All very sensible suggestions so thanks. Ill try to find that thread from the person whose neighbour killed their hedge.

We’ve had 2 quotes now, from £400 up to £1600!!!! I think we’ll be getting a third…

Sorry, yeah I meant to say that we intend to go see the neighbour’s this weekend after we get another quote but we’re just keen to understand our position before we have that discussion.

If they want the trees gone then there’s no issue.

Like most, I’ve developed my own coping mechanism to minimise the number of balls dropped. Like you, I’ve had a couple of roles in recent years which covers a wide range of responsibilities for which I was directly responsible (appraisals and career management for circa 110 personnel, equipment care for a couple £m of equipment, organising adventure training, organising exercises, managing deployments etc) The only way I managed was as follows:

Emails: Every email got triaged and flagged using a colour coding system ie. each of the above categories had a different colour; the most important also got flagged as red. Tick off/strip out the dross and then sort the remainder by category, keeping on top of the most important ones. Completed emails got archived for approx 6 months in case someone comes back to me about something I’ve long forgotten.

Random tasks: I use a Moleskine diary with a week to view on the left hand page and notes on the right. The notes page is split into relevant sections with items to do in each along with the deadline for each. If the task doesn’t had a deadline I give it a nominal one, after which if the task is not complete, it gets deleted. At the end of each week, the list gets carried forward after I have reviewed my progress and binned the things that no longer matter.

Personal / family: my wife and I use apple’s calendar on our phones to sync all personal events across devices. We also use Wunderlist to manage tasks. She can input tasks, as can I and then we can tick them off when done. The most useful thing I find is that tasks (ie. renew insurance, dog worming tablets etc) can bet set to re-occur automatically so you almost don’t have to remember them. Finally, I import my work diary from outlook into apple calendar on a weekly basis so that both my wife and I can see what my work commitments are, when I’ll be home late/early etc etc.

Written down, it all seems very convoluted and complex but it’s actually really simple and effective!

Another frustrated dad here. My little ‘darling’ is nearly 2 and has developed a penchant for waking up at 5.30. If you are as bold as to dare to try to sleep, he will slap, pinch and scratch you, frequently drawing blood.

I’m pretty good at staying calm for the first few times, but eventually it results in a snap where I immediately feel I have to stop myself from getting aggressive. And of course, he just laughs as for him it’s a game. He gets me every time. 🤦🏻‍♂️

I cannot wait until he’s a surly teenager who won’t get out of bed so I can exact my revenge.

Sounds like the landlady needs to grow a spine or get out of the pub trade.

Did anyone complain to the staff before you stepped in?

Years ago, I saw a badger whilst riding back though the woods near home so I stopped and looked for the sett. The next night I went back before dusk, sat down wind of the sett and waited to see what would happen. Soon, I was surrounded by about 3-4 adults and half a dozen cubs, all oblivious to my presence. Absolutely amazing experience which in part contributed to meeting my now wife.

Anyway, after about 30 mins or so, they all disappeared so I took the opportunity to move off. As I stood up, I turned round to find a couple hiding in a bush behind me…they’d obviously got there before I arrived and couldn’t let me know they were there as it would have scared the badgers. Predictably, I crapped myself on the spot.

Assuming you are using the same axle standards, but on a new bike with 650b wheels… Then DEFINITELY get your King’s rebuilt into new rims and serviced etc. The big issue comes in for me when it comes to the BOOST problem, whereby you end up with a very expensive pair of hubs that won’t fit any bikes you want to own any more!

Thanks Mboy. The guy I approached to the build (Ryanbuildswheels) recommended the same. Yep, the wheels are currently in 26″ form on a Bird Aeris 1.5 so non boost. I won’t be replacing the frame anytime soon but when I do, hopefully someone will still want Kings in old standard. Mind, I got them nearly new from a mate for £250 so I’m hardly going to lose a load of cash!

Jeez, this has got to be the most local of forum threads for me – I’m originally from Chepstow though now live on your proposed route near Tockington but previously lived at Emersons Green which is at the back end of your route. Anyway, I don’t have any other suggestions other than to corroborate what Matt and Ben have said. I’ve had a look at the google maps walking route and it’s probably the best option for starters – it’s the one I would certainly take first before finding other rat runs through.

I’d intend to service the front as it’s easy; normally I do a basic strip down on the rear but to get the internal gibbons out you need to remove the bearings using a special tool which I don’t have, so it could do with a proper dig out. So approx £210 all in.

Been quoted approx £190 on E512s, £210 if the rear hub gets serviced, £250 if you include servicing of both hubs.

@Mboy – without wishing to hijack the thread, if you had a set of approx 6 year old Kings in very good condition but built up as 26″, would you keep the hubs but get them built up as 650b, or sell the hubs and get new Pro4s built up in the same rims?

I’ll ping you a PM

I’ve had them priced up to get built onto some DT Swiss rims…though I reckon I could sell them and put the proceeds towards some DT Swiss rims on Pro 4s for more or less the same expenditure. Absolutely nothing wrong with the kings but I just fancy a change. And some mega clicky hubs instead of buzzy!

Maybe. 🤔

Hello Rich! 👋

Kings! You’ll never need to change the bearings and the engagement is the fastest out there – no pawls to worry about. They’re a bit more expensive than the other options…but I’ll do you a deal when I come to sell mine as soon as the taxman gets back to me! 😉

100% report. Those neighbours who know he has a reputation for being dangerous are morally weak if they have done nothing  about him or his driving; if he goes on to injure/kill someone, IMHO they are complicit.

It’s your turn to step up now – report him and prevent someone else’s father/mother/brother/sister/son/daughter from getting killed or injured. And you definitely should not feel guilty for doing the right thing and exercising a bit of moral courage.

As above, don’t read off the slides.

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. That includes knowing when to click for the next slide/animation. If you’re slick, you’ll be able to do it without looking at the screen. If it’s a military assessor, they will be keeping time of your presentation so use a watch.

Be clear on your format: introduce yourself, tell them what you are going to cover (the ‘scope’), tell them (the content), then tell them what you’ve told them (summary). And bring it to life with a vignette/story if you can.

Oh, and rehearse.

Finally, even if it is just simulated, state that you’ll be looking to take questions at the end. This will stop your presentation being interrupted and spoiling your flow, and it will also give the audience warning that you’ll be inviting them to ask you something. If you’re met with stony silence, make sure you have something to ask them to initiate a conversation!

(And don’t forget to remind them that whilst the Army dig in, the RAF checks in).

You mean this one?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7PDxV1kfgzY

Good luck getting rid of them. However: Avon Skin So Soft. It doesn’t seem to work for all midges, but it’s the best repellent I’ve ever used.

Edit: just to be clear you spray it on yourself, not on the midges.

Hi GeForce – apologies for the slow response. That’s a really kind offer of getting involved with your Wednesday ride but I’m going to hold off for the time being. Unfortunately, week day rides are a challenge for me as I don’t get back home until mid evening normally. That said, all that might change for the better at the end of the summer (new job) so I’ll keep it in my back pocket.

Happy trails, y’all ;)

Hello Paul! 26″ wheels and cake stops are the way forward.

I’m well up for a group ride…though I’m out of the country for a few weeks from Friday so knowing my luck by the time I’m free the proper British summer will be back with a vengeance! If you do manage a group ride before I’m back then have a great time.

Either way, it’s great knowing there’s some really good riding only 20 mins away from home.

From first hand experience, Harry’s a bloody good guy: down to earth, genuine and a first class officer. I’m somewhat indifferent to watching the wedding, but I wish the couple the best for the future.

Ha! This thing’s growing legs – I’ve already been contacted by a Bristol STWer I know who’s up for an explore. Sounds like an intriguing place to have a play, plus it’s only 20 minutes away for me. Winner!

Mark & GeForce – given you both live in the same place, know each other?

Excellent, thanks for the advice everyone. It sounds like it’s definitely worth a proper explore.

Mark – I may well give you a shout next time I’m headed up there, it’d be good to have someone who knows the trails!

Andrewh: good tip! Thanks.

Cool, thanks all. Seems reasonable to knock some money off then and see what he does.

As for being vfm or expensive, it was quite a bit more work than I described: paint over new plaster in new kitchen (which has a large breakfast room attached); ceilings throughout; all new skirting boards, architraves, window sills; tiling behind the cooker; walls, ceilings and glosswork in hallway, stairwell and landing; paint new spindles on the banister; and oil 10 x oak doors.

Either way, the recommendation came from the kitchen fitter who worked like 10 men and did a superb job. I’m gonna drop him a line anyway just to say thanks for being awesome…but be aware your decorator isn’t up to your standards.

Rgr – thanks for the guidance. Thing is, I’ve already got him back once and given him a list of things to sort out. Most were sorted but his efforts in cutting in have got rid of the unpainted bits but been replaced by paint in the cornices. I think he’s just a bit crap!

Similar to you, we did our lounge ourselves and he made a similar comment about the quality of the painting…he was a bit surprised when I said it was me and the missus!

Therein lies the next challenge. If I have to buy £30 of paint to do a better job of the spindles on the banister and tidy up the cutting in then how much do I knock off his bill? £30 for paint? £100 if you add in my time? £150 for the inconvenience? No doubt he’d insist on coming round a third time but I’ve got no faith in his attention to detail so it’s easier to just do it myself.

Thoughts?

Ha! Looks like sticking to the guns is the best approach – I just sent him an email reminding him that I’ve got the original invoice by email and he’s replied ‘yeah, fair one: £1700 it is.’

A bit of an anticlimactic  victory but a victory nonetheless. And it’s only 8am…

Countzero: You’re right in part. If the driver takes his car onto base then he will have to have a car pass which is logged against his details for that site. However, the IT systems are site specific and it doesn’t generate a generic service wide list of all cars logged against personnel i.e. if you got to another camp, you have to provide all the same details again.

IMHO Weston’s a hole.

In contrast, I really like Monmouth. I grew up along the Wye Valley (Chepstow/Monmouth) and it’s still one of the most beautiful places I know. Not sure what there is to do in Monmouth itself but the surrounding countryside is lovely.

Personally, I’d stay in Chepstow for the night and head out to Tintern for a visit, then head back to Pembs via the M4.

I considered the Slant RL2 in 2016 but after speaking with a few people, I treated myself to the HLR Roughcut version. Whilst I can’t comment on the damper in the RL2, I will say that they are a a hell of a lot stiffer than the Revelations they replaced.

As for real world reviews, if you’re struggling just read the reviews for the Sweep RL2s. As far as I am aware, they have the same size stanchions (34mm), same damper (RL2) and almost the same lowers – the offset on the Sweeps will be more (I think) for the 650b wheel but that’s pretty much it. As for the clearance point above, I can back that up 100%. I’ve had a 2.4/650b Minion in the front of the 26″ Slant and there was more clearance than on the 650b Pikes on the bike from which the wheel came.

In short, I’ve had Fox and RS before but they’re now stupid money; it’s X Fusion all the way for me now.

Ads: looks like an old SX Trail to me.

No one likes being challenged but to be abusive/aggressive back is a prime indicator of dickishness. The other day my missus politely pointed out to a mid 20’s bloke that he’d parked in a parent and baby space when others were available and that his crap parking was blocking us from getting our son out. His response was to say that he was aware, couldn’t care less & that we should **** off. He looked a bit worried when our pram, trolley & car door got a *bit* close to his pride & joy whilst getting our boy back into the car.

No point arguing with people who are just intent of being a dick.

When I lived in Pembrokeshire one of the local National Trust places had a massive problem with people flicking dog crap into the bushes. Effectively the large amounts of it acted as fertiliser for the faster growing plants meaning that the brambles and weeds went nuts and practically strangled the life out of the other plants. And when volunteers tried to clear the brambles & weeds, it was gross as they were constantly tiptoeing around dog crap. Just bag it and bin it.

I like the idea of the chalk message on the pavement, might try that.

I’m taking note of who sounds like they know what they’re on about so when I write my dissertation on radios and AI, I can hit them up for some industry knowledge! STW comes in handy yet again 💪🏻

“I thought it was too good to be true…”

Ha! 😂

Thank you jonm 😉

Maybe that’s the point of this thread? A form of entrapment? OP knew a scaley couldn’t resist the title!

Apparently I live in the ‘nice’ part of town yet there’s plenty of dog crap around to the point of not allowing my 18 month old onto grass areas in case he steps in any/touches any. People get surprisingly pissed off when I offer a poo bag in a passive aggressive manner if they don’t pick up after their precious pooch.