Some great advice here. I did this year’s and loved it so am signed up again for next year. I would recommend getting a power meter and using this to push up your ftp over the preceding months while getting used to putting in some distance into the legs. Then use your power numbers to keep yourself under control during the etape itself-you will feel invincible on the first climb but just stick to sensible numbers so you don’t overcook it. similarly don’t try to follow all the quick groups and stay away from poorly organised groups full of braking, accelerating and changes in pace. I was much more comfortable in small groups or even solo sticking at a constant steady pace. I was still broken by the top of the izoard though!

I’m using a FR235 for running and swimming. For running and every day use it’s great. I use the pool swim Connect IQ app for swimming which works OK but I think if I’d known I was going to take up swimming I’d have gone for one of the multisport watches. My mate’s multisport FR seems to give more reliable distance recording.

I enjoyed the water taxi to Burano and pottering around there. An early morning jog through the streets was a great way to see the quiet city, take your phone for a map though when you get lost. I did the free walking tour of 3 hours, which was really good with a great guide, took us to places like the old ghetto and through the less explored parts of the cit, even crossed the Grand canal on a traghetto during the tour.

I’ve got some Rapha shorts that came in regular or short length. Personally I much prefer the shorter length, so go with whatever is comfy

I did the 100 mile last year and it was a great, but very hard day out. I grew up there so a lot was familiar ground to me but still loved the experience of criss crossing the island with great views, scenery and friendly support. A real mix of terrain and almost entirely ridable route so the fact that no one has finished the 100 mile in less than 10 hours should tell you how tough it is. I had other things to do this year but I’ll probably be back to have another go at some point.

I’ve found a similar trend, especially when comparing indoor riding with an outdoor climb. Differences of several tens of watts. Eventually I’ve decided on roughly what my outdoor ftp on the flat seems to be, but I can still sustain significantly higher power on long hills without increasing hr to extremes. Plenty of reading but seemingly little consensus in online articles about this phenomenon but it’s definitely not unusual.

I really enjoyed the Glen Avon loop in the cairngorms starting at Braemar. It’s a great day out that feels remote and not too much pushing. Torridon is a must. Found some nice xc loops in the Monadliath as well that you can work out using the guide books as a start. Glen Tilt feels like an epic ride too, definitely recommend that one.

Don’t risk tools in hand luggage. I’ve never had a problem with pump or shock pump but once had a single loose Allen key confiscated… Mind you I was allowed through last week with two small multi tools I’d forgotten about although the guy was a bit suspicious of why I’d packed a loose pair of pedals.

Love my core bibs and my lightweight bibs, pad is as comfortable as my top end castellis and straps and leg grippers are better. I picked both up at sale prices that made them very reasonable compared to other brands

For long runs I’ve had good results with good Thorlo socks and feet and socks treated with Bodyglide beforehand, even without lots if running to toughen up the feet

I just got one this season and I’m a big fan. The biggest advantage for me is that all my rides have a purpose, and my available time to train is as effective as it can be. Went for power tap pedals so I can swap between bikes easily.

Couple of famous hikes to do from Stavanger, Preiekestolen and the Kjerag boulder. Otherwise probably not too much different from what you’d get round Bergen or Geiranger way. Nice coastline down to Kristiansand too,south coast is supposed to be fantastic in the summer so might be good for lazy things to do

Don’t be tempted by a Lezyne power gps – I was. First one wouldn’t even turn on, sent back. Meanwhile bought a replacement one, and it just wouldn’t pair with sensors. Sent that one back too, bought an Edge instead and no problems!

If you like a whisky I’ve got recommend The Grill on Union Street ( not got food)

Very sad news and horrible to go through, so you have my sympathy. Almost exactly 2 years since I had to do the same to my 6-7 year old cat. It was and still is hard to take, but when that moment comes you just “know” without second guessing it. Sorry to hear, but remember that as rough as it is now, the good and happy memories aren’t too far around the corner.

This has made me feel much better, and even a bit lucky for what our whippet eats. Apart from any accessible human food (5 hotdogs in one night was a record), the worst of it is several pairs of headphones, a pair of Oakley’s, the cord from a fan and 2 kindles…so far

That seems likely…I have an 8 lane ring road outside my hotel full of crazy drivers so it’s not exactly inviting. There must be some cyclists here somewhere?

Also 34 here and it’s much too young to justify the bike as mid life crisis (at least that’s how I feel). No excuses, just ride it and enjoy it!

I’ve been in Stavanger for a few years but not found any offroad riding worth talking about yet, I’ve heard about some trails but it’s not the sort of proper mountain adventures like youd get in wales, the peaks, lakes or Scotland. The terrain around here tends to be either super steep or flattish gravel tracks, and not much in between. If you’re in to it the road riding is great though if you head to the hills in the southeast and east (especially Lysefjord area, or Suleskard from the Sirdal valley), or a bit further south along the coast around places like Jossingfjord. It is hilly though! It’s much flatter along the coast immediately south of stavanger Loads of hiking close to here, you don’t need to join the crowds at the popular spots of Preikestolen or Kjerag boulder if that’s not your sort of thing, again the Sirdal area or hikes from Hunnedalen valley has loads to do, about 2 hours from Stavanger. Also some nice, shortish easy hikes just across the fjord from Stavanger you can get to in half an hour. It’s in Norwegian but you should try http://www.ut.no and search for hiking or cycling routes and cabins. Hope that helps.

I’ve got a Seiko Divers that is 30 years old and still going strong and has stood up to everything no problems, diving, kayaking, swimming, wet, dry, dust, cold, heat – all fine. The plastic strap needs replacing once a year or so. New battery is expensive though, but I got 10 years out of the last one.

Dr redmist – geology and now working as a postdoc

Almost ran into Kris Akabusi at Manchester airport arrivals (many years ago) and sat in front of Gary Lineker on a plane to the Isle of Man, I was pleased with that one