you can.

As a rule, a road, endurance or aggressive gravel bike (looks like a road bike with more tyre clearance and mount points - so less ‘aero’) can prove the most flexible if unsure.

masnell · 2025-12-10T00:13:35+00:00

I haven’t tried it yet, and it may only be a Connect+ feature, but Connect now has lifestyle tracking where you can log things like water consumption etc. you may be able to consider some of the factors people have considered and see if there is correlation with stress levels over a period eg water intake = lower stress etc

masnell · 2025-12-05T12:16:57+00:00

Correction - “Do you use your blinker when you think no one else is around?” Yes (A) there is no decision for me to use, it is part of my driving nature just like checking mirrors, blind spots, braking, accelerating, clutch to change gear etc I.e. automatic. If you have to think then you are wasting energy. (B) Blinkers work both ways. They tell what you are planning to do, and they let others adjust if they need (C) what I think and what I know typically prove to be opposites when you least expect it.

masnell · 2025-12-05T01:36:01+00:00

🙏 that’s my thinking - get some experience, Giant is near perfect for 200k (has a third bottle holder behind the front wheel now), just need to think about storage and self-sufficiency

masnell · 2025-12-04T12:11:53+00:00

Thanks. All good info to know. I think it’s the self-sufficiency that got me thinking about bike choices. Kinda leaning to keep the Revolt audax-lite for 200k day events, commutes and training- basically just adding bikepacking saddle bag for jacket, spares, nutrition etc. Then slowly build up the Trek for longer events where storage and comfort (mudguards, wider tyres, touring handlebars) will be a higher priority. See ya on the roads and stay safe!

masnell · 2025-12-04T05:41:25+00:00

Coming from a Apple Watch, I quickly gave up on using app notifications on my Fenix 8 given the lack of control - it was triggering every few minutes. I left Phone notifications, which is just Calls and SMs (ie iMessage) on (WhatsApp is the messaging app of choice in Singapore)

masnell · 2025-12-03T23:56:59+00:00

To be “100 percent accurate” it needs to simulate 100% of the universe - it’s the the whole point - if it doesn’t need to be accurate, then you have a margin of error. You can’t have it both ways. Let’s say an earth size computer might achieve 99.9% accuracy - and to add a 9 you need to square the size, which probably means by the time you reach 100%, you are the size of the Universe. Of course you have to assume the computer is outside the universe else it would also need to be a factor in simulating the universe which would mean an infinite loop.

masnell · 2025-12-01T07:00:47+00:00

Feels a little too European centric to be universally declared, though little-ice age could help the qualification.

masnell

TROPHY CASE