Christmas riding ... and I am still alive

I really thought today I was going to be a slimy smudge on the side of a cage.

Here in Sydney, the weather is spectacular and good for riding early in the morning. Unlike past years, the weather is not so hot and today, we had early morning thunderstorms. And it was a great ride into town from my place out in the boonies. I love riding in the elements and in the heart of Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens and around the various bays give you a great vantage point to watch the storms sweep across the waters. There's just something about the sight.

So my problem was coming back. Storms had passed and the roads were mostly dry. I was happily cruising home. Coming up to a two-lane T-intersection with lights, I'm coming across the top of the T, a car coming in the opposite direction. Lights go orange but both of us are too close to stop comfortably. Remember, we drive on the left hand-side downunder. Car comes barreling in from the left and I'm thinking, she isn't going to stop despite the fact her lights haven't gone yet. I already had my brakes lightly on as years of anticipating other people on the roads just makes me a little cautious.

Sure enough, she comes straight through and hooks a right. If I'd have continued at speed I would have been in her front grill. As it was, I slowed and ducked to the left, and behind her, and straightened up to continue through the intersection. But it was disconcerting seeing the broadside of a car. As it was, I felt sure I was going to be sprayed with debris when she hit the other car. She missed that too.

So I'm glad someone was watching out for me today. I really don't like holiday drivers. :eek