trainers and ruck sacks!! Most women like shoes and handbags .. boyf laughs at the amount of ruck sacks I have I LOVE THEM!!! Oh and outdoorsy type kit, coats, water proof bags EVERYTHING like that!!

I don’t earn that in 2 years!! Oh and I don’t get expenses either!!

I think everything that Chewk is good and he has a point! good advice!!

Just have to keep an eye on them and it depends on where they are. Mate of mine had one on join of shoulder had it off, was skin cancer and couldn’t go anythign for 6 weeks however they had caught it very early. She had a larger area chopped out and no problems now at all. Just keep an eye and no more sitting in the sun .. hide away!

Pale and pasty rules!

There is loads of riding around Cwmcarn, just up the road is Sirhowy valley and you can MTB all the way over to Cardiff on some wicked trails. Would love to come out and show you around but now living in Bicester (don’t do it, it’s rubbish!!!).

Good luck to you guys, hope it stays sunny so you can all chill out and get some riding in, relax for a week or so!! good luck

Herbi that’s what I was thinking and they are so cheap! buying some kit off Minx girl and found them on there. Excellent thanks guys.

cool that’s what I wanted really just as a back up and if I got stuck somewhere. I say “leave them on the bike” as my bike will be parked in a rear secure yard where public don’t have access. Cheers maybe get a couple.

Mr Munqe-chick did a PhD and really enjoyed it, as people have already said you certainly do NOT do it for the money but for the enjoyment of the research (even if it does get a little tedious when writing up at the end). If you get a PhD it gives you some many world wide opportunities to do post docs all over the world. Mr MC then went off to America for 2 years, he didn’t enjoy the post doc but it was the best 2 years of his life, lots of climbing, MTBing and doing really cool stuff. After that (this was 10 years ago!!) he struggled to get a job but did another 2 year post doc in the UK and then worked in research for 8 months before deciding that after 10 odd years of science he wanted a complete change and joined the police. He doesn’t regret what he has done one bit, loved the work and found it very challenging. It is also amazing how banks, shops etc treat you differently when you have “DR” on your letters etc.

My brother also did a PhD (finishing about 4 years ago), again he went on to do it as he was struggling to find a job. Again loved the research and the work that he completed. Hard work towards the end writing it all up but definately worth it when you see that book you’ve completed at the end. He hasn’t had a problem getting jobs afterwards but not in academia. He worked in Swindon for EPSRC the research council giving grants for uni research projects. He has now moved to Aberdeen and is working as a corrosion engineer for Lloyds register and enjoying it.

In this current climate I would think it may be a good time to get on and do it, in 3-4 years the climate will have picked up again!

I haven’t done it but from my brother and partner, I’d say “DO IT DO IT”!!!!
And lots of free time (if you want it) to ride your bike!!! remember though you do have to want to do it as you have lots of time doing research on your own and treated like an adult. (This is all opinion from what they’ve told me … I just got a BA).

Good luck.

Coatesy you have mail thought I’d stop hijacking this thread!

Mmmm you may do!!! I have NO clue how to post pics of myself on here sorry! I have been riding with JIF and Ian Jeremiah for years and was a young whippet! In the mid 90’s I raced all of the Welsh series ….. real name is Fran …… helping at all!!?? what about you?
I got a 1993 Kona Fire Mountain in the lovely grey and purple from Sunset! But got nicked after 3 months I was so gutted about that … replaced it with a 94 model which was red and I hated! It’s just about to die … after 14 years … who would’ve thought it.

Well went out running tonight for approx 5.6 miles and tried the pushing it between points .. it clearly worked as I got a PB however whilst I was out I didn’t actually feel like I was running much quicker, just that I was picking my feet up higher and running on the balls of my feet! oh well will try again later in the week when I go out.

I have had the same problem. To be honest I think the best way is just to find a running buddy that’s quicker than you. Pick a route and run with them see how long you can stay with them.
I’ve tried intervals and just don’t have the will when I’m out on my own. i can run whatever distance required just can’t get quicker. Did 7 miles last week so will just keep plodding along to keep my base level of fitness up!

good old Sunset I bought my first MTB from you guys in 1993!!!!

I thought it was a good watchable film! Don’t criticise them too much unless story line pants otherwise would criticise them all!

Yup bike can it’s whether your legs can or not!! Top bike great for XC in this country (if you;re fit … being 5ft 4 1/2 the weight is quite hard going for me) and awesome in Morzine!!

Remember the police only have to SEND the NIP within 14 days you do NOT have to receive it within 14 days .. and it goes to the registered keeper.

Ian would help out if he could! top bloke and my best mate … awesome rider as well ;-)

Yup I still do .. makes you go faster and out of control as they don’t work ;-)

Have you thought about contacting Cyclopaedia on Crwys Road for some kit support?? 029 20377772. They recently had a member of their club die of cancer (George Greaves) they have a race etc in his memory now, maybe something they can help with.

Good luck I remember riding the Taff Trail to Brecon when I was 15 … great fun.

Tankslapper I’ve always loved the name “seren” for a girl (oh dear way up with us Taffs!). I only know one Megan I think “Eve” or “Evie” has been mega popular lately.

A bottle of Pinot Grigio in front of the World Track Champs and gutted for Lizzie Armitstead but hey still another medal to the bag when she is so young.

Mieszko I think you’ll find that’s perverting the course of justice and some time in the clink if you get caught … over here!!

Just pay it,it’s only a fine, you won’t have points put on your licence.

Top girl and some awesome riding been going on.

I would love to come however I will be MTBing in Morocco celebrating my 30th!!! Maybe next time.

I have a 15″ Kona which is fine (I’m 5ft 4 1/2 with 30″ inside leg) and also an XS Giant full susser which I think is a 14″.
Just ordered a 15″ Cube hard tail as it has the dink in the top tube to increase stand over height. True though best to just try and have a little ride around.

Oh I shall have to have a look too! Normally stay with my folks in Cardiff but want to stay somewhere so we can cram more riding in!

1) Lots! maybe 10 or so!
2) Even more but that is only non-visible damage to my helmet.
3) Never
4) Never

There must be someone selling theirs 2nd hand on here .. since there appears to be so many people with kids. Worth advertising on classifieds.

They did discuss it on 5 live so someone has shown some interest! Can’t see it being on the BBC 1 10 o’clock news sports line up tonight .. however some of the World track results probably will be! They love the track cyclists after Beijing!

My thoughts exactly Johni. Everyone in America wears a helmet they think it’s wierd if you don’t.

If anyone lives in the Thames Valley region the police are about to start recruiting again …. if you interested (and I haven’t put anyone off!!) then feel free to drop me an e-mail.

Good luck.

Can you not just sell the car back? I have no clue how these loans with cars work!!!?

I have always worn a helmet when snowboarding since year 1 when I got some quite nasty concussion. Plus it gives you some extra warmth especially when sitting on the chair lifts. Think about it sensibly though skiiers/boarders are often riding the same slopes that we ride in the summer on MTB’s, doing similar jumps and going at similar speeds, but you wouldn’t think twice about going out without a helmet on your MTB!

I do agree though too much molly coddling, let us all make our own decisions.

I think the problem is a lot of women end up getting into MTBing through partners and don’t often think about racing. I raced for many years as a Youth and loved it but again people tend to forget about women and don’t get recognition so you get pi**sed off. I won the Juniors event at Malverns (in the 90’s!) and didn’t even get to go on a podium they just gave me my prize no announcements like they did with the men.

I know things have changed significantly since then but I don’t race any more as I’m not fit enough. I’m too competitive to enter a race if I don’t think I have a chance of doing well! Oh and it’s too far North for me sorry!

Oh I’m off on a MTB ride to the pub in the light, then some crazy downhilling madness in the dark after dinner a couple of pints!
Molgrips .. oh how I wish I could move back to Cardiff!? I’m here this weekend .. hence the fun and games on some darnnnnn hills!

Try De Marchi .. I have BIG sporty thighs! I particularly struggle to get any sort of baggy shorts full stop! I have an old pair of Oakleys and then a pair of Fox large (!!) where I have had to cut the elastic grippers so that I don’t stop the circulation in my thighs.

Sorry to hijack threat but any suggestions for baggies for a girl with bigger thighs! really got 30inch waist and 40 inch thighs.

Nationwide have a good base rate tracker mortgage at the moment if you have cash and can handle your money. Not fixed in, can over pay with any amount. Have a look.

Difficult but personally if it’s damaging your children and you don’t like them that it’s only you that can make the decision and I’d say do it. Guess it’s going to be difficult if they live locally and do you think they are then going to kick off!

I was thinking more that the singing as a ventriloquist was pretty dam impressive! HAve you tried singing (especially well) with your mouth closed!?

Just do what Crankboy and I have said!
Don’t dwell about the what if’s, what’s right/wrong on here.
End of the day you need to get legal advice and someone that can represent you in law and will fight your corner.

quick release anodised bolt!?