Another vote for the Focus. And I can reach up to put a kayak on the roof as well

We just road out from Halton to Glasson, on the Lancaster cycle paths, then back along the canal (towpath, not canal itself). Nice pub lunch at the Victoria Inn

I peered into the murky depths for signs of the STW Daredevil, or his shorts, but didn't spot anything!

Try STICKY STUFF REMOVER

Papua New Guinea

Try sniffing May Chang essential oil. It smells just like sherbert lemons, and makes me feel instantly cheerful

And has no-one mentioned CHOCOLATE yet???

Oh dear, Terrydactyl – did you know about this?
REHOMING

I guess the correct answer is "VERY VARIABLE". Some people have a really good experience, others vow never to use them again

They're certainly trying to improve the mail order service – but this should be for everyone, without special treatment for people who might complain about them on STW

The AA website has some nice walks (and 'family' bike rides)
Walks & Bike Rides

Gives background information to each route, so you can do a "Tour Guide" commentary

Blimey, Simon – that takes me back!

"Discuss the hypothesis Ontogeny recapitulates Phylogeny"
was an exam question in my finals

Did you get up especially to post on STW? Or are you still in bed, and using a laptop/Blackberry/Smartphone?

It's probably the guilt that makes it so enjoyable . . .

This story relates to a fascinating piece of research!

Serious accidents are traditionally mapped according to where the crash occurs. Traffic engineers then look at possible improvements to make "accident hot spots" safer (speed limits, remodelling the junction, etc)

However, a few years ago, someone analysed serious accidents in a different way, and mapped the postcodes of the victims. And yet again, the map showed hot spots – but centred on deprived areas

So making physical improvements to deprived areas won't work. These accidents happened all over the place – towns, countryside, motorways. The common factor is that, statistically, the victims tended to live in poor areas

Yes, but I wouldn't do it again

It's really difficult to 'unclump' the down in the drying process

So I can eat cake

Strike the Colours[/url]

. . . mainly 'cos Jenny is my cousin

Grrr . . . it gets even worse . . .

I phoned J E James on 17 September to tell them to cancel my order (after waiting for 16 days). Nevertheless, a week later a parcel arrived from them. I've no idea whether it contained the correct shoes this time, as I sent it back unopened

They promised to refund my postage for returning the first pair of shoes, because they sent the wrong ones. However it cost £5.20 for Recorded Delivery, and they refunded only £3.98. And another £5.20 to return the second parcel, which I asked them not to send anyway

But it's not just the money and poor service, it's SO frustrating attempting to deal with such a lousy company as J E James

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

I ride a Pashley PDQ3 – an upright recumbent trike, which feels very safe in traffic

Here[/url] being ridden by Dave Brailsford's dad (if you're into Olympic cycling, you'll know who Dave is)

Why don't you try asking on
UK Rivers Guidebook (Sea & Surf Forum)
It's the canoe equivalent of Singletrackworld, and they tend to know more about sea-kayaking than the average mountain-biker!!!

I reckon you can't really beat Rivington for solo riding, and it's quieter on a weekday

Or Darwen Tower & Roddlesworth Woods is good, and close to the motorway

I had a similar experience many years ago. It turned up a couple of months later in the neighbour's bathroom. Apparently she was sitting on the loo, and sensed she wasn't alone . . .

Most accidents happen in the home – it's a well-known fact. So you are actually safer out on your bike

Wrap yourself in bog roll, and go as an Egyptian Mummy

Spent a frustrating 30 minutes on the phone this afternoon, trying to find out what's happening about my shoes, which I ordered 16 days ago. Wrong ones delivered on 9 September, which they received back by Recorded Delivery on 10 September. Since then . . . nothing. No parcel, no email, no communication at all

Apparently, they haven't even opened the parcel, never mind sent the correct pair

To save myself a load more aggravation, I've asked for a full refund

And to add to their lousy "customer care", I didn't even get an apology

Judging by the "couldn't care less" attitude of the staff, it also seems a pretty unpleasant place to work

Just received my first piece of spam with "Christmas" in the Subject

They are still rubbish

I ordered a pair of shoes on 1 September, with free delivery. Received the wrong ones on 9 September, which I returned the same day (recorded delivery). 15 days now, and still waiting . . .

I have an unused one (honestly!) if anybody would like it. A present for an ungrateful friend

Actually, a cape or poncho is generally more useful . . .

Andy, I have similar proportions, and recently fitted 155cm cranks. They're wonderful – no more aching knees, and hill climbing is much easier!

The legal process for closing all the roads is horrendously expensive

And I wish I'd known about this event before deciding to ride at Rivi on Sunday!!!

And hair

There’s excellent information on the Business Link website

Crunchy Nut Cornflakes

Why not try a kayaking forum? They’re a lovely bunch on here

It’s not the people who voted BNP who should be ashamed. I respect their views. I think they’re wrong, but they are entitled to their opinions

The people I’m angry with are those who couldn’t be bothered to vote at all

Are they from a Young Offender Institution?
Penal Tour de France

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Please vote, especially if you live in the North West!

It is, yes

They have a two-stage ordering process. After you’ve placed your order, they’ll let you know the postage costs. You need to confirm it’s okay to proceed

I bought a pair of shoes from Bicycle Buys a couple of years ago, and found them pretty good. I’d certainly use them again

SMART CAR

Simon, what a sensible way to cool down on such a hot day . . . .

Any news yet? How’s Mrs M-F coping with this hot weather?

Unfortunately, it might be the satellites themselves wearing out
Sat-Nav system set to fail