I cycle a reasonable amount where I live (just outside the Peak District).
I managed to wear out my first MTB after 20 years/50000 miles (commuting/road cycling only).
It was a very nice titanium Raleigh - the rear chain stay snapped one day as I was riding.
As I work from home I normally go out mid-morning/afternoon to minimise encountering traffic.
I do my best to avoid A/B roads and simply stick to lanes/smaller roads.
I was once dropping down a hill (not too steep) on a summer's day when I encountered a car coming the other way.
He was going too fast for the road/conditions. He had his windows down and smelt like he was smoking a cigarette.
He shouted out at me as we barely passed "watch where you're going".
It still makes me laugh today.
I don't know many cyclists who cycle with their eyes closed!
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
One of the closest encounters I've ever had was dropping down a hill at about 30 mph on the MTB.
I came around a bend and there was a truck just stopped in the left lane waiting to turn into a gravel place.
As I was going around the outside of the stopped truck another truck came around the other bend up ahead straight at me.
I could see him pulling towards the verge to avoid me.
I just made it through the gap between the two trucks with my legs like jelly.
I just thought "wow that was close" as I merrily pedalled away.