At the risk of stating the obvious. This election campaign will be focused on brexit with no mention of what else the successful party will do. It might be the big issue of the day but it could be a 5 year term which is a long time if their other plans are crazy (selling the NHS, screwing the most vulnerable, islamaphobic etc).

I’m sorry for your loss. Like other people have said, don’t worry about crying. Everyone there will be supportive.

Remember this forum is full of supportive people. If you need to talk we’re here to listen and help.

Thanks for sharing. They look like a great bunch.

Try Dan Snow’s History Hit. He has had a few people talking about the EU and Europe.

About 15 years ago I friend was waiting in Kwikfit while his tyre was being changed. Looking into the workshop he watched one member of staff use a trolley jack to lift a car then remove the wheel. As he went off with the wheel to replace the tyre another member of staff released the jack so he could use it. The car dropped onto it’s brake disc with a loud bang. They continued working with the first member of staff returning with another jack, lifted the car and fitted the wheel like nothing had happened.

I haven’t used kwikfit anywhere since as they seem to be cowboys / idiots.

I’ve had the same conversation with Mrs GM. We’re going to wait until November before planning holidays for next year.

Gnusmas you are doing everything you can and coping with it like a hero. It is understandable that you feel like you do, but never forget that this quirky corner of the internet is full of supportive strangers who listen to and support each other. Use us to vent your frustrations and we’ll support you and we’ll still be there routing for you and your family when you’re all on the up. You are not alone or a burden. STW wouldn’t be the same without you.

It might not mean much to you today but you are an inspiration to most of us on here.

I’ve failed in the attempt. I’ve not done anything since last Thursday. My knee has been playing up and life got in the way over the weekend.

Although I won’t be chasing the 100 days I am planning time in to my week to get outside and do some exercise regardless of the weather.

What about Ribble. They normally have some good deals. If you are near Preston they have a small showroom, there are also shops in Birmingham and London (I think) so you can check sizes.

I’ve got a Ribble as my good road bike. It’s lovely and always a pleasure to ride.

I missed a day on Wednesday but made it up with a double yesterday. Today I wasn’t in the mood but dragged myself out for a ride to the pub for a beer and back. Does that count?

People that get really excited about football during a world cup. I love football and could talk about it all day, don’t give me “your opinion” on what happened. I watched the same coverage so I know you have just repeated what the experts have said.

While I’m getting grumpy about modern football. The stats that Sky Sports and the like take so much time analysing are mostly irrelevant. A team can have 90% of the possession and have 30 shots on target but it means bugger all if they can’t get the ball in the net. You get no points for shots on target or possession. You get points by winning games which means scoring goals and defending better than the opposition can attack. Instead they should show us the clips of Policemen having their helmets / hats knocked off or stewards getting hit by the ball, the linesman (assistant ref) tripping over and any other incident that gets a great cheer from the fans at the game.

I’m glad the 3D phase has passed, I got sick of trying to explain to the Sky sales people in shopping centres that the most authentic experience is not achieved by sitting on my sofa wearing daft glasses after being told that it’s better than being there because it was in HD 3D. I pointed out that when I go to watch football it’s always in HD 3D with the added benefit of real atmosphere, hot pies and the collective excitement and anger of being in a crowd of people who all want the same thing. The experience of watching the the Champions League on the best TV is nothing compared to going to a game even in the lower leagues.

That feels better!

It’s nearly a week since I started this thread. I was overwhelmed by the responses on this thread and the DMs. I posted in haste when I wasn’t thinking clearly, but the STW community spoke sense and showed a level of support that made me stop and think. So here’s a quick update.

I’m still in my job, living in my house with my partner and not run away. It’s been really tempting to pack a small bag and run but I need to get my mental health sorted before I do anything so big (I don’t think I need to do anything so drastic, but never say never). This week has been a real roller coaster, but there are some positive thoughts breaking through and I feel like I know myself better than ever. Next week I’m going to see the doctor to talk about how I have been feeling and to ask for help.

Thanks STW you really helped.

I missed a day yesterday, life and work got in the way. But I’m making up for it today with two sessions. A run at lunchtime to catch up for yesterday and a ride after work.

I’ve not set up my own business but your local growth hub / LEP should be able to help.

Google LEP or Growth Hub and your county. That should get you started.

Ignore my question. I’ve just seen the link.

Day 1 complete for me. A 30 min run.

Is there a Strava group?

Is it Robbie Head?

Thank you for all your responses.

Yesterday I spent time having some very honest conversations with my partner. We both cried and laughed. She is amazing and wants to support me. I don’t know why she stands by me, I don’t think I would be able to do the same. I feel very lucky to have her in my life.

My priority for the near future is to make sure I get well. Tomorrow I’m making an appointment to see my doctor.

I don’t think working for other people makes me happy. So my plan is to get well, then focus on what I want from my career and life.

Thanks for the responses.

I’ve spoken to my partner about how I feel and that I need to make changes but she is worried about what might happen. I understand her concern. But it feels like that’s trapping me.

I see a counsellor and through that process I have realised that I don’t thrive trying to conform to what society sees as “normal”.

This week I was overlooked for a promotion that I thought was a done deal. The feedback was patronising. This has happened to me so many times.

This afternoon I feel lost and I don’t know what to do. Perhaps I should just give up and accept that’s the way my life is and keep my head down and hope that my pension might be worth something.

Sorry to be a mood hoover on a sunny Friday.

We’ve watched all of the first series. Enjoyed every second of it.

Joseph Gilgun was on the Distraction Pieces Podcast last month. He’s an interesting man and if I remember rightly he’s a mountain biker.

We used RA for the return flight from our holiday in France this yer. It wasn’t luxurious but for the price of the tickets it was fine. No seat pockets is a bit annoying but not the end of the world. We paid for a couple of extras but the price was still significantly less than other airlines on the same route.

My favourite part of the RY experience is watching other passengers getting grumpy and moaning about the service / plane / staff / boarding gate. RA have been around for a long time now. We all know what we are buying when we book the flight. My experience and from watching others suggests that if you talk down to the staff and are grumpy they treat you like cattle. If you smile, follow the instructions and are polite they treat you like a valued customer.

All the above plus:

– WW2 bunker in Cannon Park
– Gawker centres for a mix of street food. Make sure you go to one in the residential areas for the best food.
– Little India was interesting

We went for 10 days and had loads to do.

We’ve gone with John Lewis because it allows you to specify the make and mode of all the bikes, even the low value ones.

It wasn’t the cheapest. We haven’t had to make a claim so no idea how they perform when it counts.

Great idea. I’m in.

I don’t know how much the Radisson hotel was. Work paid for it. If you do book it make sure you request a room on a high floor. The view is brilliant and the bar on the top is good as the sun goes down.

I went to Oslo a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. We went in late March / early April, it was the first warm sunny days and the locals were all out enjoying it, the atmosphere was lively and fun.

We stayed in the Radisson Blu near the station. It felt a bit rough in the streets around it but in reality was very safe. The city centre is quite small and easy to walk around. The bars around Grunerlokka are good an not as expensive (still silly prices for a pint!) compared to the bars near the waterfront in the city centre.

If you like history or stories of explorers I would recommend the viking ship museum and the fram museum about the arctic explorers. The Fram Museum is built around the boat and you get to walk around it with loads of info and pictures in the galleries surrounding the boat. To get to the museums you get the ferry from near the opera house.

Brilliant city and because of the price of food and drink it is free of British stag and hen parties.

Sorry to hear you didn’t get the job. But take the positives from the experience. You hadn’t thought about going back to work before this opportunity dropped in to your lap. From your updates it seems like you are getting ready to make that jump and other people around you see the positive impact you could have in a workplace.

I did the Which form. I didn’t think I’d get anything but a store card from my student days resulted in me getting £155 from Santander. I spent less than that with the card.

I had a 2009 Cooper S for 4 years. It was a brilliant little car. I enjoyed driving it, but it wasn’t easy on the front tyres or fuel. I agree with other people that the ride was stiff and you could feel it after a long day in the car.

Check to see if it has the timing chain replaced. It was a weak part but the replacements should last. There is a tell-tale rattle from the chain when you lift off the accelerator as it starts to go. If it’s very light rattle a top up of oil solves the problem.

But the Cooper S if your budget stretches to it. They are great little cars. I miss my Mini every week.

Thanks. I think we’ve picked a corner. I remember the atmosphere from 2014 in Yorkshire. We’ll be there pretty early.

Time Team or Scrapheap Challenge.

It’s a bit dusty here.

We’ve never met and I’m not sure where you’re based, but if you are ever in Lancaster or near by I’d like to say hi. You have been amazing and while dealing with your challenges you have managed to bring out the best in a bunch of cyclist on a forum. The web has a reputation for spreading negativity, but thanks to you our little corner of the internet is a better and more helpful place.

Stay strong, ride when you can and keep sharing.

St Colin – We don’t know each other but I have had similar experiences. I’m not 100% yet but getting there. I’m working in Manchester city centre tomorrow (Tuesday). I should be finished at 4. If you want to meet for coffee PM me. If you need to “moan” at a friendly stranger it might help. Worst case you get a free coffee.

Another update from Gnusmas that makes me reflect on my day. A run in the warm sun on dusty trails before a late breakfast of fresh peaches and raspberries. Taking the time to enjoy the simply beauty of fresh fruit at this time of year.

Thanks for making me stop, think and appreciate some of the small pleasures.

I’ve stayed in the pods at Glentress (basic, ride from the door, good fun), the Tontine Hotel (good value, good breakfast, bike store, town centre) and Cardona Hotel (chain hotel, nice beds, bike friendly, some cheap deals, not in town, pool etc).

I have the Endura shorts and always wear bibs under them.

It should be an extra day. It was a major event in history. If we are given a bonus day off because a royal gets married we should be commemorating VE Day properly.

I did a course about 4 years ago. I picked up a couple of things. But, one of the main things I took from it was that it doesn’t stop people speeding. It was my first (and only) speeding course but I was in the minority. Most had done them before. The two men delivering the course were very patronising and talked down to us until someone asked if they had ever had points on their licence. They changed their tone, but only a little bit.

It’s detention for grown ups. You have been a little bit naughty so you have to give up a few hours of your time to show you’re sorry.

A couple of weeks ago I had the rare treat of being in the bus station at the end of the school day. Teenage boys are massive idiots. MrsG reminded me that I was exactly the same when I was that age.

I laughed and admitted she was right then went back to looking at bikes to play on in the woods. It’s a good job we have all grown up!

If you like pizza and haven’t been to Lombardi’s you need to go. It’s claimed to be the first pizzaria in New York / USA. It’s good pizza and cheap.