Suffering from a bit of heat exhaustion now. I don’t remember heat quite like this, especially the hot breeze. Tomorrow can’t come quick enough. Or acting on this clusterf**k of a climate disaster.

Aye, we’re toast.

On both sides.

1840-2040. RIP.

Wish I’d gone for these. My CA Melomanias don’t fit my ears, despite the great sound 🙁

Would you like to borrow ours in the meantime? Has about 6 hours in him every day…

In all seriousness, I hope he comes back around again soon. Something has maybe spooked him.

I have the Garmin MTB mount which positions it over the steerer cap. I lost an Edge 520+ from a stem cap mount which is why I now have a 530. I like it so far, faster to load maps/routes, and more data etc. Longer battery life, too.

Interesting article here:

https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/International/Is-China-Preparing-To-Emulate-Russias-Invasion-Of-Ukraine.html

States that Russia is actually profiting overall due to the sale of gas.

Prices haven’t moved around me, the 3 local stations have been the same now for weeks.

So the stress has already begun. We found two plots (new builds) that are currently available that we really really like. However, we can only reserve once ours is sold and they wont be ready until March next year. So, if we sell quickly and they are still available, it is likely we get hit with early repayment on the current mortgage and then into short term rented accommodation.

Unless of course we get unbelievably lucky and find a buyer willing to wait until then. Estate agents saying 3-4 months for completion at the moment.

Glad to hear you’re in @midlifecrashes

We have been looking at a Persimmon new build site. Their communication has been really poor, not answering phones or emails. And they have nobody available to do viewings this weekend as their staff member lives in Liverpool and it’s too far to travel….

So first valuation complete. Serious profit to be made on this house. Told that demand has slowed, but still very high compared to normal levels and that would likely sell within a week. It’s a 2016 new build and very desirable area. Let’s see. Off to view houses this weekend.

If any market crash/recession could hold off for a month or so that would be great…..

My current company car lease is due to expire on 2nd Dec this year. Work has taken no action yet. So I guess I’ll be having my lease extended by at least 6 months. Which doesn’t bother me, my Octavia is a good car and has less than 30k miles.

Supply will not improve until late 2023, early 2024.

I was very happy to get an ‘OE’ white stickered DHR II to match the OE front when I ordered. My OCD can rest easy for another day.

It’s weird how expectations change

Isn’t it just. From running 2 marathons and hoping to do more, to not being able to run 10m. I don’t even have expectations now.

We’re in the very early stages, lots to happen in the coming weeks. Getting this place valuated etc. It’s all new to me (I’ve only ever rented) but my gf has a few moves under her belt. Absolutely no idea how it will pan out.

Oh don’t worry, I’ve watched tons of them. My eyes will be peeled when we got to look.

Holy thread ressurection, Batman!

So we have an our initial MIP approved, so now is the time to get serious.

What am I about to let myself in for???

Looking at new builds, but that could be a drag as many on the developments we have looked at are sold out with very few remaining. And how long until they are completed. Anyway, I just hope we can get it done before Christmas LOLZ

Anyway, what are the predictions for the race?

I think all the hype about Merc doing well with a potential win will end up being a podium for George or Lewis at best, with Max and Charles P1/P2.

I’m back at the physio again on Thursday. After my last visit, suspected meniscus tear that just wont heal. Stretching has been aggrevating it, so it is a very slow process. Some days I feel like I could go running, the next day I feel like an 80 year old with arthritis.

You’d think, eh?

Without getting ahead of myself it’s probably more the stress of selling the current house that will be the difficult part. Thankfully where we are is still really popular. Fingers crossed for first time buyers!

It’s often situations like this that I struggle with. I get into a spiral about whether or not I deserve it, or if I can do it etc. I know there will be lots of hurdles ahead but moving away from this area would really help me I believe.

Thanks. We’re 39 & 34 here. We have an appointment booked with a mortgage advisor on Wednesday so will see how that goes.

So, moving house has taken a few extra steps. We are actively looking at a couple of new builds out near Buxton for example. I like the location a lot, despite the thought of bleak winters up there.

I would like some advice on getting a mortgage for the first time at the tender age of almost 40. My partner has had a mortgage now for over 10 years, on her second home which she now shares with me. We have very similar wages, secure enough jobs. Now I went through 8-10 years of a lot of debt, had no savings etc, but never got into any difficulties. Never missed a payments, clean history in that sense. This was all cleared about 2 years ago now and I’m saving now and more comfortable than I ever thought I would be (relatively speaking). Do lenders look that far back and will it influence the outcome? The mortgage will be about 30-40% LTV and we wont be paying out much more than we currently are. I don’t want to start getting exited and then we get knocked back because of my history.

to have a full suss for Llandegla trips

If it’s worth anything, I have more fun on my hardtail at Llandegla than my 160mm full sus. Only downside is slightly stiffer legs the next day.

Life is what you want it to be. The only thing that stands in your way is the barriers that you put in front of yourself. That may seem trite but if you strip everything back to the basics then its true.

I totally agree. It’s all in my hands. But of course easier said than done. I had another panic attack last night, actually after a solo bike ride. No idea why, maybe it’s all playing in the back of my mind.

Thanks for the further replies. Definitely helping.

So, update on my knee. Physio is pretty much certain it is a meniscus tear, but a light one, thankfully. He is confident with some work and patience I can be back to normal within 4-6 weeks. Starting today.

Well, shameless plug for my recent trip. The updated Repeat Offender was one of the favourite runs…And it was bone dry

FWIW I’ve got chronic tendonitis in my left knee since around 2002, and it hasn’t stopped me doing 2 ultras this year and I’ve got another in a couple of weeks. I’m 50 btw

I wish I could run on mine. I get sharp pain and feel like it’s going to give way even with a light jog. That’s how it has been this last month or so.

Can you take mine in with you as well and ask them to have a quick shufti? Been getting the odd twinge lately

Pop it in the post mate, I’ll get them to take a look.

I was looking at getting a nice small compact for taking out and about. My 80D and the smallest lens I have is just too big for putting in my back pack when riding. I’d be looking at Sony, or personally Canon as I’m familiar with the controls layout.

Supply is tight though, trying to find stock can be tricky.

On the subject of my knee, I went on a ride last night and I could feel it. Not enough to make me stop, but I do wonder if I need to change the position of my feet/cleats. I ride flats on my MTBs. So it could be something I need to look at.

I have been to a physio about my knee and he said tendonitis, so rest for a few weeks and keep it moving with gentle exercise and stretches. My phone call yesterday with a GP suggested Meniscus, not tendons. My physio appointment tomorrow will hopefully confirm what it is. I want to get it sorted ASAP.

@duncancallum I’m in south Manchester. Think I met you a couple of times on the MNPR’s.

Let’s hope I can figure it all out.

I’m by no means chosing to be a misery guts about turning 40. I’ve had 15+ years of having not much of a positive outlook on my life due to my own self asteem. That’s the core of the problem. This whole thing of turning 40 is now another focus for the monkey on my shoulder.

Anyway, I have sorted a ride with someone tonight on the road bike, so that’s better than sitting in the house. And I’m off to see a physio on Thursday about my knee.

I’ll likely take a bit of a hit on the monthly, but not much. It’s about finding a happier place to live. But lets see, it will likely be a long and stressful process. I’m not really bothered about market crashes and all that, I want my next house to be the one I live in for the next 20 years or more.

Jeez, don’t be telling me 50 is when I should really be worrying…

And add into this, thinking about moving. Never had a mortgage before….

Thanks for all the replies. I was out on the motorbike last night enjoying the great weather.

Lots of great points. Firstly regarding seeing a GP/counseling, I’ve been there many times over the years. Think my first visit to the GP to talk about ‘feeling crap’ was in my mid 20’s. I’ve had various courses of talking therapies and CBT. I took some things away from CBT but that’s it. When I moved here nearly 8 years ago I ended needed to see someone again and the response from my GP has been rubbish and I’ve just got on with it by myself. Haven’t been on meds for maybe 9 years or so.

I also think I’m a different person in some ways to what I was even a few years ago. I’m not so keen on social situations, large groups anymore. I much prefer the quiet life. Maybe COVID is to blame for that. I get overly anxious when there’s too many people around.

I’m actively looking at moving house too, I don’t like where I live due to anti-social behavior near us and I’ve suffered a lot with anxiety because of that. I think it could make a big difference if I was living somewhere where I was happy and content. But that’s a very expensive fix.

Did the Redbull Foxhunt a couple of times, Gee always seemed pretty laid back and happy to just hangout with all the riders.

Well I’ve been based at home with my job for almost 8 years now. I do wonder if it has been a negative overall. I don’t feel less stressed about my job.

I have at least achieved something today and got an appointment about my knee tomorrow afternoon.

I also find Zwift deadly dull. The monthly subscription nags me like a gym membership. I also struggle with starting things – when training is 100km rides, I forget how enjoyable a 10 mile pootle or just a ride into town can be. Perspective change might help.

I feel exaclty the same. I might just cancel the membership for now. But the rides perspective is an interesting one. I’d always be nagging myself about my average speed on a road ride, or elevation on an MTB ride thinking I needed to hit a target in order for the ride to worthwhile. Maybe focussing on just riding and not caring about the stats will help. I do remember the days of no Garmins or Strava.

I lost my business, went bankrupt and nearly lost my home at 40!

Okay, that’s definitely worse. I hope you have recovered?

Thanks again for all the replies.

I am presuming you’ve seen a physio re the knees?

I did, back at the beginning of 2020. The pain showed up on the MTB during steep climbs when I was really leaning on my legs, but only then. Physio said tendonitis, and over 2 years later same issues. I rested and stretched as instructed and it just never went away. Stopped me from running for a long time, couldn’t do too much football (5 a-side these days), and long days on the bike made it hurt a bit. I also have a bakers cyst on the same knee, which is more of a symptom of an underlying issue.

I tried Zwift and I found it hard to keep at it. Started an FTP builder and did start to feel results, then my knee pain came back. Constantly turning the pedals didn’t help I think. Last time I looked, estimated FTP was 213W.

Oddly, I was home alone this weekend with the dog. I went for decent walks from home on Saturday and Sunday morning, and I didn’t feel much better when I got back. That happens when my mind is so caught up in all my worries that nothing seems to shift it.

I am taking a little comfort that it seems I can turn the fitness around. I’ve ran two marathons, both in my 30’s, so I know I can put the work in for endurance events.

Thanks for the replies. @sharkattack sorry to hear you are in a similar position to me. I had glandular fever when I was in my 20’s, was a rough few weeks.

I’d quite like to get back to racing, although I only started that in my early 30’s. I’d also like to do some endurance type events. I have a few random targets in my head that I’d like to do, like 100 mile bike ride, the Fred Whitton or similar, and as above endurance MTB stuff. I am going round in circles with my injury. A few years ago it was my slipped discs, now that is manageable my knee has been giving me issues with no resolution to it. Comes and goes, changes every day.

There is a more deepful thought to all this too, can I still live a great life after 40? Everything I am interested in can be looked at as a young persons game, MTB’ing, running, motorcycling etc.

Interesting point on gaining extra experience, maybe it is something to look at. And could help with a career change.

We have 4 x 250w panels on a new build. Probably powers the lamp in the living room for 2 months a year. Still, better than nothing!