Mark Higgins out with the Subaru again, 162mph at the Sulby speed trap and avg 126 to Ramsey 8O

Touring the Alps. Done this each summer since ’99 on the motorbike except last two years in the car. Love it.

Here you go … Hamann Largo 500 Abarth … 261bhp

Dolphins in the Moray Firth

I do wonder if it would have been a different response if I’d bought the bike from a Specialized dealer rather than Halfords. Here’s a genuine question, what would happen if you bought a bike from a Specialized store in the south of England then moved to Glasgow and needed some warranty work done by the local dealer? Would you honestly be expected to return the bike to the original dealer? According to the warranty yes, but in reality that’s a daft expectation.

I had this when the chainstay cracked on my Trek Fuel (bought online as they were doing 0% finance). Was told by Trek I could return it to the original shop and get it sorted, parts and labour FOC or take it to local Trek dealer and get the parts free but pay for the labour. Chose LBS as it seemed less hassle and labour was only £40.

not many in 20 years of mtbing …

past
91 raleigh yukon – 520 frame, 200gs groupset, biopace chainrings

current
94 marin indian fire trail – used for 1st mtb race in ’95 and first road century in ’05
05 trek fuel 80
10 giant anthem x3

past
81 fiesta 1.1
83 escort 1.6
90 escort 1.4
98 ka 1.3
97 puma 1.7

current
07 focus 1.8d

past
80 beamish suzuki rl250
81 suzuki gp100
78 suzuki gs400
78 suzuki gs550
82 fantic 240
79 honda xl250
84 kawasaki gpz550

current
97 honda cbr600
03 bmw r1150gs
78 yamaha ty175

There’s a bit on the SSDT website today – http://www.ssdt.org/%5B/url%5D

Had this last year on summer hols touring the alps and ended up in a swiss hospital. It does indeed smart a bit.

There’s an official update to 2.2 due very soon for the Defy

Another Defy user here, my first smartphone. Got it last Nov and the novelty hasn’t worn off yet :-)

I was up there a week past saturday. The path on the east/south route has had quite a bit of work (smooth surface and new water bars) and the wooden steps have been replaced. The north path has also had some bits done but not completed yet.

Daffodil fields at Edzell …

In Birnam wood …

When in may? The 6 days trial is on the first week of may and uses bits of the WHW (Ft William to Kinlochleven and Glencoe chairlift to Bridge of Orchy). Routes should be published soon so worth checking out which days they’re using it cos there will be around 300 bikes – http://www.ssdt.org

Beautiful day at Glenshee yesterday :-)

Looking good at Glenshee this morning; http://www.trinum.com/ibox/ftpcam/glenshee.jpg

Hoping to get up to Glenshee tomorrow pm. Forecast looks ok, more snow today and fine tomorrow.

The problem is where can they legally ride up here? Down south there’s green lanes and rights of way but up here there’s nothing. The only way is to join a club and compete but how many STWers would still be into mtbing if the ONLY time you could ride your bike was when racing?
When my Dad passed away I got his old trials bike. It’d be great to get out and have a play but I’m not interested in competing so it just lies in the garage.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

I’m doing this, on week 3 now. The podcasts are good, telling you when to run or walk, slowly building up.

Trig point at Lundie Crags NW of Dundee

golspie and balblair

Some stats and profiles here; http://www.climbbybike.com/%5B/url%5D

Cairn at Loch Ordie (no plaque on it but apparently commemorates Queen Vic visiting the area).

1150GS :-)

CBR600 … needing camchain tensioner :(

TY175 … needing a new tank :(

A blast from the past. Where is the tridem now?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Canongate-Classic-Goodies-Inspired/dp/086241542X
(a bit out of date)

Clear view here, NW of Dundee

Corrieshalloch gorge is on the main road to Ullapool

If you’re taking the coast road to approach Lochinver from the south it’s worth doing the loop round Achnahaird beach/Altandhu/Achiltibuie with views of the Summer Isles.

Also on that road to Lochinver is Achins bookshop/cafe at Inverkirkaig.

20 years and counting. Not a choice as such, just how it is.

Me and the bloke singing this work in the same dept … you’ll need to be of a certain age to remember it :wink:

I’ve got a TR801 as a helmet light, just the single mode version. Not sure of the runtime but reckon it’s around 2 hours. The DX site showed it with an orange peel reflector but it came with a smooth one which gives a narrow beam that throws further than the MTE P7 torch on the bars.

Kylesku Hotel if you’re up that far
http://www.kyleskuhotel.co.uk/new_page_2.htm

There’s a pie shop in Lochinver :D
http://www.lochinverlarder.co.uk/%5B/url%5D
http://www.piesbypost.co.uk/%5B/url%5D

It’s a bit grim in parts but improving. Good location though with easy access to nice countryside … Angus glens, Perthshire, Glenshee/Braemar, beaches round the Fife coast etc.
And east coast is a lot drier than west coast.

Lecht today …

Scottish XC at the Sidlaws in 1995.