The first climb is quite a long one but it’s actually quite nice (no really!). You tend to be “paced” by the surrounding riders and it’s a great warm up before the proper off road stuff.

And as for taking the first climb quick – nonsense. There’s something amazingly satisfying about getting to the descents and “on your left”ing the XC whippets that have just steamed past you….

safely and responsibly of course ;)

and surfr – I’d agree, the climbs aren’t as tough as the leg burner – I hate that climb :)

Surfr – according to my tracklog the first climb was 350m (from Machynlleth) so I reckon total climbing’s got to be more than 1000. Maybe somewhere between the 2?

Either way the descents are so good you don’t really notice the climbs That much ;)

2nd the Roughride – real nice chilled atmosphere and some good open riding (very different terrain to the Dyfi though).

The Newnham 90 last year was fairly relaxed and the Merida rides are normally a good laugh too – new venues this year!

And yes, total distance (include the road from/to Mach) is around 60km ish

Last time I did it (3 years ago) my GPS (via memorymap) reckoned on around 7,500ft of climbs!!!

The descents definitely get the adrenaline pumping for the next climb though. Probably my favourite enduro.

Yeah – seems a bit odd to reduced numbers. Although I know last time I entered there a few more than the “official” limit. Good value at £20 too I thought.

Whytetrash – I assume your id is significant? I’m really looking forward to taking the E-120 down those rocky descents (on a 2000 Mount Vision last time I did it :-)

Woohoo – No.s 334-337. Missed it the last 2 years so really looking forward to this one.

It’s the weekend after the Avalanche Enduro but what the heck. Here’s to a busy summer :-)

Blimey – got an email (via Facebook!!) this morning and half the spots have gone already? Best get my ass into gear then!

Mark – Administrator
Put vanilla extract and cinnamon in the batter then serve with a dollop of whipped cream and maple syrup.

end of….

Now that sounds like a plan. Well, the vanilla extract bit anyway :-)

Had about £600 taken off my credit card – they tried a small transaction first then a couple of foreign ones and some “trainline.com” purchases!

That was with Nationwide and they were very quick and efficient at sorting it out.

I have to agree with the savoury pancake comment – you can some really nice cheesy combo’s.

Roper – where can I get said Bacon Foam – sounds delish. As for essence of ponce – that just sounds wrong on so many levels ;)

Never used Dave Hind and never will – way too many stories like those above for me to even think of ordering off them

Nice setup.

Demo’s are a real fun bike to ride – they just ask for air on every little jump – hope it doesn’t get you in to trouble ;)

Thanks PDF – I was starting to drool all over the keyboard ’till you posted that suggestion ;)

Not afraid of death. Just not keen on going back 100 years to an age where falling off your bike and catching your calf on the chain ring could lead to death from gangrene ;)

Hora – yes, I think blaming “chemicals and food additives” for cancer is a bit simplistic/naive. An awful lot of research has been aimed at these chemical and yes there have been some link shown (esp to cigarettes but thats people’s own doing). There have also been a lot of infectious/viral causes of cancer identified and I think that’s going to be a more likely route in the future (see vaccines for cervical cancer etc).

I’m sure people dont realise just how much research and money is spent trying to avoid animal tesing. Whilst I don’t enjoy the fact that it goes on, the sad fact is we’d be a much shorter living, more diseased population if it didn’t. Who has refused medication/treatments here because it had been tested on animals.

Hmm, I was wondering when this sort of topic would pop up on here again.

Unfortunately it confirms my suspiscions that a lot of people on STW have very narrow minded views and opinions, basically thinking what they are told to think be the mass media etc.

Rudeboy – you are the classic example. Yep, thats a great picture you’ve posted there but have you actually had any contact with people who hunt (other than maybe the odd bit of random abuse throwing). I don’t see any logic to your arguments. I’ve heard some pretty bizarre comparisons when it comes to hunting but football hooliganism? And as for the “it’s all toffs on a blood rush” – yep, keep reading the papers and stay away from the real world if you like.

goog – I definately agree. Not a big fan of paying money for a pedigree dog when dog’s homes are full.

You do need to be careful with them too though – some pretty dodgy rehoming centres around :-(

Brant – Greyhounds/lurchers make great pets, so long as you haven’t got any cats/rabbits!

Minimal exercise needs, generally pretty laid back temperament. They do tend to be complete girls-blouses though and have really bad teeth :-)

As above – make sure the breeders are happy for you to have a look round, especially at the sire/dam/rest of the litter. Going by the photo you posted, I assume you’re looking at terriers so Hip scores etc don’t really apply. They shouldn’t really have docked tails these days though – worth checking…

Best advice is use common sense and take it to see your local vet asap after purchase to be checked out (and vaccinated etc).

Nope. Carphone Warehouse takes the biscuit. They’ve taken 3 months to fix a 30 day old mobile phone (on contract)….. so far

…….. Still waiting!!!!

Never had it but I use it regularly with various animals (and the occasional human).

Seems to get good responses as far as pain relief is concerned.

Blimey Rich – popular thread you started here :-)

1990(?) – Marin Bear Valley with “hammerite” anti-scratch paint work, biopace, foam top tube pads and Zefal luminous frame pump……ahhh happy days

I have to admit I do like the X-0 stuff. It just seems to work better and is more reliable than the X9 kit on my HT. I’ve not found anything that shifts as smoothly and positively as X-0 shifters. And it does look fantastic :-)

I’ve got the same problem though – having possible trashed my X-0 mech, what do I replace it with if needs be….?

How dare you – I’m busy saving lives as we speak – just typing with my left hand :wink:

Actually it is quite quiet today….Ssshhhh

Erm, slowly. Managed to source a mount for my shifter and still haven’t decided if the rear mech is salvagable yet.

Might try and cut the monkeylite bars down (only damage seems to be where the bar end ripped off). Seatpost is on it’s way; still need a saddle. And bar ends but they can wait! A few other bit’s could do with replacing (cosmetically) but will have to wait.

Oh, and I need to find a secure roof carrier :wink:

I meant to ask if you’d “maxled” it or not. Def agree with the comments re the shorter stem – made a huge difference on my bikes (why do manufacturers alway spec such long stems???). I’ll see what i’ve got at home.

Not sure about the bigger discs though what size are you running? Those avids are pretty sharp anyway so unless you’re taking it on some looong decents I doubt it would make much difference…. Does look better with meatier disc though :wink:

Hmm, mental note….must remember post, must remember post!

I may have a shorter stem you can try too Rich – I’ll have a look.

Nice bike by the way :-)

Monday morning (desperation) bump.

Same with my Hope and formula Brakes. Superstar sintered do seem particularly thick and slow wearing though – NOT a bad thing :)

Thanks for the help guys. I can’t follow the facebook link but I’ve had a look at the Mont Blanc one – Seems promising but I’m not convinced as the downtube on the e-120 seems a lot fatter.

I’ll have a look.

As for the crack – that’s a bit rubbish! At least my E-5 had the decency to survive for 18 months before cracking :-)

Hmm. Unfortunately I’ve still got the Maverick forks from my old E-5 – propriotory 24mm “QR”.

Please don’t give me reasons to start upgrading again!!!

Judderman – it’s just the bike carrier I need and the altera one seems to grip the bike in a similar way to the Thule one I’ve got so same problem applies!

It fitted the E-5 nicely, with the upper grip squeezing between the struts on the frame at the bottom of the downtube.

Unfortunately the E-120 is pretty cramped round the bottom 1/3 of the down tube with the shock mounts and things – no way anything will fit in there!

:roll:

Well, I’m now the proud owner of a Brand New E-120 Frame AND new RP23 shock.

Very very happy and very impressed with Whyte/ATB-sales – all sorted in a week. Bring on the weekend :-)

….just need to find a roof carrier that will fit the frame now!!

True, but under the sale of goods act, I purchased the phone from CPW (with an orange contract) and, as such, it’s their obligation to repair or replace it within a reasonable length of time. I don’t class 11 weeks (and counting) a reasonable length of time.

Dave_aber – yes they do have a 28 day repair pledge but they’re claiming that the fact it went off to SE means it’s SE’s fault now! It’s all being sent to Trading Standards as all CPW will say is they’ll supply me with a reconditioned handset when one becomes available – they’ve no idea when that will be though. I sincerely hope you get better service than I’ve received – I’ve been promised a replacement is “on it’s way” so many times I’ve lost count now!

Grrrrrrrr!!!

Well, even the Easton website states a “limited” 5 year warranty. Makes me fell a little more secure.

Unfortunately I can’t really do that – contract is with Orange who have nothing to do with the CPW.

I’ll definitely be buying directly from the network in the future though – I’ve had enough of all crap customer service companies like CPW offer :(

Phone call to Trading Standards tomorrow…

Just in case anyone was wondering and possibly concerned…….

I still haven’t got a working mobile phone. 11 weeks and counting

Carphone warehouse really are the pits!!!

Same problem with my Singletrack shorts and the vent zips. Replaced without any problems and the new ones have been fine.

I’d always recommend Endura for that reason – whenever I’ve had problems, customer support has been great.

Fair point regarding the waist strap though :-)