ebay seller ‘cyclefanatics’ is a guy at Fibrax that I vaguely know. He sells genuine cables, ferrules etc at good prices:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/thecyclefanatics

Schwalbe Durano and Michelin Krylion 2 (previously badged Pro4 Endurance) strike a good balance between suppleness and keeping the p-fairy away.

Talented, right place and time, but …

Sorry you don’t get it. IMHO McCullin is special.

As for photogs who are “better at snapping” I’m not sure you strictly mean that (how can you quantify ‘better’?). I suspect you may find the aesthetics of the end result suit your taste or visual education. It’s like dismissing a jazz standard because you can’t hum the tune.

These days any monkey with an iphone can dial in a filter on instagram or spend hours mucking about with layers in Photoshop, turn up the saturation to 11 and get 5,000 likes and loads of “awesome” comments for a sunset in a honeypot location.

Recently fitted some Marathon Greenguard (HS420) and they are tough but surprisingly compliant. I think it’s the rubber puncture belt they use instead of a stiffer material. Not tried them on mixed surfaces. £16 each at Spa Cycles (here).

@n0b0dy0ftheg0at Spa have Marathon Cross in 700×38 too.

its hard to write a bad review with out cutting your own throat. And how many times can you re-sugar same pill?

Agree on both points Paul. Was it part of a group test? Any bike ridden in isolation is hard to compare with anything else and it’s all hugely subjective. Reviewers also have to somehow write in a way that newbies, regulars & very experienced riders (and everyone in between) can get something from it.

Comical. A few years ago you couldn’t give them away! Good luck with the sale.

Fuji UK quit E6 processing some years ago. I haven’t shot slides for a while but was always happy with the service from https://www.the-darkroom.co.uk/ in Cheltenham.
Peak Imaging in Sheffield also have a good reputation – https://www.peak-imaging.com/about/film.processing
Also in Brum – https://www.ag-photolab.co.uk/

The digital camera that has caught my attention is the Sony RX100 series. Zoom range is short but that means it’s really small and you get superb image quality. The III seems best bang for buck at ~£500.

@bob_summers working mju-II models are rare nowadays, unlike the premium compacts they aren’t cared for and the internals aren’t quite as robust.

I flicked the TV over one time and ended up watching Hugh F-W making fridge flapjacks (cooking not needed). They sounded amazing. I still haven’t got round to trying it but here’s the recipe:

https://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/fruity-fridge-flapjacks

Anyone riding near the Long Mynd (Shropshire) or in Church Stretton might like to try the flapjacks at Mr Bun the Baker. Squidgy, generous size and cheap. Plenty of other options too.

I would always stop or slow and call out. Can’t imagine why you wouldn’t (unless it’s a group of hoodies at night in an unlit alleyway).

I don’t see many cyclists when I’m out but, thinking back, I have helped disentangle a bungee in a cassette, a dropped chain, given a spare tube, held a torch during a puncture repair… All very simple things and no big deal. It’s not really about karma but recognising another human who may appreciate assistance. Like with other gestures, I just hope that they’ll think to do the same one day, pass it forward.

Anybody know why the link I posted has embedded a preview of the target URL? I tried editing the post 3 times but couldn’t figure it out.

can she just pop a vitamin D pill and feel better?

Very unlikely to make that much difference IMVHO.

I’d suggest she gets her vit D levels checked. You can often do this via GP surgery or get a postal pack (Close mentions this in the podcast I linked to).

My wife has tried one of those ‘morning lamp’ things a while ago. It did help her wake up, but IIRC it didn’t help her feel better in general.

No meat in our house. You can’t beat homemade but I remember one year we had a particularly nice M&S nut roast which came with a tasty red wine sauce.

Not sure I’d thank you for GF bread with a roast dinner, but if you have a sound recipe then give it a try.

If you take D3 make sure you take it with Vit K2, otherwise you risk clogging your arteries with calcification. Its amazing how even doctors recommend D3 but don’t realise it requires K2 to be absorbed properly.

https://info.dralexrinehart.com/articles/vitamin-d-and-vitamin-k2-benefits-connection

I’m not quite ready to believe some American supplement salesman who posts meaningless crap on his ‘about’ page. Although online articles and papers suggest Vitamin K2 does apparently help with Vitamin D in this way, from the sources I saw it only really applies to the risk associated with very high doses of Vitamin D.

IIRC Graeme Close (Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University) didn’t mention K2 in this extensive discussion.

https://guruperformance.com/episode-12-vitamin-d-with-graeme-close-phd/

He recommends taking 1,000-2,000 IU of D3 daily through the winter months. D3 (cholecalciferol) is 9x as effective as the D2 (ergocalciferol) found in fortified foods (which are usually fortified because they’re junk).

at a Mansun concert in 1998 (while her friend was swapping saliva with my mate).

Seems a hell of a lot of driving for a few trail centres.

Bear in mind that Nant Yr Arian is over an hour from CYB and nearly 2 hours from Betws-y-Coed (for Marin / Gwydir & Penmachno). Then lots more tedious driving to get to south Wales too.

Llandegla is nearer and I know a few who ride over the hills from Llangollen & back.

Why not try more in northern Snowdonia? Carneddau, Conwy mountain…

Mountain Bike Trails

http://www.penmachnobiketrails.org.uk/trails.html

http://www.bikingconwy.ws/mountain-biking

MacOS is not intuitive for someone used to Windows. It’s an excellent OS, but it’s not intuitive in the way that fanbois insist.

Funny, it’s been the opposite for me. MacOS is far easier to grasp, easier to maintain and updates don’t cause the headaches that Windows updates do, including Win10. Have been using Windows since 3.1 but had to learn Mac when I changed workplace 12 years ago, I find it much easier than navigating each new version of Windows.

Our office has 16 macs & 2 servers of varied models & vintages and users all find it easy to learn. They need very little looking after, reliability is superb and have a useful life far greater than the average PC/Windows laptop.

The best thing about Windows is that it has awesome backwards compatibility.

Each OS has its stumbling points but unless you’re a hardware geek and/or running ancient business-critical software it’s not really a great argument for one or the other. But I’d be happier running a 10 y/o Mac than a 10 y/o Windows installation, especially if you consider online security.

I too would heartily recommend a Mini with SSD & plenty of RAM.

You could give Brooks Cycles (https://www.brookscycles.co.uk/) a call or perhaps contact Hafren CC (https://www.hafren.cc/).

There are bridleways and tracks up onto Llandinam hills (just west of Newtown, up by the big wind farm) but I’m not sure of routes, haven’t been up that way for a long time.

Stiperstones & Long Mynd is not too far away – Eastridge woods, plenty of well used routes and bridleways. There’s a map of the Long Mynd at https://www.mtb-shropshire.co.uk/trails/ (paper copies available in Church Stretton & elsewhere).

IMHO his playing a touch overrated but enjoyable all the same.

Stadium gigs are never going to be cheap. As for signature models, £700 isn’t too bad for a nice, distinctive guitar (is it?). Unfortunately most of them exist to persuade punters that it is somehow special and that if you want to have a chance of replicating your hero’s playing style you really ought to buy it. Which of course is complete bollocks.

Durano folding are £20 at Spa Cycles (23 & 25mm). Very good middling tyres with decent puncture protection, they last ages. Spa also have the 23, 25 & 32mm with wire bead for £16 each. 25mm wired is 90g heavier than folding.

Michelin Pro4 Endurance are broadly comparable and I’d say a slightly plusher ride but wear a little faster and usually cost a bit more. They are on V2 now, I’ve not tried that version. Tredz currently have 23 & 25mm pairs for £45, 28mm for an extra £1 here.

Lugano is a bottom-of-the-range OE tyre. IME Lithion are much nicer – gripper, more supple and have lower rolling resistance. They are available in 25mm too. I’d try them at 80 psi front / 90 rear.

Neither tyre has substantial puncture protection. For a step up in that regard I’d look at Schwalbe Durano, Michelin Pro4 Endurance V2 or Durano Plus. The Plus is a rather ‘heavy’ feeling tyre that doesn’t absorb as much road buzz due to the extra thick puncture belt and stiff sidewalls; though despite that it rolls well enough.

Been on M520s for 10 years on the old MTB ‘bad weather’ bike, I have fitted the Shimano reflectors that mean the pedal hangs perfectly for fast clip-in during the commute. Shimano A520 single-sided SPDs are good if you want a larger platform. Thankfully neither has ever given me any issues.

Holly leaves scattered across the lawn worked for me.

Best anthem in 6N to especially when “we” are visiting Cardiff. One of my dreams to do – be at Cardiff for Wales v Eng just to hear that added passion to the anthem.

Words can’t describe the pride when that beautiful song is your own national anthem.

As others have said, there are dickheads everywhere. To the people who didn’t get a very nice welcome: sorry but, while it was definitely the case in some areas in the 80s (but so was bad hair in pop videos), that’s not my lifelong experience as a Welsh boyo who sounds English or the many immigrants I know in North and Mid Wales. My advice is not to bother with the place – any of it – leave it for the locals to enjoy fester in their own resentment. This will coincidentally help keep the trails in better condition for those who don’t seem to have the same issues as you.

I’d avoid Scotland for the same reason, it’s populated mostly by Scottish people who f..king hate the English too. 😉

Their (snake oil selling?) website has been hacked.

Bulletproof 360 Inc., purveyors of the fatty coffee touted as a wonder-treatment for mental clarity and weight loss, admitted that from May 20 to October 19 of this year – minus one day on October 14 – hackers slurped sensitive personal information hipsters entered when purchasing stuff online.

The sipped info included bank card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes (CVV), as well as names, postal addresses, and email addresses.
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/27/bulletproof_coffee_hacked/

As a massive AC/DC fan for close to 40 yrs its a sad day

Same here. One of the greatest rhythm players (and writers) in the history of the electric guitar.

You could buy a 3/4 size but whether it’s necessary will depend on his hand size and flexibility. Difference in scale length between typical Fender and Gibson is insignificant. As already said the neck shape is more critical for small hands (though don’t overthink it, knowing most kids he is likely to just get on with it and wonder what the fuss was about).

I bought my daughter a Squier Bullet strat, £110 new from the local music shop. Being made of basswood, it was noticeably lighter than the others, and seems just as well finished as the more expensive ones. We found a secondhand Marshall 15w practice amp on ebay. She plugs her ipod into it and can play along. Modelling amps can be fun but IMHO it’s not a dealbreaker (yet), the KISS principle applies in our house.

+1 for Michelin Pro4 Endurance, superseded by Power Endurance (crr test).

Michelin Lithion 2 size up bigger than other brands as well, a very good value tyre IMHO.

and how would one go about getting ones own email domain?
without paying of course.

Well IME you usually get what you pay for.

If you get a ‘free’ address with your broadband provider then it’s a ballache if you ever want to move (as we see in this thread) or when it’s down and customer services don’t GAF.

Custom domain is the best option if you don’t want to be tied to one of the big names. It’s not in the least bit like vanity car plates. It will require a little more effort but it’s yours for as long as you renew the domain (£8 for 2 years for .co.uk).

Gmail is as good as it gets for a free setup – IMAP/POP, loads of useful options, clear interface and top notch spam-trapping. Outlook.com isn’t as slick but works fairly well… unless you’re used to Gmail.

I’d avoid Yahoo, the interface is sh*t (and has been for ages), they have had too many security breaches and caused no end of issues for BT/Yahoo accounts. It is up for sale, and how do you think the buyer will make their money?

Terribly sad news for the Craig family. I watched him and his dad racing (both brilliantly) at Shrewsbury in December.

A touching tribute from Larry at VeloUK – https://www.velouk.net/2017/01/23/rip-charlie-craig/

Funny how so many people expect someone else to do a job they wouldn’t do themselves, and for a crap wage; to be grateful for spending every day wiping other people’s kids’ snotty noses and sh*tty arses and keeping them (and yourself) from going mad before mummy finally calls round in her 4×4.

IIRC it’s nearly all on-road nowadays, though I think it runs on a well surfaced path alongside the canal most of the way between Newtown and Welshpool.

The section from Cwmystwyth to Rhayader is bleak and empty, and you’re unlikely to get a mobile signal. Between Rhayader and Newtown it’s mostly narrow and winding lanes with the occasional tight bend and short, steep pitch. Steep climb after Caersws and another stupidly steep climb from Buttington to the top of Long Mountain. After crossing the Breiddens at Bulthy (a much easier drag) and the descent to Crew Green it’s flat all the way to Shrewsbury.

Llangurig has a village shop (http://www.llangurigpostoffice.cymru/) and a pub but not much else.

Llanidloes has a Co-Op, Spar, cafes (inc. vegetarian at Great Oak Cafe, decent pub grub at The Angel) and lots of pubs. They like their beer in Llanidloes.

Newtown and Welshpool are considerably larger and have large Tesco and Morrisons stores along with the usual others.

I know of a nice campsite on the route, run by an old schoolfriend of mine, 1 mile East of Llanidloes – http://dolllyscaravancampsite.co.uk/

Would recommend the chip shop in Caersws.

Might be worth noting some bike shops – Summit cycles in Aber; Clive Powell in Rhayader; Brooks Cycles in Newtown and Welshpool; Dave Mellor, Urban Bikes and Stan’s Cycles in Shrewsbury.

How about 100 Fibrax stainless gear wires for £71?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231996481408

Nothing will match homemade. It can’t. Supermarket ones are usually made in January then frozen.

Mr Kipling shite should not be called ‘food’, it’s synthetic gloop of uncertain origin in a mud+flour casing. Do yourself a favour – don’t even try one.

Another (hopefully relevant) article worth a look:

No Stuff

Scroll down to “Why No Stuff?” for the key info.

@ TimothyD – I agree with the ‘why’. Positive goals are great. If moving makes you genuinely happier then do it soon, don’t let it be too long term or it may never actually happen.

I’m thankful that I have not suffered with depression but know too many people who have or do 🙁 Thoughts are with all of you who’ve been or going through the mill.

Obree is right, of course. We’re conditioned to look up to the wealthy and those who get to the top in sport, business, entertainment etc. And to want to ‘succeed’.

But I don’t care. I’ve never wanted a career, a big house etc, and have drifted through fairly low paid but mostly enjoyable jobs, despite being told that I’m wasting my talent.

For me work is a means to an end, life is about happiness. Happiness can’t be found in shops (not even bike shops). If people look down on me for my rusty old car, my triple chainset or bargain basement lycra then that’s just their insecurity showing. I probably shouldn’t invest too much energy in that relationship. Real friends don’t do that.

A couple of worthwhile articles I read recently:
https://unbound.co.uk/books/you-are-what-you-dont/
http://optimumnutrition4sport.co.uk/2015/09/15/how-to-win-a-200km-ultra-doing-things-you-are-told-you-cant-do/

what do you hope to gain from meeting?
Are you still Angry?
Are you prepared to be let down/disappointed?

These are appropriate questions that require serious reflection before acting.

It could open up a huge can of worms. You shouldn’t feel obliged to do it but everyone’s different (I’m adopted and, although I’ve considered it, I haven’t felt the need).

My mother in-law was a social worker and worked at an adoption society for many years. She has very enlightening perspectives on adoption, fostering, broken/blended families. It’s never straightforward, despite the best of intentions.

+1 to what mt said, but I like open space, hills and green fields, not big towns. It’s not a dead-end but there is more happening in Shrewsbury, 20 minutes away.

As already said, you’re not far from great riding territory – proper countryside like the Mynd & Stiperstones, trails like NYA and Llandegla, Hopton & Bringewood. The surf in Aber/Borth is likely to be disappointing.

If you do road riding as well then this area is great.

Blizzard Sport from Spa Cycles? Lightweight, supple feel and roll well, < £10 each 🙂

There are a couple of videos of jazz supremo Allan Holdsworth playing his Synthaxe on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GtbBmNEEWg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhmLkVHNHcE

I thought the intro was a bit lame TBH, but Neville probably had naff-all money to work with.

Nice wheels. But…

Ultegra 6800 wheelset is very similar but a fair bit cheaper (£231 at Merlin with the 5%) and hardly any heavier. Also tubeless ready, for those interested.

Now up on iPlayer. The Cardinham piece by Helen Skelton begins at 42 minutes:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03mjztn/Countryfile_Padstow/

+1 for shinsplints’ suggestion, http://plushhillcycles.co.uk/