Thanks again to all the replies. The weekend has passed, the Red Bull Foxhunt has passed. It was a great weekend, I managed to just enjoy myself and not concentrate on my riding, however as the videos begin to appear, I’m really giving myself a hard time over it. I have to say, what I did get from the weekend was some of the best banter I’ve had on the bike in a long time.

@Mavisto – Interesting post. I honeslty don’t accept that life just sucks and that we just have to get on with it, though I know that when I’m down that’s exactly my attitude. I do see the beauty in life, it’s just harnessing that and dealing with the evils that don’t allow my to explore it.

@killwillforchips – yea, coming on to ask a bunch of strangers who genuinely don’t care, sounds the like the wrong idea. However I’m very pleased that in the moment that each and every one of you replied, you felt you wanted too, just to help someone. Human nature if you ask me. I know STW very well, I read a lot more than I post.

I’m on 40mg of fluoxetine, been through CBT about 5 years ago, and attended 6 sessions with a consellor this time last year.

I’m realising I’m pouring out a lot of personal info on here, so I’m still nervous sharing all this.

I’m all for vague free advice ;)

Yea, part of the fun is going fast, no doubt, though I’m thinking that just going out to ride will give me some perspective. I know I’ll continue to ride as hard as a can, I just need to not judge myself on it all the time?

Wow, didn’t expect even more great replies this morning.

Last night I felt very very low and I tried to think of the simple positive of riding my bike – just strolling along the trials in this pretty beautiful countryside we have around Belfast. Didn’t seem like such a bad thing. I’d have gone out, but it was a tad late! This weekend I’m doing the Redbull Foxhunt in Belfast and I’m really hoping I can be in the right frame of mind to just enjoy it and not care about where and what happens. If I can get a cheeky photo with Gee Atherton, that’ll do.

Thanks again for all the replies, great advice. Molgrips, I don’t have a training schedule as such, perhaps that is an issue. I ride everyday to and from work, only really push myself on the way back, approx 4.5 miles each way. Not a lot, but better than not especially in winter. I push myself on the weekend rides.

There are a lot of books and online inof, it can be very difficult to spend time and get the right stuff for me.

Hats off to everyone for the replies, not once have you dropped your standards – even the singlespeed comment ;)

I’ve tried various methods of re-programming my mind. I’ll admit, it’s the hardest single thing in the world, this ‘thing’ that has control over you 99% of the time. I do think I have lost the joy of riding, and that really needs to change. I don’t want to stop competing, I’ve really enjoyed the race atmoshpere and meeting new people, and the enduro format really works for me.

Really appreciate the replies so far folks. I have very recently called Lifeline and I have been on the Mind website numerous times. This train of thought is across many areas of my life.

Yea, that’s what I’m thinking at this point. I’m almost embarrassed to admit what my goals are, even though I want to achieve them.

Thanks for the replies so far. I’m usually fine on the outside when I’m riding but then experience a massive low afterwards. I’ve got goals in my head for next year, though as to how realistic they are, I don’t really know.

Cheers al. It’s more a case of understanding why I think that way. Why do I think I need to be at the front, or only going out if I can perfect every line every time etc. Looking for acceptance maybe? Need to prove myself?

Well, GW has posted, thread closed?

He’s quicker than me!

Class video.

How did we get by before adjustable seat posts came along?

My local is pretty wet and muddy, but to be fair, it always is at the slightest drop of rain. Great for honing the skills, though some places with huge slop is very difficult to ride in.

Suck it up ;)

Oh, you mean one of these?

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IMG_2624web[/url] by colinsphotos26[/url], on Flickr

Some interesting posts. Having lived in Belfast all my life, it’s been an interesting last few days, with friends and the like all having their opinions.

I don’t have much to say about it, I only get annoyed thinking about the past 30 years and beyond. A step in the right direction? Not sure, it’s a step in some direction no doubt.

Vanilla RL’s on mine, working very well. Had old Revs before and the Vanilla’s are just a nicer, more plush fork, especially on the small/medium bump stuff.

Ran rapid rise for a couple of years, now back to ‘normal’.

Don’t pay attention to the wheel sizes, have they changed? :D

Dude in the yellow shorts is pretty handy.

Nice video.

Not a lot of love for GW in this thread, is there? :lol:

Which is why I never buy off eBay….hope you can get it resolved.

Shortcut, the wheel was off center before the hub was serviced.

Sorry for the hi-jack, but I’m having a similar problem. Took the tire off tonight, tried the wheel on both ways, seems to be out by about 5mm (i.e 2.5mm adjustment to center it). I serviced my hub a few days ago and there was no problem with the axle being bent, so I know the hub is fine. It’s not buckled though, just totally off center….

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IMG_3072web[/url] by colinsphotos26[/url], on Flickr

Been commuting to work now for around 6 months and this is my biggest annoyance. It really is down to confidence and giving yourself the room you need. And don’t get me started on drivers on their mobiles and yes, other cyclists jumping red lights!

Muck-Off degreaser isn’t great, must try this citrus many speak of…

If you look at the part of the seal that meets the lowers section, there is a little notch/groove every 10mm or so. Well that’s what the new ones look like on my Vanilla 32’s.

Don’t really notice much of a difference over the older standard seals…apart from not pissing oil everywhere :D

My missus has had her 2012 Giant Revel W for a couple of weeks. Loves it. Decent spec, not overly girly colour scheme and fits her very well. She just completed a 22 charity cycle at the weekend and really enjoyed it. Here is a photo of said bicycle:

[/url]
IMG_2653web[/url] by colinsphotos26[/url], on Flickr

Currently 2 1/2 weeks into healing a fracture of the distal phalanx of my left thumb. Second appointment next week, hopefully it will be nearing healing. Thumb splint looks ridiculos though!

Hope you recover quickly and hassle free – I may need mine pinned apparently – though I thought they would have done that at the time.

Most likely a class 2 laser scanner.

I’m sorry, your time is up. Go spend any remaining pocket money on coke and hookers.

Thanks for all the advice folks. Will get it checked out at the LBS

Don’t know what the problem is, I just drive up to the store and collect my bits ;)

*smug face*

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/6468683/

Not me in the photo, but I droppe this in the race that day after a couple of unsuccessful attempts.

I lost a 2009 Meta frame to the seat-tube weld crack after about 10 months. Real Cycles replaced it with a 2010 model, very promptly too. It hasn’t put me off buying another Commencal, as long as the dealer is good, I’d put my money at them.

[/url]
The climb[/url] by colinsphotos26[/url], on Flickr

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I’ve built up a lot of technical knowledge over the 10 years, so I know it will stand me in good stead somewhere down the line.

This might be useful…

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/felt-virtue-sport-tested-2012.html

Col

Not sure yet, the girlfriend is organising it for us. She spent 18 months in Whistler, and been to Europe a few times. She mentioned the possibility of Scotland (Aviemore), any thoughts?

I have the same light, no issues so far. If it’s a 2011 model, still within warranty?

Looks like I’m going on my first ever ski trip next month. Excited to say the least, I expect to fall alot and make an eejit of myself for a few days! :D