I was out there earlier on in the year. Spent a few days riding south from Volvic. Didn't have much of a plan, just a map or two, bike and bivvy gear. I tended to follow the GR trails where possible and chop and change where needed.

Superb scenery, some nice riding and it was over 100 degrees much of the time.

I read the whole thread last night and to be honest it touched a few nerves I'd forgotton I had. Firstly I'd like to wish Sharki the best of luck in his life, doing what he's doing takes some bollocks, far more so than just sitting there and hoping your life will changed through the input of someone else.

Now here's the odd bit. I've lived (married to) with someone who suffered with mental health problems, years of not knowing what you were going home to or wondering what crisis would unfold this week takes its toll on EVERYONE. So, has anyone except me thought that whilst Sharki is where he is mentally and his kids are safe and cared for then perhaps they might be better without him for the moment?

Sharki go out and let the happiness find you, peace of mind is something worth finding. You're just one man and it'll be near impossible for you to change the world but you can change YOUR world and it's an endevour that should be admired … 'pleasant valley sunday' isn't for everyone and regardless of what some think, it isn't compulsory.

I'll **** off now … good luck 😉

Aye, look on ebay for exotic carbon forks … I've a few pairs and they've never been anything less than great. They will cost you a touch more than £50 though but I think exotic do alloy versions for around £50 but I've never tried 'em.

I tend to struggle a bit with the frame sizing of On Ones. I'm 5'7" with long (for my height) legs and a shorter body. My 16" 456 does feel a touch too long even with a short stem, swept back bars and in- line post.

My 15.5" PA on the other hand fits like a glove, I know the PA is more expensive but IMO the extra cash is well worth it … not just for fit but also general quality/finish.

Build you've described sounds alright though 😉

It's been raining in mid Wales since the start of July … but you knew that already 😉

What's wrong with cow print saddles? … they make me smile, as does the tartan saddle I have 😉

Only too happy to help … I'll have a word with Dee for you, she's spent a bit of time over there.

I'm ok ta … just taken delivery of a little something from RAB.

Just get the correct 1:2500 IGN map and go explore ….. you big puff 😀

Super Star ones are the only ISIS BB i've had any joy with … manage to get about 18 months from them when fitted to my PA which is used and abused on a daily basis as it's the bike I instruct on.

Everything else inc' CB ones with a 5 year warranty have packed up well within 6 months.

Easy enough to make a neo type gaurd from an old inner tube … had one on a PA for 3 years, it works a treat and doesn't stand out, you don't notice it … apart from not having a face full of shit.

Ah, I think you've been the 4 days of the year that the sun shines Stu 😉

Should be fine but we've had LOTS of rain with more on the way, expect to get very wet.

Looking at where the pedal/cranks are is it possible to pedal it? … looks a little like a full revolution of the cranks might result in the odd pedal strike 😯

Taking the tops off is easiest (as already said) but they'll come back again given time … is there anywhere before the bumps you could add a 'feature' to gently slow people down so they'll have to brake less before the corner?

Slight chicane/bus stop tends to work quite well.

I've never been Ken but I do know a girl who runs a guiding company out there. The stuff she's shown me looks fantastic … doesn't seem to be any trouble with crime/getting stuff nicked, etc.

Stuart

You'll look no worse than the bloke wearing it on the On One site 😉

Most bars allow different hand positions … we just limit ourselves to where the grips are and don't think past it 😉

I like Marys and H bars … I think the trick is not to think too much about them, yes, they all look a bit odd but if you just ride and don't look at the things they work great.

*If you're the slightest bit worried about what other people think of you or your bike don't buy any.

Aye, great weekend … always a good chance to catch up with folks. It's also a great chance to see next years niche now, before it hits the trails. 😉

We're any of the snappers on the descent there in a pro' capacity?

I'm setting off to SSUK in half an hour … riding down, 70ish miles with 80% off road. Bivvy out tonight and try to arrive early morning 😀

Should be landing Sat morning, I'll set off riding down Fri and have a night with bivvy bag on route … I shall be riding my non niche Genesis.

Sat night will see me sleeping at the other end of the scale in the worlds biggest tent – you'll not miss it 😉

It goes something a little like this.

Takes place last weekend (bank holiday) in May.

1 month before you will be sent a list of grid references and maps required, you'll then have a month to plan a route which passes through these grid references. This years routes averaged out to about 200km.

At around midday Sat you'll set off from the start ( no fanfare ) you will however be carrying everything you need for 3 days riding inc 2 nights out … think, bivvy bag, tent, credit card, etc.

Return to start early afternoon on Mon with a great big smile and great stories to tell. Collect your very exclusive T shirt, eat cake and drink tea.

Job done.

Shame you're not here at the end of May … obviously the, Welsh Ride Thing is the best summer event for the discerning masochist 😉

Stu, sort your typing finger out … only 1 L 😉

You know how we English/Welsh half breeds get.

Brechfa's enjoyable enough but I'm with Stu here. Get yourself an OS Explorer 200 (and possibly 213) and go explore … adventures await 😀

Ton, I could be wrong but I've got a feeling that you can't canoe on the river once you get above the tidal range … stops been tidal above Dovey Junction.

You might be able to hire something (sea kayak) in Aberdyfi.

I've taken to using a Montane extreme smock in winter. Superb bit of kit, very warm with lots of venting options, it's not fully waterproof but it's always kept me dry even in the Welsh mountains when it's rained hard all day.

Terrahawk, good effort (just read the blog) … living in mid wales I can certainly vouch for the amount of poo and the potential navigation problems. Are you considering a double attempt?

I was told that it'll make my nob bigger … or did they say it'll make you a bigger nob? Can't quite remember now.

Sounds like a plan to me, although I wouldn't mess about with 2×9 … I'd run 1×9 with a 12-36 deore cassette on the back if I thought a very low gear would be required.

Not south Wales but not a million miles away either http://www.forestfreeride.co.uk

One to one isn't a problem and there's no surcharge for it and the bunkhouse is there for anyone riding/training. All courses can be tailored to suit whatever level, experience, etc … no two people are the same so there's no reason two courses should be either 😉

Singlespeed … harder than popeyes nob

One gear – Many speeds

Push for attention

It's just like riding a bike … only slower

Erm, I can see why it's half price. Does it have 'dancing queen' across the back in sequins? 😉

If you like been out in the hills then you'll enjoy it, if you prefer trail centre type riding then you might not. There's loads of route variations, get the map out and take your pick … lots of people like the Foel Fadian descent from Glaslyn but there are plenty of other options.

3-4 hours depending on weather, route, faffing, etc.

Must agree about the leg burner … I can never understand why it 'bothers' people so much. If you do the Mach' 3 take a proper map, I noticed some of the signs have been moved due to felling operations, it makes a change from them been removed / changed for a laugh though!

Apart from fitting in my tea urn, I'd like enough room to store wet gear, sit up and *cook that's why I'm wanting something with an extended porch or an extendable one as B.A.Nana says.

* Please no moaning about cooking in porches, it's something I do, end of. 😉

Ta folks … thinking about it Stu I saw yours (tent) at Brecon last year and it did look nice. Is it classed as a 2 man or Sheldon tent then?

Macpac could be a possible … I'll check about pulling the inner back. Not sure if my pockets are quite deep enough for an Akto and it looks like a Terra Nova which puts me off.

Same as above, like the looks but the fit is p1ss poor … wouldn't have another.

The DB are alright, I had one a couple of years ago. It now lives with a mate who much prefers it to his On One. Had to change a few bits from new but nothing drastic.

Gearing … was something like 38:16
Saddle … just didn't like it.
Bars … very narrow.
Stem … very long.
Brakes … very crap. (ok so perhaps that's slightly drastic)
Front QR … nut was machined on p1ss so kept loosening under braking!