We used to use frontine on our collie but he still picked up ticks. Last year we tried a Seresta tick collar from the vets, 40 quid but worked very well with no ticks at all. Just put one on the dog this evening. Were based in exmoor so lots of ticks due to sheep and deer.

As a self employed architectural designer I am in a very similar position. Have just started a live test project in revit to test the water and potentially make the transition. For me it’s about not being left behind with technology as I am still in the process of completing my part 3 and may look to go back in to practice. Interested to hear how you get on op.

Altberg here too. Tried Berghaus and Scarpa, but the different width fittings of Altberg make for a perfect fit. Don’t be put off by non goretex lining, they are just as waterproof.

…you start noticing draughts.

Following on from the London Olympics everything now has ‘team’ before it. It grates.

Topo sculpture

Stumpy01 – How do you get on with the Moon XP1500, see they are cheap(ish) on Merlins at the moment.

Im after a light that I can use on my road bike but also for lighting the local MTB trails, is it too bright on the lowest setting for the road? Not keen on buying a Chinese copy and the XP1500 seems like a good deal to me.

Try searching for an architectural designer for your local area, should be much cheaper than a RIBA architect. Despite the modest size I recommend a building regulation ‘full plans’ package so you can obtain accurate quotations from builders, the plans will then be checked by Building Control prior to site commencement which provides the opportunity to raise any queries before you start building. Depending on the design of the extension and modifications to your existing house you may also require a structural engineer to provide calculations for steel work, for example if you want to open a room into another etc.

FYI I’m a self employed architectural designer located in Somerset.

Black Horse is v good.

I am in the process of planning the same trip for next year, I live in a village just the other side of Croydon Hill and was only yesterday pouring over the OS maps trying to find a suitable route so your post is v well timed!

Any chance you could mail me the GPX file?

Cheers
Nick

I have also fairly recently taken up road biking to improve my general fitness. SPD Sl’s are in my opinion essential for road biking not just for efficiency but also for comfort, my bike came with the cheap shimano SPD pedals and I have literally upgraded them to SPD-SL., I would suggest to build your confidence try MTB shimano SPD’s as you can clip in on both sides of the pedal which makes it much easier when pushing off. My initial impressions of the SPD-SL’s are they take a little more foot control to get the cleat into the pedal however are more comfortable on a ride giving a larger foot contact area much like a flat pedal. I would say it was the first time of using the SL’s on Sunday so with some more practice expect to become a bit slicker at clipping in. For your first clip in experience I would suggest going for MTB SPDS to build your confidence and get used to the feel.

My bro in law is a HETAS registered Stove installer located in Bristol.

A very comprehensive and professional job.

Cottrell Stoves[/url]