Hiya,

Whilst riding in Windsor park a few years ago. Accosted by a man and his wife shouting at us for riding on a permitted section. Mate turned around said to the chap “Can you read that sign there?” The sign had “Keep Dogs on lead”. Still makes me laugh, thinking about it…

Best Regards
JeZ

Hiya,

I like to think more positive than some of the comments. It is easy to look at social media for a reflection of the UK, you’ll just see negative in this. OK, it is pretty bad at the moment but I see glimmers of sunshine. Boris is a dead man walking, the good news is the public are beginning to see him for his lies. As for the state of the country I see kids that are generally good and will have good future’s. Boris will be gone in the next 6 months for sure when the amount of disasters he has created catch up with him. The conservatives will transcend into a smaller party and people won’t vote for them like in the past, they won’t forget the mess he created, and so I see it that he has done us a favour.
In summary we’re in for a rocky ride the next 18 months but it will get better…

JeZ

To be honest this is great, it really shows the greater electorate what a bunch of lying cheating tossers that they are… I don’t know why people are in such a rush to replace Boris, because the longer he stays in power the worse it is for the Conservatives come the next election.

JeZ

Hiya,

The longer he stays in the more damage he does to his party and the more the lies of the last 5 years will be exposed. I think their will be a Tory civil war for sure Boris sacked the moderates for the UKIP and those that were simply hangers on. Sadly there is no one of any talent of skill left in the Conservative-UKIP party, so the infighting will get worse and they will simply self destruct. I’m hoping the whole political landscape changes and something for the better. Sadly it will be a year of turmoil so hold on tight is what I will say…

JeZ

Hiya,

Ive had Covid twice now like many of us I suspect. The first variant was hard to recover from. I still trained, but not as hard, took ages to fully recover. I never really regained my sense of smell, well it’s just not as good as it was ;-( Omicron nowhere near as bad as the original Delta just felt lethargic, but found I didn’t have the loss of performance whilst cycling.
In general I would say do exercise but just gauge it on how you feel. I live in a hilly area, so I just took the doggit for walkies when I felt that mountain biking could strain my body. In both cases I recovered well, as compared to my friends that got it too. I actually think keeping fit and helps Covid recovery from experiences I have had with people I know and my own experiences.

BR
JeZ

Hiya,

I’ve never been a fan of pod machines because of the environment. I’m too poor to buy a bean to cup machines, they seem awfully expensive for the money. However I do like my coffee and I’m not pouring scorn on people with more money than me to invest in a really expensive coffee maker. I actually quite like grinding my own beans and measuring out the amount of coffee into the filter holder.
I tend to grind up the coffee on a weekly basis for the machine and store it in an sealed airtight container.
Currently I’m using a Delonghi Icona machine and I’m very happy with it. I look after it and it has lasted very well, with no real problems.

BR
JeZ

Hiya,

I have a Keela Stratus jacket and my other half has a Keela Cairn jacket. She’s had hers for over a year myself for six months. I actually think they’re really good. Mine hasn’t leaked in all the crappy weather we have here in Portishead. It’s done plenty of hill walking and I think they are good value for money to be honest. The Stratus is quite baggy but that works for me because in the winter it allows for thicker under clothing.
The Keela jacket looks good value for money with primaloft gold insulation to be honest.
Looking at the alternatives for similar money look at the North Face Quest Jacket.
I have one of these absolutely superb and super warm and also waterproof. It’s my defacto dog walkies jacket for wet and miserable Bristol channel weather in the winter months.

BR
Jerry

Being harrased by a driver when I was forced into using a road to join two bridleways, endangering himself, his kids, me and the oncoming drivers.

I get that all the time in Portishead, the drivers play chicken to see who backs out first. As a cyclist I have an issue with this. I have noticed when drivers see you have a camera they tend to panic after cutting you up. Personally so far I haven’t had the usual dick-h behavior, so it must be working. I started using head camera after having some many angry types having a go at me. Now when I get it I give them the option of shutting up or being on YouTube ;-)

JeZ

Hiya,

5lab:

decades of brand image means the second hand values are also high, which nudges people towards the lease model. The difference in lease cost between brands is often way less than the difference in purchase price.

Which is exactly what they want, as it gives them a market to sell even more on a rolling 3 year cycle

They are trading on past glories from my own experience. I note I’m not the only one that thinks this:

https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/most-reliable-engines/

With respect to heights of doors and storage as I said storage of bikes in my van was never on the list of storage options. Personally Id wait till I saw one in the felsh to work out its practicality. I note the campervan version has an extendable section to increase the sleeping space. As I said orginally the cost of this I think, will make it very attractive to certain market segments. I can see it for sure in cities and the VW camper is just a lifestyle gimmick for a market segment. I’ve never followed the herd in this respect.

BR
Jerry

They sell as they’re a classic and at the time of release were fairly unique and had a big following.

It’s EV equivalent might not get the same following but you never know.

My brother wants one. The rumor is that this VW will sell these lifestyle icons for 60K. Personally I think VW has lost the plot and why the original was so popular, i.e. cheap. For sure it will appeal to the wannabees, anything to look cool, but personally I can’t stand VW products, from bitter experiences. Xbus has got it right on pricing, functionality, and appeal. I’m not their target market anyway.

Jerry

Yeah ugly too.

Yeah but sells. Like I said I like my van and intend to switch to electric in the future.
Obviously with a renault camper-van I’m not a fan boy of VW, which is based on past experiences of their products. Anyway I still think it is a great idea and I think it will do really well.

BR
Jerry

correct, its bloody tiny and thus useless at most things (including carrying bikes). 4m long, 1.6 wide.

Well my Renault Trafic is 4.7 m long, but the engine at the front takes a fair bit of space. So I’m not convinced it would be that tiny. With respect to comments about being ugly the VW T2 is much the same at the front i.e a slab. I guess at it’s top speed wind resistance is not so much an issue. The range of 600km is believable seems good. I’f probably be interested to see how they look inside before saying it’s a bad idea. on the bike storage I keep my bikes attached to the bike rack at the back of the van and don’t use the internal space for storage. You have to make a decision where bikes are stored with a Van?
With respect to would I replace my van with one, no. It’s a Sussex camper-van conversion and I don’t have the money for another. I don’t agree with the replace concept anyway. When my engine gets old and tired and when the tech gets better, Id rather convert to electric anyway.

BR
JeZ

Hiya,

Have we discussed the xbus yet? I quite like them although people say they are ugly.
https://electricbrands.de/en/configurator/
Works out quite cost effective, seems an excellent bike carrier and not too expensive. My thinking is a 4×4 version with camper-van conversion ;-)

JeZ

Hey,

I’m actually pro cobb. They take getting used to is the way I look at them. Originally I was in the camp, that I paid for something that didn’t work. I switched to cobb stones that sort of worked but were expensive. Now I’m using coconut husk cubes mixed with charcoal and it works really well. The good thing is in campsites that don’t ahem allow charcoal BBQ’s in France they don’t notice the cobb 😁 the thing is you can get away with using the cobb without the plate that sits on top of the cobb and it works quite well the charcoal mix gives the same flavour, plus for campervaning it’s quite compact and small.

JeZ

Hiya,

I used the recycled plastic base type with gravel. Super easy to lay plus drains easier, Oh I did use a weed barrier too and next door had a load of gravel they wanted to get rid of ;-)

JeZ

Hey All,

Just a comment and my last. Whilst the vote is split we will keep getting a Conservative government. They aren’t the majority, that’s for sure but they have gamed the system to ensure that votes are split between Greens, Labour and Liberals, then in Wales and Scotland you obviously have the other parties of Plaid Cymru and SNP. So the issue is first past the post and us squabbling who to vote for, whilst forgetting that we need to get rid of the Tory’s regardless…

JeZ

Totally fed up with some of the new hip, hop used to like hip hop but the current stuff seems like it was written in a school playground, and no there isn’t anything to read into this. I just can’t stand modern hip hop.

JeZ

Hiya,

I use Rain radar its free and is really useful as it gives the rain predictions through the day.

JeZ

Hiya,

I was thinking if the police don’t want to get involved and I cannot blame them, then it will just result in some angry irate gammons being ignored. I then remembered the new criminal justice Bill and amendments for trespass and turning it into a criminal offence. It is at the moment if local bylaws exist I believe. Any how’s it’s beginning to look quite dangerous. I think the only way to really get our voices heard is civil disobedience and mass trespass. It makes the politicians realize that the majority are wanting access.
You’re right though NIMBY’s are everywhere… Quite frankly angry grumpy people that thrive on the misery they cause to others. I love winding them up to be honest I kinda sickly hope they explode with hate… 🙄

JeZ

Hiya,

I have a Fenix 3 what happened to it? Did the battery die? If so you can get kits and replace the battery itself. On a note there are good deals on the Fenix 5 and doesn’t seem to be much benefit to getting the 6 instead…

JeZ

Hey there,

Always wear a crash helmet, regardless. Anyway a few years back out cycling went over an summer baked earth bank at about 20km/h on the other side guy walking his dog. Hit the brakes over the handlebars brand new helmet cracked in half. For sure I’d be dead or brain damaged because the crash helmet was toast. It saved my life, that I’m pretty sure. Not the worst crash I have, but the crash helmet really was broken literally in half. I still had concussion and saw stars as you do.

JeZ

Hey There,

Am I the only one that sees the irony in the opposition asking Boris lack of morality Johnson to sack him. Yes the same person who has cheated on wives in the past and slept with many an advisor, apparently…

JeZ

I love riding a bike in a good storm…
Oh it’s just me then ;-)

JeZ

Clucking hate Boris

JeZ

Hey there,

Why just re-felt the roof with some new felt? It would probably be half the cost and better. Not sure about corrugated bitumen, it didn’t last that long on my last shed and in the end I re -roofed the shed with Sterling board and felted on top, that was after I bitumen painted the Sterling board for good measure. One question on the guttering on the side of the shed? Sure you need it?
Actually I think if you wanted a super strong waterproof roof I would use waterproof sterling board on top of the existing roof then felt.

All the best
JeZ

Hiya,

Noticed an increase in aggression mountain biking. One guy this weekend on a very narrow country lane tried to push me to one side with his car. Told him to cluck off and got off my bike he just left the scene. I’ve decided that I’ll now have a camera on whilst riding on the road because it is getting a little mad out there. One note on this it is a small minority and I’ve noticed that the aggression seems more evident in the afternoon than the mornings to I’m getting up extra early to avoid the grumpies and brexit supporters ;-)

JeZ

Hiya,

I pull in, not because I have to, but out of courtesy, besides I don’t feel the need for an argument sometimes. This sort of thing is the reason why I avoid roads as much as I can.
The other thing to remember is that angry people do very irrational things I for one like my bike and living in general.
If someone wants to get angry project their anger and frustration at the world in general, it’s their problem, not mine.

JeZ

Bigalid:

I ordered a 2021 Ragley Mmmbop frame from my local bike shop, at the end of January,
The guy at the shop gave me a tale of woe, about the last time they ordered anything from Ragley they only got 20% of what they ordered.

My son has been waiting since January for his Mmmbop, totally out of order how Chainreaction has dealt with the whole affair to be honest. Anyway my feeling it to vote with your feet and buy a Bird or something else. I know there is supply issues, it’s the communication that is crappy in this respect.

JeZ

Hiya,

4130s0ul

Cheers Jez, appreciate the reply. was aware all of the options you mentioned, i was hoping you’d found a hidden gem within Portishead. To save the road slog up Naish hill try going up the bridleway from opposite the Black Horse in Clapton-in-Gordano, it’s quieter and a better ride.

The coastal path while cheeky is a good ride and makes a good loop with the places you’d mentioned, i’ve never had any grief from other users but always try and set off early to minimise contact.

Yep know the Blackhorse Bridleway, I used to sneak into Priors wood, out the otherside into the back of the Zoo then carry on to Cadbury wood, but Nimby watches the gate like a hawk. Pretty mad to be honest considering Horses destroy the woodland far better than us.

So no hidden Gems in this area that the Nimby’s and grumpies don’t guard.

Oh well their problem, not mine.

JeZ

Science officer:

Portishead is not the ‘end of the Mendips’ (sic).

The limestone that forms the end drops into the Severn Estuary at Uphill and then Brean down, south of Weston-super-Mare.

Cheers for stating the obvious. Oh well nevermind.

JeZ

4130s0ul

Jez, whereabouts are the Portishead trails you mention? I can’t think of anything other than the coastal path, would be great to find out new options (apologies for the slight hijack)

You need to climb naish hill ;-( then head towards Cadbury camp, quite a few trails there also Norton wood but note a few Nimby’s there so for god sake don’t go on a Sunday afternoon, which is when I avoid. There are other trails all around but non legal and actually don’t because these are council restrictions and local bylaw ones, which is obviously a no. Failing that Leigh woods through cycle path 26. Failing that absolutely loads further towards Flax Bourton. I’ve only been here 2 years, so still exploring.

Oh yes BTW avoid the coast path to Clevedon, not a good idea that is restricted by bylaw so I wouldn’t cycle it because it isn’t like a normal footpath.

JeZ

Hiya,

SRAM BB’s are truly crap. Had similar lifetime with the ones fitted to my cotic. After the original and replacement I switched to Hope, like the rest of my bikes. No problems since. Oh BTW, if you think SRAM are crap, try Raceface, even bloody worse. Only bb that seems to survive our climate is Hope.

JeZ

Hiya,

Live in Portishead, moved here two years ago, I guess you could say we are on the edge of Mendips.
The weather is horrendous in the winter and amazing in the summer. I would agree to another response; the mendips is really unrideable in the winter and will make light work of your gears and running gear. Quantocks is more year round, but can be a nightmare if you get stuck there in a blizzard ;) Portishead has trails rideable in winter but some of the locals a bit aggressive about cyclists, just ignore them and their comments, and all is good.

JeZ

Hiya,

I’ll add to the hatred of some BBQs especially Gas powered ones. My fathers one, is always greasy and horrible, even if you clean it, it’s still horrible. I got so fed up with it, that I got them a Clay Chiminea, much easier all the grease is burnt off, the grill is self cleaning as the grease all burns off it. It looks better in the garden and doesn’t look like a rusting hulk. I also use it for making Pizzas using a pizza stone inside on firebricks, works really well.

JeZ

Regardless of whether you are trespassing (civil issue) it does not give someone the right to attack you.

Hiya it’s taken me a week to even admit it. I’m not weak and worked for the forces at one time. I come from an area where guys like this prevail. When you are surrounded by 4 guys and under a van it’s not easy to fight back. My wife has made me promise not to go back and take them on, on more even terms. I know this all sounds unbelievable, it is they are seriously nasty. I should report, I know, but if I do I give my address away. I travel on business and if they know where I live they may attack my family. They did this attack next to a school and next to two walkers. They are not scared.
If anyone knows how to report without revealing my address, let me know?

JeZ

Hiya,

Last weekend I was knocked off my deliberately by a Van on a field ironically on Police land. Let me explain what happened, riding a well known cut through trail in the west country. Guy in a van shouted at me, I ignored him as I’m used to abuse in this area. Five minutes later heard a reving engine guy drives into the side of me in his flat bed van. Three guys jump out and try to assault me, I fended the, off but not before being threatened with further violence. Two Ramblers had a go at the men for being over Zealous and out of order. Bearing in mind the land I was on was just a field and it is part of the Police HQ of a police force, they seemed to have scant regard for law in any case. Pretty sure it wasn’t the land owner though, because I’ve seen him a few times with his tractor and he never bothers and waves actually.
Anyway I’m in two minds to report it because the behaviour seemed more pikey than anything else. I doubt even if I do report it I would do anything but give away my address.
I’ll just avoid the area in the future I think and think of payback later.

This attack will be the third attack on me since I’ve been mountain biking so be careful guys, there’s some serious loons around.

JeZ

Honda Jazz,

First new car we ever owned. Hateful pile of crap. Three years old failed its first MOT.
1. Leaking sump, had to be replaced
2. Wheel corrosion so bad on inside Honda had to replace them.
3. Honda took the car for evaluation and after £3500 of repairs returned.

Roll six years roof leaked, boot leaked, gearbox layshaft bearing went, apparently they do that. Gearbox needed £600 of repairs and rebuilt. Leaks, faulty panel gap sealant, they used the incorrect sealant that went hard. After 10 years we finally decided we couldn’t bare the car any more with only 52K miles on the clock. We traded in for Toyota IQ. The garage scrapped the car, beyond economic repair. We had many cars prior to this heap real bangers and many new cars thereafter, but it remains the most unreliable heap of monumental crap we ever owned. Whenever I hear people say get a reliable Honda I almost feel obliged to hit them. Give me french cars any day over these. In fact the two culprits of countries that make apparently reliable cars (Germany/Japan), have produced the most unreliable cars we have owned…

JeZ

Why not pay to have a few stalls and fail to turn up ;) or better still get a load of manure delivered to said empty plots…

JeZ

Hey there,

Great thread. Oddball habits ahem I work in Software engineering. There are two types of software engineers. Ones with a personality and the others. One guy wore shorts and t-shirt no matter the weather or even time of year. I’ve had some sandals and brown jumpers and trousers.
My personal favourite was one that always drunk Absinth on nights out, complete loony ;-)
The best one was the one that got a written warning for talking to tit5. Even on his interview he got a warning for doing it. In the end his was fired for something else.
I did like one of my ex colleagues that had model soldiers on his desk and he used to play war games with them during the day.

Sadly now software engineers are becoming more normal so less chance to take the piss ;-(

JeZ

Hiya,

Live on one myself 12 houses on it. We all help and keep it tidy. Road mainly pot holes, but is a dead end so no risk of through traffic, These days mainly used by delivery drivers. To be honest every so often we all go out and sweep and tidy it, then I use patching tarmac that you can get from DIY stores to repair.

BR
JeZ