Quote: Thereby confirming to your bosses that they have made the correct choice

Trekster – please explain as you don't know me or the hard work I have put in for my employer over the last 6 years.

Tough decision to make – not sure what to do. Think I'm going to call the customer after the holiday and chat. Will probably do the minimum to keep everyone happy and see what happens.

I'm being made redundant – although it has been unfair from start to end and I believe I'm am being moved on due to need to cut costs and a politicial issue internally – mainly the worst person in the team having won an award for something he had no control over and being too much in the limelight at the moment. :(

I think I'm going to sit back and let it all fall to pieces – have a chat to the customer and get some letters of recommendation and maybe see what money making opportunities there are – such as helping them renew the multi million pound contract which is up in March. ;)

Jesus!!! I've only got about £5 but need a brake outer for my daughters bike so am going to use one of those machines this time – once I've saved up more I might try the bank route.

Aftershave and pants ;)

LOL – That's like saying I'm bald! Known it for years!

I really should check STW more often – found out about this last night and have a pass to join you mugs for a day out riding the super groomed Cotswold trail centre trails!

Sheldon / Nettles – Thinking about inviting a mate who's new to riding – how socialable is super social pace?

:D

Cheers – applying for loads of jobs and keeping a positive attitude.

Just been to see "where the wild things are" and it was just what I needed :)

I've set a goal for getting a new job – and to incentivise me I've got a picture of the bike I want and will be able to buy should I get a job in that time. :)

Cheers ChristoG!

Felt like I wanted to give an update on my situation since I last posted a few weeks ago… a lot has happened.

1. My company decided that I was right and what they were doing was unfair so invited two of my colleagues to join the process. They were rushed through the process and had their announcement and 1st consultation last week and 2nd consultation was yesterday.

2. To add to the fun of Xmas my wife was laid off a week and a half ago. She had only been there 5 months so only got 1 weeks notice and no statuatory redundancy rights (as I understand it)

3. 2nd Consultation process yesterday and we were all scored and surprise surprise I still scored bottom even though a significant number of colleagues I work with have said one of my colleagues should have gone as he is incompetent and will be unable to manage my account to the same level as I have.

At this moment in time it really feels like I'm a marked man as if the scoring had been fair I would have scored higher than my colleague. Earlier in the year I was offered a role swap but it really wasn't something I felt I could move into so declined and I think my boss's boss who is notorious for holding a grudge is holding a grudge.

I now have a few weeks of consultation left, although most of it over Christmas. I'm going to be advised of jobs within my company that I could apply for but none of the ones I am aware of are suitable so I'm going to focus my efforts outside of work.

On the plus side, I've just reviewed my CV and it's not looking too shabby so I'm looking forward to seeing what is out there and getting something good.

Its a shame that I've been told three days before Xmas as it really has ruined my excitement for the festive period but I'm going to work on sorting that out over the coming days and make the most of it.

I've got to now focus on working out how to improve the tiny payout I've been offered so if anyone has any ideas let me know.

Things could be so much worse!

This looks easy…

Anyone done it with DT Swiss 4.2 and 5.1 rims?

Think that might be it – anyone know how much polar charge for it?

Got a warning for apparently advertising a mates business when I wasn't, only to see STW Towers post something advertising their mate's business the same day – Oh the hypocrisy!!!

Been good and bad for me…

Starting to feel more confident on the bike (Thanks to some UKBikeskills coaching) and generally riding more technical stuff.

But seem to be plagued by illness on the most part and lost a lot of fitness which has knocked my enthusiasm slightly.

Also really want to buy some new bits for my bike but haven't been able to afford anything other than a £30 pair of cranks this year :(

Feeling 2010 will bring it all back though.

Mike – agreed – legally. But if I was out on a ride and someone took my photo to record the fun had – I'd sort of be a bit miffed if I couldn't keep a copy of a photo of me.

I know a photo of me was once taken out on a ride and I got a copy of the low res version no problem but decided to get and pay for a copy of the high res one and it now sits on my desk at work.

G – Suppose they should ask but I'd like to think if I was the subject of a photo that I could use it since it is of me.

To flip things on its head, I know in Hong Kong the data protection laws over the there (based on britsh legal system) stipulate that a photo of a person can be classed as personal data meaning that in certain circumstances the person taking the photo could potentially be sued if they don't have permission from the subject…

I think you need to ride it out!!! Corby o'clock! ;)

Clucking anchors!!!!

Tony – YGFM.

G – what's the issue here…

1. Not asking
2. You don't want the photo reproduced elsewhere
3. You are missing out on revenue for your photos
4. Photos nothing to do with them and they've just taken something that looks nice
5. other

I'd think having your work proliferated only helps to spread the word on how good a photographer you are. I may be missing the point though

Do a search on Jamie Bestwick and BMX – He's the top guy by a long way. 38 and from Derby. Bestwick[/url]

I saw him at the worlds this year and was one of the most jaw dropping things I've seen. Everyone was warming up, doing a few runs to get used to the ramp. Then bestwick comes out of the VIP area does his run without hardly any warm up and was so obviously streets ahead of everyone, it was just nuts to watch, effortless!!

Will do.

Nice, best to keep an eye out on the Ashton website?

Where were you riding? Looks like a good day out (memo to self – must ride more rides like this)

I now see what you're up against G ;)

I think cranham gives "more bang for the buck" as the yanks would say. A lot of MTBing these days seems to be focused towards getting as much technical / fun riding as possible in a ride. I know if I want to get someone interested in MTBing Cranham is the place to go – although only in summer.

I suppose those trail pixies who put in the Cranham runs are a victim of their own success as no where in the Cotswolds has as much quality riding in a small area. (Big thanks to the pixies by the way)

I've wondered if perhaps during the winter if trips further afield (Dursely, Malvern, Bredon etc) would open up more options for riding if everyone is bored of local places.

There are some great routes round here but I think people are becoming less focused on putting the miles in and more focused on the fun factor which leads them to aim at cranham.

90ft!!! Nuts! Healing vibes to her and hope she's back on the bike soon.

HTTP404 – Do we have a No.1 Freerider?

Its all riding, some people have more balls than others and others have more skills than others – some people have both and they are just awesome to watch, let alone ride with.

I'm happy loving what I ride (irrespective of what it could be called) and pushing myself to tackle stuff which sits just outside my current comfort zone.

Nah – I've had to travel into London to kick my boss's and HR's ass over my unfair selection for redundancy – A very productive (and satisfying) day :)

PMSL @ Niche!

Lock / Jedi – Enjoy Corby on Tuesday – Kids Nativity so can't make it this week!!!

I feel your pain – I hate missing riding especially when the sun is shining and a session is on!! Rest up and you'll be back before you know it.

Spend the time focusing on how to get more business in!!! or you can just get Nutkins to deliver some chocs to keep you sane – just make sure you you leave a window open so when he abseils through it you don't have to get it fixed afterwards!

Whats that woman doing in the picture?

How about getting a frame of each and trying them both if money aint a great issue? Whichever you don't like sell on the classifieds :)

I love my Soul and am keen (when I have a secure job) to get a BFe because I love the geometry.

Definately go Hardtail though – Full Sus is great but does make you lazy.

well worth it!!!

All fair comments – end of one chapter, onto the new one which is going to be even better!

So there are none that anyone can recommend?

Solicitor has given me some good news – now to get as much money as possible!!!

Marcus – Didn't know about your business – sorry to hear that! We had to dissolve Bry's this year and that was tough to do but glad we did it.

Trip up north might be fun – I'll keep you posted. You can take me to that dodgy pub again! :)