See, I don’t believe I need to the gym to build up my arms and shoulders. 4-5 good core exercises for each group can be achieved with dumbbells. Says the guy who still has weedy arms :D

To be honest, it’s mainly down to a self asteem issue. My elbow bones are wider than my upper arms when relaxed by my sides. I’m 6 2″, 13st, pretty fit, but have weedy arms and shoulders.

molgrips, I didn’t mean it to sound like she thinks exaclty like that, she doesn’t. But still, I take it to heart. I have been trying a lot recently, but with the results slow to show, it can be a tough process for me.

I have an ectomorph body type. To gain weight, I need to lift heavy, longer rests, lift slowly, eat a lot of cals, but not as much aerobic fitness. This counteracts against bulking with that body type.

Haha, quite. It’s more about just getting some definition, not to bulk up like Arnie. But to be told subltely, on a few ocassions, by your girlfriend that she likes ‘partner to be bigger than me’* then it can knock you somewhat. Basically a round about way of saying ‘i think you’re too skinny’

*no smut please :D

I guess it is. But doesn’t do me any favours in quite a few parts of my life.

Interesting topic. Something that fits me at the moment. I have always been tall and skinny, but relatively fit. The only part of my body that has bulked up in any way is my legs, but even then, no bigger than the average mans leg. Been a huge problem for my self confidence. I have tried free weights and the gym, but both seem to do nothing at all. I’m trying to put together a different plan to see if it will help. I gets to the point that I will wear long sleeve tops even in the height of summer to hide my boney arms.

Head up a little more? I find I get a little disorientated if I look down too much at my front wheel (bad riding habit anyway :D )

Just been on my first ride out with my new Oakley Ten prescription sunglasses. I ordered the transition lenses and I have to say, they worked very well this evening. Sun was low to begin with, then riding between 7-8pm tonight they were perfect. These particular lenses are ranged from 93% (clear) to 18% light transmission.

My last transaction before the fraud took place was at the end of February and the 2 fraudulant transactions took place on the 5th March.

Your details (name, address, CC, email, etc) would be stored in a database.

The same one used for payment processing

The card was a different card from the one I normally use for CRC payments. So, those new card details are now stored with them?

I got stung for 2 O2 top-up card payments on Saturday. Contacted the bank and the money has been refunded. It is just a pain in the arse, new card not here until Monday/Tuesday next week. I do feel a level of sympathy towards CRC. However, it does cloud my confidence with paying for stuff online, which I do a lot of. I needed more parts this morning, so just called and placed my order over the phone. Maybe Niavely, I have assumed they wouldn’t use their online system to process the card details rather than directly with the card system?

Stupid question time, I assume everyone is talking about 9mm QR versions of the XT hubs? I’m running QR XT hubs which I bought new in 2009. Is there any good quides for servicing them?

And don’t forget to stare at her boobies.

“i bought you some paracetamol”

“why?”

“well don’t you have a headache?”

“no, why.. what?!”

“awesome, so we can have sex now?”

lol very good.

Let me know if that works, by the way?

Serious note: Be yourself, 110%

Unserious note: Be yourself, 10%

Part of the NPS course in Rostrevor, Co Down, NI. Ended up on my arse after about 50 yards, freewheeled the rest, crying inside my helmet.

Must go back and give it another go sometime :D

Thanks Stevo, for the reply.

Colin

Stevo,

What video camera did you use?

Don’t let that hold you back Nick, just stay a little lose and let the wheels find the lines for you ;)

Absolutely. I’m not content with the level I am at right now. The best way to improve – get outside your comfort zone. If you ride the trails you don’t normally do, or try to avoid, ride them.

Oh, and this means falling off. A lot :D Well for me anyway

Obi, cheers.

It's a GoPro HD cam. It's set on the 4:3 ratio, so it gives a wider angle hence the fisheye effect. It really is that steep yes..

That is one sweet looking bike man.

Health to ride.

Col

I wanna see a photo of Aleigh ;)

My point exactly. Not that I'd be going on this ride. For two reasons, and one being I'm in another country, just back across the puddle in Norn Iron.

By the way, it's very difficult to tell who is a she and who is a he going by user names. Apart from the obvious of course ;)

Magic? What is that? I can do a card trick if you want? ;)

I'm 27 and feel like I'd be past it if I was to be single again. 90% of all my friends are married, or otherwise engaged.

So I have a big fear of rejection, and I also have a big fear of seeing her with another person if we did split. She was my first girlfriend etc etc

Well, she's my best mate, but I guess that isn't grounds for a relationship. And how I deal with it all, I don't know. I know I'd be causing a world of hurt and pain for her.

I've been with a girl for almost 6 years, engaged since March last, and living together in rented accomodation since September. She's a great girl, but I'm not attracted to her anymore.

Relationship over? Sex is non-existant, and I usually have a high sex drive. I'm on AD's too, have been for about 2 years.

Pete, I don't know you, but your story really has struck a chord with me. I really do wish you a full recovery, and do keep posting on here.

All the best man

Col

What's red and invisible?

No strawberries.

Somewhere very local on Saturday, Cavehill in Belfast, then off to Tollymore Forest on Sunday. Should be a good weekend :D

I have an 09 Meta 553. I love it. Goes down well, climbs well. Generally a fun bike to ride. But I like the Orange 5 too. So, go ride both, see what you prefer.

But I'd certainly recommend the Meta.

Colin

Break The Cycle Film.

Colin

Have to agree with Conor in this thread. The descent in Kilbroney is amazing, the amount of speed you pick up is unreal and the views, if you have time to look, are pretty breathtaking.

Colin

Coming over from Belfast into Stranraer.

Awk well, not like we're not used to wind and rain! I'll assume the trails will hold up well.

I'm very much an athiest.

This is a very interesting thread.

I carry stress with me everyday. Usually the only day I don't feel it, is a Saturday. It kicks in about Sunday lunchtime. But it's just all linked to my depression, it's how my mind has been working for a few years now, it's a vicious circle. Some weeks/days are better than others, but I'm sure there is another way around it. I'm in sales/retail, and would love to find something completely new which pays more or equal too what I earn now.

Being in the same desk job now for 8 years I think has had a bad effect on me tbh.

Not much love for the Commencal brand here I see! I'll put it down to jealousy ;)

I'll not lie and say that the reported cracks don't worry me. However, some of these cases have been user error. Running 160mm forks on a Meta5 frame, leading to excess stress on certain areas of the frame. My 09 frame is a large, which has the shock mount on the seat tube only, not on the seat and top tube combined. Lets hope that doesn't lead to problems.

The design clearly works, so why change it?

I have an 09 Meta 5, though only for 2 months. No issues so far.