I can assure you that there is no bias towards specific airlines.

ATC delays are caused by many factors.

Tonight it’s weather cells over London causing flow regulations to be applied because of airspace capacity.

I can’t justify getting another full suss. It suits me well so gonna ride it into the ground.

Not had issue with cable rattling. Maybe I’ve just zoned it out.

I’ve also got the original wheels (front one has a boost extender on it) with continental double fighters on them as I used it for commuting for a few months. Went and bought a longtitude for commute/pub/hack duties.

They’re gathering dust in the shed if you have use for them.

I’ve got the 2016 t130s so quite a handy thread this.

Upgrades;
140mm revelation fork
Hope 4 hubs (front is boost)
Stan rims
Sram NX 1x conversion
Reverb 1x lever as I hate the top of the bar one

LBS replace bearings every year when it gets serviced as I’ve noticed the play on the rear.

Currently in for its service now. SRAM won’t service the reverb and monarch as the parts are discontinued so replacing the reverb with brand x. The monarch is working fine but may put a cane creek on it.

Strange.

I talk about having an OS subscription on here then 5 hrs letter get an email saying my subscription cannot be renewed, follow this link etc.

Check on app and renewal isn’t due yet.

Look again at email and it’s from ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk.

Dodgy as.

But the strange thing is, I only ever use the email account for STW, OS and 1 other shop.

So if you sent me that email after seeing me on here, to try and defraud me, @#$% off and get a real job.

I’ve tried a few free apps but nothing comes close to the OS subscription. Like others on here I’m a bit of a map geek.

The route planning is a great feature. When I get the odd bit of spare time, I’m currently plotting a route from Southampton to Glasgow using only bridleways or cycleroutes. It’s harder than it sounds.

It’s very easy to get gpx files plotted out as well.

My friend lives “up in the Jura” as he puts it. Beautiful but expensive rent on his house.

He works in Geneva and other half works in Lausanne so central to both. Previously they lived in Gex, France as it was much cheaper to commute, but they both got promotions so moved in country.

From what I’ve seen and what he’s told me there is a large expat community in the area and he’s found it easy to make friends. Child care, dog sitting are mostly taken care of in his group of friends as child care is pricey, like everything else.

I envy the lifestyle he has. As kids we were always in the highlands, skiing, climbing and biking and he has everything on his doorstep.

I just can’t get away with how pricey it is!

Awesome. Makes me even more excited about my 4yr old daughter growing up.😁

I actually bought Stan rims and hope hubs for my full suss for off road use. I then put continental double fighters on the old set of wheels and used them for commuting. Got some strange looks but as an interim measure it was great.

Got bored off the faff of changing the wheels and the associated wear and tear on my bike and bought a genesis longitude for commuting duties. Maxis crossmark that roll well at 45psi and no need to worry about the pot holes.

The commute is 5km longer than it needs to be so I avoid the worse roads and I get some nicer scenery.

As for lights I use my Diablo on the helmet and race on the bars, although I’m aware some oncoming drivers don’t appreciate it.

I’ll always ride in the left hand wheel space but I’m pretty defensive so not worried about using the whole lane.

We had a rear mounted one for when she was very little.

As soon as I though she was old enough for it we got a mac ride. Fantastic bit of kit. Literally seconds to put on and remove.

Because she has to hold on, use her core muscles for balance and can see me using brakes etc, she is pretty handy on her cnoc14. Loves the local pump track!

Best thing for you as a rider is not having an uncomfortable wide leg riding technique and it’s great to have full blown conversations as their right there. Been on the blue at QECP no problem.

Its worth the investment.

I use mine for family camping but recently found the small burner is ideal for bike packing.

Had 2 mess tins that I “forgot” to hand in when i left the army (along with many other dubious bits of kit). The smaller one I drilled with holes around the side. Use that as a base, put the burner in it and the larger tin on top as the cooking vessel.

As anyone that’s used mess tins will know, you can fit a lot of kit in them like food and kitcheny stuff.

I’m too tight to buy role specific stuff!

I’ve did the SDW in a day twice. First attempt 14hrs 2nd 12hrs. That was end to end not moving time.

Flirted with the idea of the double in under 24hrs this year but it would be a serious commitment for me.

Not only training, but even with good tyres my whyte t130 wouldn’t manage. I personally would want a short travel 29er.

I’d be happy to help as a pacer/gate opener/ snack provider/ nonsense talker if anyone was doing it. I’m local to the western end.

Ordered 2.

On a side note, the ill wind symbol is also the strip marking for when and aircraft leaves controlled airspace.

I’ll get my coat……..

If there’s a 2nd run I’d take one. Gutted I missed it!

This has cheered me right up. Moo haha!

That was a good ride today thanks. Had to cut a little bit out due to working this afternoon. Lots of friendly happy people out this morning.

I had the same internal conflict last year for my commute which sounds the same as yours.

I went for the longitude instead. Maxxis ardent tyres with 45 psi and you zoom along.

For comparison it is just as quick as when I test rode my mates croix de fer for 2 weeks.

The longitude is a jack of all trades and master of none but planning on bike packing this summer so it’ll be handy for that.

Maybe another time. I’d normally pop over the back of QE when I have time to myself or at night, but thought I’d give it a miss this weekend!

Thanks bartimaeus, I used your strava route and plotted in my OS App. That way I can modify the route easier as I go.

Looking forward to it on Sunday.

Not bragging but I’m in my dream job and had the same question to ask myself last year.

We could remortgage the house and pay it off in 10 years. Move somewhere cheaper and live off the equity with low hours jobs. I’d be 45.

Or

Move to a bigger house and financially commit to working for another 20 years.

We moved to a bigger house because my wife and I both do the same job and we enjoy it. Some variables to consider though are that we work on average 5 on 5 off and have a final salary pension.

I completely agree with work to live not live to work but it’s well balanced at the moment so happy to carry on.

Thanks Mattbee, looks like Compton is the easiest start point for me.

That sounds good mattbee. Is parking ok at that pub? Sorry for a questions!

Bartimaeus, would you recommend clockwise or anti on that route?

Collingbourne woods looks like it has potential.

The Compton loop looks tempting cause I’m working late afternoon so could go straight there afterwards.

Cheers! I’ll get the OS out!

Bump.

So I’m happy with my knowledge of the bridleways between Winch and QE, and m27 up to alton and can loop the area without a map but I’m getting bored.

I’ve done the SDW a couple of time so know that route well.

I’ve got a child free weekend and looking at doing a 30/40km loop outside of this area. I’ll drive to the start point If needs be.

Anyone got any GPX or route suggestions? Devils punch bowl maybe?

V12’s and addidas Terrex ankle boots. Great combo.

I’m led to believe 5 10’s have better grip but the long drying time put me off.

V12’s are scary at first. 5 stitches on the first ride and you won’t do it again!

Planning on doing it but not with BHF as I’m working that weekend. My mate is wanting to do it too so quite hard to lock down a date.

Was up there 2 days ago between winch and QE and it’s pretty dry.

When my 3 year old does a bottom burp, giggles then says “I just did a Donald trump, pardon bottom”

I see this in work all the time.

We have a very specific role which is hugely understaffed but we’re still expected to over see rosta, leave, project work, safety analysis etc.

When you consider there are only 1200 people in the UK that are qualified to the job but the company employs 5000 in total, it boils my pee that they can’t find some admin flunky to do the non operational work and release people back into the ops room to do the job they’re actually paid to do. Itd be more financially efficient.

Get unionised and work to rule. Life’s too short.

10km on the direct route, 17km on the safer route. 140m ish of climbing.

Direct route only before a 7am start when the road is quiet. All other times it’s a no no.

Either way it’s never more than 40 min. I’ve got a genesis longitude for the job.

6 days on 4 off, so depending on child care I might cycle 6 days or none.

Had my Terrex for 2 weeks.

Never owned 510 so can’t compare but I’ve been chattering down the burriton side (think mud chalk and flint) at QECP and I’ve never felt nervous about losing grip. If I set off with me feet wrong on the peddles it’s a bit of a faff to get them where they ahould be as they grip my V12 solidly.

Hosed them down and stuck a pair of nappies in them and they dried out quicker than my Salomon approach boots ever did.

I’m bloody impressed to be fair.

So the Adidas Terrex arrived and I’ve used them for my off roadish commute for 3 days

First impressions are good. Not cold. Good ankle protection. Stick to the peddles better than my Salomon boots.

Gonna put some toggles on the laces though as I can’t be arsed tying them every time. The ankle straps are more than enough to strap the foot in.

It was Amazon. I know I know but its just too damn convenient!

The vaude Moab did tempt me but price wise I was put off.

So I’ve ordered the Adidas Terrex boots. I’ll report back when I’ve gave them a go.

I’ve got the camelbak arsebag with 1.5l reservoir. Wallet, keys, snacks and pump. Buff if stopping at pub.

Wee cog saddle bag. Plugs, patches, inner tube, mech hanger, small leatherman, chain link, Allen keys.

I used to use camelbak ruc but this setup is great. I don’t like clutter on the bike as I like it’s clean lines.

PDS has been epic this week. The 2nd half was not so great as the high lifts were mostly shut for wind reasons, but over to pre la joux was full of untracked powder. Prob because seasoners don’t have lift passes for there!

Today was a let down. Loads of snow, but temp has risen and got soaked to the bone. It’s wet heavy snow that’s covering what was left of the fluffy soft stuff.

Little one joined ski school from mid week and still managed Ourson in the ESF scheme. Not bad for 3yrs 9 months.

Got a leave window in early March so already floating the idea with the other half.

Face shots a plenty in PDS today.

Winds closed the higher lifts in PDS yesterday. Thought we were going to get stuck over the chatel side but they opened again at 3pm.

Dumped loads last night. Lapped fresh powder over the Swiss side all day as well as the wall which was in good condition.

Still snowing now but may have a couple of windy days this week so keeping an eye on that.

We don’t do apres any more so the remoteness doesn’t phase us too much, but the quick access up top compared to the slog up from morzine is awesome. The home run at the end of the day can be a sight to behold though….

My cousin has worked out in the alps for 25 years and his company have based him in morzine this season so get a catch up with him too.