She can have a shot of mine for an hour.. I’ll charge £80 and you can drive it on the motorway if u like. Can’t be worse than some driving I see..

Think I’ll head up there myself on Sunday. Nice to see the end of those bloody things, I remember going up there years ago with my Dad collecting Littlewoods Pools and finding a nice human turd in the stairwell… Nice!

Ur brother is a git… Fact!

Seriously though.. Very luck guy, hope he enjoys it and gets good use of it.

One of the best looking cars ever built.

Phone ur doctors surgery and ask for a phone consultation. They will be able to advise better than a mountain bike forum.

Hope u get it sorted mate.. Don’t delay on phoning.

Sad news.. His enthusiasm is what made me watch time team.

R.I.P Mick the dig.

For a different kind of ride why not visit DeJa Vu on a Saturday night.. Guaranteed to end up with a well used bouncy bike if u wish!

Or if your after a more responsive ride visit Fat Sams.. The bikes there are newer and fresher and most DEFINATELY better maintained.

Seriously though, there is some riding to be had up the Sidlaw hills but not much to get excited about, plenty riding within an hours drive though. Not that I do any mountain biking nowadays.. Fallen out of love with it and don’t know why : (.

No u will still ride like a big girl.. But you will have spent muchos money for the privilege.. Keep your current mech, there is nothing wrong with it.

Now behave!

I was up and out by 08.15am on the road bike, first time for a month as been so busy. 33 miles done is perfect blue skies and a nice warm sun.

I’d have gone further but an 8.5 mile run yesterday has left the legs sore and the knees throbbing! All good thought as I came home to a bacon and egg roll.

Got tooted and gestured at by a moron in a BMW.. I can only assume he wasn’t happy I was on the main road and not the cycle path, but it is a paint to keep up momentum with all the road you have to cross and it is littered with puncturable debris. Some clown in an Astra also passed with about 0.5 metres clearance… Tube! I gave him a not so friendly gesture to show my gratitude. Good ride tho.

That’s all folks.

Details of your Soul please dirt biker..

Defo a small mate. I’m 5ft 6 and had 3. Online seatpost and 70 stem I found to be spot on.

Hmmm… That St4 looks familiar on eBay…

Im after a short travel FS aswell, having ridden a 5 and an St4 I preferred the overall ride of the St, the 5 was ace going down but a bit of a slog on the ups, the St was not much slower going down for me but noticeably quicker up and along.. Felt like riding a hardtail. So If anybody had a 16″ Orange St4 or Commencal Meta 4 let me know.

Mikedonald@hotmaildotcom.

Merci.

Check out the Btwin triban range at Decathlon. Should be about right for what your after.

You come across as very patronising Zokes. I’m well aware what its called and I’m all up for getting the unemployed back to work… This would be a great way to do that, but as you said it will never happen.

I know what your saying about the trains bit those trains still have to be unloaded and the goods delivered.. Yes the trains will do the majority of the mileage but the smaller vehicles would still have to deliver the goods. Therefor.. More vehicles on the road and more congestion.

Speedster.. Not an in joke, just the usual selfish and thoughtless attitude of most drivers on the roads. I can see why people get frustrated, doesn’t condone the stupid and dangerous driving I see daily to try and get past slower vehicles on approach to junctions and roundabouts etc.

I did read your post Zokes… :roll:

But like I said, more smaller vans = more vehicles on roads. This isn’t about “mixing” it with other traffic, it’s about lorries overtaking… Maybe “it would help” if you read the original post.

As for trains taking HGV’s off the road, It would need to be a big train to take 200 trucks off the road, it would work to a point but it would need another 4-6 smaller trucks per HGV, and probably 10+ vans to empty 1 fully loaded 44 tonner, would it be as reliable or as frequent as required? Who would buy the trains? Government? Your tax would then probably go up to pay for all this infrastructure and machinery required.

The Germans appear to have a good system.. I’d be up for that!

Do u really think people will say.. ” well seeing as I’m getting triple glazing.. Knock yourself out and whack a massive great railway line right through our countryside so close to my house”.

Good idea but It would never get the go ahead.

Smaller trucks.. That’s even more congestion though surely? They are fitted with speed limiters aswell. How many small truck do you think it would take to empty a whole train?

Ewan.. You presume wrong about working at anti-social hours, what about the city centre store deliveries at 3am.. There was a thread about this bit long ago.

I agree that some could pick the overtaking moment a bit better, as I said I always wait for a good gap in the traffic before pulling out, and same as mnmng I knock off the cruise control to let the quicker lorries past. No point holding everybody up.

Zokes.. Agree that trains are good at carrying stuff, but where are all these tracks going to go? There is always the “not in my back garden” attitude when these things are suggested. And how do you plan to get all that freight to the shops?

Us lorriests have a right to overtake slower vehicles aswell you know. The road doesn’t belong to “you” or “us”. I see why people get frustrated though mind you. I tend to wait until there is a decent gap before I pull out to overtake a slower lorry, it makes a huge difference if some gonk is doing 50mph and I want to sit on my limiter at 56mph, I have a job to do and a home to get to aswell.

Chances are we have been up and at work long before you stirred from you slumber, and we will STILL be working when you finish your day and are heading for home to be with your family, most HGV drivers will spend the week away from friends and family, sleeping in cabs and being served some truly gruesome food.. All to keep this country going and bring “things” to the shops for folk to buy.

Tesco swines sit at 50mph on the motorway.. Just a bloody nuisance if you ask me. Who cares if your doing 50, all your doing is slowing everybody down with your incessant doddling.

However as I have said before I see far worse driving from car drivers than HGV drivers.. Hoofing it up the outside lane then 100 yards before your junction cut across all 3 lanes into the slip road… That is just bloody dangerous and down right thoughtless. If something happens I have a very slim chance of hauling 44 tonnes to a stop without wiping out the car in the process.. Or jacknifing and endangering my life.. If they want to play suicidal games, go do it elsewhere.. Out of my way. If you really can’t wait -10 seconds to get on the slip road… Leave earlier or be late!

Also cars crawling along at 45-50mph.. Think your being a good, safe driver?? Well your not so get up to speed.

Without lorries you get nothing!

Oh and ps.. When did people stop flashing lights when the rozzers are up ahead with a speed gun or camera van? Not that I have been done.. But just wondered as nobody seems to do it anymore.

That’s great news, a huge weight off my mind.

So glad you spammed here.

I’m in Dundee Gary,

Where in Cairngorms are they taken? We should be enjoying mid to late teens just now not shivering our arses off, it’s not even 10 degrees here in Dundee. Off on holiday this week, had some cycling planned but damned if I’m going out in gusts of 30-40mph and battling against it all day.

Sod’s law dictates that if you head into the wind to start with so you have an easier cycle home it will change direction just in time for you to do the return leg.

Tony Blair could be worth a try… He must be good for something!

Well funnily enough the week after this it started here..

It’s either cold, wet and windy
Cold
Wet
Windy
Or mild, wet and windy..

Seek oh it.

Hmm… Is it possible to get loads of big massive boats and tugs, connect some huge chains to them and attatch to some massive ground anchors then haul this whole county down nearer the equator ?

Got to be some better weather going on down there..

Maybe we should sign a petition and send it to somebody important… God, Mother Nature, Easter bunny, tooth fairy, the gruffalo?

I’m in the process of trying to get offshore, I have a feeling it may prove to be a real challenge.

I have a basic knowledge of hydraulic pumping equipment as I work with it every day in my current job as an HGV driver, also have basic mechanical skills as I used to do routine maintenance on my lorry at my last employer, nothing official though.

I am fine with starting at the bottom and working my way up, not afraid of hard work and used to working away from home. I applied to maybe 12 companies online on Monday and handed in a further 6 CV’s and covering letters on Tuesday.

Heard conflicting stories, some people saying “you will get offshore no problem, young, hard working, eager to learn, quick learner, sensible, easy to get on with etc” others saying “no hope without experience”.

How do you get it if nobody will give it? They say there is a massive shortage of “good” people willing to work offshore…

Well… Here I am, ready and willing to go ASAP!

Still early days though so fingers crossed, I don’t even know anybody in the industry well enough to get them to put in a letter and CV on my behalf (heard of a few guys who previously applied to companies with no reply, then when a friend or relative hands in the same CV and letter… Chatting! Interview then job)

If anybody has any info or help please feel free to email mikedonald@hotmaildotcom.

Thanks Scotsman,

I transport Bitumen, fuel oil, Kerosene and other hazardous liquids so I have an ADR certificate to do this. This may help me as I understand the importance of appropriate safety procedures, I also use Hydraulic tipping gear for some loads, although I don’t repair or advice them i have a reasonable knowledge of how they work and could easy get an insight from the technicians at work.. Not official I know but may be enough to show I have a transferable skill.

Mechanically wise.. I have worked in a bike shop, carries out basic maintenance on my truck at previous employers, again I know the basics of car maintenance.

How I wish I had a trade right now!!!

Thanks again for the feedback Scotsman, alot of companies seem to want you to apply online and upload CV’s.. If that’s what the want I assume that’s the best way to go about it?

Emailed you bruneep.

That’s a good list of companies Scotsman.. Any chance of them taking on a non graduate? Worth a CV and letter?

What’s the best way to approach the CV application? Online or by post? I’m in Aberdeen on Tuesday so was going to hand some over in person.

Thanks.

I am trying to get offshore aswell. I have no degree though, I have a list of drilling companies that I will be trying, aswell as a good heads up from a guy I work with about a company who take on people with no experience..

I am currently an HGV driver with no real relevant experience, however I am very keen to learn, willing to start at the bottom and wanting to progress my career, I’m also used to working away from home so I suppose that’s a plus, used to long hours aswell.

I have also heard that in alot of cases knowing somebody on the inside who can fast track you CV to the top of the pile can help, however I’m determined to do this so ill shall crack on and bombard them with CV’s. I have an idea where I want to go with career progression aswell, just need somebody to give me a shot..

Bruneep.. If its ok I may email you and pick your brains about the courses?

EdwardH.. That sounds like good advice, I’ll be looking into that.

Sorry to thread hi-jack but some very useful info on here.

If anybody has any pointers I’m open to suggestions and advice, my email is mikedonald@hotmaildotcom.

Wrong forum

Oh dear god….

“Get’s some serious looks”… I bet it does, but don’t mistake envy for utter astonishment.

The world and its dog are laughing at you.

Cotic Soul.. Wish I hadn’t sold my last one’

Orange ST4 runs it close mind you.

For the older stuff.. My first proper mountain bike: Trek 930 or my Trek Y22..

I find Trek’s rather boring now!

£1100 – £1300 depending on condition I reckon.

I sold mine for £1300 earlier this year with X Fusion forks, Hope hoops, SlX brakes, SRAM X0 rear mech, X9 shifter, carbon bars and seatpost, Easton stem and Hope finishing bits. Mine was immaculate.. (And I really want to build another)..

Jorgen Klopp for the next Man U manager?

Ticks all the boxes but according to Talksport he has a contract until 2016 which he intends to honour. I reckon David Moyes will get it.

Sad to see the end of the Fergie reign but a good chance to see if the team can play for somebody else now..

If Mourinho gets it will we see the return of Ronaldo to Man U?

If I retire at 65 then I have 12,105 days left… That is hugely disappointing and very sad.

That’s the plan. Damn sure I’m not driving lorries for the next 30+ years.

Thanks Winston, I’ll look into that. I have heard there are a number of idiots working in the industry. However I intend to keep the head down, avoid these people and work hard.

Hoping that will see me move on and progress fairly quickly.

Thanks for the info so far folks, I haven’t had a chance to check this as I have been busy.

Got my CV updated and a covering letter, when I get back home I’ll get them all sent out.
Got a list of 10 drilling companies to try and some agencies so fingers crossed.

Also got a good lead from a guy I work with, he said this company recruit people with no experience. Hard work is one thing I’m not afraid of, I am very keen to learn and further my career. Just need a company to give me a chance.

London-lady.. Any chance of emailing me some further details?

Mikedonald@hotmaildotcom

That is one nice looking bike, I like the red bits on it.

Good job.

Some utter guff here people.. Well done.

My brother has been lurking and following the thread and is liking the chuff being suggested.

I’m a huge fan of the Maestro, the brown Cavalier estate and I actually like the Hyundai pony pick up.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, that Maestro looks ideal… But £600… Really.. He must be steaming! But God loves a trier.

That Capri is the cats kahonies. A bit pricey for him tho.