Does anybody else have sequins on their bibbed shorts?

Earlier in the year I had a problem with my right knee with similar symptoms to yours. It turned out to be Patella Femoral Syndrome – I saw 2 different physios but after a bit of head scratching from the professionals, about 8 weeks and lots & lots of stretching I was back on my bike and I have not had a problem since.

The cause of the syndrome in the first place was down to a lack of stretching after excersice which let to a tight muscles/ligaments/tendons here, there and everywhere.

My best advice would be to see a sports physio as soon as possible – if you can afford it don't wait for an NHS physio.

When I was a student in Leeds, there was some graffiti in Hyde Park that made me chuckle every time I saw it. It read:

Tonight Matthew I am going to be Terry Nutkins

If it is a special occasion then naturally entier. For day to day duties, bloc will suffice.

Garage floor could do with a lick of paint

I have made the transition from a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR to a Santa Cruz Chameleom and am having much more fun on the hardtail.

I have recently ordered one, they bikes are excellent value. However, the customer service I have recevied from Ribble Cycles has been shocking. I needed my Sportive for a trip to the Alps (going tomorrow). When I ordered the bike in late July, I was assured the frame was in stock and I would definately have the bike by the 1st of September. I went to collect the bike on the 1st and the frame is not in stock and won't be for a couple of weeks.

I am now out of pocket as I need to hire a road bike for my trip and Ribble are not replying to any of my emails. All in all, very, very poor service. Also, as I ordered my bike through Cycle Scheme, I cannot even cancel my order. If you Google Ribble Cycles / Sportive Racing, a lot of cycling forum threads tell a similar story.

Pooing into? That's absurd, not to mention disgusting. Hang your head…

I wear socks until I need a poo and don't have any tissues.

I ordered a panorama print 20 cm high by 80 cm wide from http://www.posterxxl.co.uk I am very happy with the quality, delivery was quick and it only cost me £30 which I thought was good value.

Another for Outwell – tghe Minnesota 4 is splendid.

This is the best new fact I have come across in ages:

The twister ice cream lolly (my fave as a child) was invented by a kid appearing on Jim’l fix-it.

Thank you for the tips. I like the sound of creating two playlists – one for my ipod and one for the missus.
Dan

Merlin are based around 20 minutes North of Manchester and build excellent wheels.

I work in the hospitality industry (I sell facilities for conferences, dinners & weddings). I have listed my standard cancellation policy below (these are pretty standard across the industry):

Where the cancellation is more than 48 hours before the event:
90% of the charges for cancelled accommodation and room hire,
80% of the charges for cancelled day delegates package rates,
65% of the charges for cancelled meals, drinks and other facilities and services.

If you had to pay 50%, it would not be too bad but on the other hand, if you have not been made aware of the cancellation policy – you should not really pay anything.
Hope this helps.

I did not think much of the album at first but for me, it is a grower – quite like it now. It gets better the louder you play it too.

I went to see them @ Rock City in Nottingham earlier this month – they were brill.

Those borders need attention and you should spend the weekend weeding.

Merlin wheels are top drawer.

Hope hubs are great quality and are easily servicable. A good choice if you can cope with the sound of the freehub.

I have a North Face Gulper hydration pack and a while back, my bite valve began to leak. I emailed North Face directly & Cotswold Outdoor (where I bought if from) and they both sent me a new bite valve for free.

Alternatively, you can buy one here:
http://www.ryedalerambler.com/product/2820/Nalgene_Articulated_Bite_Me_Valve_with_Magnetic_Clip

Regards.

Thank you for the advice!

Bar Da Nada is great (www.bardenada.co.uk/). It’s a small bar/restaurant serving tapas and world beers – Great food and really good value.
If you are looking for a good pub, IMHO the Cock & Hoop is the best in Nottingham and they have a very good selection of whiskey/bourbon.
The Old Trip to Jerusalem is a popular haunt too. The oldest inn in England allegedly.

Just add salt. Lots of it.

Yes, its fine to use a Shimano cassette with a Sram chain. Shimano & Sram components can be mixed and matched with the exception of shifters and deraliers.

Nottignham Basford to University Park
Santa Cruz Chameleon

White. Dual air 20 mm. Not the U-turn models.

I bought my 20mm revs from Merlin just before Christmas, got a good deal and I think they are some of the cheapest around – great forks. However, I think prices have risen throughout the UK since the New Year.

Would you consider swapping for your Fox forks?

I will be traveling to Wales from Nottingham so mid/North Wales would be preferable but to be honest, I am flexible. I have not done any riding in Wales before so am open to suggestions.

Hi Molgrips, thanks for the tip.
Yes, I have a number of excercises to strengthen certain muscles and a number of stretches too.
I did ask my Doctor & Physio for advice but wanted to add to it with the thoughts of people who have experienced similar problems. Slow and steady seems to be the way forward.
Cheers.

I did the 3 peaks in June 2007 with a group from work, it’s a great challenge. I had done a fair bit of walking in the past and am quite fit but a number of my colleagues were not and managed it quite well. I could not believe hom many people were doing the challenge over the same weekend – there were hundreds.
You will definately need good torches. We climbed Sca Fell Pike in the dark but it was light by the time we were descending.
Our driver had warm food waiting for us at the bottom of each mountain and we ate snacks in our van.
go for it, it is a great challenge.
Good luck.

I have a good tip –
I clean my camelbak with warm water as soon as I get back from a ride and whilst it is not in use, keep the bladder and hose in the freezer. When I need it again I run the bladder under warm water for 30 seconds and it’s ready to use again.
Hope this helps.

They are probably a lot better now but the saying goes – L.O.T.U.S – Lots of trouble, usually serious!

I have a pair of Hayes Stroker Carbon on my bike which work very well and were a breeze to set up. However, on my last bike I had Avid Juicy 7s which were faultless – great stopping power, feel, build quality and very simple to bleed.

I started in 1987 and did my first race on a steel Emmelle at Leisure Lakes near Preston in 1990 – I was 10 years old. I did not finish because my crank fell off.