Check out the Rab Cinder gravel shorts. Just over £100 but shop around for possible discounts. Lightweight and the pockets line up with the pockets on the Rapha cargo shorts.

My forerunner 955 did this. It would eventually reboot by holding in the required buttons then the time would ‘freeze’. Again, I would reboot it only for it to display the triangle and it would go through this cycle. Eventually contacted Garmin as it was still under warranty and the replaced it without question. Replacement has been fine. 

Been bikepacking to Morocco in November 2022 and March 2023. When I say bikepacking, what I mean is that we were self supported in that we carried all our own gear but stayed in riads of varying standards. Some great some less so, which might bother some but I’m happy as long as I can get a wash and my head down for a few hours, but either way they were really cheap. Fantastic trips overall but as someone said above, if something goes wrong then you can be in serious trouble because you can be in the middle nowhere.
We flew into Marrakesh from Edinburgh and rode from there. First trip was a loop and the second was a point to point which required us to organise transport back to Marrakesh. We went over the Tizi n’ Telouet pass on both trips. The first riding up the road and the second over the trail. The latter was definitely a challenge as we had to trudge through the remnants of the snow which was about knee deep until it gave way under foot and you found yourself up to your waist in snow. That was rather unnerving to be honest as we could hear running water but had no idea where it was!! Another less memorable occasion was running short of water during another stage with a 40km to go, only to be helped out by a Scotsman on a motorbike with his two French friends supporting him in a properly equiped off-road vehicle. A mate’s AXS rear mech packed in with a couple of days to go. Didn’t end his ride but made it a tough few days being stuck in one gear.

Personally, I loved the country and the people were friendly, however ,  some of the towns and villages we travelled through or stayed definitely had an ‘edge’ to them. That said we never felt that we were in danger but there’s always the possibility, but that can happen anywhere.

anagallis_arvensis, I’ve sent you a message where you’ll find details of both these routes along with the route we have planned for this coming March.

Wiggle are still processing returns, well they were a few days ago. I returned a pair of Sidi road shoes as I bought two pairs as I was unsure of the sizing. Returned one pair last week and the my credit card was refunded a couple of days ago.

Must agree, it was a fantastic event. Was anxious beforehand regarding the distance, given that I’ve struggled with the Dirty Reiver (200km) and always terrible from the last feed stop. When the same distance was approaching yesterday I was fearing the worst but it didn’t materialise thankfully, however, there were a few dark moments though. We stopped at the Anglers Arms at Kielder and despite coming through a bad patch, I was feeling good by then, I felt terrible when I started pedalling afterwards though but just focussed on turning the pedals and came through it eventually. The burger and fries which were washed doing by a bottle of tepid lager certainly hit the spot.

Anybody looking for an entry to DR? Mate is unable to go this year due to work commitments.

Was prescribed it years ago for neck / shoulder pain, which was actually a muscle spasm following a car accident (rear ended). Took it for few nights and it certainly helped.

Apparently it’s also used as a muscle relaxant in small doses, hence the above. Woke up in the morning and felt sluggish. Definitely hung on me into the early afternoon which put me off taking it more often.

Had a pair built with 28 hole rs4 hubs and DTswis 531 rims for bikepacking purposes. Done around 200 miles with them, most of which on the road. Heading to Morocco in 3 weeks for 9 days bikepacking so hopefully they hold up. No reason why they shouldn’t though.

Thought I’d missed out on GOAT but just ordered from Eventim. Used them before and although I had a problem it was resolved.

I’ve been using a Bluesound Node with my Audiolab 8300 amp and B&w 606 anniversary speakers. Perfectly good enough for me.

I just stream my phone / iPad to the Bluesound node.
Link to the streamer below, however other retailers are available.

I think there is an updated version available too (Bluesound Node 2i). Not sure about the cost though.

https://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/p-53531-bluesound-node-hi-res-wireless-music-streamer.aspx?gclid=Cj0KCQiAzeSdBhC4ARIsACj36uHEAwF2KXYJQ0F3emdfVfLn2FCMbufT3AQu8_ifVuvx1gMF_6hGcD4aAuHXEALw_wcB

Having entered, we’re now looking at the logistics. The likely plan is to drive down to Druridge Bay on the Friday and get the bus to the start, stay at Druridge Bay once we finish the ride then drive back up to Scotland the following day.

Anybody have experience of using the bus to get their bike and gear to the start and if so, is it best to box the bike up as advised by the organisers?

Been swithering about this event for some time and looks like me and a couple of mates are going to enter. Done DR a couple of times which I struggled with but my fitness was nowhere near what it should’ve or could’ve been.

I’ve used these when camping and on trips when I’m sharing a room / bunkhouse.

https://www.ptarmigan.coffee/

Based in Livingston and run by Murray Swanson. Gem of a bloke and a handy cyclist to say the least. Sources his beans from various places and roast them in house.

Full on attack of gout has had me in tears once or twice.
Rupturing my cruciate ligament was a bit nippy to say the least but the pain subsided after a couple of minutes.

Murder Capital
Snapped Ankles
Idles
Yard Act
Viagra Boys – will be going to see them in Glasgow this Friday unless it gets pulled or if any further restrictions imposed.

Was anybody else from here at Latitude festival?

I ended up going despite the obvious covid concerns. Despite the 300+ mile drive from Scotland, it was a great weekend.
Lucia and the Best Boys, Dream Wife, Squid and Hot Chip were probably my highlights. Getting back to some normality, albeit for a long weekend, was great. Getting home Covid free was also a bonus 😁.

Got tickets for the Wide Awake festival in London on September 3rd so hopefully that goes ahead too.

I’m looking forward to gigs going ahead too. Got Snapped Ankles in Glasgow in October and Stag & Dagger in November. Still undecided about heading to Latitude this month which is mainly to due to the obvious COVID risks.

I used my wheelsmith wheels in earnest for the first time last weekend. 60 plus miles in the Aberfoyle / Calendar area. Heard nothing but good reports about Derek so went them.

In my wisdom it was a good idea to enter it solo. First time doing it so not sure what to expect. I just plan on turning the pedals until I get bored or until I’m done. Only an hours drive away so don’t have to get up too early which is a bonus.

I did the same. Used long nosed pliers to get a grip of it and loosen it off.

Had the same issue with the same tyre / rim combination. Tried Stans tape to no avail and ended up trying Muc Off rim tape which worked. I felt the hope rims had too many contours which made the Stans tape, which is quite thick, harder to fit. The Muc Off tape is thinner and more pliable. I also used the Muc Off valves which required a bit more attention to ensure the rubber washer didn’t distort when tightening them up. As for seating the tyre, I had to use a mate’s compressor to get enough air in quickly to get the bead to seat against the rim.

thisisnotaspoon, my Caad8 used to eat bearings and the spindle/ shaft on the crank was heavily marked, presumably due to poor alignment. Didn’t have any issues with my supersix though.

The shop mechanic took care of that for me already. 👍

I got the very model you are looking at only a couple of weeks ago and i can only speak positively about it. However, I would expect nothing less after such a short time. That said, three people I ride with have had theirs for between 3 and 10 months and they haven’t had any of the issue you mention.

As for the wheels, I’m putting my Hope 20Five wheels on it as I like Hope products. I had a pair of Formula hubs on Maddux rims that were shite, however, they were on a low spec Caad8 that I used as a winter bike so probably built to a particular budget.

I did consider the Revolt you mention but it wasn’t in stock at my LBS so that option was taken away. I know of one person who did buy one and his rear hub packed in after about 3 months use. Apparently the hub isn’t covered under the warranty so it was either pay for a repair or buy a new pair of wheels. He opted for the latter.

Couple of things to be aware of from experience.
Payments for child maintenance take into consideration how often the child / children will stay with you as you’ll be deemed the ‘absent parent’. If I’m not mistaken, the CSA or whatever they are called now, take a deduction for processing any claim, therefore, I’d suggest you agree a suitable amount between you and your estranged wife and make ALL payments to her by bank transfer. That way you have a record of payments made. My ex tried to **** me over with that one until I provided my lawyer with bank statements.

As mentioned above, get something in writing regarding contact with the kids. Unfortunately, that may require the involvement of lawyers which will have a cost involved, however, it may be small price to pay to ensure you see your kids.

Also, be prepared for so called ‘friends’ to whisper in her ear which may prompt lawyers becoming involved.

Bought the new apogee light a few weeks ago. Made a couple of enquiries by email which were promptly replied to.

Anyone?

I ordered 1 knog blinder light and received 4. Fortunately I was only billed for one.

I’ll be there. I’m just getting back into mountain biking as I’ve spent the last 5 years training and racing on the road bike. Replaced my 2007 Orange Five with a 27.5 plus carbon hardtail recently. I’ve entered the full marathon so Sunday will be my first big outing on it. Looking forward to Sunday but not the 500 mile round trip from Scotland though.

I said sensible.

I have an unused 9sp xtr rear mech which I bought for my Klein Attitude Race, which was stolen before I managed to fit it.Make me a sensible offer and it’s yours.

You have my sympathies. I’ve had countless attacks of gout over the last 15 years or so, some of which almost had me in tears. Water and anti-inflammatories help but ideally you want to find out what your trigger is. I thought my trigger was beer until I abstained for 6 months and still suffered from gout. A food diary could be useful. I gradually cut out fish, red meat, wine, spicey food to no avail. I eventually went to the doc who tested my blood and put me on Allopurinol to help prevent gout reoccurring. I had an attack recently that lasted for almost a fortnight (attacks seem to be lasting longer) and for the first time I was prescribed Colchicine.

Carbohydrate drinks can also trigger it due to the sugars they contain. Apparently fructose is one type of sugar that is known to increase uric acid levels. It is this acid that crytalises in the joint.

Lottery winner here in Armadale built a new house and called it ‘Whit A Vue’. New owner has since removed the name plate.

A lot will depend on what the demand for lessons is in the area along with the number of instructors. Have a look at the ‘Find an instructor’ section on the DSA website. Within an 8 miles radius of my home there was over 40 instructors registered. Admittedly, I knew some of those had retired or moved on to another career. I worked as a driving instructor for 10 years and made a decent living at it. I started with a local instructor on a trainee licence and then went on my own. The industry didn’t escape the recession either as pupils or their parents became unemployed, therefore could not afford lessons. My area became saturated with instructors, some of whom were made unemployed and/or decided to re-train and were lured by the adverts which claimed 30k per year could be earned. What these companies don’t tell you is the costs you will incur such as buying or leasing the vehicle and also the associated costs such as fuel.

Don’t let me put you off but be prepared for long hours (if you get the pupils in the first place), pupils not giving you notice that they can’t make their lesson or having parents tell you their kid should be test standard after 6 lessons. Would I return to the industry? Not a chance but that is due to my personal circumstances changing.

Had similar issues whereby the crank wouldn’t connect to my Garmin the following day. The battery display on the app also turned orange after only 2 hours use, despite the battery (Duracell) being new. Finally gave up after 3 Stages having similar issues. However, I returned the 3rd the day before the latest firmware release, therefore unsure whether that would have resolved the issues I was experiencing. Ended up replacing it with a Quark Riken which has been fine so far.

Update came too late for me. I has 3 Stages between October and March and decided to try something else. Went for the Quarq Riken R and it’s been fine so far. Still using the battery supplied with the crankset after 3 weeks which compared to the Stages is a revelation.

Had 3 Stages since October and all had issues with the battery draining. Returned it for a refund and I’ve went for a Quarq Riken. Hopefully that will be more reliable.

Ourmaninthenorth, Djglover and Crag have the correct answers. Being told I couldn’t play football again due to a ruptured cruciate ligament was hard to accept. 2 operations to replace it made me realise the docs and physiotherapists were right.

I’ve only experienced the creaking/clicking coming from my supersix on one occasion. I loosened the crank arm and nipped it back up slightly which cured it. In my opinion it’s a fine balance between over tightening it and having the crank working its way loose.