Not sure if you want the sentimental answer or the scientific answer.

I think the scientific version is that dogs make very strong associations, mostly with sounds and smells, but they probably aren’t cogniscent of the fact that that it’s you. What I mean is, they probably recognised you and they associate you with walkies/dinner/warmth/cuddles, but they probably don’t think “Oh, look, it’s Blower, I love him”. There are some interesting studies into what type of memories dogs have.

I expect they did recognise you and they were happy because it was you.

What does your customer engagement plan say?

Bitter spray doesn’t sound like a great solution to me. And if the first attempt didn’t work, what makes you think the next batch will be more effective?

I think that either:

a) You need to put in the hard work to train them off it. This means catching them getting onto it or sleeping on it and telling them off properly, which might mean staying up late or getting up at 2am to shout at them.

b) You need to consider whether you really want to keep them off it. Your dogs sleep on the sofa – so what? Is this a big issue?

I don’t get the fascination with Labradoodles. I’ve met as many pretty ones as ugly, as many good-natured ones as ill-mannered. To me, the hit-and-miss nature of the looks and temperament is a reflection of the lack of breeding standards. This in itself isn’t a problem, but it’s the fact that you pay the same for a dog from good stock as you do for a shoddy one from irresponsible breeders. (Please note I am not saying all labradoodle breeders are irresponsible…there are crap breeders in all breeds.)

Personally, I think the difference between getting an £800 labrador and an £800 labradoodle is that you have more certainty in the likely character of a labrador – you can be fairly certain that the pup will take on the characteristics shown by the parents. With a labradoodle, you don’t have that certainty as the breed lines haven’t established.

I reckon it’s like Marzocchi forks: Would you buy a pair now, given that in their recent past they’ve produced some very poor forks? How do you know this years model is good? Or would you buy a pair from another company with a proven track record?

PS. There is a fourth labrador colour: Red.

+1 for Viszla. Except you won’t get one for £300.

So +1 for Dogs Trust. Rehome a good dog, and they’ll make sure you get something suitable.

I travel about 15 miles a day, each way, on the bus. I get a 10-trip ticket, works out at £2.20 each way. I calculate driving costs 30p per mile (and yes, you have to include the cost of the tax, insurance etc. because you don’t get that for free and I don’t agree with the reasoning that they’re fixed costs) hence about £4.50 each way. Plus I don’t get free parking so that’s £5 per day.

Realistically, driving would cost me £14 per day – at best, if I could get free parking and ignored the running costs, it would cost £5 in fuel. Bus costs £4.40 per day. Cracking value if you ask me.

And I do cycle it sometimes, before you ask. It allowed me to justify a +1 for the collection.

I’ve been looking at those as well. I think the spec/value for money argument comes down to personal preference, but the OP question is a very valid one: What’s the ride like?

I’m presuming there will be something of a difference between the well-regarded alloy frame and the unknown carbon frame because of the (slightly) different pivot mechanisms. But I’m also guessing that nobody has ridden a CF, other than the German press?

My Spesh BGs (Comp or Sport, can’t remember) have lasted 11 years so far. Stopped using them for a while as I got some Shimano MT32s, but have gone back to the Speshes recently.

They’re tatty, mind.

Definitely seek out District 13. And watched Ip Man a couple of weeks ago on FilmFour, brilliant kung-fu film, highly recommended.

Do I need a one of these expensive dropper posts or not?

Not. Probably. I reckon 1% of the biking population really need one, the other 99% can manage without.

I notice the OP has disappeared.

Far be it from me to give a sensible answer to an otherwise ludicrous and at times offensive set of replies, but this should work:

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/pet-corrector-spray-50ml-by-the-company-of-animals-14415

Just a harmless little can that scares most dogs. But clearly the best way to deal with unwanted dogs is to learn from an experienced dog handler.

And why would anyone indiscriminately kick a dog? Are you mental? While you’re at it, why not shove a pram over or steal an old person’s zimmer frame?

pictonroad has nailed it. We can all make this problem go away if we use less water. This is not someone else’s problem, this is your problem and you can do something about it.

Anyone else got any particularly selfish views they want to add?

+1 for the Skeletool. Got one for my brother for Christmas, I think £46 from the Amazon, and when it arrived it was so nice I almost kept it. The big benefit over other Leathermans (Leathermen?) is the blade – it’s a decent size. The whole thing is light as well, and can clip on the outside of a rucksack. If it had a 5 & 6mm Allen keys & a tyre lever, it would be the perfect trail tool.

Personally, I have a Leatherman Juice CS4. Have had it for about 10 years now, and it’s as fresh as the day I got it. Quality is outstanding, and also I find I use it more than any other tool for more things. Forget the 25-year warranty though, I can’t see it breaking in 100 years.

If I was in the market, I would probably get a Skeletool.

As for the OP, I wouldn’t want to recommend a specific tool, other than to say I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you go for a Leatherman of some description.

+1 for Protectyourbubble. Proper specialist cover.

http://uk.protectyourbubble.com/bicycle-insurance/

There are plenty that don’t need a widget, but bear in mind that it makes your banking less secure.

First Direct and Cahoot don’t use the widgets. First Direct are HSBC though, so I guess may switch over to widgets at some point.

Why don’t you use telephone banking? Most accounts allow you to check balances over the phone, which may be useful for when you’re abroad?

+1 for the GT85.

Having said that, from your description it sounds like you’ve got the wrong size post.

Decathlon/B’Twin do a couple of cheapies (c. £10). No doubt they’re not as breathable/waterproof as top-notch stuff, but I was looking at their range the other day and I reckon it’s excellent as emergency kit. I’m going to get one to keep in the workbag.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/waterproof-cycling-clothes-10206669/

Ridden By Ryan

Stayed here once a few years ago. Very bike friendly and located just above the Drop Off Cafe in Glyncorrwg.

http://www.thequeensguesthouse.co.uk/

FSA do a fair amount of white bars/stem/seatposts. OnOne used to be selling them pretty cheap as well, although I’m too lazy to do the legwork for you or even post a link.

Sorry.

HTH

Steve Claridge, when I was riding to college on my BMX one day in Portsmouth.

Stuart Pearce, when I was riding along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

And I often ride past Kenny Lynch’s house, although I tell this to everyone and haven’t had any response other than “Who?”. He couldn’t be more friendly, I want to try and blag a cup of tea one day.

I got the Denon M38-DAB with some Q Acoustics 2010i speakers, plus some cable, all in £278 from Hifix. Sound quality is certainly good enough, good DAB reception, plays straight from USB. FIts your spec perfectly I reckon.

I’d definitely recommend one. Was also looking at Onkyo as well, but not disappointed by getting the Denon.

Was there on Sunday – ground conditions are pretty good if you bear in mind we’re in the middle of winter. Enough mud to make it interesting but not claggy enough to cause big problems. Some parts were fairly dry, but some (short) bits were manky.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself.

Geeky fact of the day – I think I’m right in saying the G-Shock is one of only three watches certified by NASA for use in their space flights. The other two being the Omega Speedmaster and the Timex Ironman.

Useful, if you go to space every now and then.

The After Eight game. Get a box of After Eights, hand one out to the first volunteer. This person puts the After Eight (removed from it’s little envelope) on their forehead. The challenge is for them to eat the After Eight without using their hands. So they have to slide it down their face into their mouth.

No prizes or anything, but it makes people do really stupid faces.

TK Maxx.

Erm…someone was being nice to a dog in a pub, and that made you angry?

Out of interest, do you have problems with your blood pressure?

I've always used Bell Direct. Always given me a good price.

They're the same company as Admiral, Elephant & Privelege I think.

D'you think it broke because they were going at it like teenagers?

The pedant in me wants to point out that 'Sold as seen' is a phrase with no basis in law.

The sensible bit of me wants to remain schtum.

At the risk of causing offence (nothing personal etc), I really believe in the maxim that it's not the dog, it's the handler. Granted, there are exceptions.

Sound like you & the dog need to spend training time together. Quite understand that this can't be achieved in the first week of ownership though.

OT – I've heard the wolves as not pack animals thing as well. Something to do with a lack of 'loyalty' to the pack.

I think there's a theme here – how much is a friendship worth?

Also, how do you judge how much of a friend somebody is?

Someone being pushy about a large sum of money I doesn't sound like a great mate to me., without any real right to do so

-1 for watching it. Saw it a couple of weeks ago, and it was dire.

Inception, Toy Story or Knight & Day are all much better films.

Everything pretty comprehensively covered already, so justr to echo some points;

Get lessons.
Don't bother with a mega resort (Sauze D'Oulx or Andorra would suit).
Rent, don't buy (perhaps boots an exception).
Get goggles.
A few hours at Snowdome or similar will really, really help.

Borrowing kit off mates is a good idea.

The F1 driver – Eddie Irvine I presume?

I once taught the world to sing. The harmonies weren't great though.

+1 for BigDummy's plan. Seems the obvious answer.

(Note to self: don't piss BigDummy off).

It's common courtesy to reply, yes, but not doing so doesn't make him a crook.

I agree with Horatio in that I wouldn't go round making accusations.

I think trailrat meant the Exposure Flare.

Something similar happened to me – except the other way round.

All I would say is; Don't assume the chap is lying about the money not appearing, he might be telling the truth.

If he hasn't had payment arrive, then his options are limited.