About to do the same. I’m not going to use the standard log book format. I never do for assessments like this. I am going to create a personal CV of sorts that illustrates personal and professional experience inc Photos etc. I was told by Dan Cook (BC MB leadership guru) that this was a good idea. It worked for every other outdoor NGB qual I’ve done so should be good for BC too.

Thanks for detailed answer Roverpig. I checked their website but must of missed that.

Download ‘OS Locate’ for free from playstore or appstore. It is an absolute no brainer for anyone who goes off into the hills for fun.

It is the Ordnance Surveys own app and it handily gives you a 6 fig grid reference of your current location. Just what you need when the poo has hit the fan, need to tell the emergency services and you dont know where you are. It also has a compass which is a bit of a gimmick but maybe useful.

Thanks for all the advice folks. I’ve taken a punt on anti-slip thing from xcracer for a fiver.

Fingers crossed.

Slx on my 5, deore on my Solaris. Performance? Identical. You can obviously maximise the power with bigger discs (as I have done on my five) but on my Solaris I’ve gone for a 160\180 r\f combo to intentionally tone down the power at the rear.

As has been stated, these current crop of shimano stoppers are waaay better than they have any right to be! I can’t see why they are being sold off at discount myself.

Body armour. It helps.

Thanks njee20

Damn it.

Two more questions then.

1) is there a shimano road mech that will cope with 36t?
Or
2) is there a shifter that is drop bar compatible that will pull a shadow+ rear mech properly?

I’ll do my own research but if anyone has a quick answer….

Stainburn is 30mins from Leeds city centre with a fair wind. 5 hours well spent imho

The STW stamp of approval given then! Cheers folks.

The Fenwick’s foaming degreaser is a revelation. Squirt on, leave for a few mins, agitate with a soft brush and hose off.

I only do the “soak in something smelly” option on brand new chains (to rid the horrible OEM grease) or if its mega crappy.

This really boils my piss. I hate to say it but you are going to have to go for the full camp bastion approach to see them off. Because it sounds like you will get another visit in time. Can you still get that anti trespass paint that never drys and sticks like shot to anything that touches it? Then paint it on all the surfaces that may be vulnerable after the rebuild.

I used to eBay a lot. Now I mainly purchase rather than sell for the same reasons you outline above. Dimwitted morons cocking things up for you right left and centre.

That said, buying is a bit of minefield considering what some folk think old bike tat is worth these days. As well as over inflated postage.

It ain’t what it used to be.

Coil. 2011.

Yet another good solid reason to support your LBS. I love hearing stories that end well. Congrats.

Topeak do a good one. Ticks your boxes. Should be easy to google.here it is

The Spey is a great canoeing river and there are loads of options for hiring boats.

Great idea for a big day out. Nice one

I called you a lot more than that after you sped off. Head cam caught it all though so go YouTube your car reg.

Ha ha! Just found this thread again after completely forgetting about it. I love how this forum can stimulate so much wild debate.

For the record, the dog owner apologised to me and I apologised to the dog owner as it was a clear 50/50, both parties at fault.

Touché!

Had one, initial impressions were good, then sold it. I ran it SS and 1×10. Rigid and with 100mm rebas (the world’s most worryingly flexible fork!).

I sold it because I kept finding its limitations. It is capable of licking along at uber speeds and it carries it well with great handling. The problem is I would then carry the speed into something tech and get in to trouble. I decided therefore I am not the type of rider who ought to be on such a bike.

If you don’t see the above being an issue and want a supurb mile munching 29er then fill yer boots.

Sorry, this was 15km and 300m of ascent. Or at least it was supposed to be.

And I thought I was doing well with 83.58 out if possible 99.67. I have only been through 164 segments ever though. I couldn’t tell you where any start/finish in real life. I guess that may change now though. Give it time.

I LOVE new bike day

For me, its another bike I can choose to ride (always a good thing) and it is bags and bags of fun. I know that’s not very helpful as it is an entirely subjective view so here are some objective points.

Grip. Simply stacks of it. I have an On One Fatty with their own ‘floater’ tyres. At almost every point where your MTB brain says “here comes a slide” the Floaters just dig in and drive on. Its an amazing feeling when you are getting away with silly cambered stuff and rooty rooty trails that would have your 140 trail bike slip sliding away.

A floaty ride. My hardcore enduro racing mate (29th at the Ae enduro yesterday- he has credentials!) jumped aboard and remarked immediately that it felt like riding on a cushion of air (because you are!) And would buy one if he had the cash.

They are great everywhere* with the notable exception of the new Paved sections on Ilkley moor. Where they suck. But so does everybike.

Anyone who thinks they are crap has no grease left in their soul and needs a service.

*Offroad

If you’re near otley I can help

Damn auto correct :wink:

Only regret what you don’t do.

Mrs.B is fully engaged here and ready to pop. I have a bag full of food, a pocket full of cash (for parking and Costa coffee) and a fully charged phone (entertainment, camera and family informing device all rolled in to one).

Bring on the baby! :D

I did it 2 years ago. They use everything. Tons and tons of single track, , lots of ‘natural’ trails, lots of bike park stuff and DH ish trails. Its quite simply the best day you can have on a bike and if you don’t go when you have the chance you need your bike taken off you and given to someone more worthy.

Seriously? You are thinking of having the words ‘cheap’ and ‘chienese’ in the same sentence as ‘brakes’

The economy may be in the crapper but surely you prefer all your limbs unbroken?

Every time I sort out my cellar/mancave (6 bikes hung up, work bench, tools, tons of other outdoor stuff p!us a lot of crap) I promise myself it will stay that way no matter what. Then about 2 days later it looks like it has been burgled but nothing taken. I’m currently putting it down to the fact that I spend more time riding my bikes than polishing them, which is a good thing.

But one of my resolutions this year is to keep more like the OP’s. Good work there OP.

how about this one

Correct.

When I was a student living in a house of 10 guys one of our housemates dads came over with a carrier bag with something heavy in it. He asked if we wanted to pay more or less for our leccy bill. Being skint students we of course opted for the latter.

He went down to the meter and attached a shoebox-sized box to it with a couple of wires and the meter wheel stopped 8O

It used to get mighty hot, that box.he came over once a month to disconnect it for a few days so we would register a small bill.

I think back on it now and wonder how we were never caught/arrested/burned in our sleep.

Be strong.

Tabogoning. Thanks to Guy Martin and the ultra-toff he meet in St. Moritz.

He was only 8sec off the winning 3000m steeplechase chase time at the London Olympics!

They don’t make ’em like they used to.