I’m in a similar predicament. I have a 2:1 in Computer Science, after graduating I couldn’t find a job, so began temping at a call centre – three years later and I’m still here.

It’s soul destroying work and despite working hard and never taking a day off sick, I’m never given any additional responsibility or opportunity to develop. I suspect most of the management are of the “a degree is just a piece of paper” persuasion. They recently promoted a long term employee to Systems Admin, ignoring the fact she is barely computer literate and just wonders around uttering ” The Java’s broken”.

I’m not bitter or anything :-)

This actually had me laughing out loud in my office. Brilliant. Love the Star Wars one and the scientists.

Don’t you know what happens when you back John Rambo in to a corner?

+1 for Danny Hart run, especially the tail whip at the end!

If you ride regularly in the peaks, you will come off eventually. I don’t see anything wrong with a bit of insurance, especially after my recent experience. The way I ride I exect I’ll crash again, so I might as well be protected.

Can’t comment on the Kyle’s but the Endura fit me nicely and I’m 6,3″ and 90kg, fairly standard build.

I was in the Peaks on Saturday, took a tumble and bashed my knee on a rock, it needed 5 stitches, which I’m sure would’ve been prevented with knee pads. I like riding fast downhill, so I’m swallowing my pride and wearing pads from now on.

I’ve signed up for a years subscription to What MTB mag and got a pair of Endura MT500 for free, which aren’t bulky and pretty comfy.

Get a mutt from the pound, there are loads of dogs in need of a good home. If you’re set on a puppy then I’d echo some of the earlier comments and go for a cross, which generally don’t have the genetic defects associated with narrow gene pools. Lurchers are good dogs, as they are very restful in the house and only require short bursts of exercise. Whippet x Lab, makes a brilliant trail companion.

Ultimately try and choose a dog that matches your lifestyle/energy levels. Too many people get working dogs, don’t exercise them enough and then wonder why they chew their furniture.

Real men don’t use suspension…or gears. I do though, two helpings of suspension and lots of gears, but I’m a pussy.

Vintage leather strap Omega Seamaster. Understated, classic and cool. Modern watches are all gobby, gimmicky and massive.

I got a 1960’s Seiko Bell-Matic in mint condition for £150 and I love it more than most £1000+ modern watches (in terms of style).

Whatever floats your boat though really.

Neutered male dogs are much more contented. The constant urge to mate, roam, mark and compete can be very stressful for a dog.

It is usually blokes who object on the grounds that they wouldn’t like it doing to themselves. Don’t anthropomorphise, it isn’t the same thing – the dog is completely unaware and will lead a healthier, happier life. This isn’t a personal opinion, it is well researched and I’m sure any vet/animal welfare person you spoke to would say the same.

With the amount of strays and unwanted dogs in shelters, it is the responsibility of any animal loving person to spay and neuter their dogs.

I leave the car at home. If I don’t cycle I don’t feel awake. I find driving the commute during rush hour painful. When I drive the commute still feels like work, but when I cycle the moment I’m on the bike, I feel like it’s my time. It’s like finishing work earlier!

Hi Natalie, If you’re getting lonely… :wink:

@Woody2000 – I love the Christ in a dogs arse picture. I bet that followers aren’t so keen to claim it as a miracle and make pilgrimages.

Bet on Barca to win the Champions League.

If you’ve managed to get 70k in your account, I’m pretty certain you don’t need advice from strangers on an Internet forum.

Endura singletrack are good but not waterproof.

+1 for Ken Fosters.

The old guy in Withington Cycles has been there for 25+ years (I remember him when I was a nipper), so you’d think he’d be good!

Bike Doctor often refuse to work on bikes not purchased from them.

Harry Hall, depends how drunk the mechanic happens to be that day.

It’s only a relationship that started 5000+ years ago. They’ve died in wars for us, been our transport, hunting partners, sport and food. Without horses there would be no canal tow paths, bridleways and many of the tracks used by mountain bikers today.

Formulating an opinion on an entire country based on a single bad experience. Ironically reminiscent of how racists and bigots minds work.

They aren’t mutually exclusive, despite what some people would have you believe. For me road biking is about fitness and endurance, whereas mountain biking is about recreation. A mountain bike lets you see the parts that other bikes can’t reach.

New font, hidden cables, probably franctionally lighter and that’s about it. I’ve used both and honestly couldn’t tell the difference. Hidden cables look good though.

I’ve ordered a Nerve 8.0 and was given week beginning 4th July as a delivery date. I got an email on Friday 8th saying they’ve taken the payment and my details have been passed to UPS who will dispatch within 48 hours and provide me with a tracking reference. Hopefully I’ll receive it next week, which isn’t too bad considering the demand. I’ve been checking my email about 50 times a day, can’t wait! Bikes are the only thing that makes me feel like a kid waiting for Xmas day.