Paul Howard has a book out – could be the one stevomcd is referring to.

Just got 'Cordillera' about the Great Divide which is a collection of short essays / stories by various racers.

One of the contributors is Jill Homer (up in alaska blog) has a book called 'Ghost Trails' about riding the 2008 Iditarod. As a journalist I suspect this will be a nice read.
(She has just moved to Montana so her blog may be changing name….)

1) No
2) 51

Reminds me Peter Houseman scoring against Gary Sprake in the 1970 FA Cup final.

Thieery Henry would have saved that. (Bitter Ireland fan)

Having a few problems getting into this world cup thanks to that Thierry Henry chappy and his **** left hand!

Off to France at the weekend and taking my Ireland cycling top to shove in there embarrassed faces………..

I can still remember my first world cup in 1970 with the legendary Brazil team really well. Didn't see many foreign players back then, or games on tv, so a real revelation to see Pele and co play the beautiful game.

Good luck to the racers, another waiting for the dvd to land, emails sent out saying they are on there way.

Intending to ride it next year starting a few days before the race to give a bit of encouragement as I get passed by the tough guys.

No pay rise last year which effects my forthcoming pension. Working my redundancy notice due to cut backs but I was within a month of resigning anyway so that is a result! Finish on 5th October so hoping stock market has got over the BP issues – but mostly final salary related so all is fairly rosy.

2/10

Mrs B has just told me we know one of the prospective inmates – the short Iranian dancer guy. Hope he gets in because it is what he wants but I will feel obliged to watch some of it then:-(

Link hasn't worked and not got time to sort out. Will try again later in week…

My photo's here have I have linked correctly. A great weekend, thanks to Stuart and Dee.

=http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/12617230@N03/sets/72157624179369696/]

In the words of Nigella 'never knowingly under catered' Just had a leaking bag of water so everything is out drying…

Suspect I will be pushing the climbs like the singlespeeders;-)

Rob, don't know you but sorry to see you are missing out at the last minute.

Last year I could not do it on the weekend because I was already booked to be somewhere else – so I went a couple of months later and did it on my own. Still a great experience – saw hardly a soul – not even other smelly bikers!

Still thinking about the route – maps are great though… And which waterproof.

And to quote the Pointer Sisters (possibly a first on the forum) 'I'm so excited'

A correct translation of my original Irish name used in the school register. (When the English banned the Irish language many names were anglicised)

Sounds good O-T – mine is pretty flat and 'easy' being in the east of England between Peterborough and the Humber Bridge.

(Disclaimer – only ever marshalled the final control on a 600km, and what a state they were in!)

Thanks for the confidence boost SC!

Talking of the GDR, the movie SSP hoped to view has been delayed bya bout a week due to production problems. Seems like he will be packing listening to Nicky Campbell on the R5 phone-in;-)

Got most of my stuff together but not packed – hope it all goes in! Can't decide on full or light weight watrerproof top. And still keep changing my mind on the route. A couple of controls are on or near the Cambrian Way but my original preferred anti clockwise route took them in reverse i.e. Llangurig control to no 11 in the woods. I know there is a track there but not shown on my 1:25,000. Feel I may stand a chance in the right direction but in reverse could be a lottery.

Depends really – how prepared are you etc.

Which events are you considering? I have folishly entered the Derby South then North in a few weeks. Until a few weeks ago 200 was my furthest but now done a 300 to Skegness.

Sausage & mash and double epo for me please………..

I will keep an eye out as that is my route to/from work.

Got banned from the GP nearly 30 years ago!

Mercian are good tho perhaps pricy. Heard Holts in Nightingale Road are good and will try them next time.

It was the Anglers Retreat, think I went near Teifi ponds on another adventure.

Frame bag is not one of Eric's, having one made locally.

Still not had chance to plot a route! Should get a chance next weekend all being well.

And my frame bag has been delayed and will not be ready until next weekend now.

Last year after plotting on my OS maps I swapped them to a decent road atlas to view the big picture. With all the maps, and not really knowing the area, could not work out what made up a decent route. Helped me sort out a route. IIRC the Teifi pools from last year there was a little 'fishing' sign taking you up there from the main track to the South…. Was chucking it down with rain at the time so glad of any assistance.

Off to see him on Friday in Derby – sounds like it will be an enjoyable evening.

Did about 5 minutes today at midnight – had been riding since 0600 the day before though!

To cold for an icecream yesterday – more treacle sponge and custard weather.

Did a 300k audax on my Cotic Roadrat and the first 100 miles were into the wind and we had 6 punctures – plus one more on the way back. Big day out.

300km audax tomorrow if that counts. Alfreton to Skegness and back – longest ride I have ever done. Hope to finish before Lincoln GP comes through or else crazy-legs will have someone else to cheer / heckle…..

Sideway's are dealers – no idea if they have one currently.

Yes they are a good size. I got the 3l size and plenty of stowage space. It is a bit heavy. but then that's because it is large and appears well made so far.

They made some really nice tights and overshoes a few years ago. I would use again.

http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk

have quite a bit of Raceface stuff usually, recently I had a waterproof and socks. Dunno if 2010 or not. Nice people so will sort you out of they can.

2uf2r – brilliant! Thats the one. This place amazes me by what trivia etc is known….

Cheers for the links. I have found a similar site but not sure if the push-on fitting is standard or not.

Ah Luke – yes, see you at SSUK. And Salsaboy? Even if only to take pics….

For those showing concern at my redundancy, I was going to resign so I see this as a bonus. 34 years with same company and a final salary pension to look forward to – Great Divide in 2011 is first target:-)

spokescycles – is that you Luke?
Farmer Giles – congratulations! settled down at last…. Missed HoNC this year but I am going back to the Alps in June for more roadie action.

I go back to the go-far days but have never been a prolific poster. Recall a number of the posters above. Also went to Shatfest, twice, which was fun – where is Jez and co?

Riding a bit more on the road currently due to time restrictions tough did SSEC last weekend bumping into a few old faces. I have recently been made redundant and from October will have plenty of time to ride my bike – can't wait….

Thanks to all for a great weekend and also to the weather gods. I have tagged a bunch of photo's 'ESSC2010' on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12617230@N03/sets/72157623758799813/

Bring on Belgium 2011….

I'd say Pele because of achievements and longevity. I did see George Best play once at Coventry back in early seventies and the best I saw growing up. Career a bit short though. He tackled back,he was not just an amazing forward and goal scorer.

Messi may surpass both given time.

Often wonder if the Munich aircrash had not happened if Duncan Edwards would have been aptian in '66. He would have been at his park in his mid to late 20's. We'll never know:-(

I flew to Denver, picked up a car, and then did Winter Park / Fruita / Durango / Moab / Fruita in two weeks. Picked up minor injury and missed out Vail. Dead easy to do. All the places have bike shops and trail guides.

I out flew very late Sept and it was cold at night in WP / Durango but still hot in Moab / Fruita (they are only at 4/5,000 ft!).

Moab particularly as a number of places who will take you out if needed, Western Spirit and Kaibab tours are the ones I recall.

I ordered a copy the other day as well. Will be doing it next year as a ride rather than to race. Won't be in any hurry as no job to come back to:-)

I have been paying about 10-12% (though a bit more recently) for the last 33 years + employers contributions. It is final salary and I consider myself lucky to have it.

Best advice I would give is not to have all your eggs in one basket. I also bought a buy-to-let property 11 years ago (now paid for) and been investing in the stock market (share ISA's)for nearly 15 years. Plus cash.

Should be retiring later this year – thanks to the final salary pension mainly. But the other things help.