Middleburns on Square Taper here too.

My only encounter with ST – given the amount of abuse and crud that the s/s gets, I was amazed that the (second hand, cheap Shimano) BB only developed a clonk after 6 years. Replaced for a few quid and off we go again. Converted.

I had to look up who he is on Google. I wish I hadn’t bothered.

I think that transport is going to be an almighty mess, that will embarrass the UK internationally. Given how badly it runs in normal times, when no-one gives a monkeys, with all the extra stresses I reckon it’ll just stop completely for the month.

Mmmm. Nice.

Remarkably straight seat stays.

Look like good tyres for mud too.

A sald from the cafe in our basement. A cup of tea next and that’s enough excitement for me.

On the subject of Muc-Off, I have found that it is good for “zapping” slugs that try to creep up on you when you’re cleaning your bike. They hate the stuff, so it’s not that bad.

Does that help?

One thing that the mud has made me curious about – 29ers. How do those clown-wheeled bikes cope with it? Do they dig in further/deeper and get stuck more quickly or cut through it better, do the wheel clearances tend to be less on them or do they shed mud more easily?

Just curious. I’m sure there must be some advantage to them somewhere 😉

Hate it hate it hate it.

For those that say it can be fun, I reckon you live in a predominantly rocky area. Around our way it’s just a real slog to even keep moving. I have been pedalling downhill now for about 3 months and don’t think I’ve really been above a medium walking pace in that time. Getting more than about 50 yards without getting stuck and walking for ages shin-deep is an achievement. I ride whenever I can (which is not often enough) as being on a bike is vital for me, but I am soooooo fed up with this crap. Another 9 months to go, at least.

And breathe. That’s been building up for ages.

At least as of this week I can now use a hose to clean filthy bike (in driving rain).

Yes, signed up with Mrs O. Tyres are tubeless so will have to go with what I’ve got which is an almost smooth High Roller on the front and an Advantage on the back.

Any condition reports, local riders?

Great woodpile (if not quite McMoonter standard). Well done.

(Oh that immensely distracting Roadkill T-Shirt advert is back again….mmmmm).

+1 angallis. He is indeed.

Thanks Alex. Old ipod so that’s out then. Cheers

Can I ask an “IT” question on the iTunes suggestion please – my ipod only plays music (as far as I know). How do I watch a film from iTunes?

I was one of the first First Direct customers right back when they started. Since then they have made one (relatively minor) mistake for which they apologised profusely and sorted out very efficiently. That aside, I can’t think of a single thing to grumble about – very happy.

Hmmm. The above encouraged me to buy Vast but the DVD is 22 quid on Amazon. I think I’ll wait a bit (unless anyone wants to sell one?) 😀

We still have a hosepipe ban here, if that helps.

Me too. We could have a race along the Jubilee line? Who wants to be crowned winner (no headstarts allowed)?

I have an Orange 5 – does that win?

Try Donald Kennedy for a boat pickup.

Contact: Donald P. Kennedy
Phone: 01866 822430
Email: lochetive@aol.com
BOOKING NECESSARY CALL 07721732703 WORKING HOURS AND 01866 822430 EVENINGS.

It was Ronnie Barker. He did the “And it’s good night from me and goodnight from me” gag with it – turning round to do so.

Yes – but Lotts Wood (2 miles from my front door) has been trashed by the Forestry, sadly.

Just up the road then. I should have recognised it. Will keep my eyes open for another Cotic rider – not many around these ‘ere parts. Although I did see 4 on the recent Summit ride!

Cheers

Crocodillian – is your first pic just up from Maidensgrove?

Can’t post pics but love mine just ‘cos it’s brilliant!

Siobhan Fahey.

Thumbs up from me on Hope brakes generally. Easy to work on, great performance, and when they eventually get tired Hope aftersales is amazing.

I’m a big biffer and only ever overheated one set and that was because I hadn’t changed the fluid. Ever.

Slimjim – yes I would, not out every weekend but can do with a bit of notice. I am guiding some virtual newbies round there in a couple of weeks. I can get away with being a cr@p rider with them, though….!

Will drop you an email.

PS Contact my boss as well and convince him that it is vital to the future of my company that I guide you round on Thursday.

No idea what a codec is but I am regualrly driven batty with the goPro Moviemaker combination. The latter will only let me use one album of music, which is a bit limiting!

Looks an ace day.

Jct 5 (Stokenchurch) A40 west then take the first left (on the county border) to Christmas Common. Loads of great trails around there.

How about “Flibertyjibbet”?

The conditions look like every ride I have had this year.

Horrified at the jetwash piture – what about the hosepipe ban?!! Arrest them, Centurion!

Can I say something on this thread?

I want to say “We’d still be in s**t street but also be stuck with ID cards” but can’t because if I do it would be saying that we’re better off with the Tories. And that’s clearly tantamount to liking Thatcher.

Oh dear. Can we have another question, please?!

I thought that Franz Ferdinand was shot dead? How could he have been flying a plane some 98 years later? Did

I think that the OP might be wrong (as well as having incurred some unfortunate grammatical errors).

On my father’s side a small village in Devon back to the 17th Century with possibly some Spanish (probably family myth though), less sure on my mother’s side – Hertfordshire and Irish seem to be the best guesses.

Well anyway it was lovely and quiet out last night. And not even raining. Wish it was like that every evening.

Keep at it Warton – it’s hard work but you’ve done the first part. And besides, you’ve got us lot behind you – what more could you need….?!!

Seriously, all the best.

We only caught the second half, but I hadn’t realised that I liked so many of his songs. I assume the band towards the end was recent – they were amazing! And as for that version of Ashes to Ashes right at the end, stunning. Wish I could get that on my ipod.

Good man. Well done.