Love it.

Feel sorry for the guy. Life is short.

Compound interest.

I spoke to an 84 year old guy in a cafe the other day. He said to me “you have to learn to be happy with less.”

I thought that is words to live by.

Nice one. Really fancy getting there early for the party atmosphere. Seen videos of music dancing and drinking. Sounds great fun!

Nice one. Just had a look at that. So the real advantage of air is simply the time to put it up?

Lots of great tips. The kids are nearly 8 and 10 so certainly want their own space now. We usually go with brother in law who has a van so no space issues we just sling everything in there. Sounds like the tunnel option is winning and I’ll have a look on decathlon.

Thanks again. Like the pictures also, would like to see some more set ups.

Great. Thanks so much for the swift replies. Yeah I suppose with air it is so I can do it easily by myself I suppose.

Any other suggestions would be welcome.

I’ve got the Dishoom cook book and their Chicken Ruby is absolutely incredible. As good as any restaurant curry I’ve had.

Nice one. Thanks all.

Lad in my class said to me “Kurt Cobain has died.” I was 13. Gutted.

Probably a drug dealer.

Yep near Beccles. Thanks. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

Some lads I know rolled up a pub carpet and nicked that. That was just for bants though obvs.

Sainsbury local the worker confronted this guy who’d been shop lifting. They squared up to each other and met heads (like footballers do). The shoplifter took his head back and went to head butt this worker but withdrew at the last micro second. This worker did not even blink and just shouted “get out now.” Nails.

I spoke to the worker afterwards and he was South African. He said “I’ve experienced much worse than that.” He carried on serving other customers. Class.

I enjoy a drink and also the odd session, I accept the consequences. What does annoy me is even one glass of red or one beer affects my sleep and I feel groggy all day. I might as well have 6 and go all in which is ridiculous. I do really enjoy a sober night sleep. I used to drink a little most nights but I’ve shaken that habit which is really pleasing.

Anyone got any good places to eat or even a vineyard to visit?

Venice is a bloody long way from Pisa

He likes driving!

I’m flying into Pisa and luckily my mate lives there so we have a car. We’ve got an Airbnb walking distance to Siena centre.

Any tips on routes? Fancy doing the Strade Bianchi route and also out to Montepulciano.

Any must visit towns in the area? We’re there five days and have a car so don’t mind driving a bit to start at a different point.

Thanks again

We’re are looking to do some of the white gravel roads of course. Will normal road tyres be ok?

I’ve been selected twice. First time I got on two cases one pretty harrowing and traumatic. Played on my mind for a good time afterwards.

The second time I didn’t get on any trial.

Take a book it can be a lot of sitting around.

Fascinating thread. I believe luck does play some part in success it has to. I got an opening into my role through a completely unrelated degree. I believe that this opened the door, without the degree it would not have opened.

In summer I get out at 6 and sometimes 5:30 for a 5-6 hour ride. Winter drops to 3 hour rides from 8. Rest of the weekend is kids and family. No better feeling coming home before lunch with a 6 hour ride under the belt. Often everyone else is still in their PJ’s!

Thanks all. I’d also be interested in that Air bnb link please.

So it looks like we have decided on Tuscany and probably in or around Siena. Question is do we book central for bars etc. Or out in the hills for peace and chill? Or should we consider any other areas?

I suppose gut thoughts are being close to bars and places to eat in an evening.

Thanks again

Very interesting thread. I often wonder how happy other people are behind closed doors. I think there are some very brave faces out there unfortunately.

Some people are just spenders and no matter how hard they try money burns a hole in their pocket. So glad I was taught “pay yourself first.”

I think you are winning OP. Can’t go far wrong if you enjoy what you do and are comfortable. It’s all relative of course and many people in the world dream of minimum wage job opportunities.

My old man always used to say “there will always be those better and worse off than you.”

As mentioned above I feel sorry for those that have tied millstones around their neck with large car loans etc.

I’ve been lucky enough to get some good pay rises over the last few years. I’ve made a really effort to avoid lifestyle creep.

Bloke I worked with was William Williams so was naturally known as Bill Squared.

Another lad is known as Nessy as his spine resembles the Lock Ness Monster.

Another mate is known as Balls (no idea why). His brother is Richard so they are known collectively as the genital brothers.

I think one of the main issues, some people are oblivious to pensions and how much is required. I know people that feel they’re ok as they are “paying into my company pension.” With absolutely no idea what that pot is going to give them or how to draw benefits.

Unfortunately I know people in their 50’s with literally no private pension. They’re just hoping for an inheritance to dig them out.

As soon as I can unlock my pension I’m going after it. Whether that is to fully retire I’m yet to see but I’ll use it to reduce hours/change jobs so I’ve more free time. If it runs out 80’s plus, well meh.

I can see a lot of civil unrest down line as wealth is hoovered up by the minority creating a huge divide.

It keeps me going at work that I will step down to a less stressful role at some point. No way I could do this into late 50’s early 60’s, my head would explode.

I push as much into pensions as possible for this reason. However, it does make me nervous the government can tell me when I can access it. I am starting to consider more into ISA. Yes, I’m fortunate to be able to have this choice but as mentioned previously, planning for the last 20 years has allowed me to do this.

I’m happy with a global tracker. Set and leave. What will be, will be.

I can’t believe how much spare time some people have.

I was hoping the gear this. I suspect we will base ourselves in or around Siena and do 100km each day.

Plan is to meander through the hills and sample the food and wine en route. Cannot wait!

Yes Dovebiker! That’s what I’m wanting to hear!

Nice one all great shouts!

Just keep doing it and in no time you’ll be flying. It is very likely you’ll end up extending your commute as your fitness grows. Honestly, if you carry on for six months you won’t believe how far you’ll come on.

I’ve had some great rides advertised as such. Pushed very deep to hang on and the feeling of arriving back together having “survived” was very pleasant.