[Arragonis]

I had to give the bird yesterday on my trip home.

Unusually I was not following anyone onto the bypass so I could get up to cruising speed fairly briskly. I checked nearside lane next to the ramp and it was empty ahead and behind - everyone was in a queue to pass a truck about 100 yards ahead and its clear at least the same distance behind.

Check again in the mirror - nothing. Quick check over the shoulder - nothing.

So I begin to pull onto the main carriageway, just into the nearside lane.

Hmmm, what was that thing that just caught my eye in the mirror ?

Yep, Mr Muppet is now tearing down the nearside lane at a good 10-15 over the limit. I'm committed to joining - no more ramp and no room to pull over - and he isn't slowing so to avoid a crash, so I have to "floor it". Helga spins her front wheels slightly as the turbo spools up and we cover Mr M in smoke.

Mr Muppet had decided he didn't want to wait in the queue to pass the truck so he made for the undertake instead. Of course in his impatience he didn't bother to check for an on-ramp. They are pretty hard to miss, the big blue 50-70ft high signs kind of give it away. And when he saw me he decided not to slow down as the better part of valour would dictate, but to speed up.

Fortunately for me a 1.2 Petrol Renault Clio has very little in gear acceleration.

We avoided a colision - just. About 3 miles later we stopped side by side in a queue whereupon I gave full vent to my feelings on the subject, including hand signals, through his window.

He seemed upset at first, and then perhaps chasened.

I wonder how I make it through each week in Embra sometimes.