Brain injuries are incredibly complex and individual, and recovery and rehabilitation can take years and is often life changing. Equally, others make an almost full recovery.

I have a traumatic brain injury, after I was hit by a car whilst out cycling 6 years ago. As mentioned above, Headway is a great charity, with lots of very useful information on their website, and a phone helpline if you want any advice.

As his friend, the best thing you can do as a mate is be there for him, both in the current emergency situation but also long term. I am lucky that I have some very supportive friends, but other people with a brain injury can often be left socially isolated.

I hope your friend recovers, he is in the best place at the moment.

It’s so important to go, I have lost too many female friends and family to different cancers (breast, peritoneal, bowel). I am so grateful to medical science and the NHS that we all have regular free access to screening – it is something we should always value and recognise that many women in other countries aren’t as fortunate.

There is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed – we need to get away from the idea of “private parts” in terms of health – it is just part of our bodies – my breasts are no different to my legs, and my cervix no different from my tonsils.

It is generally not too painful (I’ve had worse pain from a stubbed toe!), but if it is, the medical professionals are generally very supportive and alternative approaches can be made available.

I too am in the short, small waist, muscular legs department 😄

Given up on jeans completely due to uncomfortable fit and I hated the “skinny jeans”. But the last pair I had that were straight leg / slight bootcut, with stretch denim fabric, were jeans from M&S (yes I know, totally lacking in cool, but they were comfy).

Now I just wear loose fitting outdoor hiking pants – usually Montane or Rab. I have a vaguely smart-ish pair (ie no mud or sheep poo, which in Wales counts as posh 😂)

Ooh, this is excellent to come out with my “comfort blanket” movies – Notting Hill, Love Actually, Pride, etc 😄 Nothing beats a classic British “feel good” movie !

Reading, watching and listening is very difficult for me nowadays as after my accident I have significant damage to my “working memory”. But I love reading (my first degree was in English lit), so I persevere as much as I can – currently reading Dr Camilla Pang “Understanding Humans” – a fantastic insight into human behaviour and social norms by an autistic scientist!

For all-day rides, I’m a “pockets and small saddle bag” kind of rider. Keeps the weight to a minimum and everything I need is easily to hand.

I have a couple of cycling jerseys with 5 pockets – the usual 3 at the rear, plus an extra one on each hip side. So that means: jacket in one pocket, pump and arm warmers in one pocket, phone and money in one pocket, sarnies and snacks in the 2 hip pockets. Small saddle pack has one inner tube, tyre levers, micro multi tool, latex gloves, chain link, tyre patch, and keys.

If I’m going cycle touring, my rack and ortleib panniers come out, and they swallow everything!

I really don’t like riding with a rucksack – uncomfortable, sweaty and painful for my spine and neck

I’ve spent my adult life happily as a DINK and a DINKWAS (the dogs sadly passed away at a wonderful old age). Now in my 50’s, with a partner in his 60’s who has 2 adult daughters and now grandkids, so we have interesting discussions from both our experiences.

From my perspective, life with no children has been positive, rewarding, giving, supporting and loving. All that some people put into their children, I have been able to give to others (be that family members, friends, or people in society who need volunteers to offer support). Plus I have loved my dogs and given them a long and happy life. So psychologically I feel that I have had a great life being able to offer a lot to others, in large part because I have had spare time and energy as it has not been taken up by having children.

My friends are a great mix of both parents and child free, and we just socialise in different ways. Equally, I have dog owning friends and non-dog friends too 😄

In addition, I’ve been able to put a lot of time and flexibility into my job, working on protecting nature and the environment, which I care deeply about and will hopefully benefit not just the planet but also future generations.

So from my perspective, I have had no loss of love, no lack of giving, and a rewarding life. There are many benefits to a life without children – for you and your partner, your family and friends, and society as a whole.

I forgot to add my bikes 😱

I used to have a tiny Titus moto-lite that came with a bespoke build from Troy at Fruita, Colorado (home of my favourite trail name “Zippidy-Doo-Da” 😄), but due to not being able to mountain bike after my accident I passed it on to an enthusiast young lad. Also had a little Cannondale lefty hard tail – which got stolen 😡 My beloved gold and silver road race bike unfortunately got written off in my accident.

Now I have an old Tricross CX bike, a Trek superfly hard tail (that I just can’t seem to get comfortable on), and a Felt road bike.

Contemplating replacing all 3 with a single gravel bike …

Hey all 👋

If nothing else, it’s been great to read all your posts above and put some context to names, and an insight into the diversity of women here 😊

I’m also a “longtermer” from the early days when I used to live in Tod and am a good friend of Chipps. I even used to write about women’s mountain biking occasionally for ST mag – including a 2006 article on “Dirt Girls – downhill mountain biking in the alps”!

I went over to road cycling about 15 years ago, especially big mountain stage races in the alps, dolomites etc. Trained hard, ride hard, encouraged other women. Absolutely loved it 😍

Other parts of me – I’m an Environmental Social Scientist, head of research on behaviours and attitudes to nature and climate change. Live beside the sea and mountains in beautiful north Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@stwhannah – I’ve got the same problem as Anna-B (checked and my profile has the right pronouns!) I don’t have any problem posting on here

Thanks Hannah and STW for setting up a women’s forum. I’m another long-term STW’er who has mostly stopped posting and occasionally lurks around quietly.

There’s a few reasons why I’d appreciate a women’s forum:

– a chance to discuss some women-specific issues (eg training and performance during periods or the menopause) knowing that all the other people reading it will have had direct experience

– shared experiences and frustrations (eg when I did the Marmotte road events in the Alpes and Pyrenees there was no women’s jerseys available, only men’s which were too big!)

– an opportunity to have a laugh, chat and generally slightly different banter with other women

Like others, I’ll carry on using the main forum, same as I spend most of my time happily riding with guys, who are all great. But a women’s forum offers something a little different and valued, same as my rides with my female friends.

Lets give it a go, with an open mind, and see if it is something that women want 😊

Great video blog link – thanks 👍 Looks hot even in October – somewhat concerned that we’ll fry in late June / early July!!! Trying to wait for the snow to clear in the mountains but don’t want to overheat in the valleys – any advice on when to visit? Would early June be better than late June (especially for Ordessa / high mountains)?

@Pauly – many thanks, will message you later 👍

Thanks Folks 😊

We have no intention of trying to squeeze our large vehicle down a small road, causing problems for other drivers! (We live in North Wales and have seen it too often here!)

So asking in advance about any places to avoid, or routes that are good for a large vehicle helps us plan a suitable route.

We’ve got various campsite apps etc, but any extra info is always appreciated 😊

Thanks all 😊

@chickenman – really useful info, thank you! I suspect we’d struggle with the extra length of our van, although the width is the same.

Is there someone on STW who lives out that way? I think his forum name is Spekkie, but I’m not sure! @Spekkie – not sure if this is your patch?

Forgot to add – she might need a different width saddle! Your partner might need a different width saddle to take the pressure properly on her sit bones. I think specialised do a free “bum pressure pad” to measure the distance between sit bones and can then advise on a suitable width of saddle.

OP – good on you for helping your partner and for a clear description of the problem (all too often people just refer generally to “sore bits” which isn’t specific enough)

I’ve had 20 years in the saddle, often on 10 hour endurance rides, and a lot of honest discussion with other female cyclists – based on that experience too many women don’t get the right advice!

A few thoughts on your description of the specifics of your partners problems:
– cuts and bleeding are more likely to be due to lack of chamois cream. I’d recommend in the first instance getting a good women specific chamois cream, and applying lots direct to skin, pubic hairs etc
– does she shave or trim her pubic hair (sorry for the personal question!) This causes problems for female cyclists, and it’s much better to just let the hair grow naturally as it offers protection to the labia and has softer hair ends (shaving or trimming creates sharp hair ends)
– women have different shaped labia’s – search for inner and outer shapes. This means that some women might need a larger “cut out” saddle than others
– expect some degree of light soreness as she gets used to being in the saddle, but this should only feel like a bit of tenderness than goes after an hour and / or a bit of a pressure feeling on the “sit bones” (in the middle of your bum cheeks!)

Hope that helps, and your partner gets to enjoy pain free cycling with you 😊

Thanks all – not sure how much RAM and SSD would be considered the minimum for a good functioning laptop?

Also – what is NAS?

Thanks all – some great suggestions from everyone. Much appreciated 😊

TJ – I rarely post nowadays, but I just wanted to send you my heartfelt sympathies. Empathy can be painful, and I have had my own recent losses and grief, but equally it can unify people. Loss is a part of love, and without it our lives would be so much less, despite the pain of grief. If virtual hugs can be shared, then here is another one from the mountains of Wales. Take lots of care of yourself now, and cherish all your wonderful memories of a life well lived with Julie.

Still here, but lurking in silence (previous experiences made me reluctant to post). Still riding bikes. Still smiling.

I guess I’ve been part of STW for over 10 years now … Nice to see some familiar names are still around

Thanks folks – looks like 140 or 160 is a viable option. Although I’m only light, I will be sometimes using it for loaded bike packing and long / steep descents.

I’ve read some info about shimano’s “ice tech” rotors being better – anyone got any advice or experience on this?

Also, rotors seem to range from about £20 – £50 … do the more expensive options offer greater performance?

Thanks all 😊

Thanks folks – will check some of those out.

Unfortunately several places seem to be closed on a Sunday evening, so any more suggestions much appreciated :)

Ta!

Hi all – thanks for your feedback. Apologies for being a bit confused (I have concussion as well as other injuries), but just wanted to clarify:

(a) does my membership of Cycling UK offer any advantage over non-members when it comes to a personal injury claim using their solicitors Slater & Gordon?

(b) who picks up the cost of Slater & Gordon solicitor fees? If the case is ‘won’ by me, does the driver’s insurance company pay these costs? or does it have to come out of any award for damages that is made to me? What if the costs for solicitors end up being greater than any award?

(c) would I get exactly the same terms and conditions from any other ‘no win no fee’ solicitor (I have a recommended company for this)

Sorry for all the questions, I’ve never been in this situation before. I also can’t phone Cycling UK for advice at the moment as I have a broken jaw and other facial injuries so cannot talk, hence asking on here in case anyone else has had this experience and can help.

Thanks all

Thanks – I’ll have a look at PF.

Should add, it’s not a bicycle, it’s a large tent (in a big box!)

Thanks all – really useful input. Still considering both options, but York is looking more likely, partly as I’ve always been “oop north” (Leeds, Calderdale, Scotland, Snowdonia). Looking at the north of York – anything from closer in areas like Huntington, to Strensall, Easingwold, or Thirsk. Will have a look at Malton too.

Thanks folks :)

Thanks folks – lots to consider! I’ve been going through some Google info as well, especially re commuting / driving in and around York or Bristol. In addition to getting to a base office, I will also need access to a mainline train station to get to London and other places – it would appear that driving in to the centre of Bristol to get to the station is a nightmare – worse than York?

Anyone got any experience of living in Thirsk? It appear to have the benefit of a reasonable commute into the north of York, access to the mainline train service, and close to the North York moors. Would this be the “best of both worlds”, or a bad compromise all round?

For folks suggesting living outside of Bristol and commuting in, are there places that would have a good train link?

Thanks all :)

Thanks for the advice and info so far – lots of different points to consider so keep it coming :)

Re housing – II would be looking to buy a 2/3 bed house with garden and parking. Not sure how housing costs compare between Bristol and York, or in small towns / villages nearby. Happy to commute if it gives me direct access to hills on my doorstep.

I currently live in North Wales – love it here with the mountains and coast on my doorstep, but work my necessitate a move to either York or Bristol, hence asking for advice from fellow cycling / hiking folks on here :)

Thanks all! Great suggestions and route info.

Just realised its the Fred Whitton this weekend (which is when I’m going up to Keswick) – is it best to avoid riding sections of the route on Sunday? I always feel slightly like a free-loader if I get mixed up with a sportive when on an ordinary ride, but it will be difficult to avoid all parts of the Fred route as it takes in most of the Lakes!!!

Thanks!

Also, has anyone done a circular road route round Skiddaw?

Thanks folks!

Will get the map out and start looking, but if anyone has any links to route maps and / or strava route maps that would be very much appreciated

Thanks folks – lots of options to consider … wish I could go for a month :)

Thanks for the suggestions so far folks, will add these to the list. Any recommendations for a specific base for the above areas? Looking to do “circular day rides” (up to about 80-100 miles), plus nearby day hikes in the hills.

Thanks all – lots to look in to … time to get out the maps and start planning :)

Off-road is good – hard tail mtb bike packing, but more about miles and scenery than technical challenge.

Will have a look into the Sandstone Trail as well – thanks :)

Thanks TJ and Ton – both sound good :) I’ll dig out my maps and have a more detailed look.

Any other suggestions?

UK – yes

Circular if possible (so although C2C looks good, it doesn’t end where we started :) )

Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn’t considered Ti – how would that compare weight wise with carbon?

I’ll also look out for a frame (£50! What a bargain!), but wouldn’t know what to build it up with (I’ve focused on road bikes for the last 6/7 years, so totally out of touch with mtb).

Lots to consider … but keep those suggestions coming! You guys are great :)

Thanks for all the suggestions folks, I’ll have a look at them.

Unfortunately the Boardman would probably be too big, and Isla bikes too small, but I’ll check out the geometry sizing in more detail.

Still open to any other suggestions :)

That Pivot Les looks fab :)

Any other suggestions for us smaller folks?

Thanks for the suggestions so far. The vertex looks good, and based on the sizing chart I should be OK (although not that tall I have relatively long legs!)

If I could get the weight to around 10kg that would good, and would consider building one up myself if that was the best option.

At the moment, I’m just trying to get more info on what is out there, and what sort of price. So open to a range of suggestions to consider – keep them coming :)

Thanks folks!

Dolomites and Italian alps are both fantastic for road cycling :)

The route if the Maratona is great, and best to split in to 2 day “loops” so you have time to appreciate the scenery. A bit further away, is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo climb – very hard and steep but absolutely stunning!

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Rifugio Auronzo)

If you’re in Corvara, it is also well worth swapping your bikes for boots on one day to explore the old WWII trenches which have been rebuilt at top of the passes (a good option if you have a cold / wet day).

Have a great time!