Further to my original reply, after a trip this year I’m now convinced Andalusia is the best warm weather destination. Hundreds of miles of wild, deserted roads, virtually zero traffic, beautiful white villages, great food. It’s a huge region so there are loads of different areas to explore. Ronda would be a great base.

@simondbarnes that is a copita, my favourites.

Regarding the history of Glencairns, it’s worth noting that single malt whisky as a “thing” is pretty recent. Many distilleries have been around for a long time but historically, everything went into blends.

For the ultimate nosing experience the 1920s blender’s glass is where it’s at. Unfortunately I’m terrified to use it most of the time as it’s so fragile. Mrs B has already broken about 3 of my copitas doing the washing up so this thing is seriously vulnerable.

Glancairn is the classic. I slightly favour the copita made by the same people which is a bit smaller and has a stem.

Black mamba

No Mrs B, the tin opener does not need a full wash in the sink with the other dishes after every use. But if you insist on putting it on the chopping board that’s had the raw chicken on it after you’ve used it then it doesn’t really leave much choice.

Yep, Swindon 0, Carlisle 2.

Rock and Roll blue. Put plenty on but then wipe off the chain thoroughly.

Port de Soller the best base IMO so long as you like climbing.

So what was the British Vegetarian Society called before they invented the word Vegetarian?

https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/ayacucho-unisex-technowool-slippers-B1614042.html

25th September will mark 4 years since I missed a day – minimum qualification at least a 2 mile walk, a run or a bike ride.

Still a way to go to catch up with Ron Hill though who I think ran every day for over 50 years!

The Chapeau ones are decent and a good price at the moment.

Eden Valley is nice. Handy for Lakes, North Pennines, Bowland. Easy access to the M6. Fantastic road riding in all directions.

Had a Terra C for a while. Bike was pretty tidy but had a fairly poor experience with Orro over a minor warranty issue.

The Venturi looks tidy but reckon I’d want to weigh one for myself before buying one, they do look a bit porky.

I’ve taken a punt on the Element Bolt v2 in the end. £200 on Amazon was too good to ignore. If I’m not keen on the move away from Garmin I can always sell it on in due course once the 540 prices come down a bit.

I’m in a similar position although want a new GPS mainly for road use.

Not wanting to spend a fortune. Don’t use mapping a lot although can be useful when away in trips with the bike.

Edge 530 would probably have been perfect but not many left around now at decent priced. Don’t really want a reconditioned one.

Choice seems to be narrowing down to Edge Explore 2 or Wahoo Element Bolt v2. The Wahoo looks good but I’m a long term Garmin user so a little reluctant to make the leap. Plus I’d need somenew mounts or adapters as I’ve got several bikes.

Any words of wisdom?

Isle of Arran.

Do you Spain is a comparison site that generally produces some good deals. We always filter for on airport so there’s no messing about with shuttle buses. I tend to get an annual excess insurance policy.

Fleming’s James Bond books if you’ve not already read them.

Something by Wilbur Smith, maybe River God.

Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt books are pretty mindless entertainment.

Barcelonette

You can spend plenty once you realise you need a shoe “rotation”.

Sounds a bit like 2 jackets – cold outside the pub = insulated jacket or gilet. Rain while on the bike = Shakedry or other light waterproof.

Surely blade length on an Opinel is irrelevant as they have a locking mechanism don’t they?

+1 for what Doom Mountain says. The race vests really are a game changer for me. I also have the 5 and 12 litre Salomon ones, plus one of their running belts. They’re not cheap but the design is excellent and they’re superbly comfortable. I picked the 12 litre one up on Ebay for £50.

Seen a couple of lawn care guys on YouTube recommending some stuff called MoBacter. It’s meant to be an organic fertiliser with bacteria in it that eats moss. Supposedly you don’t have to scarify unlike the usual iron based treatment. Haven’t tried it myself but tempted to give it a go in our back garden which is currently a mossy swamp.

Castelli Tutto Nano

What county? – Northumberland

We’ve had a joint of beef out on the garage worktop all day defrosting and it barely seems any different to when it came out the freezer this morning.

Carn an Fhreiceadain from Kingussie is basically 4×4 track all the way so would be rideable all the way.

Arran. 2 distilleries there now with Lagg having opened.

Wonder why she needs the bar bag when she’s got a support vehicle.

Done both in the last 2 years. Preferred GC as Tenerife roads just too busy in many places. That said, the ride up Teide is utterly incredible.

If you’ve done Mallorca I’d suggest having a look at Calpe/Costa Blanca area. Masses of routes, a mix of harder and easier stuff. Good surfaces and pretty quiet when you get inland.

We’ve got booked up for September. A week in La Villa hotel in Siena and then 3 nights in an out of town place near Montalcino. Can’t wait.

Shame Ravin Rodent Subortna didn’t get in. A 99p coin would be a great idea.

https://www.loonyparty.com/5017/8563/rochdale-by-election/

Corroded – would you recommended the AirBnB you stayed at? If so, would you mind sending me a link for it? We’re planning to be over there later in the year.

If you can keep your head, when all about you are losing theirs, and blaming it on you etc etc…

Ive got a Montane one which is nice and was decent value with one of their regular discount codes.