No, it won’t. Rolling and unrolling will very quickly cause the Velcro to unstick itself from the fabrics, as I’ve found using the stuff on all sorts of things. Sticking it in place then stitching it along the edges would work, but it’s not ideal. Running strips of outdoor silicon caulk would probably work better, although it might be a good idea to clean the surfaces with isopropyl alcohol to get rid of dirt or grease before applying the silicon.

The effect is roughly like the grippy dots or stripes on gloves or house socks; actually, thinking about it, squirting lots of silicon blobs on both contact surfaces would probably be easier, although take a bit longer – cut the applicator nozzle off to allow dots about a centimetre across and splodge them at equal distances apart, I reckon would work really well, with minimum faff apart from the initial application

It’s worked so far for me to be fair, but I do like the idea of the silicone “blobs”. I’ll give that a go when the velcro fails.

Simples. Get some sticky sided velcro tape. Stick some on the sleeping pad and on the bivvy bag (and inflatable pillow if you have one). Everything stays in place but can be separated for packing or when bot needed.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/velcro-brand-black-heavy-duty-stick-on-tape-1m-x-50mm/21670?tc=JL2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3P-2BhAEEiwA3yPhwKTr-jfHw6zzKa0XEU1K9BWs-zpps7v1Olo05LJs7_2DO1DlXUGXIBoCsEEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

We did a bike packing trip there last year. Flew into Dubrovnik and cycled the ciro trail to mostar. It’s an old railway line so not technical but passes through some amazing countryside.

After Mostar, we made out way back to Drvenik on the Croatian coast. Then got the ferry over to Hvar and cycled the island south to north.

We then island hopped on the ferries back to dubrovnik via Korcula.

This was over 7 days.

Best tips:

We used a hostel for the first and last nights in Dubrovnik so that we could leave our bike bags.

We did take a tent but as the season had drawn to a close, we found a place on booking.com each night. Dont think we paid more than €30 a night!

The ferries are good but you have to book with the individual ferry operator, there is no central website for them all.

Although I hate komoot in the UK, it worked amazingly there. HOWEVER, when planning a route DO NOT use the mtb option, use the gravel. The mtb one tried to take us on some hard-core hike a bike but the gravel option was brilliant.

Sex toys, lots of them.

It was my stag do and on the train to Gatwick, my mates made me change into traditional Arab dress. Whilst in the toilet, they filled my carry on with quite an impressive selection. I didn’t know what half of it was.

The female security guard couldn’t stop laughing.

I didn’t start.

LBS normally but if he doesn’t have it in stock he points me this way;

sjscycles.co.uk

If you have any doubts about the parts you need, they’re very good at helping.

It can’t be underestimated the strength of feeling, that the people of Normandy have towards D-Day.

Myself (ex-squaddie) and 3 friends (1 who is a current CDR and CO of HMS……) got the overnight ferry to Cherbourg and over 2 days, made our way to Ouistreham via some of the cemeteries and D-Day sites. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and having my mate (who had just finished his Higher and Command staff course) giving an in depth running commentary of the history was humbling.

One thing more than the others stands out the most.

We finished at Pegasus bridge cafe. Being military geeks, we spent a lot of time looking at the walls inside. Madam (legend in her own right) came over to us for a chat. When she realised I was ex and my mate was still serving, our money was no good. Instead, the value of every round, and there were a few, was put in to the charity tin. She sat with us for 2 hrs, trying to convince my mate to bring HMS…. Up the Caen canal for the 80th. He told her it wouldn’t fit but she insisted because “we managed to get Brittania and a type 43 up it!”

My father in law is a retired BA 777 Cpt. He hates the culture that’s been created by the airlines, forcing people to use carry on luggage as it’ll be cheaper.

“Cabin missiles” he calls them.

 Maybe another aircraft had just reported it to ATC.

I work lower sectors (below 24,000ft) and don’t get asked for ride/turbulence reports very much.

My wife, however, works upper sectors. She gets asked for ride reports all the time, usually American flag carriers. It gets so bad that the requests can clog up the RT.

From what I understand, and the pilots of the forum can correct me, is that clear air turbulence can be very isolated but very disruptive, as highlighted with this incident.

I’m not saying the incident wasn’t horrific, but the figure of 6000ft of descent (over 5 min) isn’t the main issue. When holding, Aircraft usually descend at 500/1000ft a min and you don’t notice. Normal descent is usually between 1000 and 1500.

The issue was the aircraft dropped a couple of 100ft initially which would’ve caused the injuries.

Some proper wet bridleway west of Alresford, north of Cheesefoot head. Wont be doing that again in a hurry.

The rest of them weren’t too bad. I’ve got the summer tires (ardent rear and a very worn forecaster up front) on but probably could’ve used the winter set up today.

Tomorrow they’ll probably be fine.😆

I’ve been up and down to Alresford/cheesfoot head/beacon Hill and the SDW and local bridleways are all pretty good. Don’t know what the overnight rain is gonna do though……

n0b0dy0ftheg0atFree Member
Most of the South Downs lanes I covered yesterday were quite dry, but what on earth is going on with the low section of Dundridge Lane, closest to Bishop’s Waltham?

I love in BW and am currently sat in the Bowman having a post ride pint.

We usually ride with the kids up dundridge Lane to the bowman with we did on Sat.

Going up the lane, away from the main road, the field on the right always flooded badly. I think this caused quite bad issues for the farm on the right. It looks like they’ve built up the lower edge of the pond and the water is being diverted onto the road.

There’s no stream down the dundridge valley so the road has always suffered. Once I’ve finished my pint, I’ll go have a gander.

The railway line is getting dusty!? Finally!

I’ve just been doing laps of 100 acres gravel recently so not been up on to the SDW. My usual loop is BW, Upham, cheesfoot, SDW to Beacon Hill then down to the Bowman for a pint.

Or

Carry on up old Winch hill then back down to Soberton to the White lion.

Every ride had a pub at the end. Do it in reverse and you get the brush in Upham. 😆

hatterFull Member

A tactic honed in Syria and specifically designed to kill Ambulance crews.

IRA used it for years.

Bike sold!

Lovely family came and looked at it. The little girl had a test ride round the car park and was giggling her head off.

Now to find more crap in the loft to try and sell.

I’m selling my daughters bike and I’ve agreed to meet a female buyer just down the road at a public car park. She’s bringing her daughter to check for sizing.

All seems legit. Have had one bloke trying to pull the “dpd will come pick up and pay cash”. He’s been ignored.

I’ll update tomorrow!

I have some on my Genesis longitude which has been converted to cycle touring/commuting duties.

I use them pretty much all the time, apart from on descents as I hover the brakes. Very comfortable for long rides because of multiple hand positions.

“If it looks stupid, but works, then it’s not stupid.”

Also have the short SQ LAB ones on my hard tail which are awesome.

I’ve had a mk4 gti and mk4 tdi. Both 3 door in silver. Still think these were the best interiors.

Currently have a Mk5 R32, 5 door in blue. Although front heavy, I’ve had it 10 years and will have it another 10. Very thirsty but I’ve kept it immaculate.

Wife has a Mk7 R estate. Been to the Alps twice and round Scotland twice (from hampshire). Best all rounder I’ve ever had and I’ve driven a lot of cars.

Sign up to the Norrona website and you get access to the outlet page.

I’m pretty much a walking advert for them now, whether it’s casual jacket for the school run, mtb shorts and my ski trousers and jacket are from the Lofoten range.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s pricey kit, but if you keep an eye on the outlet you can get massive savings.

I’ve done Stubai, Ski Welt and St Anton but looking for a family friendly ski area in Austria? I really don’t know it that well as I’ve always aimed for 2hrs from Geneva airport.

We’ll be a group of 6 adults and 5 kids who are all comfortable on Blues. Adults might need a bigger area to not be bored!

We prefer sole occupancy of a Chalet foe the group.

Our CO at 5 Reg RA was married unaccompanied. He was entitled to the CO’S 5 bed detached house on Marne Bks which he used. Helped set up the oil drum BBQ for him one friday.

Cant remember anyone begrudging him the use of it.

rickmeisterFull Member

7 miles away
Second hand Up or Citigo. Keep the big car and some cash.

Already have 2 cars, not buying a 3rd.

What’s the aversion to diesel? If well looked after, the Skoda/VW/Audi 1.9/2.0 diesel engines go on and on.

Personally, work (for both of us) is only 7 miles away so A4 tdi wasn’t getting up to temp, so not convenient for us to get another diesel.

We had almost exactly the same requirements apart from the age when it came to replacing the wifes A4 avant.

We went with the golf r Estate.

Even though its 4WD, the boot is huge.

It’s got better all round visibility than the octavia.

Better looking than the passat.

Goes like poo off a shovel.

Down sides;

My dad, the grumpy sod, says its too low to get into.

Its faster than my mk5 R32.

Good idea. I mainly ride alone through choice but have a couple of close friends (who know I like solo rides) that I ride with as well.

A self proclaimed 42 year old expert on the rural pubs between Winchester and QECP, with a keen interest on the ones along the SDW and Meon Valley. 😁

Mainly XC bridleway riding with the odd trail centre visit.

Thanks folks, lots of positives for doing it but I keep hearing the “wish we’d ripped it down and went for an extension” point.

That is my gut feeling as I’d love to turn part of it into a utility. The main reason for roofing it would be for putting the washer and dryer in there and using it as a “dirty” house entrance. All the dog walking and MTB kit would live in it.

It’s all going to boil down to finances and whether I can get services over to that side of the house.

I’m not a tower controller but from what I can see one of 2 things has happened.

ATC  has cleared the coastguard on to the runway.

Or

The coastguard aircraft has made an unauthorised runway incursion.

Hot fuzz.

Relapsed_mandalorian,

In other news I got questioned as to where my poppy was today by one of these new breed ‘patriots’, that was a fun conversation.

I got that last year. I asked for their Reggie number. When none was forthcoming I told them to wind their neck in.

I’ve been hovering on this chat with zero input. All I will say is, it happens every year. Remembrance is used and abused for peoples own political agendas, that goes for the left and right. Serving military, veterans and families just want to have their day to remember. Stop politicising it and let us get on with it.

Thunder as a pre fix. Works particularly well with the “C” word.

Fannybaws is my particular favourite.

As a Scottish Air traffic controller (and ex squaddie), I have many abusive terms in my vocabulary which are best not transmitted over the RT but are used very often.

Thanks folks, ended up booking a Logis hotel near Troyes. Thought Dijon would push it.

Driving to Morzine for Feb half term. Changeover day is the Sunday so we’re thinking of leaving Hampshire Saturday lunch time and stopping Sat night part way down through France.

Any recommendations for cheap, clean, family friendly hotels?

Ideally, I’d like to push on as far as Dijon but Troyes would be good to. Reims is too far North as I like to brake the back of a journey before stopping.

OLeary will still blame NATS.

When renewing sealant, use a meat baster sucky thing, preferably one with liquid measurements on it. No need to take the whole tyre off and next to zero mess.

Just don’t put it back in the kitchen drawer afterwards…….

Thanks for the info. I’ll speak to the other families. I think I’ll do the prodains the first morning, then have a look at the other options.

Thanks OwenP, definitely food for thought. Just out of interest, what car park in Avoriaz to use and how would you get to the meeting point?Avoriaz lay out always confuses me!

Thinking of hiring their kit from the ski set at the super morzine. They offer overnight storage. Could start and finish the day there as long as it opens from 8am.

Yeh, I’d thought of that but the lesson start time is 0915. Don’t think super morzine opens until 0845. Plus that flattish cat track under the road would be hard work with the kids if it’s not in tip top condition.

Edit! Just saw the super morzine opens at 0830, sorry! Yeh, could be an option…..

My knowledge of Morzine and the PDS is pretty good but here is something I know little about.

We’re a 3 family group staying in Morzine, across the bridge from the super morzine. The kids lessons are up in Avoriaz. Obvious route up is via the prodains. Here’s where I’m after any info.

We’re a 10-15 minute (not ideal with young kids and ski gear) walk from the bus route so we’re planning on driving and parking at the prodains. Are we going to get a parking space at 0830 or will it be rammed?

The lessons start at 0915 at the plateau. Other option could be drive up to Avoriaz and park but then we miss the home run to the top of the super morzine which would be great for the kids.

Ardent bubble doesn’t open until 0850 which would be a bit tight.

This is in Feb half term BTW.

☝️ that comment wins the internet

Bravo boardinbob.

I rode from Southampton to Glasgow over 6 days. 90 miles(ish) per day, bike packing.

I did a 4 day pattern for 3 months before hand.

1. 50 miles

2. 40 miles

3. 20 miles

4. Rest day.

Granted, it was during covid so work was not a great hindrance, but I did all my riding after 7pm when the little one went to bed.

My thoughts.

Saddle time is by far, more important than distance ridden. It’ll let your body adjust.

Get a dynamo and light.

Set the bike up as it will be for the event, ie racks, weighted bags etc.

Podcasts are great for long haul travelling.

Stop every hour, stretch your legs and take your helmet off.

Oh, and don’t take advice from people on the Internet. Go and ride as much as you can, as often as you can, just within your comfort zone and it’ll be fine.😆