Forum Rider Down and/or notification of minor incidents

Got caught out attempting an unwise overtaking manouver today. Traffic was backed up so I was picking my way down the outside of the queue being mindful of any oncoming traffic. Had a look down both sides of a long vehicle and couldn't see anything. A little surprised to see he wasn't moving with the queue as it pulled forward but I was pretty much commited to coming past. Just as I come past the cab I find he's letting a car out of a driveway. Brakes on but it's all too little and too late and bump into his bumper.

I've managed to come out of it completely unhurt but the same can't be said of the bike. The front wheel is bent beyond resurrection and I think the back wheel might be too. Not sure about the frame. I think the front forks too most of the impact but they seem to be fine. I'm going to give them a close inspection when I get the bike home and possibly also get a second opinion. It's carbon fibre so I'm not sure exactly what I should be looking for.

The driver of the car was really nice. Went back into his driveway and then came rushing over to check I was OK. Really calm, really pleasant. Made several offers of his contact and insurance details. I declined, I already felt bad enough and assured him that I was the twat that caused the collision in the first place so wouldn't want to make any kind of claim.

Really pissed off with myself about this. I usually don't make this kind of mistake and had even carefully negotiated a couple of other tricky situations back up the road. Also, I can't count the number of times I've spotted someone doing something stupid, not looking when pulling out or pulling across in front of me and been the one avoiding the collision. The time I do something daft and I don't get a break. If I'd gotten away with a close shave, I would have learnt my lesson. Now I've learnt it and have to replace a lovely handbuilt wheelset.

<------------- WHAT A CUNT