Ham Barn Roundabout A3 Getting Fixed.

Got a reply to that e-mail that was sent and looks like its going to be sorted shortly.

Further to your email, I have spoken to the Small Works Team and there is a scheme to resurface the Ham Barn roundabout and the approaches northbound and southbound. The works are currently programmed to commence on the 8th December and anti skid repairs will follow in the spring but I can't say exactly when this is.

So looks like I'm going to have to find another road to moan about... but where next. Oh and I need to sort some before and after pic's.

Ham Barn Roundabout A3 Reply

My reply to the Highways agency re there e-mail:

While I understand that there may be limited funds for an improvement scheme, this goes nowhere to resolve the fact that the current road surface is badly damaged and dangerous to road users. Specifically to lighter vehicles such as motorcycles, as the holes and furrows in the road cause the wheels to 'track'. This means that the motorcycle often follows the road furrows, causing it to change direction against my guidance. This is potentially dangerous to myself, my vehicle and also other road users. I have been violently jarred when this has happened previously at this roundabout, as the braking almost caused me to lose control of the vehicle. I severely wrenched my shoulders and wrists when this occurred.

Are there any plans to have the surface patched and the holes filled in?

Ham Barn Roundabout A3

I complained to the highways agency about the state of the roundabout near Liss on the A3, called Ham Barn Roundabout. State is a polite way of talking about the pot holed filled, rutted southbound junction that it is.
This is there reply -

Dear Mr Martin Thank you for contacting the Hampshire County Council on 23rd November 2006 regarding Ham Barn Roundabout A3. Your complaint has been forwarded to ############, who is the Managing Agent for the motorways and trunk roads in central southern England, on behalf of the Highways Agency. In response to your complaint about the road surface on Ham Barn Roundabout A3. I have enquired with our design teams and there is an improvement scheme planned to address the surfacing on the approaches to the roundabout. Unfortunately the scheme has not yet received funding and will therefore most likely not be undertaken before the end of the financial year 2006/07. We haven't received any indication for funding allocations for next year 2007/08 and therefore cannot, at this time, confirm whether it will be included in next years programme of schemes. Should you have any further enquiries regarding the A3 or any other motorway or trunk road in central southern England, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Services Team by e-mail at ####@'########## or by calling ##### ### ###. Alternatively, you can view the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk Yours sincerely ############# Customer Service Manager

I've removed names and e-mail as I am unware of how much of this is public domain, and best be safe then sorry. I'm sure if your really interest and you have a hunt about you'll find it.

Metzeler Sportec M1 Tyre

A couple of weeks ago I changed my tyres from the Metzeler Sportec M1's to Continental Road Attacks, so I thought I should right a little review of the Metzeler tyres.

The tyres where both grippy and responsive to feel, performing well in both dry and wet conditions. Which seems to agree with other reviews that I have read. My only real complaint is the wear time, I have seen comments that state that the tyre has harder centre compounds. Thus reducing the wear time, and keeping the softer compound on the side to increase grip. I still found they only managed 5,500 miles, which some may think is good. Is not great to me, especially after they replaced my Old set of Road Attacks that managed 8,500 mile before a nail destroyed them. Even then they had lots of wear left.
In reality I would say they felt the same as the old BT020's that I used to have fitted, with the same feel and wear.
So overall good tyre it you do a few long journey's, with nice grip for throwing the bike about. But don't bother if your a commuter.