jhw, just go and get it checked out. I wish I had.

Last year I had chest pains, fit and healthy so I ignored it.
Four days before the great north run and I’m in BHI with a heart attack having a blood clot removed. 8 months later I’m still recovering.

I would not wish this on anyone and from what I’ve learnt over the past 8 months you have the warning signs that need to be acted upon.

A few hours of your time now could save a year in recovery.
Sounds dramatic but I’m in a position to speak from experience.

Hayles Fruit Farm near Winchcombe.

http://www.hayles-fruit-farm.co.uk/

Riding on the doorstep – narrow lane stuff
Farm shop, fishing lake, pubs in Greet and Winchcombe.
Walking – right on Gloucestershire Way.
Other stuff – Sudeley Castle just down the road

On the bend at Newnham is a good starting view. From the car park at the bottom of town you can see the bore start to form as it comes upstream.

This is where I used to get on to kayak it and plenty of other people still do, surfers, kayaks, boats tend to hang around in the channel at Newnham waiting.

As mentioned above the A48 is the best option as the bore can travel fast and you’ll be pushing it to get ahead.

White Hart Inn at Broadoak is probably your next view point.

Then the Severn Bore Inn which is on the A48 past Chaxhill. The road cuts across a bend in the river so you have a good chance to catch up.

It looks like the e-mail I sent out to everyone interested on Thursday did not get through.

Lesson to be learnt – Don’t use the BCC box.

I have re sent e-mails individually now but realise this may be too short notice for some people.

Really hope to see some bikes in Redbrook at 9.30 tommorow !

Martin, just picked up your e-mail and replied.

Evening all.

I’ve just sent an e-mail out to everyone that has expressed an interest or said they are coming along Sunday, if you don’t receive anything please let me know and I’ll re-send.

Conditions have improved in the Wye Valley over the week and Sunday (according to Metcheck) is looking dry, sunny and not too hot, ideal conditions.

Look forward to seeing everyone Sunday morning.

Ed – email just sent with more details.

itsup – e-mail sent with more details

mboy – email also sent with more details

Weather forecast looking good at the moment a few dry days predicted before the weekend.

MTG, I’ve rearranged your anagram, hopefully correctly and sent mail.

Mounty,

Nominally 30 miles, probably 4 hours trail riding time depending on conditions and stoppage time.

Mounty – You have mail.

itsup – can’t see an email address for you but if you mail me I’ll reply with more details.

Re: fitness level, there is a short cut designed in to the route and also I’ll have a car and will be meeting up along the route.

Firstly, thanks for the various comments.

The whole point of doing this is to get feedback from people who know what they are talking about and whether that’s pointing out the potential pitfalls or coming along next week all are valid, thank you.

I’ve emailed everyone who has said they are up for the ride next week except trimix – can’t find can e-mail address. So trimix if you can email me I’ll reply with more details.

mokl – emails are bouncing back from the address I have for you so if you can email me or update the address I’ll reply with more details.

Weather conditions last weekend were “sticky” however the forecast for the next week is pretty dry with the best of the weather coming in Thursday, Friday, Saturday ( can’t get a forecast for Sunday 6th yet ). If that pans out the trails will be in good shape.

Anyone else interested please let me know.

I’ve been cycling for years.

September last year I had a heart attack.

Can only talk from personal experience, but the medical diagnosis on potential causes has not included cycling !

Citroen Berlingo 118,000 miles from new. Never broken down, Standard wear and tear only. Totally reliable.

OP
Diet has surprisingly small effect compared with something like statins.

Apparently statins can drop your cholesterol level by 25%.

Having said that I have recently taken mine from 4.2 to 3.8 through diet having been on statins for many years. That change has been totally through diet over three months, which I’m pleased with.

I am no doctor, however I am reasonably well informed by medical people since having a heart attack in September.

I know someone who ordered the Tesco Direct bundle and it did come with the balance board.

You can call them to place the order rather than doing it online if you want to confirm details.

Having looked at that video another thought..

I use a stool next to the rollers to get on and off the bike.
Not so important getting on, but when you dismount, intentionally or otherwise a quick foot onto the stool gives stability.

Obvious one this, but don’t clip in until you are really confident, I use pedals with SPD clip on one side and plain on the other.
Coming off rollers at speed whilst clipped in would be a mess.

Rollers are not an instant thing to master, once you get to grips with them you will wonder why you ever had a problem. Worth sticking with it as thet are a really good work out and you use the bike / gears exactly as you would normally.

Totally agree with Duc re using a gear that’s too low.

Sometimes I find the front roller takes a while to get up to speed, probably down to the drive belt being a bit tired. If the front roller is not up to speed you have no stability and you are off.

I tend to brace with one arm on the shed wall / roof until both wheels are spinning well.

My rollers are not tapered which means you can easily wander across to the side of the rollers, because of this I tend to keep an eye on the front wheel position on the roller and constantly adjust. If you have tapered rollers I guess you tend to stay more central.

Once you get going try to develop a smooth cycling action as opposed to just pushing hard on the downstroke, this avoids bouncing on the rollers which can lead to dropping offf the edge.

We are all different in how we learn, I suspect with rollers it just comes down to practice, stick with it.

pstarkiss@aol.com

Thanks

This,

Paul,

Mine is an 06 which I had new and has now dine 118,000 miles.

1.6 petrol averages 40.3 miles to the gallon, according to trip computer.

I have been trying to think of things to look out for but over the last four years all I have had done is replace brake pads, tyres, part of the exhaust and had it serviced.

As mentioned earlier, everyone will have a laugh at your expense but usually they come round when they discover how easy these things are and how practical.

Servicing at Citroen dealers is on a fixed price menu and reasonable but after mine I was out of warranty I use a local independant garage.

It's always started. runs well, so sorry I can't advise you on faults to look out for.

Thanks again.

Success,

Kings Hotel Darlington – now booked ( thanks Uplink )

Not the cheapest B&B ever, but as stated local to train station, has car parking and at £65.00 far better than most.

Train in is about £10, so all in all I'm happy.

Thanks to everyone for speedy replies and advice.

Uplink,

Just tried Darlington Premier Inn website and this shows "no space".
Can you let me know what site you tried ?

Right I'll start looking at Whitley Bay and Sunderland.

Quirrel, know what you mean on the costs, given that I'll probably not be having the breakfast either.

Given there are 50,000 runners and their friends / families you can't blame the B&Bs for trying to make a quick profit.

John,

I'm really not. That's exactly what is on my medical records.

18 months ago my doctor diagnosed me as having

"Haggis induced Gout"

It's a long story, but starts with buying a 4kg Haggis.
( Yes that is 4KG, not 4lbs )

Question 1.

I think you'll find that the Sram X0 mech works on a different actuation ratio to the XT which means the XO mech definately won't work to it's full potential with the Shimano shifters.

The sram is 1:1 ratio, can't remember the Shiamno details but I do know there is a difference that means you can't mix them.

Question 2.
Nothing of value to contribute.

Cheesy Doritos in a bowl layered with mature cheddar.

45 seconds in the microwave and you have delicious real cheesy doritos.

Can't believe no-one else has mentioned these.

Re: Travelling to Barnwood.

When I go into Gloucester in the morning the timing of when you hit Barnwood makes a massive difference, as does which roundabouts you have to navigate. Some of these have traffic light controls which are fine but when there is a backlog it is just a matter of waiting. ( Assuming you are travelling by car. )

The earlier you arrive the better.

Sounds like either end of your journey are the issues rather than the M5 stretch.

Dave,

I see you point entirely on the cycle commute.

Best of luck with your house hunting round Cheltenham.

Dave,

Sounds like a cost v time issue to me.

Commuting into Cheltenham by car is a disaster zone, but it rather depends whether you will be working on the outskirts or in the middle.

Stroud is cheaper and a far more laid back area. Cheltenham has far more facilities but is seriously expensive. Having said that you are more likely to see the value of your property increase in Cheltenham and after Croydon it should be an oasis.

Have you looked at the train option from Stroud to Cheltenham ?
You could take your bike to and from either station and avoid the traffic queues.

I've tried to do this job and I am reasonably good at DIY and repairs.

Whilst it's easy to see what has got to be done retensioning the system can be tricky and if you don't get wire correctly positioned on the rollers it can be painful.

Having not got it quite right when I did this, the garage door closed on my hand with the new cable wrapped round my fingers. At the time I said out loud "this is going to hurt" and I was right.

Most jobs round the house I deal with, however paying £50.00 for someone who knew what they were doing was good value and I would highly recommend this.

You can't ride very well with a handfull of fingers that look like jumbo sausages.

I've re-set sram shifters a few times, mainly to get the indicator bar in the right place.

You are right to be cautious because if you do knock a spring it will launch into semi orbit.

My top tips would,

* Do the whole job over something like a clean shoe box, that way you contain anything you drop and limit the travel of any parts.

* Use a magnetic tip screwdriver to remove the top cover, this allow you to keep hold of the shifter with one hand, unscrew the top and retain the scres.

* Take the cover of gently and look at where everything is.

Chances are doing the whole thing gently there will be no problem. have fun….

Totally agree on average speed, if I manage 10mph average I'm happy.

I'll take a look at my GPS plots and post some details on good climbs, won't be tonight though.

Hazel Wood down to The Weighbridge is a great twisty singletrack, but you need to ride it a few times to discover which route you like.
The trail fairies have build a rough bridge over the stream bed which is superb at speed in the dry …. but deadly in the wet. I've done a two wheel slide ( wheels out sideways ) on slippery timber straight off the bridge edge which is embarrasing.

Further down you have the choice of the open route to the right of the stream or down the stream. The gate at the road is always closed, which is just as well.

If you really like a tough climb try it uphill….

If you like strong coffee ask Paddy in The Olive Tree for coffee with 5 shots, that's how I take mine and it is excellent. They have their own blend of coffe and it is very good.

There are many routes up Spring Hill rather than straight up, the one I like is via The Village Inn, then The Britannia, up the Rollers and join the hill half way up. Rather depends where you are heading from there.

Loads. I live there.

How far do you want to go and what terrrain ?
I may have some mapped out already.

If you know Woodchester park have you explored Nympsfield woods and the escarpment down over the egde of Selsley Common.

The bridle path from Kingscote Barn through to Horsley.
Shipton's Grave Lane from Horsley out to Minchinhampton / across Gatcombe park land.
Hampton Fields then past Peaches Farm……………

Alternatively from Horsley across to Tetbury Lane, down through Hazel Wood ( above the Weighbridge ) and up to Minchinhampton.

Along the escarpment from Nympsfield, roughly along the Cotswold Way out towards Wotton under Edge. Bagpath through to Ozleworth Bottom.

If you're seriously considering a wocker or springer please meet a few yourself before you chose

This is top advice.

We have a three year old springer who thinks shes a puppy. When you have one you soon learn they are bright animals who need mental and physical stimulation.

Going through your hit list,
Cats, we have two – no issues.

Kids, no dog is 100% guaranteed child safe but we have had no issues.

Cycling, loves running alongside bikes, only chance she gets to run with me at the pace she wants to.

Camping – Total disaster. Hates not knowing what the noises on the camp site are. Free range chickens, sheep and horses make for a sleepless night.

Large Garden – good news.

It does seem that a lot of people on this forum have springers, so you may get a slightly skewed set of responses,,, best of luck however you proceed but the advice above of meeting a few is very sound, whatever the breed.

I think the last time was my 5th collar bone break.

Can't remember the numbers for left and right breakages.

Left one is definately a very different shape now but no long term effects at all.

Not all bike related, the last incident was a result of flying a kite.

Why such a massive increase ?

Are you essential to a current project that has penalty clauses ….

Usually in counter-offer territory an additional £5 – 6,000 is the figure, however you have your reasons for looking for a move and if a promotion will enable you to improve the factors you don't like maybe it's a runner.

Not enough info for answer your question properly.