ooOOoo, those Sunline bars are exactly what I'm looking for. Many thanks.

Nuke, any chance of a link to the Salsa bars, please?

I'm never, ever on the Quantocks.

Does this mean there'll be a dozen dobbins coming up as I'm riding down?

Mine kept turning itself off on rocky descents. I glued a couple of thin strips of inner-tube inside the battery section and all fixed.

However, mine has recently developed a problem in that the display keeps going off and I have to tap it a couple of times to make it appear again. Loose connection?

Dunno how limited your budget is, but a month off for me would mean driving to Biarritz and getting barrelled off my arse, plus some riding in the Pyrenees.

Have a search for Chodski's. They might be able to assist.

Just a normal night in Zomerzet.

Oldfart, don't suppose you'e got a gpx file of your route?

Definitely not Puts, and that's as much as I'm allowed to say.

No problem. It does look like it's gonna be onshore but a certain rocky left point might be working.

Instow is your best bet for flat water as it's sheltered from swell. Easy to launch from too.

Westward Ho!/Northam would perhaps be a better choice as there's less rocks, although I'm not much of a windsurfer and don't really know much about it. There's normally plenty of kitesurfers there and at Saunton when it's a strong onshore. There is a local windsurfing club that could offer better advice

The riding around Barnstaple isn't epic (hence why I bought a road bike), but it may offer some fun as you're about this way.

Ah, I'll need your email address.

Bit further than an hour away, but I'll be driving from Barnstaple to the Quantocks on Monday. I'll also email you a local route from Barnstaple.

Ah, found a map of it. I'll aim to get there for about ten(ish). Is there somewhere I should meet you?

Ideal. Where's Sparkhayes campsite to though? Do you have a route in mind?

Anything is good for me.

JammieDodger, my experience can echo that. When I started training as a dietitian there were jobs galore. When I finished, there were hundreds of graduates and only a handful of jobs. Two years later (now I'm completely de-skilled)and jobs are coming up all the time. Thankfully, I managed to find a job in healthcare that I enjoy a lot more than being a dietitian.

I do know that one of the radiographers at Derriford hospital is absolutely lovely. Forgotten her name though.

LOL @ sonor.

Sweet. Where are you planning for Friday?

Ah, 'tis the beauty of flexi-time. Late night clinic on Monday and Wednesday means I get the day off on Friday. SUPER-DUPER!

Anyone fancy a spin up them moors on Friday?

We need to spin Exmoor round 180 degrees so all the good riding is on the side that I live. It's all fields and grumpy farmers on the Devon side. 😥

I've seen 09 ST4 frames going a bit cheaper online now as Orange have revised the rear to stiffen it up a bit for 2010 models.

16" here: http://www.rutlandcycling.com/15290/Orange-ST4-Frame-.html

No problem. Email me your details and I'll give you a call when I know what time we're meeting. Might go Friday too, depending on work.

Dakine do a snowboard/ski backpack that's designed to hold SLRs and lenses and stuff in padded compartments. Not sure if that's too specific, but may be worth a look.

Few sheets of plywood, a double mattress and a saw are all you really need.

I'll be up there on Monday with a few lads from Plymouth if you wanna tag along?

Weird dreams meant I woke up just before 3. Just finished my book and still can't sleep, so here I am.

I'm gonna be riding on Exmoor on Friday 28th for the day if anyone fancies joining me.

Not sure where yet, but probably start around Minehead way.

Ah, I have a meeting in Exmouth once a month and normally nip around there afterwards. Otherwise it's a bit of a distance from Barnstaple.

I was up there last week and the gorse had been cut back on the trail that runs around the sandpit lake but was still thick as ever in other places. Actually, had one of my best rides there in ages. Irked that I forgot to take my GPS and map it.

Don't pick on me for being honest. I just couldn't imagine myself on one. I have been led to believe that they're very nice though. I'm the same with Treks and Marins. I know they're good bikes, just don't fancy one.

I do wonder how they manage to spec so highly on a frame that's reported to be good. Do they make a very small profit on each unit or something? You may be able to tell that I'm not an economist.

My mate's wife has a Carerra Subway and it seems pretty decent. My wife bought a kona Dew for commuting and I've been really impressed with it. She really enjoys riding it too.

Snaps, that'd be ace. Also, haven't seen you for months. Fancy getting out for some local stuff if it ever dries out?

Nope. just don't like the way they look. 😉

It can't hurt. I'm trying to bung together a relatively easy route for my missus to do.

All the best riding in North Devon is in Somerset.
Nice piccies, Charlie. Any chance you could bung me a few gpx files of your Exmoor routes, please? Could do with some new spots to explore.

Trout, how much do you sell the lights for? My mate Carl (Fatmuthahubbard) has one and is raving about it.

If I was signed up to the Halfords scheme, I'd buy one of the Boardman hardtails, strip it, eBay the frame and replace it with something I'd like.