Kevster, can I have second dibs please … email me

sjp03uk at yahoo dot co uk

Cheers
SM

If Ebay suspect the ads are dodgy then all they may do is pull them – I've no idea if they report anything to the police or whoever. Which means that although this might well make it harder for the crim to move them on, the owners are ultimately still left without their rightful pieces of kit … and the crims get to carry on regardless.

Therefore if reporting it to the police is the only way forward then this must be done. Anyone know who to call in the area? What about that guy who was on here a few weeks back who's remit was to reduce bike crime, etc?

I have some Endura lycra shorts and bib kit from 4-5 years ago that are both still going strong. However, I did also have the misfortune to recently buy a pair of their Hummvies – great outer baggy quality, but the inner lycra was shocking. Stitching began loosening after the first ride, general fit and feel is below par, and I sense I'll soon be removing the pad and throwing away the lycra. A shame, because all their "older" stuff of mine, plus the actual baggies themselves are top notch.

I still use my 2003 Garmin eTrex Vista with Tracklogs, but only if I'm either "programming" in a specific route that I want to follow, or I'm exploring somewhere I don't know.

It's certainly more than functional, but with technology having evolved somewhat since 2003, I'd say look at the higher spec models. My preference would be something more suited to OS, but I've not yet seen any really good review.

SM

PS always worth taking an OS map if you have one (or a printout) – a GPS can still lead you into trouble when you're off the beaten track

Ebay – something like £3.50/litre + PnP

A lot of chemists won't stock because of health n safety (fire hazard, etc)

We stayed in a villa in Alghero (sp?) a few years ago (northwest coast IIR) and explored much of the northern region. Nice place overall – good scenery, very friendly people, etc. Didn't do any biking but there are loads of dusty trails up in the hills/mountains. And there are boats trip that head out somewhere from Esmerelda (sp?).

Unfortunately I don't know anyone in your part of the woods, although I'll see if I've still got the number for the SD at HeatKing. Based up north IIR and bound to have an installer who can at least speak to you over the phone or pop round. Email me your details if you're interested.

Whatever you do, deal as much as you can with installers/engineers as opposed to sales people. The former are more likely to live in the real world in terms of returns.

SM

I'd second what Milkie said – when raising the lab from a pup, we were advised to prevent against him doing any "serious" exercise or even walking up the stairs, so as to help his body develop and strengthen more naturally.

I also believe there's a lot of sense in not throwing balls and sticks for any (or at least most) kinds of dog, because the body can be twisted into all kinds of shapes at speed … clicking joints and early arthritis could be on the menu … not good for furry people:(

Boxelder, where are you based? I have contacts in ASHPs and solar thermal, etc.

It's not as straightforward as replacing a boiler – you need to consider what you're heating, e.g. normal rads/low temp rads, underfloor heating, hot water, etc, because you can have a nice piece of kit installed perfectly, but if it's working way too hard to create the desired temperature, then your return is going to go right down.

SM

We have a springer spaniel who loves attention and exercise – he'll run for hours (as Flatfish says). However, we've let his natural exuberance get the better of his upbringing and subsequently he doesn't take well to training efforts. I mention this because he's great when out on open trails because he'll either stick to the "path" or wander just a little here and there, but when it comes to woods, etc, then he's off exploring – can be frustrating when running or biking because you have to stop (sometimes for quite a while) until he comes back. But I reckon with proper training he'd be cool. Great with our other dog and cat, plus he's fine with children and other people once he realises they respect him, and more so if they make a fuss of him.

Labrador – had one in a previous relationship. Great for taking out – obedient, bright and generally very switched on in any company and in any situation. Perfect for trails because he's always aware of where you're going. He was professionally trained mind you, so that might make a difference.

Collie – used to look after one for a friend. Could take him out for hours and similarly to the labrador, he would always be within 10 yards of me. Also great around other animals and family, etc.

Chevette
Fiesta 1.3S
Mk2 Escort (1.3 running gear with 1.6 lump)
Cavalier SRi 1.8
Escort XR3i (why, oh why?)
Pulsar GTiR (Jap import 272bhp)
M3
320D Sport
VX220 Turbo
A4 Avant 1.9 TDi

Hi guys – OST is around 600Mb.

And the Outlook 2007 status bar always says "This folder was last updated on 03/07/2009" when in Sent Items

Same happened here after literally the first ride a couple of weeks ago. Couldn't believe it, especially as my previous Endura shorts (inner-type only) have lasted something like 3-4 years with barely any stitching issues. Mind you the inner on the new pair do feel particularly flimsy.

Hmm, great timing this thread … I've just got back on the road with a warranty replacement Carbon Stumpy after breaking my S-Works Enduro. If it all gets a bit much I'll resign myself to biking round the garden … ah, the neurotic joy of paranoia …

SM

A couple of years ago we stayed in a pub/hotel on the main road about 2 miles south of Mabie start. Can't remember the name, but they were relatively bike friendly and generally decent folk. Others on here will know it … otherwise do a googlemap.

SM

Milton sterilising fluid + camelbak cleaning kit (bladder brush and pipe brush)

Cool – am on the case.

Cheers everyone

I tend to be hungry most of the time anyway, so for MTBing I tend to go with the following:

Evening ride (up to 2.5hrs): camelbak of water and any combination of monkey sticks, tesco jelly babies and usually some kind of energy bar (Torq probably the best for me)

Weekend ride (3-5hrs): porridge or bacon/eggs/beans/toast for brekkie, then camelbak of water plus mixture similar to above and/or home-made fruitcake (my ex’s version was probably the best energy source ever), or soreen or even jam/peanut butter sarnies

Have tried loads of beans and gels but not yet found anything that really works for me. I think it’s cos I’m an ‘eater’ and therefore need something more substantial.

I also tend to eat and drink at regular intervals, i.e. before I feel hungry of thirsty … and also have a munch say 10mins before a particularly hard climb.

I should add that I’ve also replicated the same content in PPT 2002 and 2003, and it still does the same, i.e. works perfectly in slideshow mode, but not in Flash.

SM

Cheers Surfer

I used to get (and still do get) 25p/mile. Naturally I claim for this every month … and you believe I should at least put mileage expenses on my return? This would be under the “general expenses thingy” as opposed to company car mileage, because I have an allowance instead?

Hmmm

SM