A teaspoon generally does the trick*

*Not really

All of the above suggestions (including the trouser press) are more sensible than this:

http://forums.mtbr.com/general-discussion/what-gun-carry-rides-765016.html

Depends what you’re after, it’s a nice spot but justifiably popular and does get rammed with the middle classes of Liverpool and Manchester come the height of the season when you can’t move for Range Rovers and fake tan. They do however all seem to stay put in Abersoch and not venture very far outside.

The Ll?n as a whole is absolutely stunning with some really out of the way spots and lovely beaches at which you’d barely see a soul. Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth) and Porth Ceiriad are the main surf spots. Aberdaron is lovely with a pub right on the beach. Porth Oer (Whistling Sands) is a must-visit too.

You should definitely go here too :-): http://www.tycoch.co.uk/

Mynydd Mawr campsite right at the end of the peninsular is a great place to camp. Facilities are VERY basic, but it has stunning views and you can go to sleep to the sound of the seals out on Bardsey Island.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=4904

Thanks for the help, now i’m pretty confused, i’ll be working all over somerset, cornwall and devon so need easy access so being near the M5 seems a good idea. From what you guys have said it seems like Taunton or clevedon

That’s a huge area to be fair – any idea how much travel is involved? And what the split is across the different areas?

If you’re covering Cornwall and Devon a lot then Clevedon is probably a too far North to be honest.

Taunton area would probably be a better bet. Or you could consider extending the search to locations along the A30 if you’re going to be heading further west a lot. I live in a village within the Dartmoor National Park with the moor itself on my doorstep and can do Exeter and the M5 in 25 mins, most of North Cornwall and South Devon in under an hour. Taunton in an hour, Bristol in 90 mins.

Contrary to what others have posted about Devon villages, we’ve found ours to be really friendly and welcoming with a great community spirit and already know more people here after a year than we did living in a similar sized village in Kent for 9 years. Yes there are places where you’re not considered local if you can’t trace your lineage back to Domesday, but they’re fairly rare and with the right attitude at worst you’re going to get a bit of occasional ribbing in the local pub.

Does anyone on here work for BT? If so check the internal directory. When I worked there a good few years ago there was both a Bob Sherunkle and a Fanny Sharant.

Have been considering monster-crossing my KM too. Have already got some drop bar levers and bar end shifters. Just need some suitably funky bars and BB7s. What sort of stem do people use with drops on a KM>

Paganist policeman rises phoenix-like from the ashes and flys a light aircraft backwards to Scotland?

That sort of thing happens all the time in Devon.

Come to the People’s Republic of Devon. Lovely walks, great beaches, nice pubs, good biking. Nowhere’s more than half an hour from the coast (choice of North or South). Dartmoor is epic if you’re not bothered about being on the coast.

For accomodation try http://www.helpfulholidays.com

Pembrokeshire also lovely – that’s where we go on hols.

What about North Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion? Scenery more than rivals Devon and Cornwall, lovely beaches, some great places to eat but always possible to get away from the hordes.

I live in Devon and love it, but this summer we’re going to Pembs to get away from the grockles!

Or if you really want to get away from it all then Wester Ross. We did a trip up there at Easter and it was fab. Stayed in Plockton, which was lovely, but also really liked the Applecross area which has some lovely sandy beaches.

We had a Golf Mk 4 1.6 SE.

It was a nice car, but as you’ve indicated it was much more thirsty than one would expect – we really struggled to get much more than low to mid 30s and I found it slow and the handling a bit sloppy compared to the Mk 2 1.8 Driver I’d had for years previously. I’d go for the TDI in preference if I was to have another Mk 4.

We’ve now got an Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI which I much prefer – I wouldn’t discount the Octy completely – they’re popular for good reasons and it’s on the same platform as the Golf so is really not that much bigger in size.

What about Pembrokeshire? Lovely area with fab beaches, great walking and nice places to eat. Have stayed at both of these in St Davids, both really nice.

This ones backs onto the Cathedral… you can sit up on the old city wall watching the sunset with a glass of wine!

http://www.poppycottagestdavids.co.uk/holiday-accommodation-in.asp?cottageref=22778&holiday=Holiday-accommodation-in-St%20Davids

This one’s a bit smaller and not quite as nice outlook, but central location, really well equipped and cosy:

http://www.stbridesbaycottages.com/holiday-cottage.php?PROPREF=GARTH

If you’re looking at the Gower, I’ve not stayed at either of these but have walked past both and can say that you’d be hard-pressed to beat them for location:

http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/cottage/burrows-cottage-013024/

http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/cottage/1-coastguard-cottage-013015/

Flat bar cross/road bike

When exactly did it become embarrassing to say that you need a hybrid! :wink:

I’d second the roadrat – the dropouts aren’t that much of a faff once you get used to them and they’re great fun to ride – really regret selling mine.

Or what about something like a Surly Ogre or a KM built up with suitable rims and cross tyres? Perhaps not as light as a hybrid, but would give you max versatility for serious offroading, touring etc.

We’ve got a T4 Westfalia conversion. It’s lovely but if I was to do a conversion from scratch I’d probably do things slightly differently.

Captain’s seats which swivel around into the van are great – mean you maximize the use of space.

Full width rock and roll bed would give you 3 seats in the back and storage behind. If you go with the VW type, there’s storage underneath too for a table and other bits.

In terms of storage I’d go for a smaller number of large lockers or units which you can easily stuff stuff into so as to leave the interior uncluttered when you’re parked up. Our Westy has loads of little nooks and crannies and a cavernous wardrobe but it’s all a bit hard to access so you only end up using about 60% of the storage space and you end up with gear strewn all over the place. If you’ve a high top, then there’s scope for some overhead storage which saves on floor space.

Go for vinyl, cork or rubber flooring – not carpet, it will get really manky.

Removable kitchen unit is a good idea if you also want to use the van for carrying stuff. Also means you’ve got the option to cook outside if the weather is nice.

Consider fitting a wet locker for drying out stuff when the weather is bad.

Eberspacher (sp?) or similar night heater is a good idea if you want to use the van all year around. With good insulation obviously.

Opening skylight or sunroof a good idea for ventilation.

Surely it’s all about the context – if the guy had just left the car-park then it’s probably valid to think it a bit odd to be pushing up a slight incline, but he could have been out all day for all you know.

I did a 50 mile ride across Dartmoor a few weeks back. I didn’t take on enough calories during the first 25 miles which were pretty much all uphill, consequently had a massive bonk and bombed out shortly before the halfway point… even after inhaling everything edible in my pack, cycling on the flat still hurt like hell until the glycogen kicked in so I ended up pushing on even the slightest incline for a good 40 mins or so, after which I was fine and completed the ride.

I was barely able to mutter a sentence during this time and was probably equally rude to anyone asking if I needed assistance.

Halfway through a 50 mile charity ride on Dartmoor yesterday…. stunning day.

I think that’s right…my Crossrides are the older version but are quite beefy.

I really like the Crossrides and have a set which I’ve used for years but as others have said, getting spare parts can be a really PITA – even spokes – if you don’t have a decent local Mavic dealer. On that basis I’d probably go for the XT option.

Not ridden a swift but I love my Surly Karate Monkey.

I can do that already, I want a bit of code/macro to run all 290 in a batch. I need the VBA to change the inputs before each running of the goalseek and then to store the output in a table.

I know – I was trying to point out that copying and pasting values between different bits of the spreadsheet isn’t the best way of returning the value you’re after as you could encapsulate that in a function.

Code like Reggie Gasket’s above will give you the means to move through your table. The user defined function would be called within that with the ID from the relevant cell as the parameter.

You wouldn’t be running 290 goalseeks in the UDF – I’m proposing you set up a user defined function to run the Vlookup and Goalseek that you’re currently proposing to do by copying a value between two worksheets.

You can then call that UDF on demand for individual IDs to return your “unknown” variable.

VBA offers a goalseek method, which can in turn refer to a cell range so pretty sure you could still do it in a function.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa195749(v=office.11).aspx

Linky: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-do-i-create-a-user-defined-function-in-microsoft-excel/5300300

Not knowing the specifics of the calculation you’re carrying out, I may be oversimplifying this, but would a user defined function not be a better way of achieving the same result?

That way you could just call it in a formula in col B of your spreadsheet and copy it down to all the relevant rows.

The process of copying a value to another sheet just to return a calculated value before moving it back again sounds a bit clunky to say the least.

I’ve been running 32:16 for years but as I plunge headlong into my more <ahem> senior period, I’m struggling with it a bit on Dartmoor sometimes so considering dropping down a cog or two. Was just about to order a new cog from Charlie the BM.

Am I likely to need to change the chain as well as I would if I replaced a cassette?

I seem to remember switching between different 16T cogs a while back and it seemed fine, presumably because of the taller teeth on an SS cog.

I’m assuming by flat, you presumably mean no rise rather than straight?

I really rate the On One Fleegles which I run on my Surly 1×1. Cheap as chips too.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOFG/on_one_fleegle_handlebar

+1 for MSE and Malwarebytes

I always used to recommend AVG but it’s almost as bloated as McAfee these days. Avast is a bit better

There’s a bridleway running SE from Mary Tavy towards Bellever via Wistmans Wood which you could link up with from the W Devon way. No idea how rideable it is though.

Another option might be to use the route over the moor from Fernworthy / Teignhead Farm to Postbridge. I’ve walked part of that route and would reckon it’s doable after a dry spell (you’d need a hovercraft at the moment!)

I’d agree Bellever would be a good bivy spot – also the old mine ruins just below Bennetts Cross or around Soussons Down.

I reckon you’ll be OK with the weather if you do it tomorrow. Sunday not looking so good though.

To be honest I’ve not ridden out of Lynmouth for ages There was a route out of Lynmouth in the mag a couple of issues back though.

Out of Porlock you can either do a loop up to Selworthy (great tea shop) and do the cracking descent down off Bossington Hill via Lynch combe.

Or out to Stoke Pero and back via Horner Wood and Doverhay.

Loads of bridleways in the area – just pick a route off the OS map, it’s all good but probably really wet at the moment.

Cycle route 27 (Devon Coast to Coast) starts in Ilfracombe so if you want a mixed road / offroad ride you could probably string a loop together with that and some back roads without taking the car.

http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/transport/cycling/leisure_cycle_routes/devon_coast_to_coast.htm

If it was me, I’d ride out to Lee and Moretehoe, then down to Woolacombe on the backroads. Along the coastal stretch of 27 to Putsborough (lovely beach and less crowded than Woolacombe) then onto Georgeham (Rock pub is really nice and does good food).Over the headland on the bridleway and drop down to Saunton to pick up the Tarka trail through Braunton Burrows and out to Crow point. Back to Braunton for a pint and then pick up the inland leg of Route 27 back to Ilfracombe from there.

For more challenging stuff, well you’ve got the whole of Exmoor on your doorstep. Some classic routes around Lynmouth and Porlock if you’ve got the legs for it.

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing. Would love to do a similar trip sometime

Only get to ride in during school hols when my wife is off work – otherwise am on pre-school run.

When I do ride in, it’s 6 miles each way through lovely little Devon lanes on the edge of Dartmoor (the type with grass in the middle, massive hedges etc). There’s a longish but steady climb on the way in and a mahoosive wall-like hill on the way back which I generally push up irrespective of whether I’m on a geary or (usually) singlespeed.

Average about 25 minutes give or take 5 minutes for random sheep related delays, fog paranoia, pothole trauma or bizarre tractor-related incidents.

Surly Troll?

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/troll

EDIT: Also don’t let the lack of pannier mounts put you off some of your other choices – there are other options out there.

http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/salsa-rack-lock-seatpost-clamp-1915-p.asp

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tubus-adapter-set-for-qr-axle-mounting/?dest=1&curr=gbp&lang=en&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&utm_content=Tubus-Tubus_Adapter_Set_For_QR-Axle_Mounting-Logo/Cosmo/Vega/Fly

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/

Too tall speaks sense – if you look at people like Laird Hamilton or some of the older Hawaiian guys they’d give anything a go.

Can you get short SUP’s?

Apparently so, although despite earlier posts I can’t help thinking he’d have more fun on a normal board in those conditions, but fair play!

Finisterre stuff is also really good and reasonably water resistant. I’ve got one of their Bise synthetic down gilets which I’m hardly out of.

They’ve got a few bits of last year’s stock on sale in odd sizes:

http://www.finisterreuk.com/mens/p/last-chance-to-buy.html

Or this for spring:

http://www.finisterreuk.com/mens/clothing/mens-insulated-jackets.html

Just because you caught the wave before everyone else on a barge with a huge paddle doesn’t mean you are a better surfer.

Eh, I may be mistaken, but I don’t think I made any claims about being a better surfer??? I’m just saying there’s a case for the right tool for the job. Anything that gets you in the water and surfing is good, surely?

Oh, and my quiver goes from 10ft barge to 6ft quad fish with a few in between. No size “issues” here.

Glad to hear it, but you are the one who started to moan about longboarders in the first place :roll:

Take your repressed anger elsewhere, or grow a pair and discuss your feelings with the people who actually cause them in real life.

Great response :D

FWIW – I’ve been surfing for years and am definitely SUP curious for flat days and a bit of inland cruising.

I suspect the haters on here are the same folk who get miffed at longboarders for “stealing all their waves” when they’re scrabbling around on the inside on boards which are plainly not suitable for the conditions… but on the other hand wouldn’t consider trying something with a bit more volume because it’s not ‘core.

Horses for courses, I wouldn’t take a shortboard out if it was 1ft or a longboard out for overhead days same as I wouldn’t take my singlespeed to the alps or a full sus to Thetford.

On one do this gadget – only works with forks with a steerer which is open at the bottom though.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HSOOLOCK/on_one_head_set_lock

Not tried it, but looks quite cunning. Any reports?

Hamax Sleepy fits on both my 1×1 and my Karate Monkey and has oodles of clearance to spare so I reckon that or a similar seat tube mounted option would be fine.

Was your cunning plan along the lines of selling the idea of fat tyres to Mrs Simon as some sort of active child safety device?

If so, I may need to borrow that idea…

Not on discount, but this is available if you fancy something a bit different!

http://www.helpfulholidays.com/property.asp?ref=Z44&year=2012

Quite isolated though – if you want a village location you may prefer looking at Zennor, St Just, Mousehole and the like.

I’d second the Conti Travel Contacts. I’ve used them for mixed road / light offroad touring and now for commuting around some really rough Devon lanes (we have potholes around here which you could lose a tractor in :D).

Not the lightest but really tough and hard wearing and very puncture resistant.