Andy recommended 50-60, think I went 60 as using loop bars. Also quite a few spacers to get nice and high so front end rolls everything with ya weight back.

I’m 5’11 and have the 18. Fits perfect and the best fun you can have.

Hey Keando

Exclusive group we are.

I’ve been told I will need a new valve at some point and having regular echocardiograms to monitor at the moment.

I think your doc will put you on ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure. Note if Ramipril makes you cough lots (tickly) ask for a change to another.

As above it seems common and above all fixable and return to normal – still a head funk though.

I had myocarditis post vaccine which swelled the heart massively and made me pretty ill, this lead to diagnosis.

I get the feeling my surgery will be a while off as still physically active. Unsure how much to push training now though and warning signs to push for the op.

From limited research, the pig valve lasts c 15 years whilst the metal is for life with warfarin. The latter, depending on geographical location can be injection or tablets and takes time to balance out and I’ve heard good and bad things on it. I’m weary as bike / back pack solo often and dont fancy bleeding out anywhere.

I understand there is a possibility to insert the new valve via your leg but tends to be US based, otherwise open heart surgery.

@SterlingCrispin if you have any new tech news do ping over, it would be greatly appreciated. And any fact check on the above!

Renton had the op this year and we spoke last year, so plenty of info about.

Good luck and if you want to talk, ping me.

Get to decathlon, I’m currently using their cheapo ones and better than some of the expensive ones I’ve had.

Trangia ones are good, need a separate handle

Cyclestreets is really good for this:

https://www.cyclestreets.net/

Renton, so glad to hear you are post op and on the mend. Even with the complications it feels that you are are through the woods, and you’ve given me a big uplift being back at work in 5 weeks.

I’m still a bit off the op yet as still pretty active, but it still plays on my mind and your update has calmed me in one way but sensibly made me aware that the op might then lead to further challenges.

Let me know how the exercise recovery goes. So pleased for you fella.

Other consideration:

You and your personal assets are at risk under soletrader and partnership vehicles, if things go awry. Might not be the case here but you never know if uninsured small scale…

Limited entity does what it says on the tin, you only lose what is in the business and your share capital. Unless negligent.

I have fixed the constantly filling problem by replacing a little rubber diaphragm which cost about £1.50.

This, v easy to do and they perish over a few years.

@natrix thanks for the invaluable advice, I’ll think of you when the flock of bats are released…

Asked cardio on kids getting checked and he mumbled something about not needed… will get a private scan once dust settled on me.

Thanks jamj – pinged you a pm. Surprising how many people have been through this when you mention it. Head sorted that once it’s fixed, it’s fixed, and back to adventuring.

Hi Renton

Going through the same as you with bicuspid valve diagnosed last year. Have PMd you.

Andrew

Alpkit love mud ones here, really rate them.

Think I had to search the alpkit website as don’t come up under bike stuff.

Think they were about a fiver.

Edit here

https://alpkit.com/collections/sonder-bottle-cages-mounts-mudguards/products/love-mud-sideblade

Another alpkit quark user here. Very bright on full and comfortable.

Only downer is it goes through white light before red, so you lose your night eyes every time!

Or a stooge scrambler – designed for high front end

Pictures are up on facebook, yellow looks great.

I’ve a green one on order and first non-26er.

Anyone else ordered?

If you can get the bikes in the car then the monsal trail is good, head into Bakewell for a beer / tart and then head back.

As above its a good ride, there is about 0.25 miles of baby head rocks but ok after that.

Have a look at the klymit static v as v wide and great for side sleepers.

I’ve one and been impressed. Not sure on weight though.

Agreed, think there is a cap on redundancy of £30k tax free too.

Steve – it might be worth pushing your payment back by one day to the 6th April if you are going to have some time off.

Redundancy used to be pretty tax efficient with PILON included but these are now taxed. If you get your lump sum on 5 April all your earnings for this tax year will be included and may tip you into a high tax band. If you push the payment a day (sure your HR will understand) your slate is clean and you can utilise personal allowance etc especially if you are going to have some time off.

Do some research as I’m not a tax accountant – or others can chime in…

Hi

We use Rent Marche when there for bikes – can’t see trailers but email them as they are pretty helpful.

https://www.rentmarch.com/en/bike-hire-mallorca/

Thanks

Andrew

I have that bike and replaced the BB.

You just need new bearings – search for the type and then whack out the old ones and drift in the new ones. Big hammer time!

I’ve had the Xiaomi Amazfit Pace similar to the above and can recommend it for what you need.

I’m android and works very well, linking direct to Strava if required. Think Apple are covered too by the app (look for Amazfit app).

Can hold music and Bluetooth so running is sorted without phone and takes HR etc.

Also has some cool running programs over 8 weeks which strangely motivate you to get out and taught me how to vary my training.

Recommended, suggest purchase through gearbest. Just try to resist buying other stuff you don’t need (Yeelights etc).

Recommend what you have: makita plm5600.

Bought it last year, so two summers, and it’s be faultless.

Can mulch or collect.

My local roaster does mail order. Very good coffee and £4-5 per 250g, v. freshly ground how you like it.

Coffee

Not sure how much postage is, as we pop down weekly.

I’ve just ordered a Xiaomi Amazefit:

Linky

Reasons being:
Sub £100 / can run and ride with gps without phone with route tracking / holds music / heart rate monitor / links with smartphone apps / battery lasts 5 days / sleep tracking and waking buzzer etc

Seems a billy bargain and currently being shipped so all this is based on googlefu.

How about jumping on the train towards the lakes and plan a route around Morecambe to Carnforth (flat) or something further north?

Just to add on napster you can chromecast, so use a chromecast audio to my stereo amp.

Also checked and its got The Grey Album (by The Back Pack and Tennesse Flying Goose)!

Would highly recommend.

There is also a high fid offer which I think is called Tidal but haven’t used.

I’ve been on Napster for the last few years.

Really good interface, can run on three decided plus a computer. Sonos link is seamless too.

Schindler’s lifts????

Wrong on so many levels…

Great, well written blog. Bookmarked to read the rest later.

Fancy doing this as it caught my eye this year, may have some questions once I’ve read it!

Spesh diverge ticks all those boxes.

Recommended here, do road rides, gravel and touring on mine.

You could use your existing system and ‘smart’ it with a chrome audio dongle.

Check the reach on the two bikes.

Went through the same decision and my daughter was all legs and short torso so looked/felt stretched on the specialised so went with the Frog (second one).

Very happy with it.

Blast a homemade smoothie the night before with oats etc in.

We did coast to coast last weekend (tarp and bivvy) and used a sleeping bag. It was needed in the night however, 3 season was overkill. Can’t you take a thin one or a liner maybe?

We had a real mixed bag of weather and used all the kit we took (wet and dry clothes).

We’ve done the Novotel Rouen Sud about three times with bikes on the back – as mentioned secure gated car park (many cars have bikes on) and hotel is good for an overnight stay with family rooms.

Book through quidco for c. 8% off.

Napster is also chromecast compatible

I’ve got an elite one.

Once you’ve been for a ride and realised how capable it is, you won’t give one about it’s colour.