Fitness? Get Nike Fitness. Its cheap and actually is a very good work out. Wait till you have to do 250 star jumps…And Just Dance is good for a workout.
Must dig these out again to help with my climbing ;-)

fun games? Burnout Paradise

So the general consensus is that there are a few 5’7 12st riders out there, but we are all overweight.
This time last year I was a few kg lighter, but rode 5k miles the previous year, this year just gone was only 3,000 miles so definitely a lot less fit now.
Picking up a few comments above. I thought I was warmed up (practice lap and a few bimbles around the area), but we were on the start line for a good 20 minutes and it was -1 so that wasn’t clever.
I also agree with the comment about the perfect gradient. Some climbs in my area I fly up, yet some shallower ones I really struggle.
Really steep technical climbs are fine as I have the technique (and 30years experience)and very short term power, hence being good in a start sprint, but rubbish on the medium length climbs.
I’ve got some of the fitness base (can ride all day inc Pivot 12hr), but guess I need to up the power/weight and speed.

I’ll keep you updated on the weight loss and race results, although I think I might drop down from Vets to Open for a few races to keep the moral up. I really enjoy racing as it is more about the social side than actual position, but beating some peers occasionally is fun.
Thanks all.. oh and yes I would like to buy a new carbon hardtail, maybe I’ll treat myself once I’ve lost 20lb.

Last nights race was the Mud and Sweat Series at Haldon, Exeter.
http://mudandsweat.com/nightrider3.html

A good low key series at two Foresty Commission sites. Last night was interesting in that it also attracted a lot of the local DH guys who more than made up time on the off piste trails in the dark that we hadn’t memorised!!

Ok.I get the message, although the wife has told me that 10st is too skinny for me I’ll aim for 11 until she gets used to it!

OK. That’s fine. As long as I know what it is…
Whilst I take some of the point that being fast in a social group means nothing, one of our “social” rides is occasionally a 1hr 30 effective Road Time Trial. Its anything but social! and fitness for that is fine. :)

I’ll aim to lose a stone at least… by riding more. and eating less.
If climbing is all about power to weight, is it worth joining a gym and doing weights/squats etc?

2.

I had a similar issue
Just ensure the monitor has HDMI input as there is no VGA output from the One.
I use an ACer monitor and it is significantly better than my 42inch Sharp mainly due to the refresh rate. Its better on the monitor than on all my other TV’s, (and the kids cheap Technica one’s its unplayable)

Personally I prefer using my decent Turtle Beach Headphones (the connect to the controller only)than a mic and soundbar.. but that’s just me. Its a much easier set up than the 360 (used to need USB power and a physical connection to the 360/amp)

D

I’ll stop selling 24/12 in a bit… but its not like formal event.. it is, yes I know, with a start and a Finish but its more of a camping weekend with some bike riding in between. Ride as much, or as little as you can. I’ve got friends who do 24hr solo but actually only do about 16hrs as they stop and have a kip half way around. One year a couple did mixed 24hr pairs and only did 4 laps as they spent the rest of the time browsing stalls or visiting the pub…
24hrs will be hell. 12hr solo is still a massive challenge that’s on the limits of my ability (14th two years in a row) but with everything else going on including riding through the campsite its FUN!!!

Have you never popped down?

You are in Plymouth and you didn’t consider Pivot 24/12 solo?
Try to explain to someone that you are going to ride you bike non-stop (ish) for 24 hours….. that will be out of your comfort zone.
I do 12hr solo and that’s bad(good)enough for me.
One day I’ll do 24…. one day….

I have a sixpack..thanks to Evans. It replaces my Mk 3 MaxxD
Its incredible but one word of warning. You have to use it on the lowest setting on the road if there is any traffic. I often get flashed if I forget to switch it down. Even Flash mode is too bright..

As an off road it cant be beaten imo. I tend to use my Maxx D for commuting now, in conjunction with a lezyne Micro on my lid.

Yep, Halfords should match their own web prices, and also the other online retailers providing it is in stock online and the price includes delivery. Just show the printout or phone.
They will also price match and then you get BC 10% on top. Well they have everytime I’ve bought stuff from there. High 5 is always a good one, oh and continental inner tubes.
Don’t forget BC 10% applies to ALL goods. not just bike related.

For all the slagging off they get online relating to fitting handlebars backwards etc.. some of their deals are pretty good.

Bit more research needed by me I think… Thanks SOM although they do seem pricey, and mixed review about them not even working….

Bit more research this morning and a few posts suggesting Mini-V’s don’t need the same cable pull and work well with road brake levers, although not sure if there will be clearance running 35’s

Is this true….?

I have a Mk 4 MaxxD which has been great, but started to feel that I needed a bit more so I bought a Six Pack from Evans at their stupid price (less a voucher). Its only fractionally bigger than my Maxx D but the output is insane.
I rode it last night on my favourite loop and set my 3rd fastest time ever on a technical descent. That’s in the dark compared to the 2 faster in bright sunlight! The Reflex is nuts, not at any point did I think I needed more light. I run a Lezyne on the helmet, but even in race mode (800 lm) I could hardly see it!
Did a road ride with mates this evening and they were blown away on full power, only issue was that I had to dip it for cars!
Do I regret going big.. not a chance. tbh I didn’t buy it for the output, more the combination of output and longevity.

You will need consent for anything the affects the appearance and or character of a building. Both internally and externally.
Removing the ceiling will also need LBC if it changes the height and appearance.

The reason why everyone is against you getting it is that if the CO decides to visit and spots your neighbours alterations they will all be in a lot of trouble..

Btw, you cannot get retrospective LBC. You can get a Certificate of Lawful Development, but it is not LBC. If I was to buy a house and it was Listed, I’d want all the proof before even considering it.

If the Veluxes are on the rear and wont affect the character of the frontage, then you should have little problem.

I rode the route as back marker marshall.

Hopefully everyone had fun, we had a few issues with arseholes moving signs which sent riders the wrong way across Lee Moor and the Plymvalley, but think it went ok.
The Moor was very wet, but it is Autumn. Cann was a blast, and the climb up to Dewerstone was the usual pain fest.

Ive had one. I had the 2.5V6 Petrol and it was great. A fraction of the cost of a T4/T5 and very high spec.
They have one weakness, and that applies to the Diesels too. They are mid engine (under seats) and don’t have a coolant alarm (buy a retro fit one) This means that if a coolant hose goes (they are 20 years old!) they overheat and this wrecks the head/engine. The temperature guage is alos very slow to read a problem which means by the time you realise it is too late.

My petrol went like the proverbial off a shovel and returned 28-32 mpg which was ok. The diesels are slower and noiser and return similar although if you have a heavy right foot (they are nearly all Autos), then they drink fuel at about 22-25mpg.

Would I buy another one (last got written off in a building fire)…. probably not tbh.

One good step would be to allow video evidence from non-police to be used to convict. If the police cant do it, then just send evidence of company vehicles been driven whilst on the phone to the head office. Good PR for the company, even if it shows that their drivers are idiots.
I sent some footage to a national coach company from my in car video (just use the phone camera set to video mode when you start.. as you aren’t going to use it for anything else!!) and they just responded with a stock “we are sorry you felt our driver was acting inappropriately, however our drivers are trained to a high standard and will be spoken to.” How about a weeks unpaid leave…. that would stop him.
If company drivers thought that they could lose a weeks wages they’d soon stop.

Fully appreciate the police have been cut, but I’d happily make a statement against any driver I saw on the phone.

Unfortunately not mine, but yesterday a colleague told the Admin Officer that Gullible wasn’t in the dictionary..

Woke up after a very successful vodka fuelled night at a girls house 12 miles away from mine. Realising I had to be at work in 2 hours time and was still in my evening attire and stank of vodka I decided to run home (before the days of mobile phones so couldn’t call in sick, plus my boss has seen me out).
Ran non stop home, change, showered and ran down to work to find it closed. Yep it was a bank holiday.
Don’t think I could run 1.2 miles these days!

Just checked my holiday tickets to make sure they are 2016!

Worst I have ever seen was a driver on the phone at a red light, my right filter was red too, his changed to green and he didn’t move. I looked across and he was on his phone, his 3-4 year old son was STANDING on the front passenger seat with another one in the back standing on the rear seat.
I glared at him to be shouted at with a “what you ^&%&^& looking at”. I just commented that his son was about to fall out of the window and that maybe he should get off the phone. He told his mate/solicitor/judge that “some **** in the car next to me told me to get off my phone”

+ the pod from Go Outdoors. Bought it for my little boy but he’s never used it as I always steal it. Brilliant bit of kit. Warm, but not sweathy/too warm. Used in summer (24/12) and also middle of winter down to -3 with no problems at all.

Its an oldie.. but goodie:

Please set a password to register.

cabbage

Sorry, the password must be more than 8 characters.

boiled cabbage

Sorry, the password must contain 1 numerical character.

1 boiled cabbage

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50soddingboiledcabbages

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50SODDINGboiledcabbages

Sorry, the password cannot use more than one upper case character
consecutively.

50SoddingBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYours, IfYouDon’tGiveMeAccessImmediately

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NowIAmGettingReallyPissedOff50SoddingBoiledCabbagesShovedUpYoursIfYou
DontGiveMeAccessImmediately

Sorry, that password is already in use !

Who wants a weather update… Currently scorchio. Ground rock hard with the odd small puddle. Staying hot until Wed. Few heavy showers Wed then cloudy with long sunny breaks.. perfect.

See you there!

No. Polar only work with Polar kit.

as above Lanhydrock is more friendly for family cycling and has free parking.

Just so you know its no longer free parking.
Both Cardinham and Lanhy charge.
Poldice Valley trails are great family rides including a trailer.
Just head for either Devoran or Bissoe (café) and go from there if you are further down.

Had this massive crush on a girl at uni. I managed to get myself in a fight after stagediving and missing my mates and kicking some massive guy in the head. My mates legged it and I proceeded to get a good kicking whilst in the foetal position.
I received a hairline fracture on my shoulder which wasn’t too bad, just hurt when it was touched.
This girl I had the crush on found out about it and was really sympathetic, so much so that we ended up in bed together. Nothing happened (much) but a few days later (this was before mobile phones) sent me an email via the uni network and we were meant to meet up in another club.
For some reason I got really jealous over her chatting to her male friend (who I knew was JUST a friend) to the point where I stormed over and told him to “get lost”. She had a go at me for being jealous, esp as we wernt an item officially. So I left.
Unfortunately I didn’t leave it at that and went to the club next door and got hammered. Unfotunately I also left that club at the same time as she did with her male friend. I stormed past him, shoulder barging him as I did. Bugger, I forgot it hurt, and proceeded to collapse in pain in a drunken wimper. They both laughed.
I then went home, and wrote a drunken letter to her which I belive proclaimed my love for her and that I was sorry I was jealous, it was that I loved her so much that I couldn’t bear to see her with someone else. (Remember we had one evening, and one night together).
My housemate saw that I was writing the letter, (he was as hammered as I was) read it, and said you sould re-read it in the morning and then see how stupid I was.
Unfortunately, I didn’t. I got on my bike. It was an icy night in a Welsh Uni city. I crashed several times on the way including cutting my hands and head a few times (I had a lid on mind!) I recall finding her house and posting the letter covered in blood. Me and the letter.
On waking the following afternoon I remembered what I did.
I hastily rode back to her house and rang the bell. Her housemate answered, looked at me and just laughed. They obviously had read the letter.
I emailed her begging for forgiveness, no response.
I didn’t see her again until the last day of the year (3 months later) (she was obvioulsy avoiding me), on the platform at the railway station. I looked at her, she glared at me, I just walked away.
Wierdly, I still recall 95% of the events 21 years later, her email address (a really convoluted code email (none of this name type, more like LJF4356H@uni etc), her uni house address, and her full name including middle name.
I still to this day wish I’d spoken to her on the platform.
I’m happily married now with 2 kids, but its just really odd that I cant let this one go.

Lol..For the lazy.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRTITFL29/titus-ti-fireline-evo-29er-frame

I’m not the most technical rider but if I can ride 75% of the A Lines in the dark and rain as I did on the Friday at Newnham, then maybe I’m a better/braver rider than I thought.

See you there Jambo!! Yay Newnham dust!!

the BC commissaire “approves” the course in his walk around he checks that all obstacles are in the risk assessment and that the mitigation is appropriate and in place

As a BC Assistant Commissaire myself (not done enough events yet as I enjoy riding!) then I fully agree with you. What I meant was that if every single drop needs to be looked at to make sure that everyone can ride it without injury then its getting silly.

I always ensure all riders have pre-ridden and highlight any particular dangerous elements (even sharp loose corners) in the brief
The course organiser must have done a risk assessment and the commissaire needs to approve it (both in advance, and on the day), hopefully there is enough evidence that all mitigation has taken place to prevent a claim. I’ve seen risk assessments that highlight a barbed wire fence 10m away from the track just in case a spectator decides to cut a corner.

What we don’t want is organisers scared to create any course that is remotely technical.

Ok, I’m the classic grumpy old git who sits at the back of the local vets field wondering how many times I’ll be lapped.
I’m no spring chicken, I don’t bounce anymore and my wife has threatened to take my bike away more times than I steal the kids chocolate at Easter.

I cant afford the time and money to travel all over the country to race, so I have no real knowledge of the courses outside Devon and Cornwall other than what I hear from fellow competitors.
I personally think we are spoilt down here in Devon, we have a very rapidly growing local race scene with several different organisers who have different styles of courses that they create using the local terrain. Some like it technical with A, B, C and even a D line, some like it fast with the odd B line thrown in if you are scared of riding over a 1 inch high log.

Personally, if you can ride a course on a Cross bike, then its a CycloCross course, not a XC Mountain bike course.

As the blogger stated Newnham Park was at the top end of technical, and rightly so. Its a NATIONAL standard event, the next step up is European and Worlds. Its not meant to be easy to ride the whole course on the A line. The same organisers ran a round in Cornwall a few years back. It was the same. I saw more grins and laughing and cheering at the end of the race than I’ve seen anywhere. Yes there were a few riders/coaches complain that it was too difficult, but they were the riders who then took the B line and complained that they lost too much time. There are two ways to solve that. Get faster on the non-tech bits, or learn to ride the difficult sections. Don’t get off and walk an A line unless you are bleeding because you crashed riding into the section too fast.

Pre-Ride. Choose your line and stick to it. Don’t complain because others are better than you. You know what to do about it.

Nobody is going to come and watch National standard Mountain bikers ride around a field (like we used to do in the 80’s)with a firebell/vuvuzela,air horn. It needs to be a spectator sport also remember.

If our sport turns into one where every obstacle has to be assessed to make sure no one can be sued then it will die and no organiser will want put on a race.

My technical skills aren’t great, but on a good day I can ride 95% of the A lines at most races I have been to. A month ago I couldn’t ride most of the A lines at Newnham. I had an evening with the organisers and came away being able to ride nearly all of the course. Remember I’m a slow, 40 something rider. If I can do it then so should 95% of the field be able to. Its all about practice. I got home that evening and my wife couldn’t shut me up. I was buzzing! I had some great results at Newnham because I had learnt where to save time.

That’s what makes our sport fun. Not ploughing around a field all afternoon counting down laps wondering if you’ll get lapped again.

My daughter has a Frog 69 (26 inch wheel) and I’ve just fitted a set of scott oxyd tyres at 2.1 and they only JUST fit, there is only about 1-2mm clearance between the tyre and the chain stay on each side. Loads of clearance on the front.
Obviously every brand has a different interpretation of their width, but id be surprised if anything wider fits without issues.

On the subject of rear lights. Tesco had their Unicom lights normally £10 down to 50p (inc batteries) last time I was in there. Reduced to clear, so be quick. They had the rechargeable fronts for £1 from £12 too! I might have picked up a set or 4 for the kids and wife’s bikes.
Their rear light is retina destroying on flash mode.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/unicom-led-rear-light/340-9616.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=340-9616

Looks like it is in store only.

I’m in. Looks like it will stay mainly dry, so hopefully I wont destroy another rear mech 5 mins from the finish this time!
Although the mud will just be super claggy now! Good job I’m off last in the nearly old gits cat.

We always specify dry verges, usually the continuous ones if we have a choice. Also bear in mind that ALL ridges must now be mechanically (dry) fixed to comply with BS5534 so might as well go with a completely “dry” system.

Got overtaken by a smallish car just outside town who actually clipped my jacket at 30mph. Scared the crap out of me. Caught up with him at the lights about a mile later. He knew he was too close, looked about 15 years old so I was about to question if he even had a license.I just pointed out that he clipped me coming down the hill.
His response was “calm down, Ive just come back from a funeral” My response of “you nearly got yourself an invite to another funeral, mine” didn’t go down too well with his kids in the back who then burst into tears screaming “i don’t want to go to another funeral!!!”. The gf/wife then got out of the car screaming at me “how dare you make my children cry”.. I rode off pretty fast… an angry mother is a scary sight.

Dont forget Round Two!! Cant be as muddy! The last lap cost me a rear mech and hanger (see other post!) Gutted as was on for my best ever position. Still finished all 6 laps tho!

Might have to order a new washing machine too when I get my kit out! Ooops.

Thanks,

I have a Epic Carbon Comp 29 running 2×10. So looks like a 2×10 GX is the way forward. Don’t suppose the clutch makes much difference??? They all work on 1:1 actuation, so I’m assuming its all good….The specialised site listing the hangers didn’t show a 2012 Epic Carbon comp, but assume its the same rear triangle as the alu version (as mine has the alu rear triangle)

I’m in a similar position (see my other post about my van being written off by a neighbours fire). My insurance has paid out to me (only part of value, but that’s another story) they have lodged it against my insurance because they have to be able to prove negligence from the other party.
In the tree case they’d have to prove that the tree was in (or likely) to be in a dangerous condition.

Those blue rectangular signs are actually only advisory….I wish motorists and pedestrians would realise that.

Hitchhikers Guide. :)

I had one of the early bike to work schemes which meant that you got it for a final payment at the end of 12months. HMRC then changed it to 12 months, plus one payment on month 13. The employer still technically owns the bike as everyone above says until the end of a further 35/6 months when it is worthless and they gift it to you.

Of note is again hidden in the small print that you must take care of it and this includes the bike must NOT be used for racing…. oops.

Hey gofaster… I’m not James (i meant to write “it’s James”), just a good mate of his. However I will send him the link. I’ve known AdV for 25 years too tho!