Prepared to stand corrected on this one, but I’ve always considered that standard orientation (following the directional arrow) gives optimal grip under braking, fitting the “wrong” way round gives better grip under acceleration.

Still in. Even the portable radio at the tip was being kind to me.

Is it wrong that I now feel like I’m missing out?

If particle physics floats your boat then book a guided tour of CERN. It’s an easy tram ride from the city centre.

Sounds utterly horrible….

I’ll see you there.

You could still have tuppenny falls, would just require buying a tub full of coins/tokens on your way in and exchanging winnings for credit on the way out. Same principle as using casino chips or old pennies in those Victorian amusement arcades.

However, what would people throw in fountains and wishing wells? I can see this idea hasn’t been thoroughly thought through.

Plenty of worthy suggestions above (with possibly one exception). I’ll add Monmouth or Chepstow for easy access to Forest of Dean (not in Wales I know), and the lower Wye Valley.

Also Abergavenny or Crickhowell for proximity to Brecon beacons.

Croeso.

Could spend a grand on a new fork for my current bike, does that count?

@scuttler

Update:

No crimbo tunes on in pub or restaurant, so survived to fight another day.

Survived 20 mins in M&S yesterday, didn’t risk going in any other shops though. This evening could be the end of the road, Christmas meal = no escape route, I’ll accept my fate and bow out gracefully when the inevitable happens.

Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% is nice if you can find it.

+1

Available in Waitrose and M&S

Heat Holders, the 2.3 tog variety.

Seriously warm.

Been running Barzo/Mezcal for the last 9 months allbeit not in those widths. Fine in the summer, but struggled with rear-end grip in recent cold damp conditions. I’ve decided to put a Gato on the back now until weather improves.

Love the way the (anthracite) sidewalls don’t weep sealant, unlike other brands I’ve tried in the past.

Right, lived dangerously by going into “only 17 more sleeps” Asda yesterday, but survived. The only supermarket safe haven appears to be Waitrose, so the next 2 weeks could get expensive (financial doping required).

But…  How the hell am I going to manage a trip to the shopping mall for some new strides? Can anyone recommend a high street men’s outfitters without piped music?

“Yeah, the edge of Wuss Cliff.”

(disclaimer: I hope you get the cultural reference, if not then no offence was intended or implied)

Had to avoid putting the car radio on. Got withdrawal symptoms, so starting singing to myself, including a rendition of LC (the power of suggestion), thought I’d scored an own goal but just checked the rules and I’m still in!

I shall now go and put a CD or 2 in the glovebox. This week I will mostly be listening to Rage Against the Machine.

Midlife crisis?

I’m in.

Done my 3 months now. Hit the bottle again last night (not too hard), quite surprised that I still had some tolerance leftover from August, and didn’t feel rough this morning. Bon chance! to those of you staying with the programme long-term, can certainly feel the benefit and may be back onboard in the New Year.

They do Deftones too!

https://youtu.be/PFpY6atlyf8

Good start!

You can get cheap adapters to mix and match Shimano brakes with SRAM shifters and vice versa.

I think I would quite like to go to a Jinjer gig. (Anyone got a spare ticket?)

As soon as I have some concrete info about the next one, I’ll let y’all know.

And, if you don’t want to risk relying on me, there’s always their Facebook page.

@nickjb thanks for coming, I hope you enjoy your purchases!

@fadda  sorry you missed it. I’ll post up on STW when the next one is confirmed. We’re hoping it will become a regular event.

Rage Against The Machine

Lacuna Coil

It’s tomorrow!

If you’re going to the Forest of Dean tomorrow, why not pop along on your way home?

PSA: There will be cake for sale

Zefal Deflector RS75

There’s also a Zefal one that looks good, but can’t remember it’s name.

Have you looked at the Mudhugger? Possibly get the 29er version for extra coverage.

@dobiejessmo

Yes, there’s free parking in the council carpark by the Station. It’s on the left as you approach.

@shedbrewed, I’ve just messaged the organisers and got this response:

“1:45pm earliest I would say.”

Thanks James, great to get a review from a punter. Congrats and what a way to spend your honeymoon!

I’m sold, just need to find a team mate now!

I’m sticking with it for November, to see if it can help shift a bit more lard, or at least prevent regaining any.

Not making any promises for December though!

Adnam’s Ghost Ship was the best I tried, but only resorted to it on a night out to avoid the “why aren’t you drinking?” blx.

Still with you RRR! Managed to shed 6 pounds along the way, but could afford to!

Knormal for Knutsford

Personal opinion for tyres would be whatever’s cheap on planetx/onone. Maybe needs additional consideration if you want tubeless.

Can’t help with saddle as too much rides on individual anatomy. Probably more important to make sure it’s positioned and angled correctly. Depending on how bad your condition is, it might be advisable to see a physio that does a bike fit service.

Penultimate Friday of the month, well done to those of you still with the programme. I’m thinking about carrying on into the next month to make it a Sober Autumn.