It is not the loans that are the problem, it is the conditions set on the loans. selling off valuable industry so that rich western companies can monopolise sectors and profit from it. So these countries no longer have the power and infrastructure to pay back the loans! It is therefore a vicious circle and the only people who benefit are the big banks and the big western companies.

And yes, of course they deserve our help.

Yep agree with blobby. My old housemate did a triathlon using is hardtail, just put some slick tyres on, he did very well in the end.

I have a 2 year plan, to move to South Wales/Herefordshire border so I can be close to more biking.
Living in the South East is stupidly expensive, and I am paying to live next to London, when I have no desire to go there.
Being a teacher I am lucky in that wherever I go, wages will be the same and there will always be jobs.

I was looking at getting one of these, tell me how you get on. Lucky git!

The rings are ok, it is the spindle that is mashed, the teeth have just sheered on one part. So thought getting new set, can then change rings over so I do not have to replace whole cassette.
My friend completed the last section of Blade with one crank. Was a sight to see.

Been going to for a few years now, and it now seems more like a blue route! The work done is impressive, but I do not think it has made any outstanding sections of trail, lots of it seems cosmetic.

The last section you go down is good fun, but that is it, there seems to be no longer any technical sections that really test your mtb skills, although there is a ‘collection’ of rocks about halfway round you can ride over. The pen ultimate section that you now do in reverse was the best section until the direction change, it was very quick, fast flowing with a few technical sections.

I would save your money and spend it on the extra petrol going to Surrey Hills or Swinley Forest.

To me, it feels as though the trails are now trying to be too family friendly and catering for the lowest ability rider. There is loads of forest there, some more testing trails would be nice to see along with a lower parking charge! Most expensive parking for any trail centre I have been to.