Excellent – I’ve sent you an email.
If anyone from the intermediate group was able to email something similar I’ll owe them a pint! :-)

I wouldn’t run a Fire XC Pro and disc brake on the same wheel – I found that combination tends to rip valves off innner tubes…

I found Bonty Jones ACX to be pretty good too, not too claggy.

Probably depends on the proportion of tarmac to rougher stuff. A semi-slick such as the Panaracer Mach SS (if they still make ’em?) would probably be fine for the rougher parts, but would drag more on roads than a slick.

In terms of slicks, I had Schwalbe City Jets and found them OK, although the grip does abruptly give way if you lean the bike over too far on bends. Now gone to Spesh Nimbuses, and find them to be fine. They’re all an absolute pig to fit though…

I’m struggling here with the gpx files on the garmin links – I can see maps, etc, but can’t download a gpx from any of them. Pants – I was looking at yours ’cause I was in the intermediate group, but there’s no way to download the route?

Just to add my thanks, I thought it was a cracking ride, and a pretty substantial turnout given the weather. Thanks to c_g and Aleigh for organising, Paul for leading our intermediate group, dezb for the photos and pants et al for the Mule bars when I felt done in near the end :)
Cheers for the Garmin tracklogs, too – I meant to take mine but forgot. Not sure I believe the claimed 827 Calories burned – maybe in 25C it would be!

I tend to use them as second choice after crc, simply because I always go to crc first! But I’ve never had a problem with them, and the one time that I ordered a brake urgently that they didn’t have in stock, they worked with the Formula importers to get me one in time for the weekend. Would definitely recommend them

What kind of Gore are you looking at? I use the Gore Rideon fancypants ones (complete with outer and inner liners) and not had a problem yet with them. Well worth the money and time, I reckon.

c_g, you’ve made it earlier than you previously mentioned – is that to get enough time in for the afternoon ride?
I’m working out logistics with the other half, but should be able to make it, and also have a mate who sounds keen.

Nope – I used to be the 75th nicko, but got promoted for the new forum…..