Seems to defeat the purpose of singlespeeding to me.

You'll have all the extra weight of a geared bike (deraileurs, shifters, longer chain, etc) but only 2 gears, plus all the maintance of a geared bike.

I had a rockhopper absolutaley loved it.

FS just makes things more comfy.

Just upgrade the tyres and brakes. The juicy 3's i had on mine were ok, but not great.

Keep it, as well as the smug feeling you can have when you fly past past someone on a more expensive one.

I was surprised also. Was quite keen to enter myself.

1200 already pre entered. I'm sure some will drop out and be looking to sell on there enteries.

I'm also quite tempted to go over there on another weekend. The route is on there website, and i wont get held up by people mincing about.

Also surprised by the amount of people who have pre entered the Kielder 100. 100 miles offroad in one day?

+1 for the Stumpy.

Got one myself, and ride techincal XC, local woods, all day Lakes/Dales/Peaks.

More bike than i'll ever need. Long time until you'll outgrow a bike like that.

Got myself a 2009 comp model for £1200. Shop around and see if you can get last years model, and save a few quid.

I'll be there again, with my beard.

Trail center is probably the way to go, unless you've pre ridden the route already. Also trail centers hold up better if the weather is poor.

Based on the locations you've mentioned you may want to think about Dalby or Whinlatter. Plenty of natural riding near there as well

[As far as I can tell the train journeys will be around 200 quid in total plus the BB's at say 25 quid a night is 200 quid in total]

I looked at doing it this year, until other stuff came up.

Train can be quite cheap if you book 3 months in advance. From Leeds to LE and then back from JoG was about £70. Depends how 'close' to the route you live. Kent or west Wales is going to be more expensive.

I always bring plenty, so if you get a punture, i'll have one to lend you.

Jeremy – I'm not saying that you should wear a helmet, just from my own experience, i wouldnt go without one.

I dont think the science in contradictory. If you wear a helmet you have protection in case you have an accident. If you fall off and slam your head on a rock, like i did, then i'm sure the helmet saved me a greater injury.

Its probably more the case that people feel "safer" wearing a helmet, and therefore take more risks, therefore more accidents.

Its your head so you make your own choice.

Yes always.

Everyone to there own, but after you've had a high speed crash and broken a helmet, it soon makes you think its a good idea. Broken helmet/skull. I know which i prefer

Riding ofroad loads in the snow its great fun.

Given up on the road riding for a while, due to all the road salt, eating my bike.

We're going to be completing it sometime later in the year.

Still looking at routes, so would be handy to find where you got yours from.

Its a lot harder than it looks. Lots of climbing, carrying, and the hours you'll need to put in each day. Plus you've got the weather up in the lakes, Dales, and Moors. When its sunny its fantastic, rain+fog is another story

Found this the other day;
http://mbrc2c.blogspot.com/2008/07/friday-18-july-day-0-kirkby-stephen.html

Legally you should be fine, as long as you fully tell people they're doing this at there own risk, that you are not an expert, and if they fall and break something then tough.

As with most beginners do something thats going to be easy, and fun, so when they get back they are not knackered and keen to get out again.

Wait until the weather gets better, maybe a 4-5 mile walk (2 hours worth), with the option to bail out after halfway if people are getting tired.

Let them tkae it in turns leading reading the map, so they can practice what you've taught them earlier, and i wouldn't go larger than a group of 12.

Rediculous cost for a 10mm scratch.

Looking at the quote it also includes amounts to get the car back to 100% condition, not the condition it was in before the accident happened.

Theres a lot more damage on that quote than the damage which may have been caused by him hitting it with this bike.

£275 for the stripdown and spray, £150 for the paint, £40 for stickers (taking the p***), £100 for a specalist ??? +Vat
£664

Its difficult if its someone you know rather than a stranger in a carpark.
Dont pay any money until the work has been done and the bills been paid.

She'll think twice about having to pay the difference herself, and maybe wont get the work done anyway.

On the other hand get her to claim it on her insurance. Thats what its there for. She probably wont, as her premiums will go up and its not worth it for a 10mm scratch. I'm sure the insurance company wont be interested in claiming the amount back from your friend due to the hassle.

Is that the same route that we did back in October Ton?

If there's an offer for a ride in the Holme Valley, we'd like to take you up on the offer. We were thinking of going riding tomorrow if thats not too soon.

Its nice and frosty in Leeds at present, so been able to have some fun un the usually muddy routes.

+1 for Kirroghtree and Lagan, there amazing

Be prepared for some driving though.

Kirroghtree to Lagan is easily 6 hours and it took me 5 hours to get from Leeds to Kirroghtree.

North Wales is also a bit of a detour as well.

I'd concentrate on one area, so you can maximise the riding/driving ratio.

We'll be up there as well.

May come up on the sat night. Anywhere good/cheap to stay over?

I'd say dont bother,

We were up there on Sat, and the snow was melting and sticky, and it was totally unrideable. It was pushing all the way up Aston, once the road finished, and then you couldnt ride on the top.

Until the snows melted, look elsewhere

No reason not to fly, just warry of the bike arriving in one piece.

How easy is it to pack up the bike to fly with?

It it just a case of removing the wheels, pedals, rear mech, removing the air from the forks, and rear shock, packing it up with a bit of foam, and poping it in one of those clear plastic bags?

Yes i've looked into the van option, but hireing one isnt economical as there's only two of us at present.

No problem in driving down in my 106. Two bikes go in the back with a bit of care, but the costs are comming out similar + more hassle.

Drive down from Leeds (6 hours to Dover), and another 9 to the Alps. When i factor in petrol, tolls, extra insurance, ferry/tunnel the numbers very similar.

With the train i dont knacker myself out with 8 hours of driving, roadworks accidents etc

We're planning to ride the ladybower loop on the 26th. More than welcome to join us. Not decided what time yet, but probably 10ish

I live in Chapel Allerton, and am looking to get back into it, after moving back here.

Havent found any local rides in the area, but well up for meeting up and exploring

Dont think the dates have been realased yet. Wait until next year.

I'll be out rain or snow + one other