If you haven’t put Dirt Wizards (or similar) on it yet, do so. The extra volume is really beneficial.

You’ll be amazed at the transformation – even betterer. 🙂

Currently running Schwalbe Big Apples in 2.35 but Dirt Wizards are on the wish list. Will need to replace rims / wheels though as mine are too narrow for them at the moment.

Well this thread inspired me to take the 1×1 out today for the first proper ride in ages. Did 10 miles on the flat with the family as a warmup and then left them with the car whilst I took the long and hilly route home on my own.

Put it this way, I’m no longer thinking about selling the singlespeed.

Most fun I’ve had out on the bike in ages. Even managed to get within one second of my fastest times on one of our regular off road climbs and don’t feel beaten up at all.

Genuinely smitten again. Cheers all.

I’ve just set up a new business but done so with a partner (former colleague) who has been running his own company for the last 5 years. The new venture is a limited company and we are both directors. He’s a lot more focused on the admin / finance side, whereas I’m more technical / operational. The business development / customer facing part we divide equally. It’s worked really well so far but knowing what I know now I’d be very reluctant to start out on my own without that additional support in place as it’s a really steep learning curve to step into it cold.

This is a timely post for me.. I love singlespeeds and rode them pretty exclusively for years, but over the last few years, family life / work etc has got in the way and I’m generally just not riding as much. My fitness has dropped off quite a bit and when I do get a chance to ride, it’s always one of my geared bikes I end up on (I live on Dartmoor which is pretty hilly!).

If you’d suggested to me even 3 years ago that I sell my old faithful Surly 1×1 I would have laughed in your face but now I’m considering doing just that even though it’s genuinely one of my favourite bikes ever.

Basically my dilemma at the moment is whether to man up and use the singlespeed to get fitter, or to swap it out for something I can put in some decent miles on to reach the same result (Yes – I’ve got a gravel-bike itch – it’s the new golf).

Like some of the others have mentioned, some of my favourite rides ever have been singlespeed, but at 45 I am starting to think that I’ve just got too old for it.. sad, but it was definitely fun while it lasted.

God, the Octagon. That brings back memories… we used to do school bus trips up there when I was in 6th form. Sticky floor and you had to wear a shirt and tie to get in.

I grew up on Anglesey and used to do a lot of riding there.

There are lots of off road options but sadly most of them are at least partly cheeky – if Wales gets it’s improved access legislation together there are apparently <ahem> some amazing coastal routes up on the North Coast and around Holy Island, some of them pretty technical, or at least they were on a fully rigid steel bike with plastic brakes in 1989. Coast between Porth Swtan (Church Bay) around Carmel Head to Cemlyn is particularly rugged.

Parys Mountain is fun on a bike – some great trails up there if you have an explore. Some of them frankly terrifying, and it’s a unique landscape. There is a youtube clip here which is worth a watch:

Some good fat-biking opportunities too, particularly on the W coast – Malltraeth, Newborough, Rhosneigr etc,but also around Red Wharf Bay

As above some lovely road rides but I reckon a CX bike would be a good bet for exploring as a lot of the lanes have some poor surfaces.

It has a reputation for being flat but don’t discount the effect of the wind, and some bits are surprisingly hilly.

Dulverton is not far from my in-laws and before we relocated down here permanently we used to stay there a fair bit so have ridden around there quite a lot. It’s ma great area for some offroad exploration if you don’t mind a few river crossings and a bit of hike-a-bike. Some steep climbs too.

You’ll need an OS map but the route I’d suggest would be to head N up to Marsh bridge and take a left over the bridge. Steep road climb up and the right to Hinam farm and drop down to the riverside bridleway (Exe Valley Way). Follow that to Hawkridge and then the lane from there to Tarr Farm. From Tarr Farm take the bridleway up to Withypool (2 river crossings – one on stepping stones).

From Withypool road climb up to Comer’s Cross. from there head up to Winsford Hill and pick up the trail which skirts the Punchbowl and follow over to Winsford. From there, you can take a choice of offroad routes to the S over to Edbrooke and then on to Broford farm. Fun little descent from there via the byway back in Dulverton.

Can recommend Treloan Farm on the Roseland: http://www.coastalfarmholidays.co.uk

Photos on the website don’t do it justice – in a quiet and relatively undiscovered bit of South Cornwall, 3 decent and almost deserted beaches within a half hour walk. They allow fires as long as they are off the ground and offer fire baskets and logs.

Short walk to Porthscatho for the pub. Possible to get to St Mawes and even Falmouth by ferry without using the car.

Great sea views from the site – they even have a mobile wood-fired pizza van which comes to the site a couple of times a week.

Another Cornwall option is Henrys on the Lizard – very quirky in a great location and allows fires in braziers. Loads to do in the area too.

http://www.henryscampsite.co.uk

In Wales, this is one of our favourites, handy for sea and mountains, and really wild feeling location. May be outside your 5 hours though:

http://www.caedufarmholidays.co.uk/campio-camping/4585004218

preciousmetals – Member
Fingle’s bridge, lovely spot for a fatty ride, but wasn’t aware you could ride there?

The woodland extending all the way downstream to Steps Bridge has been bought up by the NT and Woodland trust and they’ve opened up access to the lot. Something like 40 odd miles of trails – it’s mainly fire road and riverside track, but with some great views. Some steepish downhills and climbs and a smattering of really nice single track. I normally do a loop from Wooston Hill fort down to the river near Clifford Bridge and then up to the Hunters Path below Castle Drogo and back through Drewe woods. Worth an explore.

@Kaiser No worries – you’re welcome. Could meet somewhere like Fingle Bridge if you want a fairly mellow ride with the option of a few climbs and bits of singletrack.

Hi Kaiser

You’re welcome to try out my On One Fatty (Fnaar).

I’m in Moretonhampstead so not too far from you. Got friends visiting so this weekend is out but could possibly meet for an evening ride sometime next week if that works for you.

My other bikes are a large Surly Karate Monkey and 1×1 if that helps to give sizing.

Not on here all that much but drop me an email and we’ll sort something out.

Cheers

Jon

WillH – Member
Check out Marisco for a classy night out

Blimey that brings back some memories 8O

The beach is obviously the main attraction and is lovely. If surfing isn’t your thing but you still want to get out on the water you can also hire kayaks and a few of the local surf schools run coasteering trips which are both great ways to explore the coast.

Barricane beach around the corner from the main beach to the North is quieter and is fantastic for shells and rockpools. There is a cafe there which does amazing curries (BYO).

Day trip to Lundy from Ilfracombe is worth doing if you like wildlife (seals and seabirds). Ilfracombe itself is a bit run down but the harbour area is really nice for a wander. Tunnels beach also worth seeking out.

Fantastic coastal path walking in both directions from Woolacombe- North up to Lee Bay via Morte Point and Bull Point is stunning South along the beach and over Baggy Point to Croyde also great. A walk over to Croyde for lunch and then back would be on my must do list.

There are riding stables in both Croyde and Woolacombe both of which will take you riding on the beach.

As far as MTB is concerned, you can ride the coast path to the South over to Putsborough and from there over the top of Saunton Down and down to pick up the bridleway through Braunton burrows to Crow Point – all very pleasant for a pootle with a couple of sharp climbs, and possible to string it into a bigger loop if you take a look at the OS map. If you speak to the guys at South Fork in Braunton they’ll be able to give you some advice I’m sure and if you want more challenging then you’re not too far from Exmoor.

As above some good road riding around too.

Pubs – Red Barn in Woolacombe itself is lively and does OK food, but can get really busy.

Personally I really like The Rock in Georgeham,but it’s quite small so worth booking if you want food.

Thatch in Croyde is also good fun with decent pub grub but again gets absolutely rammed – The Manor up the road towards Georgeham is a quieter option.

If you have the weather sure you’ll have a great trip.

I really like Robert Macfarlane’s writing – read The Wild Places a little while back and really enjoyed it – now part way through Mountains of the Mind which is equally good.

As recommended above, Blood River is excellent.

I also really like In Search of Captain Zero by Allan Weisbecker – a good yarn even if it’s (possibly) not all true!

Here’s a recent pic of Lucas, now 18 months. Mum is an English springer, dad a welsh springer / black lab cross. He’s a Cambrian Springerlabradinger.

He’s also still intact… for now at least. Well behaved and mellow at home, but goes loopy when he goes riding with me.

Trail Dog in Training

I’m an IT bod which requires little fitness apart from being able to lift the odd box, server or obscenely large bacon baguette, but I’m also a retained firefighter and so have to pass the 3 same 3-yearly medical and intermediate on-station assessments as the wholetime crews. Target is 42 V02 max on the treadmill test.

I passed fine last time (in August), but the somewhat ironic fact is that I was much fitter before I signed up with the fire service as I had loads more time at evenings and weekends to ride my bike and do other exercise.

I’m a life-long VW fan – run a ’95 T4 Westfalia at the moment which has been rock solid but is getting on a bit now… so I’ve been pondering this myself.

There seem to be some horror stories about T5 reliability, particularly the early 2.5s but I guess that you have to balance that against the fact that there are loads of high mileage ones out there which have been trashed or haven’t been maintained properly. Like anything look for a decent service history and ideally a warranty.

As another option I’ve seen a few Hyundai iLoads / i800s around lately which look quite smart, are pretty reasonable and have a long warranty. Not driven one but may be worth looking at as an alternative?

Hi, company I work has a few places in North Devon – but most are a bit further west around Clovelly, Welcombe area – Linky below – you can use the filters to show the ones near beaches pubs etc..

https://www.helpfulholidays.co.uk/uk/devon/north-devon

We’ve recently taken this one on in Croyde itself which is a cracker but probably too big for the 3 of you!

https://www.helpfulholidays.co.uk/holiday-cottages/uk/devon/north-devon/croyde/K40/beachwalk/#/gallery

If you PM me with specific dates and any specific requirements I’ll happily have a gander for you – may also be able to sort out a bit of a discount.

I’ve been avoiding that route lately as it does get pretty boggy in places – frost this week should dry it out though hopefully.

If you’re looking for an alternative I rode the Princetown / Burrator route on Sunday and that’s all fine apart from some of the lower bits near Leather Tor bridge which have been churned up by logging vehicles… and the bit just before the new bridge on the Railway Line loop back which is comically muddy as ever.

35% off the On One Fatty with Carbon forks, doesn’t really make the Dune worth looking at in my eyes at that price

Comes in at £650 with the discount – just pulled the trigger…

Found some reviews on here from last year so pushed the button anyway.

Also somehow accidentally bought myself a carbon-forked Fatty at the same time (ouch!).

For a relaxed(ish) option, if the timings work out you could get yourself to Bishop’s Lydeard, stick your bike on a WSR train out to Williton, ride from there up to West Quantoxhead (sharpish but OK road / fire road climb) and then back along the Quantocks ridge with any number of great downhill options back to the start.

nickgti – Member
the large Dune Geo is now listed on the website

Oh jeez – I really wish I hadn’t opened this thread…

Just found this, so it seems they would fit in the frame – but this is on 35mm blunts – IIRC my rims are 27mm internal dia.

http://bikingtoplay.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/fat-b-nimble-fat-be-quick.html

My experience is similar to Drac’s – the police and Highways generally want to reopen roads as soon as possible after an RTC, and if its possible to safely keep the traffic flowing, they will – I’ve attended incidents on trunk roads where we’ve been cutting a casualty out of the car a couple of metres from running traffic and we’re always under pressure to make up kit quickly once we’re done.

Generally if the road is closed, there is a good reason – sometimes scene preservation and investigation following a serious incident, but often it can be for repairs to the carriageway, clearing up contaminants / fuel spills etc.

@CaptainSlow – Now 16 months and he’s still in proud possession of a full set of tackle,thanks for asking.

No major issues to report, so far – apart from the fact that a lot of home boarding places won’t take unneutered dogs which is a bit of a pain if we want to go away without him.

He did go through a phase of trying to mount other male dogs but seems to have got that out of his system now so I’d put that down to confused adolescence – as above I know at least 3 neutered adult dogs who do the same, and there is a fair bit of evidence to show that neutering has no impact on this.

Have spoken to our vet again, who basically agreed that we should leave well alone if no pressing need (medical or behavioural)… if anything changes then we’ll obviously review the situation.

Not that I need an excuse to post pics of him:

Oh and another possibility may be the Straggler.

Quite a few folk run them with flat bars and (I think) it has standard dropouts.

I think they look great in an early 90s retro way:

Karate Monkeys are brilliant. I have one set up 1×10 which I use for everything – I have 2 wheelsets for it- one with 35C cross tyres and another one with a Chunky Monkey / Smorgasbord combo and switch between them as required (am also considering a semi-fat setup). I have a Surly 1×1 as well, but to be honest I’d happily cope with the KM as my only bike.

They are not the lightest but would withstand a direct nuclear strike and are great fun to ride.

Mine is an older model which has lower rack mounts but not uppers (I use a Salsa rack-lock seat clamp) – pretty sure the newer one doesn’t have rack mounts at all so you may want to look at the Ogre as an alternative which is pretty much the same geo but more set up towards touring etc.

Incidentally the Karate Monkey does have slot dropouts but has a direct mech mount – I’ve never found it to be an issue, I’m assuming the Cotic has the same slidy dropout / mech hanger business that my old Roadrat did which I agree was a bit of a pain.

The others you mention also sound like good choices.

My wife also left teaching due to pressure of the job – she had retrained later in life so was able to use previous experience but I know a few other career teachers who are in the same boat as your wife – hope she’s doing OK.

The first thing I would say (and this is from direct personal experience) is that your wife shouldn’t necessarily jump into anything until she feels completely well. If she can, get her to take some time out to get herself completely better before she decides on a career change. If she feels pressure to change career then that can make things worse.

Once she is better – jobs in training would be a good call, but a couple of other suggestions:

Adult Education – she’s already qualified and from people I know who’ve done it, it’s very rewarding with far less of the classroom management issues you get with kids. I guess a lot of that is to do with the setting, although we also know someone who teaches in prisons who loves it! There may be voluntary roles locally which would allow her to gain experience and lead to something more permanent.

Private tutoring – again this would depend on subject and demand in your part of the country but there are agencies out there who can help with placements. Might be worth considering even just as a stopgap.

Educational publishing – a fair few opportunities for people with teaching experience depending on where you are in the country. One friend of ours has a job testing educational software, I know of other people who provide content for educational books and websites – some on a freelance basis working from home.

Also there are loads of transferrable skills from teaching – communication, organisation, IT etc – which are in demand in business. I work for a travel company and we have just taken on someone whose only prior experience was teaching, and she’s doing really well here.

Really hope your wife feels better soon.

Thanks all for the advice however since posting this an exploratory shed-mining expedition has unearthed a Rhyno-lite wheelset which have 29mm rims. Am now wondering at the biggest tyre I can usefully get on those. They currently sport some Schwalbe Big Apples which are fairly huge.

If I mounted up some Dirt Wizards on those, will I die? Any other big volume tyres which would work?

Sock full of silica cat litter left on the dash overnight apparently does the trick.

(Was only recommended this early today by someone who swore by it’s effectiveness but yet to try it myself)

EDIT – just noticed that someone already suggested that. Doh!

I had a Scout – it was great until it crapped it’s engine (oil pump drive failure – common problem on VAG 2.0 TDI PD engines from that period) so I’d recommend going for a petrol one. They are pretty rare and sought after though so you’d be lucky to get a decent one for that money (the standard 4×4 Octavia is generally cheaper)…. the OP did say non 4×4 though.

Merc C / E Class or Volvo V70 estate would be my choice for that sort of money I reckon. Or a well-maintained Passat B5 with change to spare.

@zippy – again, as I stated (twice now) our vet actually gave pretty impartial advice. The comment about income stream was flippant. I apologise.

all the vets I’ve ever encountered have recommended it, try talking your vet

Funny that, it’s not like it’s an income stream for them or anything like that…

As above have spoken to our vet and to be fair he was pretty impartial.

Maybe as an owner of testicles I have too much empathy

I hear that!

In reading up about this I found out that in Norway, it’s illegal to neuter a dog without medical reason. In Sweden and Denmark, it’s legal but neutering rates are still really low (less than 7% for female dogs, and even less than that for males).

If we were seeing issues with aggression or dominance then we would consider it, but even then if you look at some of the papers, the jury is out, even amongst vets, as to whether neutering actually improves things for all dogs.

<fire nerd>

May not be relevant to the Dubai fire, but for those with an interest, here is the operational guidance we follow for high rise fires in the UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278168/FINAL_GRA_3_2_Fighting_fires_in_high_rise_buildings.pdf

</fire nerd>

As I said in my post, both me and my wife have experience with intact dogs – both lived to ripe old ages, 17 in the case of my collie, 15 in the case of my wife’s retriever without any any significant behaviour problems (and without impregnating other dogs!).

Of course we realise behaviour changes over time, and yes we have had the conversation with our vet who mainly pushed the birth control aspect and the reduced risk of some cancers – he was open about the fact that neutering increased the risk of other cancers, obesity, hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament issues.

This is a clip shown on my last fire behavour refresher- in this case the exterior cladding panels were apparently backed with polystyrene.

I heard a radio interview the other day which suggested that there had been a failure of the fire suppression system on the floor where the fire broke out in Dubai, but not sure on the source of that.

As already mentioned, firefighting in high rises is highly dependant on the integrated fire engineering – fixed suppression systems, risers, gravity tanks, protected areas etc. Some buildings will also have a “stay put” or “defend in place” policy as part of their site risk assessment, in conjunction with protected areas / refuges which means people only evacuate if they are directly affected by the fire.

http://www.highrisefirefighting.co.uk/evac.html

@Rocketman, you’re really not helping…

That’s an option I’m considering!

I really didn’t need to click on this thread :(.

Also live on Dartmoor and have been thinking lately how well suited a fat bike would be to local conditions.

Problem is lack funds and time to ride the 2 bikes I own already…

Have been eyeing up a fat front set up for my karate monkey, but wondering whether I should just weigh in and flog one of the bikes to go full fat