Pussy ?

Weeeeellll, there has been a big cat spotted where i go at night.

Not quite sure how to deal with that one should i ever come across it.

Scream like a big Jessie i guess !

I do have a patented Hope rabbit scarer, so they are not a problem.

If you get the chance, try and include the path from Inshriac Bothy back to the west edge of Loch Gamhna.

It's only a mile or so long but mainly downhill, rocky, narrow and twisty. A wee peach.

The whole area is so scenic and the guys at Bothy Bikes are very helpful. I'm sure making a purchase would do no harm either !

Personally i use Raceface FR leg armour and occasionally Dianese elbow/ forearm armour too.

Mostly ride the Stanes and usually fall over rather than wipe out.

I just carry the Fr armour up the hills in the camelbak and bung it on for the downs.

One thing i would say is to protect your knees. It does not take much of a hit to damage them and you could easily be off the bike for months if they take a good hit.

The Fr leg armour is also superb for when you are laying laminate flooring !

Headbutt, naaa, too much chance of messing it up and injuring yourself.

Personally i found the swift and unexpected application of a chair to the head works first time every time.

I was 14 at the time i hasten to add.

And the wee toerag really had it coming !

And strangely he never troubled me again. Go figure.

Sorry to be pedantic but it sort of looks like the front brake hose is strangely routed now.

Either it goes round the outside of the right fork leg then over to the left or it goes between the legs.

Not that clear from the 2nd pic but does not look right.

In fact, having looked again at the first pic i think it goes through between the legs above the bridge.

Oh dear, more FAIL !

Me no understand. What Tottaly profeshional xc dh mean ?

Try an iso 12-9 allen cap screw (of whatever size you need)if it will fit. They are a good deal tougher than iso 8-8 bolts you usually get at ironmongers.

Of course, you may already have specced Titanium !

Central Scotland today was nice and sunny if a bit cool.

Now i know i'm an old fart but i do remember this time of year 15 or so years ago would be cold and frosty.

Many times the RAC Rally would be held on forest stages that were frozen solid and even with a good covering of snow. That was always around the 23rd or so of November.

No chance of getting out of the car and falling on your arse on the ice this year. Falling on your arse from mud….oh yes !

The op is not too bad, a funny electric shock feeling once or twice. The jag is a little, ahem, ouchie.

I gave it two weeks before the bike got a look in. I did have some superb bruising.

Nookie, as someone has to bring it up, well, err, 2 days later. Not the most comfortable experience.

Oh and gentlemen, lets not forget, it's not 100% successful.

Some of us apparently have more than one tube per spherical object.

So, they won't have to tell me what it's like when i eventually go back.

BUGGER !

Shawshank Redemption (west kipper is fully entitled to his opinion its just different from mine !)
Ronin (Has it faults but hey ho)
Ferris Bueller's Day off ( "hey balla balla !")
Local Hero ( just special)
Grosse Pointe Blank (way cool)
Donnie Darko ( strange and wonderful)
Breakfast Club ( More John Hughes rip)
Saving Private Ryan ( greet like a wean at the ending every time)
Green Mile ( "like coffee, just not spelt the same" )
Shindlers list ( shockingly good)
Gregory's Girl ( "how may elephants ?")
Band of Brothers ( not a film but brilliant)
Original Italian Job ( new one is pathetic)
Life of Brian ( "you lucky lucky barstalward")
Leon ( needs no comment)
Gladiator ( joaquin Pheonix is the real star)
Heat ( how to really shoot)
BlackHawk Down ( Ridley Scott you done good)
Forrest Gump ( admit it its good)

and finally, never ever, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Marvin is 7 foot tall, grey and grumpy, with a pain all down the diodes on his left side. That white kitchen swing bin thing is a Hollywood cop out. RIP Douglas.

So enjoyed that article. 43 and i must be an old fart as i well remember Drum ups with the Eagle Road Club/CTC Glasgow East.

And "Habble" had nearly forgotten that one.

Many a happy time running like hell to avoid an exploding tin of baked beans secreted in the fire !

CTC used to list the drum ups in the annual handbook issued by the local DA.

Beith rocking stone, Pulpit rock ( Ardlui), Beecraigs Wood, Dumgoyne, Fintry Glen, Ardochrig, Corrie woods (Kilsyth), Finnich Glen and so many more around Glasgow.

Went back to the Glasgow CTC about 10 years ago and was saddened to hear they just go to cafes. What i ask, is wrong with sitting inside your cape in front of a blazing fire while its pissing down ?

That said, i cant resist hot choc and banoffe pie at the Hub these days !

Just compared Danny’s vid to Leech in ROAM and i have to say that Danny is much smoother.

His section in “Home” was excellent but the new vid just blows it away.

Kirroughtree and Drumlanrig are just over an hours drive from Ayr.

Both well worth a visit.

Kit, I must correct you on one point.

One must arrive in ones brand new BMW 5 series estate ( or x5) in silver of course.

One must also have a BMW single arm roof mounted bike rack.

These are very easy to identify. If the bike is upright, not wobbling about in a most distressing manner and the front wheel is not at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, its not a genuine BMW approved accessory.

Off to cut up some serfs.

Toodle pipski !

Currently an inch of snow on the ground to the south of Glasgow and snowing like mad.

Local trails will be ridable by july !!

Was out on them 2 weeks ago and had to hikeabike up all the hills due to slush.

Dont think the road bike will be on for a commute tomorrow somehow.

I have a cunning plan !

Line all the little barstools up head to foot on the Ft Bill DH run and set a world cup round loose on them.

Now that would own them right in the bombers !

Was at Largs yesterday for a stroll along the front.

Superb day but bleeding freezing.

Oh and Nardinis is open again !! The hot chocolate is crap though, hot milk and diy chocolate on a stick. I shall remain faithful to the hubs Hot choc.

As well you went yesterday given the amount of snow today.

p.s. Thanks for the routes BoardinBob, always nice to find new stuff.

Kirroughtree House Hotel was a hotel of the year a few years ago. Somewhat obviously its right next to Kirroughtree.

The hotel at Mabie ( Mabie House ??), right next to start of trails is nice too.

Criffel Inn is close to Mabie as well.

Aviemore/Coylumnbridge area is superb. Fantastic walking area with trails for the bike too.

Old castles etc a speciality. Whiskey trail and costal scenery all close at hand.

Tons of chalets and cottages to choose from.

Take a look.

Cheers