will look in the shed tomorrow, should have parts etc that hopefully can be used.

Following as I’m wondering the same,

i think the Stratavistas and the Enduroists chasing racing lines and KoM are causing a lot of issues.

bah – just bought a new dropper

I’m pretty much on the route too and has good bail out options. I agree cutting out the Aberdeen section too IIRC it’s an old railway line or something from Banchory to Aberdeen and it’s pretty flat all the way.

Why would anyone want to go to a Tiso store?

Outdoor stuff or supplies maybe.

Strange way to plan your cycle route if you ask me.

If i was doing it I wouldn’t get too hung up on going to the Tiso stores, but as a circular route it has a few plus points.

Getting all the waypoints stamped would need some careful timing to make sure each branch was open

That’s what I was thinking, I would rather do it and not worry about holding myself to time deadlines.

Looks like its approx. 190 miles tarmac and I’m was considering doing on a hardtail rather than a gravel for no other reason other than I wanted to tour on my MTB. (I think TJ has sown the seed)

If ou’re happy with what you’ve got, why not fix the shock/forks? As you say you’re not into ‘gnar’ so why do you need a more gnarry bike? if anything they will make the trails you ride appear a bit tamer/flat.

You might need the crank nut screwdriver thingy, to stop the retaining nuts from spinning. Sometimes you dont need it.

Bon Voyage TJ- have a good one. Well jealous.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a706675/sudocrem-best-uses/

There’s simliar ingredients in Sudocrem to many chamois creams, IME chamois creams usually have something added to make them smell nicer. As dogs are the only thing that usually sniff my crotch without permission, then it’s a £10 dog sniff tax. I’ll stand corrected when a chemist/scientist posts.

If you really need a product designed to protect the skin from the effects of pissing and shitting your nappies,

Just in case, you never know 🙂

IMHO the middle bit of Innerleithan is a bit ruined. Too many lines, cut corners and trails splitting off so if someone recommends a trail eg the Gold run, by the time you drop in you’ll have difficulty following to the bottom.
To answer your question ropey, there are some trails with drops but most are sighted and you can push or ride round if you’re not confident on them .

the muc-off stuff is £12.50 in Halfords. Might give it a go. Usually use sudocreme (big family size jar from costco) or more recently tescos own brand nappy cream.

Aye, seems odd mind you. Never used Alpine since Dave’s days at St George’s X, so fingers crossed for ongoing warranty support and servicing.

Ditto.

Should I Stay or Should I go- The Clash
500 miles- The Proclaimers

My bum has been raised and moulded on WTB rockets and always thought they lasted well. However the new volts appear to use a cheaper covering that doesn’t last as well.

I was on a black bimble when the southereners were on the big hits and was a sunny day IIRC:) Bailed out after deliverence as I was short of time. I can’t remember who was there- I think Vosh, DGOAB, Sanny, ChrisL and MC where there.

Vosh & DGOAB have went over to the darkside and are tarmac only.

I’ve done 3 and had Lee from invisframe do a frame for me. 1st one I did was ok with a couple of little air bubbles and edges lifting slightly which attract dirt. The other two have been fine. The one from Lee was perfect.

The key tip I got from Lee is cleanliness. Make sure your bike is spotless before applying- give the whole bike a good thorough wash and then wipe each area with dust free cloth immdeiately before applying. Keep your hands and squeegee clean at all times.

Fascinating insight into his season and the marginal differences in DH. I’m similiar to thegeneralist in that I didnt follow the DH last season so this was grippng to the end. So close.

Reece comes across as a grounded, likeable and focussed athlete.

Send Devinci a mail through their website?

I also don’t get why some folks get so worked up about others spending their money on private plates.

Not so spendy option
https://startfitness.co.uk/products/scott-mtb-ar-lace-clip-mens-cycling-shoes-black?variant=39826923618512

Spendy option
Weekend Cycling Sneaker – Olive

This tread is making me look forward to the good weather/long nights coming back in. Think I need to look out all my stuff and may have a clear out of the unused stuff.

This is the problem with the 996 – it will only ever be bought if you can’t afford a 993 or a 997. SO while it’s prices may get pulled along somewhat in the wake of the other two, it will always be significantly less well thought of. It is to the 911

This is potentially a reason that it may become a classic. The ‘unloved’ at the time, ‘2nd’ choice etc they often become the most sought after in the future.

Trekology for me. Reasonable weight, great size and comfort. I’m big and a side sleeper so works well for me. Changed from a sea to summit that was lighter/smaller but comprimised on comfort for me.

i can’t ignore now that you’ve reeled me in. i’m intrigued, please tell us

Yeah 3 bits of loo roll in a waterproof bag. One up, one down and one to polish 🙂

I also had a dummy run in my backgarden to ensure I knew how to pitch and pack tent and luggage.

Another thing I would recommend for you initial trips is knowing the area you’re going to and scoping out where you’re going to camp beforehand. Especially if you’re planning on somewhere where you need to be discreet. Also think about contingency. Do you know an alternative spot if you’re desired spot is already occupied? Or if you have a mechanical or misjudged your timing?

Similar to you, I only really get out for overnighters now and I’m a bit of a fairweather bikepacker, so I’m only out if the forecast is favourable. Also I’d rather sacrifice weight for a wee bit of comfort.

Everyone has their preferred set-up and it’s a wee bit of trial and error to see what works for you. From all the posts/forums etc make a list of what strikes a chord with you, what equipment do you have, how to get it on your bike and then give it a go. Think about access and packing things in order of need. Eg. Tools, midge hoods, toilet paper should be easily accessible. Pack your tent , cook and sleep systems in order of how you’re going to set up at camp.

Another factor is whether I’m taking a gravel bike or mountain bike- for the mountain bike, I have limited frame space with weight distribution and stability more important than on the gravel.

Below is my preffered set up after a few long trips and deciding what works for me. (I might have missed somethings, but again it’s about trial and error for you) I made a few mistakes initially by going down the weight route rather than what works for me. I tend to overpack ‘just in case’ but I’m never struggling for space or concerned about weight.

* 2 man tent. I have a choice between a decathlon forclaz and an Alpkit Ordos. Not much a difference in terms of weight. The decathlon is all in one and fast to put up- good when the midges are feasting on you. The ordos is a wee bit of a faff to put up as it has seperate outer and inner, but tent parts can be stuffed in different parts of the bike.
* Sleeping system- Moved from a sea to summit to Trekology sleeping mat and pillow. Again a wee bit of sacrifice in weight, but more comfortable. I use an Alpkit cloud cover quilt as I prefer that to a sleeping bag. Never felt cold in it, but I only use from spring to early autumn.
* Cooking- I can make do with a Jetboil as I can manage for one night on freeze dried, just add water meals and coffee/flapjack/banana in the morning.
* Luggage- use a bar bag, seatpack and fork bags. Bought ortlieb bar bag, accessory bag and seatpack do do big trips a few years ago and although it’s expensive it works really well and lasted well.

If I was buying again, I would probably look at a harness system for the bar bag and just use dry sacs/polly bags. For the fork bags i have the ortlieb bags for the mountain bike and On one podsacs blackburn cages for the gravel. I have a luomo frame bag for the mountain bike and ortlieb for the gravel.
* Electronics- decathlon tent light, head torch/bike light, garmin, kindle and phone. Sometimes pack battery charger.
* Accessories- cup, spork, trowel, lighter, banana holder, 2 x midge hoods, midge spray, plier/knife multi tool, toilet paper, hand sanitiser.
* Tools/spares- normal stuff I would take on a ride. I use a One-up pump/tool mounted on the water cage again for access.
* Clothing- normal stuff i would take on ride eg water proof, gloves, glasses etc plus additional socks, hat, light down jacket, long sleeve cotton t-shirt, cotton leggings/jammy bottoms and flip/flops light sandles.

I found this works for me and as I said I’m a bit of a fairweather/favourable forecast bikepacker and I’m not going too far into the wilderness.

If it was me, I would definately spend a day in the bike park, it has so much to offer other than the flowy jump lines. There’s tons of natural feeling trails that are suitable for all tastes and abilities.

I would also consider hiring a guide- if you’re time limited you could waste a lot of time looking for trails or going down an ‘unsuitable’ trail for your riding preferences.

Pemberton is also worth a consideration.

Wish I was going back there.

this?
https://www.marinbikes.com/gb/bikes/2022-pine-mountain-1

I met a smashing lawyer from Chicago and we started a fun long distance relationship. On one of my visits to Chicago we were in her swanky apartment just off the magnificent mile and were having a pleasant bit of morning banter and snuggling in bed after a thai meal and some beers the night before. All of a sudden I felt that ‘morning’ pressure building up in the pit of my stomach. Not wanting to spoil the morning vibe I opted to hold it in. Magically it disappeared, only for it to make its presence felt, at double the pressure, a wee bit later. Waves of internal pressure meant much cheek clenching and that horrible pulsating feeling in my outlet valve. It was at this point I knew that I couldn’t go to the toilet. As soon as i stood up and unclenched my bum there would be no holding back. Better with plan B.
In sheer desperation, I decided I would go for the controlled muffled fart, the’with slippers on’ approach. I convinced myself I could manage a slow, silent release and direct the stench out of my side of the duvet. Unfortunately, as I started the slow release process, I felt like my bum was a toothpaste dispenser. Exactly the same amount that you would put on your toothbrush popped out onto the bed. Her bed- with nice crisp high thread count sheets. However this wasn’t minty fresh goodness I deposited.

Obviously I was mortified but I don’t know why but I just started having a fit of the giggles. As we made each other laugh by saying stupid things, so she joined in with my giggling.
Her ‘What you laughing at?’
Me ‘Nothing’
Her’ What’s so funny’
Me ‘I’ve potted the white’
By this time it was that deep painful laughing that I can only imagine you get taking magic mushrooms :). This was infectious for her and the more I laughed the more she joined in. It quickly got to the painful cant breathe stage with snotters and all.
Her ‘What do you mean?’ not getting the Scottish saying.
Me ‘I’ve followed through’
Her ‘I Still dont get it’ More uncontrollable laughter for a few minutes.
Me ‘I’ve shat the bed’
Her’ Haahhhaaaa. Your hilarious’ ‘What does that mean?’
Me.. nearly passing out with breathlessness from laughter ‘I’ve shat the bed’
Her’ Haahaha. What’s a shat?’
After another couple of minutes of snotters and breathlessness, I managed to explain that its the past tense of shit. Sort of ruined the moment when the penny dropped for her.

We’re no longer together.

I took me a while to get BCPOV as at first I thought his voice & presentation was quite dull. Now BCPOV and Van girl Yuka are about the only youtubers that don’t grate on me. BKXC. McTtrail etc are just annoying with their whooping and yeboy over every bump in a trail.
Yuka’s progression has been amazing over the past couple of years and her videos are always entertaining. Eric has had a couple of injuries and he’s more cautious now. The more Yuka’s confidences grows, Eric appears to lose his and it’s now Yuka who’s pulling him into features.

The Stooges & MC5 can lay claim to the origins of punk. Dont know if they ever rode bikes in California. Probably had a a few ramps in Detroit.

Nobody comes from Cumbernauld, they all come from Balloch, Dullatur, The Village, Broadwood, etc – very strange

Anyone who originally comes from Cumbernauld talking to someone from Cumbernauld will always say where they grew up eg Carbrain (or more specifically the street Millcroft, Greenrigg, Stonielee etc), Seafar, Kildrum, Villager etc. The people that didn’t grow up in Cumbernauld only identify with the new estates they moved in to. Easy way to tell if someone is originally from Cumbernauld.

I’d be up for that Greg since Arran is nogo. Need to get my MTB ready though.

Smashing film, especially if you’re from Cumbernauld from that era. Everyone is either in it or knows someone who was in it.

**I was in the same class as Gregorys little sister and our class all went to a special screening in Cumbernauld Theatre.

used a small oxford disc lock for leaving outside of shops etc when I done the NC500