Nearly made the S a bit narrower today.
Nearly made the S a bit narrower today.
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silverback mike

Original Poster:

11,293 posts

282 months

Thursday 1st December 2005
quotequote all
It struck me at 0700 this morning as I am making unhurried progress on the M5 southbound between junction 19 and junction 20, just how invisible a storm grey S really is.

I had an HGV on my left, (leaving motorway at J19) I was in lane 1, and an HGV in lane 2 spraying crap everywhere.

HGV on the left decides that it isn't his exit, no doubt checks offside mirror, sees nothing, and moves out. He should have seen me, but didn't.

To stop this sounding like war and peace, I safely accelerated and for some reason sort of anticipated something happening as I try to have an exit route whenever I'm on the slab.

It made me quiver a bit to think of what could have happened. It also made me think about using the S all year round. The driver simply could not see me. I can safely say on a rainy morning just getting light, a storm grey S is perfectly camouflaged.

There is no way I would sell it, but may invest in something a bit brighter to snot around in. Be careful folks.

Mike.

garfys s3

1,257 posts

253 months

Thursday 1st December 2005
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messy trousers mike? i drove to cardigan today and it was not pleasant i was glad i didnt take the s. by the way im going to see numbnuts tommorow i have an erratic idle that he thinks may be relatively straightforward to sort out. happy motoring,gary

silverback mike

Original Poster:

11,293 posts

282 months

Thursday 1st December 2005
quotequote all
Nearly filled my pants Gary.
I may see you up there tomorrow

pies

13,116 posts

285 months

Thursday 1st December 2005
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Trust me on this Mica blue ones also seem invisible

steve j

3,223 posts

257 months

Thursday 1st December 2005
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Light blue ones seem to cause some sort of blindness too. Glad you werent sandwiched Mike, lets face it, you had the power to drive out of it and get clear of impending doom.

NiceCupOfTea

25,586 posts

280 months

Friday 2nd December 2005
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Don't know if you had your headlights on but might help?

pies

13,116 posts

285 months

Friday 2nd December 2005
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NiceCupOfTea said:
Don't know if you had your headlights on but might help?


What both candles

shnozz

30,630 posts

300 months

Friday 2nd December 2005
quotequote all
pies said:
NiceCupOfTea said:
Don't know if you had your headlights on but might help?


What both candles


The HGV driver may have been shocked to see 2 cyclists keeping up with him down the motorway.

John Mac

386 posts

292 months

Friday 2nd December 2005
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Glad to hear you were OK Mike.
One of the reasons why "Track cars" back in the 50's and 60's had those two white stripes painted on them was for the very reason you mention,you were almost invisible when driving in mist or rain to the car in front
Wouldn't suggest you had them fitted as they are a bit boy racerish and naff looking.
Must admit though when I was Hillclimbing in my special in the late 50's I did have one stripe on it, why I don't know know (or admit) as there was never anyone else on the hill !! - boy racer - me - never !!!
Take care.
John

silverback mike

Original Poster:

11,293 posts

282 months

Friday 2nd December 2005
quotequote all
Cheers John, It stayed shiny side up which is the most important thing, nasty moment though.

And yes (nicecupoftea), my lights were well and truly on. and yes, even though they are the halogen jobbies, they aren't that good.

Psychobert

6,318 posts

285 months

Saturday 3rd December 2005
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Should be; I replaced the usual crappy wiring with the ModWise kit a few months before we parted and it it made a hell of a difference. Especially when I accidentally put 100W bulbs in

If its any help, red V8s are similarly invisible; had a nasty turn with a lorry myself weekend before last.

shnozz

30,630 posts

300 months

Saturday 3rd December 2005
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you not stacked that V8 yet Psycho?

PS - you coming down for the xmas meal next weekend?

Psychobert

6,318 posts

285 months

Saturday 3rd December 2005
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We've had a few moments

YHM, or possibly a phone call shortly at least..

big ian

335 posts

259 months

Tuesday 6th December 2005
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Did the same thing coming off the Dartford Bridge exiting the toll booths!.

Nice to have the "get ahead of it all" option. I sometimes forget when in the wifes car and find myself much closer to trouble than one hopes.

silverback mike

Original Poster:

11,293 posts

282 months

Tuesday 6th December 2005
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I agree, a powerful car is safer than one that can't pull the skin off a rice pudding.