@ocrider

You are correct 😁, apologies I did mean to name them but then just sent the post with out doing it. The other two are noted below. I have many more other places like the above, just love the place

2: Pas des Ondes in Cornillon-sur-l’Oule  its a managed lake so a small fee but well worth it, two lakes, one to fish one to swim.

4: This is the private lake at Camping du Brec

I can confirm you definitely dont need to head for the coast, we go every year and havent been to the coast for the last 5 years, much prefer the lakes & rivers.

We will be heading to the Tarn again this summer, although we don’t stay in the gorge itself. We stay on a campsite in Lanuéjols, ran by a scot & french lady, it has one of the best night skies I have ever seen. It also hosts the Astronomers Nuits du Causse Noir event which is cool to see all the telescopes all gathered on site.

Can highly recommend turning left after Valence and follow the route past Crest down to Sisteron and then could head onto Verdon gorge if desired, lots of places to stop and see along the way, Sisteron is nice. Gorges de la Meouge is nice for a morning but busy. Esparron de Verdon is nice as is Moustier St Marie. We headed further east as well to Entrevaux which is a small village with Citadel and a basic campsite that has its own lake. If you have bikes then Valberg isnt far and is a cool little mountain resort. Couple of places noted below to stay.

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We head to France every summer and use there campsites, we generally stay on smaller sites but plenty to keep kids happy (12-14). Much prefer the mountains to coast . Always book direct, I can highly recommend the couple shown below and also this site below which we use to choose places to go.

https://www.sites-et-paysages.co.uk/

https://www.camping-hautsderosans.com/

https://www.domaine-de-pradines.com/

I Fully ruptured my Patella Tendon last June, description from surgeon was worst he had seen it was shredded into oblivion. The pain from that was phenomenal. Went through two tanks of gas and air and  loads of morphine before I even got into the hospital, pain was like nothing Id had before. Only just starting to see progress now

I Feel your pain, I spent 8 months of the end 22 & start 2023 off the bike due to an elbow injury (impact from bike crash). Took a long time to get fit and safe again on the bike, managed a weekend in the lakes end of may but to only go and fully rupture my patella tendon playing football the Monday after 😒😂 trying to get fitter. Knee surgery was in June and I have only just driven a car for first time yesterday its shocking injury. Id take the advise above to knock football on the head, not worth it and I like you I loved it. I’m hopeful of riding again next spring but if not I’ll get out in the hills walking. I was also a non stretcher/ cool down etc so that is another lesson learned for future.

@frankconway. Apologies I didn’t mean to imply that you did have anything against Superstar components just seemed odd picking up someone for talking about the subject of the thread, I suppose that’s STW for you. I have read the whole thread and agree he doesn’t sound like a normal punter but I guess that’s because he isn’t, being from the industry which CRC etc are in I suppose he has a bit more insight than someone like me, who is basically clueless to how it all works.

@frankconway, he’s not banging on about them its the subject of the thread. Most of what he has said has been valuable to it. I guess he just asking what & why were people drawn to using them so much and would we all still do if the prices went up. Ive used CRC for years generally because they tend to have all I need in one place at my budget. If it increased in price I would probably still use them for most things just due to ease ordering and know what I’m getting with regards Service/delivery etc. Also used Superstar over the years and after sales has been spot on for me with any issues etc.

Pipedream Sirius if you can get one would be perfect for what you want 

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pipedream-sirius-s5-review/

Ah ok lol, just shows how personal a saddle choice can be.

On the saddle note, I’ve gone through quite a few in the quest for the most comfortable (for me) and if you haven’t tried it the Ergon SM Mtb sport saddle has been outstanding so comfortable for all day rides

Is it a metal deck or precast floor ?, I work for a steel fabricator ,12m span is quite large so will see if we have had anything near that previously. Ive put a link to cornish concretes hollow core tables which may help.https://cornishconcrete.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Hollow-Core-Planks.pdf

Dont sell it, I fully ruptured my patella tendon back in June. Just had the brace off last week and have around another 4-5 months before I can ride and another 3+ for full recovery. My bike is just sat in the shed but I am soo looking forward to the first ride back out. its what’s keeping me going, if there was no bike sat there I’m not sure the desire would be the same.

I have been to Pitcairn Island back in 2000 (was in the RN). Personally its not a place that Id rush back to amazing if disturbing story. Ladies were taken there as part of the mutineers originally. Only thing going for it was an lovely lagoon, other than it is just an odd rock in the ocean. Inhabited by incestuous males, I’d be surprised if there is any future for the place as when I was there alot of the young were leaving to be educated in New Zealand and not coming back ( cant imagine why ). Also stopped at a place called Palmerston Atoll, amazing island with only a few inhabitants and only accessible by boat. Locals were amazing I could have stayed for ever. People sailing the world were offered stays in swap for goods . Ill find some photos, also did Tahiti and Hawaii but not photos (was in the bar) 

Never stayed on one but they do Village de Gites in France, won’t be a private pool but maybe not quite the rush for beds, lots of locations to choose from by looks of it

https://www.villagesdegites.fr/nos-villages/par-regions/

I would go for the Aether 9, I currently own a 7 and if it wasn’t for a long term injury Id be getting one of those on offer.

Been driving to France yearly for the last 7 years, been all over the world but have a massive passion for France so some reason  and especially the clean rivers and lakes for swimming. The weather has been a bit hit and miss this summer so I would probably do a couple of days at the memorials etc and then head south west if you want beaches not too much of a drive , anywhere from La Rochelle down would be good, it is the Atlantic though so is great for body boarding etc. There are many inland lakes and rivers for paddle boarding where ever you go.  IF you want to venture further then I can highly recommend the below areas although all inland you are never far away from water.

Drome /Isere : Pont en Royans and all around . rugged mountains and cold water

Haute-alpes : We stayed in Rosans but anywhere from Sisteron on up to Gap, very warm – stunning scenery.

Cevennes /Tarn gorges : Like the ardeche but quieter , amazing all round

Lodeve /Herault : Very hot but beautiful, coast not far. amazing lakes and rivers for every need. Lac salagou – Pont du Diable – Cirque du Navacelles etc via ferratta’s.

I will say that the cost of food will be an eye opener though it has increased quite a bit over the last few years and is much dearer than UK, just drink more wine 😁, Kent way you can choose the ferry or tunnel, prices for tunnel have increased a bit but I like the ease of it even if it is more driving .

Apologies for the ramble, I do have lots of photos of all but not sure I can share will see.

Love my music but never been a fan of huge crowds so festivals are generally watched via the  TV and sofa. Loved Fred Again so far.

I see your sorted now but my lad is 17 and insured with Tesco, think the policy may be underwritten by someone else but definitely through Tesco.

We used Tesco black box for my son, no monthly payment and only 8000 miles, but we got it for £1250 for 1.4 tdci fiesta. that was in January

Currently going through a subsidence process with our house (next door is pulling mine down). The engineer dealing with it said Resin is all well and good if there is something there for it to push against, if not it just keeps going and who knows where. Obviously all depends on the ground conditions.

We stayed here last summer, 8 properties but all very private, fantastic area with loads to do. Not sure about flights because we drive down

https://www.quatrefeuilles.info/en/gites/

I’m in the same boat but Im on an Aether7, had an Aeris before and never had as many pedal strikes as the 7. Not sure if was a mind thing but changed shorter cranks and thinner pedals (flats) ,increased front travel to 150mm but have not rode the bike since it threw me out the front door last June. Big Pedal strike and out the front I went, rupturing elbow tendons which I’m still having issues with.. Just started back now but on a 29er hardtail. I’m not keen on getting back on the Aether for fear of more of the same.

Wicked wolf from Exmoor is a lovely bottle of gin, either the Exmoor gin or the Full moon definitely some of my favourites. One local to me is Chew Valley distillery does some very nice gins either traditional or flavoured.

We have stayed in a place called Entrevaux in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, Valberg was not far away for decent walks and although I didnt ride the area is looked great for it. Weather was brilliant and it is still one of our favourite places. Off to the Cevennes area next year not far from the tarn gorges, If you like the Ardeche have a look at Tarn gorges, just as beautiful and probably slightly quieter

Off to france for 3 weeks end of July, 1 week in northern Ardeche and then two weeks down south about an hours north of Montpellier. Dont take bikes on holiday so generally hunt around for lots of wild swimming places and rocks for the boys to launch off

At least you gave him the chance to have a go and that’s all that matters, other opportunities will come along if he’s good enough. Your experience of the Academy set up is very common but I have to say that ours has been largely a positive experience, my son has been at Exeter City since U9 (U12 now) so 4 years and we have no pressure to be at every session and education and home life is seen as a priority and if school work is dropping or not behaving then football stops. Players being released is all part of it and you should always go in with the mindset that the chances of playing professional football is slim so you just have to enjoy every moment. My son has just been put on a 6 week review to improve a couple of things otherwise he may not make U13s, if he doesn’t get kept on next year he will be upset for a bit but we have always been realistic and open so he knows the places he’s played at over the last four years some kids will never experience so he has great memories to take away. He will be happy anywhere just as long as he can play.

Been at my workplace (somerset uk) 19 years and after 15 years they give you an extra 40days holiday for that one year only on the condition you have to take it and two normal weeks off in one hit to do something good for your self. All on full pay, the owner read a book years ago that recommended a break from work after 15 years revitalises the employee 👌

Cracking photos Matt thank you for sharing looks exactly like my kind of holiday, I know its not everyone’s cup of tea but France is one of the place where I feel most at home (if that’s even a thing). Ive travelled quite a bit back in my younger days but no place has ever had the same pull to keep me going back, although obviously never made it over it 2021. Soo looking forward to this summer.

Apologies for the ramble and side track, I have no recommendations 🤦‍♂️

Not been to the Auvergne region yet, almost went this year but am stopping in the northern Ardeche and then heading down south a couple of hours north of Montpellier. If you ever head a bit further south I can highly recommend the Cevennes area specifically around the Tarn & Dourbie gorges as well as Mont Aigoual, very beautiful area and never really overun. Campsite below is run by a French/Scot couple and has plenty of roadies stay there, and one of my fav campsites ever.

I wouldn’t bother with the rowberrow if you want an easy two hour spin, some of the trails are closed due to trees down and the some are just a bog, out in the open its still pretty boggy but not so bad, your two hours will be spent spinning in mud. There are plenty of other off piste trails but you would need a local to show you about.

I have an Bird Aether 7 but not enough travel for you so Id recommend the bikes below

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Bird AM9

For a child in year one I don’t think they are going to fall too far behind with just 3 days out, I would ask and then go anyway. I took mine out for 2.5 weeks back in 2019 for a long trip and I don’t think they have fallen behind at all only got a fine for the eldest in secondary because his attendance was below 95%, even with me home schooling them for 3months last years they seem to be doing ok 🤣.

Deaths were 1151 on the 12th Jan 21 so much more positive than this time last year.

Superstar sell the kit themselves, should be in the hub spares section online. I have used it on my lads bike. Just need to take care when removing the wheel not to lose the spacers.

Not stupid at all, If you mean across the summer of 2022 then I would just go for it, we only get one go around. And if so short staffed then worst case a job will be there once you have quit and done the trip.

If you want your kid to hate football, this is a very good way of going about it.

Although there can be plenty of downsides I think to say you child will end up hating football if he joins an academy is a bit extreme. It all depends on how the opportunity is viewed, if the parents and child go into it thinking they are automatically going to be a Pro then it will not end well. If you go into it with eyes wide open and manage expectations of the reality then it is an amazing experience not many get the chance to do and will not last forever. Just think of the places and teams he can play against, the experiences he will and how much fun along the way. My lad had a pre-season game away against Liverpool this year and just to see the faces and memories he has from the day alone would make it all worthwhile if it ended tomorrow. There’s no doubt its hard work and there will be many knocks along the way but really its still just a group of lads playing footy. I would say give it a go, you can always leave if it doesn’t work out for what ever reason ( although they will hold your registration to stop you going to other academies).

My lad (12) has been in one since U9’s but we are at a league two club which is quite relaxed compared to others. It is an opportunity that lots of others do not get so Id say go for it but remember it is ultimately for fun, if there is no fun you and him will not last. My lad goes because he loves it and he knows his chances of making it are very slim but we will have a good time along the way. If you are relaxed and realistic about it then it will be a very good phase of his childhood. It is also a big ask for your family as well. My lad trains 3 times a week for 2.5 hours and then a game on Sunday, so it does require a lot of commitment especially if you have other children. My sons club have rules about school so if school suffers then no footy. If you want to PM with any other questions more than happy to help.