Sudborne jumps have been flattened apparently, you’re stuck with either Thetford or Tunstall

I live in rural Suffolk – have done for most of my life. We’re septic tank, oil heating and I use 4g broadband. Nothing seems massively more expensive than when I lived in the middle of Tunbridge Wells, although I do get through my 4g allowance quite quickly when WFH

At the few moments my naturally worrying head detaches itself from the news, I can see the value of the average Sun reader who’s purely focused on waiting for his pre booked Benidorm holiday whilst sitting on the couch with a Stella watching Corrie. I mean who cares if you have telly, a beer and a newspaper after a 9-5 job driving a forklift?

I know you probably didn’t mean it in this way, but I find this type of stereotyping a bit offensive. Not everyone has the disposable funds for the Maldives or has the time to go through the ‘long read’ on the guardian website. It doesn’t automatically mean that they’re shit-beer drinking idiots with no grasp of right/wrong. Or that they automatically voted brexit.

In my opinion it’s this type of attitude that creates the division between left and right, and that the remainers are just as guilty as the leavers when it comes to the shambles that is brexit, at least following the referendum. Ultimately everyone has the same level of power regarding voting, surely discussing things is a better approach than just branding people dickheads Because they voted in a certain way.

The fact is, people were lied to over Brexit and there was a massive amount of disinformation being banded about when people actually just needed the facts. The fact that one of the key Goons involved is now running the country (badly) just goes to show that nobody has been held responsible for the shit show.

This country is broken and in my opinion the divisions created by this/Covid/BJ is just making it worse. It won’t happen, but it’s about time we all rallied as one rather than dissolve further into extremist groups and hold the necessary bastards responsible.

Your wife is a dumb ***** putting your children at risk and also risking others.

And you need to wind your neck in. Their children, their responsibility. Whether you agree with it or not, whether the poster with the ‘highly intelligent’ wife is right or not, if you told me my wife is a dumb **** I’d probably punch you.

This thread is pretty much a carbon copy of the Brexit thread – did nobody learn that shouting at people telling them they’re stupid doesn’t work?

I used to work for a large pharma, I had a pretty good understanding of the test cycle for new medicine and yes, when it first came out I was concerned that sufficient testing might not have been completed to ensure long term effects were known. However I’ve read up on it and I’m as comfortable as I’m going to be with it. In addition I don’t want to be responsible for harming someone else by being a carrier so obvs I’ll be getting the jab.

However if some dickhead started shouting at me telling me I’m an idiot/scum/hard of thinking and don’t deserve certain rights because I don’t think along the same lines as them, I’d probably tell them to do one.

Cougar – I totally get you being emotive about this with the situation as you explained it. I’m just not sure yelling at people or calling them idiots is the right way to go about it.

I’m in a bad mood as I’m going through some issues at work, so take this with a pinch of salt. This said…

Prices for MTB’s and parts at the moment is nuts. I know the comparison to motorbikes has been done many times before and I’m not adverse to spending money on push bikes, but when I can upgrade the forks on my Ducati to pretty much top spec Ohlins for similar money to putting a set of factory 36’s on my MTB, there’s something wrong somewhere. Yes you can buy the cheaper ones but that’s not the point. So much so, that’s what I’ve done and I’ll stick with the shit forks on my MTB.

I’ve got a sort of mate who used to ride for KTM, sponsored by Red bull, the full shebang. Would race in Mx2 at international level and he said that what they do to the race bikes doesn’t make a huge difference, especially when it comes to engine tuning. He felt he could be competitive on a stock bike, certainly at British nationals and had done when one of his bikes was delayed coming back from Poland. So that’s a competitive mx bike or a middle of the road ebike for the same money.

I recently sold my triumph street triple, tidy bike with low miles and a decent spec. Motorbikes at the moment are also seeing an increase in price but for the money I sold it for (which was definitely on the high end of what it was worth) I could have got a full sus emtb with 35’s and SX on it. Even a normal MTB would only come with bottom end Pikes.

As far as I’m concerned, the cycling industry can do one. I point blank refuse to buy shit products at inflated prices that once bought will be worth bugger all second hand. It’s got that bad recently that I’ve considered taking up running and I ‘kin hate running.

As mentioned, if it’s short term then go with a decent umbrella company. Much less hassle.

There is work out there, but make sure to tailor your CV to a specific PM role – either technology or industry based. Sounds obvious but my other half is in IT recruitment and doesn’t bother with generic PM’s as there’s so many of them.

Be mindful of leaving early – not so much with the company but more so with the agency. Whilst they can be a fickle bunch, if you drop out of a role before seeing it through, it’ll lose them revenue and will put a black mark against your name. You’ll still get calls from them about jobs, but you’ll be submitted on the basis that you’re filling a quota of CV submissions rather than ideal for a job. It’s a small world and not worth getting a reputation for splitting early .

Oh and sod working for £200 a day on contract. All you’ll do there is pad out an agency’s margin as you can guarantee they’ll have you out at £650+

60bhp would bore the arse off me (unless on a super moto) and I’m hardly what you’d call a fast rider – maybe that’s the issue, dunno. I fully support something you can ring the neck of, but I’ve had quite a few 600’s and find the lack of torque frustrating.

I’d be looking at a twin or triple of some sort, plenty of push out the corners but not crazy fast. In fairness an older Tuono is a decent bike but they’re a bit long in the tooth now..

I’ve gone from 2×24 inch monitors to one 32in curved jobbie. Much prefer it, I used to spend half my time moving applications between the two screens. Personally I wouldn’t go bigger than 32 as it starts getting a bit daft, but then I’m sure I thought that when I first got the samsung out the box.

Its also awesome for iRacing and Farm Simulator…

Yes so few crashes in Cat 5..

BTW Strava is not a race, it’s a competition, unless you’re cheating and getting KOMs in a race :p

Not sure what cat 5 is, but I’ve raced cat 3 & 4 for about 5 years and never crashed. I also didn’t win either, maybe more crashing = more wins.

Whatever tickles your pickle regarding the OP but I’d focus on other things way before I start worrying about stem flex..

So you’ve not raced and yet you’re worried about your stem flexing and losing you watts?

😂😂

Regarding cost, I did Stockholm early last year and thought it was no more expensive than central London for eating and drinking. I think the issue is more than those prices remain consistent wherever you are, not just in built up areas. Also, eating out didn’t seem too bad, but normal stuff like chocolate bars are mentally expensive – in Oslo a Mars bar was something mental like £2.50.

It wasn’t cheap by any means but wasn’t extortionate like I expected it to be

What a lovely video..

I’ve done both Sweden and Norway and love it there, possibly my favourite places on earth. This reminds me I need to go back

Guessed the poster before opening thread….

I gave up my job in the city to work for a start up based around regenerative agriculture. I’ve never been so tired, stressed or happy – feels like what I’m doing will have some sort of impact on both the environment and people’s health.

As mentioned, worth watching ‘kiss the ground’ for a decent explanation, however changing farming practises and helping people to have a better understanding of where their food comes from is in my opinion vital. In a regen system animal grazing is an important part of the cycle, but it does mean an end to £5 chickens. It doesn’t mean you have to give up meat entirely though.

Discussing the change in farming practises is probably too big a topic to cover in one post but I’d be happy to discuss via PM if anyone wants further details.

I’ve been to Harris – one word – midges. Made the whole thing bloody hard work. still an amazing place though, and the beach (can’t remember what it’s called) is amazing.

If his I9’s are anything like mine, they’ll be due a bearing change after that ride up the river…

I respectfully disagree – the weight of that thing and the moves he’s pulling on it are nuts. That reverse wheelie to hop up onto the log was immense. It’s one of those videos where you need to watch it a couple of times to appreciate the smaller technical details (IMO)

Just to lob in some nice vibes for Laura, she obviously makes really tasty stuff. The online abuse that she has been getting is truly vile. She’s a samaritans volunteer and a good role model for young girls imo

I know that doesn’t make you a great baker, but thoroughly commendable. Thanks for posting that, you’ve made me realise I shouldn’t be so quick to judge.

hahah nope – only used the darker lense, swapping lenses between the two looks a brutal experience so I resorted to another set of Jawbreakers with clear lenses for dull days.

Can’t actually remember which ones I ordered, but they’re nice. Is there a more unhelpful post on the internet…?

I’ve always had Oakley to the point where you’d class me a bit of a fan boy. Currently have a pair of black Sutro’s but having been blasted with Melon ads I decided to give them a go. Has to be said, the lense is as good if not better than the Oaks’, and being cheaper I’m more likely to reach for them in grim weather. I’d say definitely go for it and the customer service has also been excellent.

Note: You’ll still get Melon ads all the time…

Brian Shul is a legend. Thanks for posting that, really enjoyable watch

I did it earlier this year. Dropped around £50k in salary (not a humble brag) and whilst still doing the same type of thing (data), I’m working in an industry I’m really passionate about (agriculture). I love it, absolutely the right thing to do for me and I’ve not regretted it for one minute.

Sat on the bonnet of my company Landrover (sounds much grander than it is, the thing is a nail) in an Orchard at 6:00am on Friday morning eating an apple for breakfast whilst watching the commuter train to London go by was a defining moment.

I’ve also found I don’t miss the money at all. I actually find I want less stuff – my job is more fulfilling so I spend less time on the internet looking at things I don’t need. I’ve had to change my living arrangements significantly and I cut back on a lot of stuff I thought I needed at the time, but actually I’m better off and far happier now than I have been in 20 years working in London.

If you can cover your base costs, do it.

EDIT: to give some perspective, I turned 40 last November.

Thanks Woodster, that’s really appreciated. Going off that I think I should be ok – I’m a bit T-rex like with short arms and long legs so that combined with a bad shoulder doesn’t make for an easy fit!

Appreciate all the responses, think I need to try one before committing to the big spend!

A month is £99 which sounds like a lot but it would go a long way to reassure you!

Didn’t know that! Excellent work, I’ll look into hiring one then I think. Would be ideal to get me back up and riding properly.

I’ve used the wattbike pro and they don’t go particularly high and if you are particularly tall then you end up in a really aggressive position with a massive saddle to bar drop.

Not so good. Ok, I’ll have a look at what the maximum stack is – that’s the current limiting factor on me riding my road bikes

There are jobs that you look at and think, yeah, I could do that with enough time and training. And then there’s Gordon Murray on car design and you realise there’s not a chance…

It’s not! Checked earlier and could’nt understand why I couldn’t book it!

Excellent – will look to see if they have any spaces left and get booked in!

Thanks all, much appreciate the input.

I think by the sounds of it, Enduro riding might be a better bet rather than full bore moto-x. I’ve been meaning to try one of those experience days so it looks like I need to get booked onto one of those. I’ve ridden quite a bit of bike trials in the past doing a few national rounds and whilst I can appreciate the skill and talent needed, I think I’m more after the speed and jumps rather than the hopping about.

Enduro bikes also seem a load cheaper second hand – is there any reason for that?

Hi Scott

Well I’m currently in Suffolk and I’m pretty certain there aren’t many out here! However I’m due to move back to Tunbridge wells shortly so whilst still not a haven for MTB, it’s a bit closer to most things.

Alex Jones has spent his entire career on both radio and TV doing this conspiracy shit, Joe is an amateur

Do you think that Rogan just plays the fool, or do you think he’s allowing Jones enough rope to hang himself? I didn’t watch that and think I’ve got it all wrong about Jones, it just confirmed what I already thought. I certainly don’t have a desire to watch any of the infowars nonsense.

Of course, it assumes a level of intelligence on the listeners behalf but then idiots will follow the nonsense regardless of if it’s shown on Rogans podcast or elsewhere

I had a StumperJumper Evo and an Anthem 29er. I preferred riding the Anthem just because it was more lively and easy to ride on tamer stuff, however it also made a number of funky noises that indicated it wasn’t a massive fan of being thrashed round a trail centre. The Evo was just a bit too much for my local stuff (Bedgebury/Thetford) but could certainly stand the abuse.

Doing it again, I’d go bigger travel but lighter – probably a carbon frame, lighter wheels and stuff. I hate pedalling heavy bikes about, especially when there’s a bit of road/fire road involved. A stronger Anthem (without the 27.5 seatpost) would be ideal but this type of set up is in short supply and crazy expensive

All his thoughts constantly racing off in different directions while his raspy voice tries to keep up. I’m sure he makes perfect sense to himself. I find him mostly incomprehensible.

Exactly what I was thinking. Even Rogan starts pointing out that he’s ranting, flipping from one subject to another. It must be exhausting..

I tried to watch the Alex Jones one last night. Was conflicted as I think he’s an utter douche and as said, doesn’t deserve the airtime. However I thought the way Rogan handled him was excellent – attempting to keep Jones on topic and cover the many crazy things Jones has said, basically looking for some sort of justification. What he didn’t do was sit in front of Jones shouting at him that he’s some sort of evil nut job like most people in the press seem to do (regardless of whether it’s true or not).

As expected, Jones came across as an utter loon and no amount of coaxing from Rogan could help him, in turn this confirming what I already thought about the fool. The stuff about how the press manipulate was also really interesting – no doubt Jones having been victim to this to some degree. I think it’s good that there’s a fairly neutral platform for these people to show their true colours, I’d rather make my own mind up about someone than be given a second hand opinion. I’ve watched quite a few controversial ones and none have changed my preconceived opinion of the individual but at least if I see them mentioned subsequently, I have a better understanding of them as an individual.

As an aside, I genuinely think Alex Jones isn’t a well man and is on a sure fire course for a heart attack. Nobody can get that bent out of shape continually and not end up with some sort of health issue. Maybe he should take some of his own weird pills to calm him down…

For what it’s worth I had a very similar incident whereby I’d sold a car, moved house then found that for some reason the DVLA hadn’t processed the change in ownership and sent all correspondence to the old address. The new driver then decided to drive around in the car with no tax and was obviously caught. I was fingered for it and the paperwork was sent to my old house so I knew nothing about it. I ended up with the fine (£1500) being taken directly out of my pay from payroll (embarrassing to say the least) which was the first I heard about it. It was also in December and I’d just been made redundant. Funny that they found where I worked but couldn’t be arsed to find out where I lived but I digress.

Anyway – I spoke to the courts and had to attend to state that I had no knowledge of the offence and I was refunded the monies. They then set another court date (days before lockdown) where I attended, stated my case and no further action was taken. I didn’t pay for any advice (I was redundant and couldn’t afford it) and it was all pretty stressful. That said, the law/fine/DVLA system is massive and slow moving. Everyone I spoke to was very reasonable and helpful and it’s just a matter of going through the motions and stating your case clearly.

It does take ages to get anywhere and it’s quite sobering to be sat in a magistrates on a weekday – I felt like a proper crim! At least it gave me something to do whilst I was job hunting.

Isn’t he on the ballot for Oklahoma? I remember us all mocking the Donald and look where that got us.

‘I’m going to give a million dollars to all new mothers….’…yeah, alright mate..

Thanks all – will get looking and seeing what I can book.

@Hob Nob – if you don’t mind me asking, do you tend to camp or B&B it?

In 2A. A nice way to see them off

Couldn’t resist could you!

I friend of mine in the know said that the 747 vs A380 was a bit of a standoff between Airbus and Boeing in a ‘who would blink first’ style – basically neither were making much in the way of profit or in much demand but neither companies wanted to admit defeat before the other.

As above, anything from the Wire, they’re all flippin ace.

Anyone had a frame off Marino? I’m after a winter hardtail frame in XL running 650b wheels. What’s the sort of lead times are you looking at for something custom?

I am struggling to see how that Steve Guest twitter post could be misunderstood as anything else other than vicious appalling behaviour. When he typed that out, did he really think ‘yeah, this will go down well’…