"clear as a whistle" common country saying whether it be for hearing or sight, in the IOM/UK would be common in sheep herding use.
Don't know 'bout that "herding of Cats" thou... 

Gets my nerve up when a local (native) here in Florida whistles or shouts out across the Swap Meet or Farmers Market parking lot at me... makes me think I'm Kev of the Australian show "Housos" when his misses yells out at him,
"What do you want WOMAN!"

The 'Pressure' was on for Roy this morning... think the mouth was working faster than the brain with the reference to a bike coming through and tire grip/noise/screeching? ummm they're running slicks right? Never heard slicks make much of a screech/loud noise... will have to have a re-listen on that one.