Well to be fair, I was shouting about the Epstein thing way back when everyone was defending the honour of the Duke of York and suggesting he should be left alone as the whole thing as an overblown conspiracy…

It seems a bit unlikey the photo was faked all things considered; still, I suppose it has served it’s purpose in terms of leveraging the Royals… now, the blackmailers whose operation Epstein and Maxwell were running would do better to diffuse the situation, casting doubt on the testimonies of several victims and helping get the Royals back on side.

Always wondered what was going on with Llechwedd Mawr these days; can see it from the top of the hill where the last pic in my post was taken… infact, it’s just beyond what is shown in the top right of this pic:

Anyhoo, bit early to know yet, but if you’re lucky, and have a taste for spicy enduro trails I (or one of my mates) may be able to show you around a bit; failing that, if you drop me a pm, I can give you a few Strava Profiles to follow that should help you navigate the rideable bridleways

If you have a peek on Strava, most of the sweet stuff can be found to the West and North of the North West tip of Nant y Moch…

https://www.strava.com/heatmap#13.82/-3.86992/52.49120/hot/ride

If you take the fireroad up towards Llyn Llygad Rheidol, there’s a trail of sorts in the Maesnant Cwm; climbing, a fair bit is rideable, though some hike a bike is inevitable; however, you can descend the whole way.

Best bet is a sunrise or sunset ride, ideally on a clear and windless day.

There’s also a wealth of sweet hand cut trails scouted by yours truly and built with the help of mates in the Nant y Moch metropolitan region, but for reasons unknown have had problems getting them past the Trailforks moderator, which is a shame, as they are a perfect option for incorporating into a big day at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian or Machynlleth

Whilst I salute your care and attention to a new bike, there is a scenario whereby you are the architect of your own demise; it’s possible that by packing them with grease, when torqued down, the non compressible grease introduced too much side loading via the seals, causing the bearings to lunch on themselves, rather than all that tasty radial loading.

Well, hiring a bowser is certainly a step in the right direction; given the hundreds of thousands of pounds that these jobs with a maintenance contract tend to cost, perhaps On Track could stretch to buying one, which would help acquaint the team with using them as a routine procedure, rather than a rare and unfamiliar novelty.

That said, today I rode one of the many trails I worked on before the controversial rebrand…

And to be fair, it’s a credit to the talented trail builders who are the heart and soul of On Track and has held up well to an onslaught of skidding, schralping and general hoofage; that said, the lad who deserves the majority of credit for the wonder of that trail went to the trouble of buying his own digger to circumvent On Track management and all the guff that goes with it.

Overall, I’m sure it’ll come good in the end; the trailbuilders are generally highly talented at bringing their visions to life and are key to the majority of the creativity that combined with a healthy dose of 2 wheels, tickles your fun buttons

There is little reason to doubt the overall quality of materials used and with a bit of remedial work, it should be another brilliant facility to help bring MTB to the masses; however, this is certainly not the 1st time that a preventable situation like this has arisen… hopefully, it will provide some valuable experience that can be learnt from.

There is of course a solid argument for more MTBers…

eventually, you reach a point where the Forest Rangers, Planning Officers, Council Executives, Lawyers, Judges, Politicians, Media Magnates and Investment Bankers are all mountain bikers themselves, so we basically become a bit like the Freemasons (although of course, less dangerous overall)

Thanks for your input Paul, great to know it’s in safe hands… it’s just a shame that the bigwigs at On Track have yet to invest in a bowser to ensure a consistent and professional product; it’s a bit odd that trail builders everywhere know the necessity of water in binding trails, yet somehow, despite huge amounts of time, effort, skill, resources and investment (often into the hundreds of thousands) in importing, distributing and shaping materials, somehow, the ‘professional’ trailbuilders sidestep this requirement, repeatedly leaving clients with an unsatisfactory product.

This is no slight on the skills of the trailbuilders at On Track… the staff are some of the best digger drivers in the business, but choices made by management often hamper the quality of the end product and with it, company morale.

With a bit of luck, this will get the ball rolling and get things ‘Back on Track’

Heads up on the Vittoria Mota… has more in common with the Magic Mary, Shorty and Hillbilly than the all out mud spike hedgehog tyres and like the Magic Mary is great all year round on the front

Wait, you want me to elaborate further?

Well that shouldn’t be a problem in Leamington then hopefully. It pissed down most of November.

Whacking excessively wet trails, though still not ideal (especially when the whacker plate has a dodgy belt, due to poor maintenance, despite repeated reassurances and months in which the responsible party could have checked all equipment was in good order) is at least more likely to bind the materials, helping to seal against saturation; any major flaws can be fluffed up again with a BTR (or similar meaty rake) and reshaped.

This luxury is not available with over dry trails, which remain vulnerable to the elements, be that wind blowing the fines away, leaving a gravelly surface, or water saturating the material in such a way that it becomes a mushy paste, perfect for ruts which then hold further surface water.

All it takes is one pisser!

Exponential growth is inevitable; primal instinct is hard wired into us all…

though we might not consciously register it, the faintest of aromas waft in through the car’s ventilation system, at which point long forgotten senses engage, triggering the need for territorial marking.

However, due to the feedback loop of the aroma entering the car, the precise point of the original piss is no longer a concern, merely the need to show that YOU, above all other beasts, control this territory.

What you’ve seen thus far is really only the beginning…

Wonder if Rob has got that bowser he was on about yet?

Would’ve thought lessons had been learnt after Rostrevor…

Whacking trails that are too dry is not only a waste of time and energy that can cause significant damage to the trail, it doesn’t do much good to the operator’s hands either

All different ways to be more than just a fire road spin.

Some very good points there… thinking about it, I guess one of the reasons the Nant Yr Arian climb is less likely to dishearten novice riders is that rather than being hemmed in by trees, isolated from the wider world, there is immediate views, giving feel good vibes from the get go; better still when the kites are feeding or there’s a few riders descending the trails that are plainly visible from the climb.

On the other hand, when trails are built by contractors paid for by the taxpayer (there’s barely any pay-to-ride facilities here) a higher level of scrutiny is applied.

You’d certainly hope that was the case, but in my experience, the reality falls well short of what you might expect.

Whilst I appreciate there are potential advantages in water usage, I still struggle to see how the extraction of raw materials, followed by the manufacture, transportation and ultimate disposal of the dishwasher makes for a more environmentally friendly alternative than good old fashioned washing up…

Whatsmore, how is the electric heating of water in the dishwasher magically much more efficient than a kettle?

This is a circumstance where I could say a great deal more; but I’m not really sure if I should…

Something to remember in all of this is these newer trails have been built by riders, for riders… I know from my time as a professional trail builder that this is a rare luxury; all too often, there are a variety of obstacles to overcome when dealing with client concerns (and demands), time constraints and a myriad of other factors , which often result in trails not being the very best they can be from a riders perspective.

Another factor to consider; rider built trails minimize environmental impact; rather than having access to hundreds of tonnes of exotic quarried surfacing materials transported to site by huge 8×4 tippers, then distributed by dumpers (varying from 0.75 tons for tight access to 9 tons for stockpiling and/or direct application using the digger to unload from the skip) and a fleet of diggers to create the trail in the first place, aside from the odd drainage pipe, for the most part, rider dug trails use only local materials (often lugged around by flexitub, or if it’s a proper luxury build, a wheelbarrow), far more in tune with the local ecosystem; it wouldn’t be unfair to surmise that the carbon footprint of a handbuilt trail as opposed to a machine built trail (using contractors who themselves are transported to the area, before returning home for weekends (except for overseas builds, where 10 day stints offer the best balance between energy levels and the economics of air travel)) is many hundreds, if not several thousand times less… and the result is often more fun to ride to boot!

That said, I do see the challenge (fun is not an easy word to use in this instance, type 2 fun at best!) of technical climbs and from what I can see, Dave is not specifically advocating against them, merely observing that by using existing infrastructure (i.e. fireroads) the impact on the landowner is minimal; whatsmore, should the worst happen (not a common occurence, but worth noting in terms of mitigating danger), access for emergency services is much improved… that’s not to say technical climbs are off the menu; I’ve designed and built a loop which integrates aspects of the old and the new; most of the climbing uses fireroads, but there’s also the spicy twang of bedrock bridleway to keep the masochists happy, all working towards views that can set a fire in even the dampest soul.

Overall, I’m well impressed by the report, the main function of which appears to be to expand the horizons of landowners and help convey the parallels between MTB and skiing for the sake of understanding, rather than dictate mandates for the future of the sport.

she got paid for doing her job… why the MBE?

Because, by granting an MBE, the monarchy are then in a position to effectively take some of the credit for her achievement…

At the end of the day, the honours system is basically a PR construct that is perfect for increasing the soft power of the monarchy… they get to be seen with all the cool kids bowing down to them, all the while totally removed from politics or religion.

On top of that, by granting honours for good deeds and charitable work, by association, they also gain moral standing.

Genius is what it is, but unlike the deeds of many of those who are granted them, far from honourable

Enjoy it while you can peeps… once the rebrand is complete and wild cycling is all the rage, dangerous activities like this will be frowned upon!

In many respects, a 50cc is a good introduction to road safety… it’ll act as a headstart when it comes to driving lessons for a car, or indeed a full size motorcycle;

Rather than an all out moped, I had a DT50, so basically a fully functioning motorbike with clutch and gears, albeit with a puny engine (at least until it was derestricted)

I’d ride that thing in any weather… granted, I did come off a few times, but aside from a bent gear shifter, a couple of grazes and most important, hurt pride, it was never too horrific.

It was however, fairly essential; at the time I lived in the back of beyond, 15+ miles from most of my mates and the accompanying social life.

At the end of the day, the honours system is basically a PR construct that is perfect for increasing the soft power of the monarchy… they get to be seen with all the cool kids bowing down to them, all the while totally removed from politics or religion.

Meanwhile, the monarch is head of the Church of England and has private and confidential weekly meetings with whoever might be PM this week (not to mention a long history of associating with characters all too similar to Jeffrey Epstein).

There’s a bit of a disconnect here which is hard to reconcile…

On the one hand, danger is sexy and sex sells; the reason the majority of media coverage is of the more extreme (and talented) end of the sport is because it’s exceptional; it stands out as a spectacle of human achievement, driving not only the sport forward, but a wider understanding of the abilities of our species, as opposed to the somewhat less sexy image of bimblers doddering through the wilderness.

At the other end of the scale, we have a maturing sport, which has earned it’s place in society and now wants to give back… much like a Jehovah’s Witness who seeks to enlighten others, and whilst we can offer spiritual growth and salvation, there are also more tangible physical benefits.

Now the physical realm is where the disconnect begins; on the one hand, regular indulgence in MTB offers improved fitness, along with a wealth of feel good gubbins bundled in for free… however, it does also present the problem of injury, which is a very real risk (as I write this, though I personally relish the more dangerous side of the sport, I am currently more of a bimbler due to an injury sustained the best part of 4 months ago… however, I’ll keep plugging away at my daily exercises so that I can once again enjoy the sweet taste of danger), no doubt borne out by data held by the health services surrounding popular MTB destinations.

The real problem here is that in order to truly give back to the community, MTB needs to work with authorities so as to secure grants and funding, which in turn, means that sexy danger goes out the window and it’s time to delve deep into policy documents and find the keywords reflecting tangible benefits to society.

Seems that the drive towards trail associations and legitimacy is a good thing in terms of creating a more significant presence in terms of leveraging access laws and the like, but at this stage, it is still fraught with many obstacles; I have personally put a substantial amount of time and effort into bringing a trail association into being, but am now having 2nd thoughts due to my neighboring trail association’s experiences with NRW… whilst training and qualifications for guiding and coaching are already well established, there is a perceived skills gap in terms of trail building and monitoring… in terms of off piste trails, we’re still very much at the stage where forgiveness is easier that permission.

Overall though, I’d say there’s been huge advances in the sport over the last 10 years; there is far more facilities, be that trail centres, bike parks, pump tracks or unofficial trails than ever before and that trend looks set to continue; one of the main obstacles which we face is a geographic one; all too often the best terrain is some way from population centres, which reduces the number of people likely to take an interest.

I’m a big fan of the innovation and adaptability of the Atherton Bikes Manufacturing process (perfect for swift adjustments for the race team and rapid updates for the consumer), and also think the bikes have a great aesthetic, along with the kind of pedigree that few manufacturers can match…

however, one of the primary things I was taught in sales is K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple Stupid;

Sales is very much linked to psychology and can’t help but wonder if rather than a USP, 22 sizes is to the detriment of the business, as would be customers are perplexed by excessive choice; initial excitment becomes over analysis and ultimately confusion… which in many cases is sufficient to lose potential custom

It might be better to use a conventional sizing model with 4 or 5 standard sizes (perhaps even dropping prices to reflect the reduced workload), then upsell custom sizing at additional cost for customers who request it?

Pure coincidence of course…

H.R.H. The Duke of York and H.H. Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said listening to speeches from H.E. Maqbool Ali Sultan and Sir Sherard Cowper Coles at the Anglo Omani Society reception following the OBFA conference in London. And then adding their own words. @Shell_Oman @UKinOman pic.twitter.com/vbh23JOoZE

— Chris Breeze (@chris_breeze) July 15, 2019

(Among a long and varied career at the highest echelons of government, including a conveniently timed stint in Paris and later shutting down the Serious Fraud Office’s investigation of the Al-Yamamah, ahem, OIL for arms deal that almost had Prince Andrew sweating, most recently, Sherard Cowper Coles has been Global head of HSBC’s Public Affairs)

Optimism is good!

I blame Si Paton… if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have gone on the DH and 4x commissaires course, then been busted for a bald tyre on the way home and in so doing, blown my cover.

Ever since that fateful day, British Cycling has been in decline…

No further questions please

Canada is an independent country

Not sure where you got the idea Canada is an independent country…

Besides being head of state, the monarch is also commander in chief of armed forces etc etc

Not to mention Supreme Governor of the Church of England, thus presiding over the entire Anglican Communion.

They seem to be the main factors involved in requests for an apology for the cultural genocide orchestrated via residential schools;

the Queen was one of the only leaders who swerved an apology…

Since the matter was not put to rest, calls are now being made for Charles to apologise.

At one point, it looked like World Cup DH bikes wer going to dip below 30lb; there was a fair few running around the 32-33lb mark.

That said, the evolution of bikes has been impressive and the HB916 has to be up there with the most droolworthy of steeds.

For comparison, my 27.5″ zerode taniwha weighs about the same and though it makes you sweat that bit more on the ups, you’re very much rewarded for your hard work when gravity is your friend

Quick google of ‘Queen Canada’ came up with this article about the wider implications for the Commonwealth:

Many Americans may not realize it, but Canada is still tied to the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth served as Canada’s head of state for nearly half of its time as a country, and remained a popular figure among Canadians right up until her death on Sept. 8 at age 96.

Her popularity, however, did not translate to the monarchy itself. Fifty-eight percent of Canadians polled by Ipsos just a few days after the queen’s death said the time had come for Canada to hold a referendum on ending its formal ties to the British throne.

It’s not just the Canadians who are rethinking their connection to the crown. The queen’s death also raises questions about the future of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 countries that include the 14 in which the British monarch remains their head of state. Calls for them to break away and form a republic are likely to spread now that the queen’s reign has ended and her eldest son, King Charles III, has ascended to the throne, analysts said.

As regards Canada, could the attrocities carried out in residential schools be a factor in seeking independence?

‘Cultural genocide’: the shameful history of Canada’s residential schools – mapped

In May, Canadians were shocked at the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the site of a former school in British Columbia. The bodies belonged to Indigenous children, some believed to be as young as three years old, who went through Canada’s state-sponsored “residential school” system. The schools, scattered across the country, were aimed at eradicating the culture and languages of the country’s Indigenous populations.

For most of the 20th Century, at least 139 residential schools were run by Catholic, Anglican and United Churches, with financial support from the federal government.

An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children attended. They were prohibited from speaking their native languages and had to adopt their school’s religious denomination. Many were beaten, verbally and sexually abused, and thousands died from disease, neglect and suicide.

Though I’ve had plenty of shockers from cheap chinese pedals, including axles snapping and bearings seizing after just one ride, I can heartily recommend these; thin, lightweight, grippy, low maintenance and bombproof:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002144508761.html

Numbers are not comparable.

Haha, quality, the source you used to provide that information is only providing that information in the context of a comparison…

Notice they mention Guinness World Records; what links Julian Lewis, chair of the Intelligence and Security committee of Parliament, to Norris McWhirter?

And yes, it is on topic; after all, the Queen was #1 (which will now be Charles) when it came to intelligence reports; she was privy to information deemed too sensitive for the cabinet…

Director GCHQ Sir Jeremy Fleming said:
“I, and the whole of GCHQ, extend our deep condolences to the Royal Family.

“Her Majesty The Queen was the longest-serving recipient of GCHQ’s intelligence reports. She has been a constant in all of our lives and will be very much missed.” pic.twitter.com/JnldLgxLtI

— GCHQ (@GCHQ) September 8, 2022

Suppose they aren’t entirely comparable; after all, the Iraq protest was only 1 day, compared to 4 days of folks queuing to see a coffin surrounded by political blackmailers in fancy threads…

Here’s a little more information on them. But all this illustrates further the little known or understood relationship between Parliament, the Sovereign, and the Government. https://t.co/BePVkaMxml

— Tina Stowell (@tinastowell) September 16, 2022

Was quite surprised by the figures for the queue, which was apparently a bit over 250,000… sounds like a lot, until you realize that over 321,000 people came to pay respects to Churchill, when the population was significantly lower, with less available transport.

Both of those figures are dwarfed by the number that marched against the Iraq war, in London alone it was estimated to be around 1,000,000

Forgot just how edgy The Big Breakfast was…

Wait, what, so besides being members of the Royal Household, the whips email the monarch daily with gossip!!

Interesting insight on the relationship between HM The Queen and Parliament via the Commons Whips in this podcast ?. House of Lords Whips are also members of the Royal Household. (Tiny??) https://t.co/o15f9cuiRk

— Tina Stowell (@tinastowell) September 16, 2022

Huh…

Just in case you have never seen this list, this was stored in the Tory whips safe to use as leverage to blackmail MPs. It is a snapshot of a scandal among top Tory MPs. #BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/oZmFr8mV3n

— MI6 ROGUE  (@mi6rogue) July 9, 2022

Now that we have a king, these sorts of events will all take much longer, since he can only move along the floor one square at a time.

Just don’t ask what moves he was making with the bishop…

Letters show depth of friendship between Prince Charles and sex abuse bishop Peter Ball https://t.co/T56RPejUUz pic.twitter.com/0OBYfM5aeH

— The Times and The Sunday Times Scotland (@timesscotland) July 27, 2018

Fair play, Charles did well to raise Harry as his own…

So from what I can gather, most people believe the monarchy has had no significant political influence in these matters?

Where do whips fit into the democratic process that has led to such a brutal history?

Interesting insight on the relationship between HM The Queen and Parliament via the Commons Whips in this podcast ?. House of Lords Whips are also members of the Royal Household. (Tiny??) https://t.co/o15f9cuiRk

— Tina Stowell (@tinastowell) September 16, 2022