No idea, chuffing hot though. needed both the Aga and the fan oven on for a bit, had 6 people and in the kitchen and the doors shut to keep the dog in the kitchen. Felt so wrong opening the windows to cool down a bit.

“Adults only: scenes of violence/torture/sex/live octopus ingestion” Must be the first time I’ve ever seen that description…

Might get an El Guapo 29er, depends on price and when they arrive.

Christmassy things on saturday, working yesterday :(

FWIW We say in quite possibly the cheapest house available in EP, but if you’re offering me a house down there I’d be happy to help you out Slugwash. Now then, Flashy on the other hand isn’t in quite the same situation ;) . There are plenty of nice beaches down there for dogs, just not the ones in the estuary, they’re just too busy. Doesn’t seem stop most people though…

Mixed year. Was pretty good to start with, then got a bit topsy turvy. Mate died in a car crash in June, spent 3 fantastic weeks in South Devon with the family, then went to the Alps with my closest to riding mates for a week. My gran died whilst I was out there, only found out when I got back though. My dad’s best mate and a close family friend died whilst fell running in October at the age of 42, which shook us all up a bit. I’ve not been for a proper ride since the Alps, for several reasons. Been very busy since then due to selling both grandparents houses, that has calmed down now though. Hoping for a better 2013 for several reasons:
I finish 6th format in June and have a 12 week summer holiday, during which I’ll be in Salcombe, and hopefully somewhere hot+sunny, this weather’s got me down a bit.
I’ll hopefully be starting uni at Bangor in september, which I’m bloody exited about.
I’ll pass my driving test in the not too distant future, so I can ride wherever I like.

Here’s to a better 2013.

Edit: got a job too, which has been tough, but brilliant fun.

Agree with Flashy, those beaches are truly awful. Although for dogs off leads they actually are pretty poor.

You’d definitely need a large. I tried a large and I’m 6’2″, wasn’t far off minimum insertion on a 350mm post, did feel nice and roomy in regards to TT length though. I absolutely loved it, just wish I had the funds to buy one. In orange, clearly.

I can’t believe I waited so long before getting something with an organised pocket, knowing exactly where stuff is is a revelation.

I’m on a 120mm FS, works well for me. Would like a longish travel 29er though, I look like a giraffe when riding my 26″ Specialized.

I like mine for browsing but some of the apps are quite glitchy. Bargain though, I bought my 16gb for £105 in July :(

Love my Evoc CC16, very comfy and well laid out, no bladder included though.

They climb superbly, no front end lift whilst seated, even on steep climbs. The Rocket I tried had 140mm Fox 32s on and didn’t feel too low at the front, didn’t try it on anything properly steep or lumpy though.

Might go back to the Alps, not sure what riding I’d do though. Did the Tour Du Mont Blanc this year over 5 days, not massively tough but over 3 days it’d be a good challenge.

Single best day of riding in my entire life. First day of the Tour Du Mont Blanc, just over the Col du Ferret, with the Lac d’Emosson in the background. Weather was incredible that day, there was very little wind and bluebird skies. With some of my closest riding mates, and the best descent I’ve ever ridden.

Marz 55 TST? 160-120 but other than that they seem to fit the bill.
http://www.marzocchi.com/template/detailProdotti.asp?LN=UK&idIU=60661&idC=1592&IdFolder=113&uf=IU&IdOggetto=60691

Cheers. Might give it a go and see what happens.

Cheers. My 2.25 ADvantage fits fine without the Neoguard, but rubs with it. As long as it doesn’t rub the Neoguard it’ll be fine, very little mud round here.

I’ve got the cold of doom + start shivering even if I go out to get logs from the barn… If I don’t get any better by next week I’ll come riding anyway.

On our Gold D of E expedition in the Lakes, in thick fog and sideways rain. Came across another group from my school, one lad had slipped and smacked his head on a rock, gave himself concussion. That group had to stop, clearly, which then meant one girl got mild hypothermia. The SPOT tracker sends a signal to their base, who then contact MR. By that point, school leaders were present so the helicopter wasn’t sent, but ground MR attended to help get them back down Mosedale to the road. Was all pretty interesting, not that we hung around for long once we’d done what we could, it was grim. Best if you never need to press it though.

I’m ill, otherwise I’d be very keen. Available next week though if you fancy a ride? Weather might be a bit better too.

Agreed, some of the stuff I hear about is beyond belief. On the other hand though, some end up not calling an ambulance when they really need it, which can be worse than calling when it’s not strictly necessary. Although I’m sure you’re aware of that Drac.
EDIT: Never called 999, but have used the SOS button on a SPOT tracker, very odd experience that…

I’d go to Calderdale because I’ve never been, but I’ve also not ridden for 3 months, so actually somewhere flat…

I’m at work, enjoy it you lot :(

3.2l A6?

They’re probably Pro2.

Depends which hubs you specified, but they’re probably Pro2. Where did you buy them from?

Xbox controllers are much more comfortable and ergonomic for me, had our xbox approx 3 years. Forza Horizon is just out too, an open world game based on a racing/music festival. It’s good, a bit short though, and not got loads of cars. Enjoyed it though, and it does get more difficult as the game goes on.

Slim, last skinny pair didn’t fit my Hoy-esque thighs. Or something like that.

2.1 ADvantage.

DPD have been brilliant when I’ve had them deliver Amazon orders.

Cheers all. Just have to decide on colour now. Tempted by the bright green one.

18 Bikes do Alfine servicing. Based in Hope, Peak District.

Evoc are sold without a bladder. Brilliant packs btw, love my CC16.

Silver maybe?

Forecast heavy rain and 50mph gusts even at low levels tomorrow.

You’re in for a world of fun. From what I’ve seen on here, they’re even worse than Dave Hinde.

My dad was a purchasing manager for Astra Zeneca, had been there 30 years. He got made redundant, got bored, applied for a job doing IT for a couple of local doctors surgeries 3 days a week and got it. Although admittedly he’s good with computers, no real experience in IT though. So as above, just apply for the jobs and see what happens. Maybe do an OU course?

Depends on what it is. Jackets are worth spending the money on IMO, although I’ve only ever had Mountain Equipment jackets for riding in as I had one before I started riding then got a warranty replacement. In the market for a new jacket though, so my decision may be different this time. Some brands are good for some stuff but not others, so I pick and choose rather than having all one brand. My Endura Superlite shorts are the dogs danglies, but that’s the extent of my endura kit. Funkier bib shorts are brilliant too IMO.

Winter Park is absolutely superb, long flights (7 hours to Newark from Heathrow then 4 hours to Denver) but only an hour from Denver over the Berthoud Pass. They had 14″ of snow over this weekend weekend, the year we went they had 330″ of snow. 4000ft of altitude difference helps to make decent length runs, and you can link Mary Jane and Steamboat to get a huge ski area. Worth noting you might end up with some altitude sickness as the village is at 9000ft, I missed an afternoon of boarding but was fine after plenty of water and some more sleep.