Not me throwing out specifically, but postie left a delivery box containing a set off carbon SRAM XX cranks in recycling bin (which normally was a very handy thing). We were on holiday. Had asked neighbour to take out bins while we were away. Oh merde…

Managed to get a replacement set as hadn’t been signed for. Hope the postie didn’t get into trouble as we normally really appreciated that stiff got left. We. Ok have a playhouse so not such an issue

For Torridon the Beinn Damph Loop is an option, it’s a bit less full on than the Annat/Achnashellach stuff. Or maybe head to poolewe and ride out to Carnmore bothy and on into fisherfield…wild country out there, but probably an out and back unless ride a long way back on the road. For Skye I’ve mainly just ridden the sligachan to camasunary track out and back, which is great.

Did bed mine in (oddly enough, as usually wouldn’t bother with that sort of nonsense!) but still lost quite a few more than 10 from each tyre. I’ll need to stop by contin during the summer and see if I can find some to put back in…they are meant to be replaceable aren’t they?

Strathpuffer winter wonderland
Quad became trio
22 laps riden

There seemed to loads more youngsters riding this year than previous years, generally riding with parents (I presume). Was there a new category or something? Maybe all just inspired by Tom. Was really great to see and makes me think mine could maybe do it in a couple of years. Some were riding right through the night. I distinctly remember following a kid and his dad (probably) through the narrow gorsey bit just before the final swoops at about 5am and just thinking how ridiculously cool it was what they were doing. They seemed to be having a great time chatting away and getting through it together, despite some sore hands from the descent. The dad let me know he knew I was there and once it opened up, they pulled over and let me by and I cheered them on (must have cost me a whole 10 seconds! 8O). Like you, I wish pinapple poos upon the nobbers!

I thought the overwhelming majority of people were good about overtaking despite the conditions. Not everyone was great at getting out of the way, but the majority were happy enough to give some room unprompted once they heard my spikes scratching away at the rocks, or after a gentle “mind if I get by at some point?”. I didn’t get overtaken all that much, but whenever I heard a rider on my tail I would say “want by?” and, if they did, I pulled over whenever I could without binning it. We usually had a bit of banter until I did, and they said thanks as they sped off. Almost everyone was courteous. I do remember 2 nobbers shouting “rider coming through!”. However, folk walking up the rideable line was bloody annoying (most moved over after a gentle “excuse me, mate” when sneaking round wasn’t doable). The fact that bars are generally super wide these days (mine included) doesn’t help.

It was an amazing event this year. Done it many times, and it’s always great, but this was the best. Conditions were unbelievable once the snow packed down. The opening lap was a bit interesting and binned it a couple of times in the soft snow. We managed 21st in the quads (best result so far), despite being a man down after he crashed on the icy water splash on the second lap and limped home without a chain and sprained wrist.

Massive thanks to the marshalls and all others involved in putting on such a great event. Looking forward to seeing what the Adventure Show coverage look like.

Road bikes are quite fun, so, yes, get one (if you want one and you can afford it). If you happen to pick up a KOM or two, well done you. My road bike feels (and actually is, according to strava) noticeably faster then my touring/commuting bike, which is a Van Nic Amazon, so hardly a beast – seems to be 5 mins or so over my 15 mile commute. Think the tyres are the biggest factor. The main thing is that the road bike is just fun to ride.

Bit if a trek for you, but maybe the Tour of the Highlands? Just over 300 mile loop in 3 days, starting from Glencoe with stops at Pitlochry and Aviemore. Great 3 days, especially if the weather is decent. Maybe epic enough to be worth the trip. You can also opt for the 3 Pistes, which is the middle day of the TOTH. I did the TOTH last year and loved it, and did the 3 Pistes the year before, which was also good.

Rides: 183
Time: 228h15m
Distance: 3134 miles
Elevation gain: 180,361 ft

Pretty happy with that. Target is to equal it in 2018.

I got myself an s-150 crs in November. Unfortunately have only managed a half dozen rides on it so far, so still early days. I agree it is a lot of bike but it feels more taught and sprightly than I was expecting that I was pleasantly surprised. It climbs well, and is of course great on the downs. I am coming from an e120 as my main trail bike, and I think it climbs as well as that, and is obviously better on steep downs. E120 is a bit of an antique, but it is still a good trail bike. I was worried I would feel overbiked all the time, but I don’t really feel that. I had a 2010 Spicy for more gravity focussed riding before, and the s-150 is MUCH better on climbs and XC type trails that that.

So, I’d say don’t write off the s-150. T-130 may be a better bet, but for me at 6’3” I really wanted the 29” wheels and don’t regret the bigger s-150 so far, and I’ll be using it at strathpuffer this year.

My son loves jam, and has it on toast for brekkie. I typically have it on scones or croissants. Sometimes on porridge.

I am keen to try the power too, when I can bring myself to stump up the £100 or so!

Chopper?

…he got 28.16. Slight bit of lego-based bribery assisted there…is lego a banned performance enhancer?

Good advice to do a bit of running beforehand. I just started running again this summer after many years off, mainly so I could do parkrun with the boy as he was keen. I’m pretty fit on the bike but first run was about a mile and almost broke me. Just such a different exercise.

Let’s turn this into a how fast is my child thread! My son did it in 28:50, he’s 6. He was trying to beat his 7yo friend so ran like the wind. He was middle of the field including adults. Very proud dad moment.

Seriously though, worried I won’t be able to keep up when he’s 7. I couldn’t have run 5k that fast whan I was 16. For getting the kids out and encouraging those who aren’t normally active I think parkrun is great. Ours is well organised and prompt. Big thanks has to go to all the volunteers.

Just about to head out to do it this morning….

I got some Japanthers in the Charlie the Bike Monger sale for £75 or something – very chuffed. In massive size 50 too. Haven’t used yet but look the business for the puffer this year. And might ever see the odd winter commute. I’ve got defrosters and the japanthers seem to be a step up in terms of warmth and weather proofing.

I would speak to a patent attorney. A good one should give you sensible advice about your invention, NDAs and some commercial advice. They do this sort of thing every day. They will also often give some time for free on an initial consultation. It’s what I would do…I am one.

I did. I liked it apart from the many chapters that were long political/philosophical essays, as someone mentioned. The actual story, drama and intrigue was great. Was it worth the effort? Probably not, but at least I can genuinely say I’ve read war and peace.

Another who found the HD to clog very easily as soon as you got near to mud. Was disappointed. Probably worse than a semi-slick for grip in the mud the way it clogged. Have MM on the front. Find the new NN to be fine – not that tough, but decent grip and rolls ok. Just got maxxis tyres on my new bike for the first time (minion ss on rear and HR2 on front) seem skinny in 2.3 form, but I’ll stick with them as everyone says their so good.

Got my C RS on Saturday and took it for a spin around ft bill. Shame the uplift was closed. Mainly on the world champs course, but also a big loop out on fire road to meet my brother in kind from the tour de Nevis. It was great. Really liked it. Had a really sore elbow which hampered the fun a bit, but was ok to get a feel for the bike. It’s an xl and was a bit worried it would feel too big, but it’s spot on. I’m 6’3 so I’m at lower end of the size range for xl, but seemed perfect, and reach felt right. 29er wheels seem proportionate to me and the bike. This is replacing my e120 that’s a bit long in the tooth, though I still love it. S150 doesn’t seem to lose out on the climbs to the e120, and the downs are obviously quite different. Wasn’t looking specifically for another whyte, but when the S150 came out it seemed spot on for my needs. Other comments?…2.3 maxxis tyres seem skinny, much narrower than 2.35 Scwalbes I usually ride. I’ll persevere with them. New pikes seem to be the business. It also looks great.

3.50 to 5.50 is a massive jump, and that’s for SD. Seems to apply to loads of films, so don’t think it’s just top releases. I don’t think I’ll be renting many films from iTunes for a while. And probably won’t buy the new Apple TV either.

I honestly have no idea whatsoever. I can’t remember where it came from. I’m neither oblong, nor Bob.

My boy went from cnoc 14 to beinn 20 small ok. Was a bit big, but with saddle right down he could ride it ok. Think he was 4 at the time, likely about 4.5. Like yours he was confident when switched. No crying that I can remember…doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. We decided to get him it after he rode 13 miles on the cnoc…legs whizzing round. He mastered gears much more quickly than I expected and no probs with gripshift that others have reported. So, from my experience it was a reasonable step up. He’s about to go to 24″ bike and sister (nearly 5) will move onto the 20.

Excellent! Well done all. That sound like a remarkably positive outcome compared to what I was expecting to happen.

I get a lot longer than 1000 miles out of my pro ones and I’m 14.5 stone and fairly powerful. My rear probably has about 1000 miles on it and doesn’t look overly worn or squared off. I really rate them for puncture resistance (with sealant) and they seem to be fast and grippy.

OP, I have a pair of northwave Celsius GTX boots that are a wee bit small for me. They’re 48, but small for the size. Might fit you, especially with thick socks. Used a bit, but in good nick. Yours, or anyone else’s for a bargain price (open to sensible
offer). Been sitting on a shelf for ages and would love them to be used. Will try to sort photos if any interest.

Yeah. I’ve managed to kick the habit for now! Think that was the company and bloke….maybe I’ll just check…. where did I put my wallet again?!

I like Japanese knives, but wusthof and henkels are great too. I got my Japanese knives sent from a company based in Japan for a must better price than any of the good German or Japanese knives bought here. Got a santoku, a gyutou, a nakiri, a couple of utility knives, a and a great long sujihiki for carving. Mixed bag of Damascus stainless and some stainless clad steel. All get used, some admittedly infrequently. If I only had one m, it’d be the santoku.

Psoriatic arthritis here (38yo, diagnosed about 8ya). Not RA but similar. Really got me down for a while and found methotrexate wasn’t that effective and pain in arse with blood tests. Symptoms were pretty debilitating at times. Kept trying to stay active but it was hard when bloody sore. Now on another drug, and currently 99% symptom free and feel good – long may it last. So, try not to worry about it too much, see the rheumatologist and see what they have to say. There are a lot of treatment options now, so there’s a good chance it can be treated effectively. Oh, and don’t just rely on pain meds, you want to get on a drug that’ll halt progression and degeneration of joints (DMARD).

Bar ends are brilliant. The hand position is just so much more natural for climbing etc. It’s a bit like riding on the hoods on a road bike, it’s just the right position for your hands. I still have them on a few of my bikes, including one with risers. Yes they look a bit odd, but who cares. On my bikes without them I sometimes find myself riding on climbs with hands on end of bars as if wishing there were some. I use some stubby ones (tioga maybe) and have some ergon built in ones. Long live bar ends!

November allegedly for the XL I believe. Not sure if that’s correct. Others sizes may be out sooner.

A guy from whyte at tweedlove stand told me the t129 is no more. S150 isn’t really a replacement given it’s so much slacker and longer travel, but seems to fill the 29er trail bike slot in the their line for the time being at least.

I thought hard about whether to get fenix 5 or forerunner 935. Identical functions, except 935 has wifi and you need the sapphire fenix to get that. 935 is plastic and much lighter than the metal fenix. 935 is slightly cheaper, but still a bloody fortune. 935 can mount on bike properly via a quick release mount, not an option for fenix 5 as of yet. Went for 935 in the end. Seems really good…had it a while day. A watch for cycling is a bit rubbish, but I still have my old edge 810 which misbehaves slightly for mounting on the bars.

Not sure if that helps at all.

If you still need lights I’ve got a 2200 (alleged) lumen magicshine and 2 batteries I’d be happy to post you. Works fine, but got myself something newer. Let me know if you want them, thought I think you may be buried in lights by now!

Oh, scarista house Ian great if you want a top notch meal…need to book in advance. Doesn’t look like much, but proper top quality dining. Second vote for the Anchorage. Also, Get nice pies and other food at tho wee self service with honesty box place near newton at south of Harris…maybe called croft number 5 or something.

Just back from a week in Harris. In terms of touristy things, the Callanish stones obviously worth a visit, but go early or late to avoid the crowds. The blackhouses were good for a visit to see what like was like in Lewis way back…in the 70s! Didn’t realise it was that recent that the last folk moved out of them.

Weirdly enjoyed the Harris tweed mill tour that I was dragged along to. Carloway broch was a lovely wee 10 min wander with the kids on a sunny morning. Liked the beach at the top of Bernera, with the Iron Age house, I forget the name.

We loved luskentyre beach and we were based in Seilebost just around the coast in a wee cottage. Where we were the tide goes out and exposes about a like if beautiful beach, which was also great.

I got a few rides in: coffin road loop from Seilebost, postman trail loop (minging day but brilliant ride) and a 40 mile loop on the road bike round south Harris taking in the Golden Road with the wife, which was lovely – I’d recommend the Golden Road if you want a great half day spin.

Really wished I’d had my sea kayak with me when I was on the beaches. So much to explore! There was a sit on top at he cottage, and took the kids out in that in the shallows a couple of times.

Very jealous.

Managed to escape for a couple of hours and road the coffin road loop. Short, but lovely. Path has indeed been improved, and there are barely any boggy bits. Had a minor mechanical moment when an old puncture in my back tyre opened up again and I got doused with sealant as it sprayed out at an impressive rate. Tube had to go in, which made me nervous on the many water bars on the descent. Definitely recommended as a nice wee loop.

I tried giving mine a whack but alas it didn’t work.

OP, I can’t remember the cost exactly, but it was about £50. I did think about just getting a new one, but I decided to get it fixed as new one would have been fair bit over 100 and they were looking a bit thin on the ground at time. Also, I have a broken 5 in my drawer already and felt a bit bad about growing my collection of broken watches.

These guys sorted my sk007 after I dropped it. Very reasonable cost. http://www.rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk