Ive just started a Netflix free trial, when that’s up I’d love a 2 month free trial of LoveFilm to see how they compare. Anyone willing to give me a code to use in a months time?

macpac minaret

Maybe not off-road, but take a look at the sustrans map. I think you should be able to link the two on some scenic back road or cycle paths.

We use both at work.

Its personal choice, whichever the dealer can give you a better price on, or which are carried by the dealer! Our local does both so we just buy the right tool for the job. Both brands have decent equipment. Try a few out and see which you like the feel of.

If you haven’t done so already, get some form of training first.

As above, very unlikely to be sap. Aphid excrement is the sticky stuff that covers cars! Laburnum has to be one of the worst affected.

I’m 5’8″ with a 30″ inside leg. I ride a med and find the size perfect really.

Mine might be for sale soon…

I have scoped out northumberland greyhound rescue (well online) and strangely enough it was Merlin that caught my eye too! I’m very wary of becoming too attached to a photo though!

Lovely pics of some fine looking dogs here!

Thanks, Lots to take on board.

I live in Northumberland and looking through google, there doesnt seem to be too many rehoming places nearby. I would love an ex-working dog like a collie, but don’t think I would be doing them any justice while im at work (gardener for the NT).

I appreciate that no dog is perfect but there must be the right one out there for me!

Fostering doesn’t sound like a bad idea! I understand they wont keep up with a bike, but I hope to get one used to all-day walks in the hills. My biggest fear with the breed is there off-lead unpredictableness (sp?). I would like a dog I could trust to walk beside me off-lead in the hills.

Holm oak (Quercus ilex) is a good bet. Often seen as hedges so could account for its shrubby nature.

Ah cheers. Thanks for reassuring me.

Im calling from a vodafone mobile if that makes any difference.

Yeah it looks that way, but if I call another one of their customer services numbers 07973 100 150 I get through to someones voicemail box!

There is a whole load of variables there.

What exactly does the prepping consist of? What’s the current state of the ground? Any drainage/fungus issues? As above – does it need rotorvating to start with?

Select a seed mix appropriate for the aspect/use of the lawn. Various companies offer these in pre-mixed bags.

I like the place, but mainly for its proximity to CyB. Its great with a few mates and a crate of beers and perfect for night rides around the trails.

Thanks for all the advice STW!

After looking finacially at the issue, Ive decided just to stick some winters on the Golf to get me through the winter and then re-assess in the spring. Chances are I will NEED a new vehicle after the winter!!

I currently drive a 10yr old Golf estate which is the perfect on-road car for me (except its mushy suspension bottoms out on any lump and bump in the road). It really struggles in the winter though. I guess that’s why the Scooby Forester seems like the obvious choice. My budget it £4k which rules out the more modern stuff or the fashion cars. Load space is important in a compact package.

A T25 syncro – if only I could afford a good one! Awesome

Thanks all. Yeah I had originally considered a Ranger and similar ilk as we use them at work and would be great if I didn’t live in the village centre that I do.

For those who wanted to know what I wanted a 4×4 for, I shall elaborate. Firstly, I dont want to do competitave off-roading. I live in rural northumberland and work in rural northumberland. My commute would require at least a 4×4 car in winter as I cross some high rural areas of the NP etc. I work on a large estate and often have to drive up tracks through muddy fields. Nothing serious.

Forester is winning, unless I find a good cheap (moon on a stick) Defender.

I do work in a forest, of sorts. Panda 4×4 and Forester are good ideas. Ill look into them, cheers.

I’m not buying one to to off-roading for pleasure. I would keep it stock (except tyres) and fix things that break.

bit too big ideally, but one to consider

Ive gone from a hustler to mega. I wouldn’t say ive got regrets, but the hustler was all the bike i needed. Peak to Alps. Sorted. Get the hustler.

This bodes bad news for me, Ive just signed up for a new line install and 18 month contract!!

oh what it is to live in a place that has traffic lights. and cars…!

oh what it is to live in a place that has traffic lights. and cars…!

Ok, So ive finally sorted a place to live. Ill be resident in a small one bed cottage in Rothbury. Anybody live nearby fancy hooking up for a pint and a chat?

great everyone, thanks for your help!

there is a chance I might get a NT cottage on the estate, and there was the hinting of a possible substantial discount on the rent at the interview. I was up there last week for a day (epic trip for an interview – helicopter, train, parents car, plane, hire car, back again) and really liked the rugged feel of the places around Wallington. Ive lived in rural north wales too so remoteness is familiar! If only I could find a girl to share my gypsy lifestyle… I digress…

Any good bike shops/local weekly rides in the area to get to meet people?

Id be interested to know more about Rothbury – Its far closer to work than any of the other towns. What’s your opinion on the place? Being closer to the national park and Keilder forest is more appealing than the coast! (plus, having been living here on Silly for a while, no other coastal location will cut it TBH!)

All the Stihl stuff we use at work is 25:1. Thats garden machinery such as leaf blowers and strimmers.

I recently got a Forerunner 310XT. Mainly because it is one of the few waterproof watches. Im shocked at how many other watches in this category wont withstand a dunking! I use it to track runs, rides, rows, and kayak trips. Pretty cool how it wirelessly syncs with a computer (mac or pc). I couldn’t get the Garmin Connect website to work properly, but use Rubitrack and rate it highly.

Very nice! But your right. Way over budget unfortunately. Thanks anyway.

Thanks for your help. Budget is £100 tops.

Got a bottle of Jura Superstition from a friend and a bottle of Glenlivet 18yo from the parents. Happy boy!

There’s a theme evolving!

Far to large for any rucksack I own!

That was my thinking!

Commencal super 4. Ritchy comp HS. Both campy standard.

No cup needed. Direct in frame

Amazing!