Insignificant/ Significant things that BYP or just wind you up a little

[Horse]

...

Given the fact that (sort of) automatic full beam/dip beam has been created and seems to be in general use, surely to goodness manufacturers could sort out an auto sensor for fog lights?? Or a beeper to remind the driver to confirm that they still need them??

Or link them to a speed limiter. If you think it's foggy enough to need them, you really shouldn't be doing more than 40 mph.

Yup, /\ that

A few years ago I was driving on the A12 at 70 (I was in one of my law abiding phases ) when I was overtaken my a BMW doing about 80. As he got just ahead of me we encountered a patch of mist. I thought it prudent to knock about 10mph off my speed, he thought it prudent to carry on at the same speed and put his rear fog lights on.

At that point, the red lamps seem to work as booster rockets

[Saga Lout]

...

A few years ago I was driving on the A12 at 70 (I was in one of my law abiding phases ) when I was overtaken my a BMW doing about 80. As he got just ahead of me we encountered a patch of mist. I thought it prudent to knock about 10mph off my speed, he thought it prudent to carry on at the same speed and put his rear fog lights on.

At that point, the red lamps seem to work as booster rockets

Or I AM AN IDIOT lights

[Cousin Jack]

...

A few years ago I was driving on the A12 at 70 (I was in one of my law abiding phases ) when I was overtaken my a BMW doing about 80. As he got just ahead of me we encountered a patch of mist. I thought it prudent to knock about 10mph off my speed, he thought it prudent to carry on at the same speed and put his rear fog lights on.

At that point, the red lamps seem to work as booster rockets

Or I AM AN IDIOT lights

Totally redundant, the BMW badge does that anyway.

[636mick]

While at work in the fog, it’s amazing how many Morons think their auto lights will work and switch on! Seen loads with just DRL’s on, spoken to a few drivers who really don’t like criticism T’was fun.
Mick

[gremlin]

Being ill.

Double-whammy is being ill on holiday.

I've got some sort of head cold that's knocked me flat since NYD. Can't sleep, sinuses stuffed to the point that it hurts to move my eyes. Shivering and sweating at the same time.No energy, no appetite and eating anything makes me feel nauseous. Add in the explosive shits and I've got the full score card. I flew from Hanoi down to Phu Quoc and when we came in to land my right ear was not a happy orifice.

I can honestly say I haven't felt this bad since my one and only dose of the 'Rona a couple of years back. Suspiciously there are a load of people in the hotel coughing and sniffing. Wonder if there's another variant doing the rounds out here.

You heard it here first. Stock up on bog roll now.

Oh, and the thought of a beer is just not working for me, even at bargain prices. How pissed off am I? I feel sorry for Mrs Gremlin as she's got to put up with me doing the dying swan. On the plus side I bought some drugs from a roadside pharmacy that, given the impressive list of active ingredients, will either put me right or put me out of my misery.

[gremlin]

Just read what I posted. Fucking lightweight I am.

Cracking open a beer now: kill or cure. Mrs Gremlin is at the gym and there's a Vietnamese singer somewhere murdering Hotel California.

Come Gremmers: get your shit (runny and explosive as it is) together.

[mangocrazy]

Liable to mood swings, as well? Add that to the list of symptoms...

[gremlin]

Liable to mood swings, as well? Add that to the list of symptoms...

Didn't mention the humongous cold sore taking over my bottom lip, did I?

A week's worth of Ameflu (Google it) plus a tube of cold sore cream (Zovirax stuff, just generic), c. £1.20. Do you get the feeling we pay through the nose for drugs in the UK?

[Count Steer]

Ah, the joys of international travel, broaden the mind, fray your sphincter, collect a whole new set of viruses.

Shoulda gone to Broadstairs.

[gremlin]

Shoulda gone to Broadstairs.

God's waiting room.

[Sadlonelygit]

Just read on a news feed that 20 mountain rescue peeps had to go and look for 3 numpties in the Cairngorms.
My (harsh) opinion is let nature take its course. If you're stupid enough to go hill walking in some of the worst weather we're likely to get for a while, you don't deserve 20+ strangers risking their lives to save you.

[Horse]

My (harsh) opinion is let nature take its course. If you're stupid enough to go hill walking in some of the worst weather we're likely to get for a while, you don't deserve 20+ strangers risking their lives to save you.

Although I have some sympathy with your pov, where would it end?

Parachuting (jump out of an aeroplane)

Gliding (get an engine)

Hang gliding, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain bikes, BMX, etc

Then you get to sports: rugby, football, etc.

And motorsport. Track days, racing

And road riding motorcycles (what, for pleasure? So it was an unnecessary journey?)

[Sadlonelygit]

My (harsh) opinion is let nature take its course. If you're stupid enough to go hill walking in some of the worst weather we're likely to get for a while, you don't deserve 20+ strangers risking their lives to save you.

Although I have some sympathy with your pov, where would it end?

Parachuting (jump out of an aeroplane)

Gliding (get an engine)

Hang gliding, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain bikes, BMX, etc

Then you get to sports: rugby, football, etc.

And motorsport. Track days, racing

And road riding motorcycles (what, for pleasure? So it was an unnecessary journey?)

You're being silly and you know it!

I don't remember 20 people risking their lives to remove me from Oulton Park. In fact I was shoo-ing them away....... unsuccessfully I might add.

[Cousin Jack]

Mountain Rescue people are a bit like lifeboat people. They just do it, they may bollock you later if you have been a prat, but they will get you off the mountain first.

And long may it continue, although I really do wish idiots would not do stupid stuff.

[Taipan]

Liable to mood swings, as well? Add that to the list of symptoms...

Didn't mention the humongous cold sore taking over my bottom lip, did I?

A week's worth of Ameflu (Google it) plus a tube of cold sore cream (Zovirax stuff, just generic), c. £1.20. Do you get the feeling we pay through the nose for drugs in the UK?

My cousin stocks up on a (copy) zovirax cream when she goes abroad! Asked me to bring some back for her before too. better than a sombrero or straw donkey I suppose!

[Horse]

Although I have some sympathy with your pov, where would it end?
Then you get to sports: rugby, football, etc.

And motorsport. Track days, racing

And road riding motorcycles (what, for pleasure? So it was an unnecessary journey?)

You're being silly and you know it!

I don't remember 20 people risking their lives to remove me from Oulton Park. In fact I was shoo-ing them away....... unsuccessfully I might add.

No, just asking how far you want it to go?

For example, if an emergency ambulance is called, there's increased risk for them from travelling at speed on blues.

Would it stop at 'putting their lives at risk'? It wouldn't be too long before financial implications are involved - e.g. why should the taxpayer support your risky activities?

And it's not unknown for track marshals to be injured or killed (Brands, 2021; Southern 100, 2024).

[Sadlonelygit]

Ok, I'll bite
If you do something so patently daft, then expect someone to come bail you out. That's my line in the sand.
Hill walking in blizzard and sub zero temperatures.
Diving in a homemade submarine to see the titanic
As far as parachuting, sweeping up the remains doesn't if it goes wrong.....meh!
Motorsport....generally it's entertainment for many, and a balance of skill over danger.
When an activity means your ambition seriously outweighs your talent, perhaps a second opinion should be sought to temper ones enthusiasm.
This is why the Darwin awards exist

[Horse]

If you do something so patently daft ... That's my line in the sand.
Hill walking in blizzard and sub zero temperatures.

Serious Q: who gets to decide what's acceptable?

ambition seriously outweighs your talent

Many ordinary motorcyclists fail that one every year.

[Noggin]

If you do something so patently daft ... That's my line in the sand.
Hill walking in blizzard and sub zero temperatures.

Serious Q: who gets to decide what's acceptable?

Surely NOT hill walking in a blizzard is just common sense, no?? (probably add in not with the right kit or they wouldn't need rescuing)

[Noggin]

I guess it's a bit like the fact that almost everyone I know here skis/boards. We all take some risks, usually for ourselves but I draw the line at taking risks with other people especially when no one is kitted out for that risk

Messing in off piste is ok if you know what you are doing and are kitted out, but accidents happen.

Messing in off piste when you have no kit and nor do any of the people you are with is stupid and a risk too far IMO - you risk being caught in an avalanche and not being able to find each other/be found by rescuers.

Messing in off piste when you have no kit and nor do any of the people you are with AND going into an area marked dangerous/closed is just fucking stupid and adds risk to the people rescuing you as they have to try and find someone with no way to easily know where to look


So whilst I know you are fishing to a point, and I don't think anyone out here would really suggest the rescuers don't help if the boundaries are crossed - but sometimes we say stuff like SLG because of the stupidity of some people which then puts others at risk


This was posted by a local lady who had spent a lot of time translating after an incident.

Despite the length of this, I really hope that all my mountain friends take the time to read it in full...because I spent most of yesterday at the PGHM helping with interviews of witnesses to a deadly avalanche on Christmas day in Les Arcs...and it was horrible.

Before you decide it doesn't concern you cos you only ski on piste...read on.

Christmas Day, people getting off a high lift decided to take a short cut between two pistes over a NNW facing, not overly steep stretch of powder, in an area where the map shows a black piste.

That day (all that week) the piste markers hadn't been set out and all the info boards showed it as being closed...but it was covered with tracks, as all day dozens cut off the piste to head down it....so at 3pm when it slid the avalanche took at least 5 people with it.

Although the pisteurs and others saw it go and were there within seconds of it settling, by the time they found and dug out the 14 year old it was too late.

None of the people involved were equipped...none of them should have been there, and if they had not ignored the closed signs, that family would now be on their way home after a great holiday...(or if they'd been equipped and trained then there's a good chance they'd have had a nasty shock but would be all together to tell the tale).

...and yet how many of us have at some point ignored a sign or net and gone down a closed piste?

The same afternoon in Méribel at the top of Saulire Meribel side, the Biche boulevard was closed due to previous slide and the risk of it going again...the sign said "AVALANCHE DANGER" and yet I saw dozens lift up and squeeze under or around the net...

So please:
- just because a slope is accessible from a lift does not mean it is avalanche secured
- even if it marked on the map as a piste/route does not mean it is secured, unless it is marked as OPEN
- if a piste is netted off or shown as closed, it is for a GOOD REASON
- if you're going off piste go equipped, train with your kit and make sure those you're with know what to do too
- if you're not equipped DON'T go off the OPEN marked piste.
- BERA rating 3/5 like the last few days.. means CONSIDERABLE RISK... ie...it is dangerous!