Thanks folks – looks like clockwise might be best, so will aim to go that way.

Re tolls – what section is that payable on? I’m not registered online for any toll payment in the UK – anyone got a link?

EDIT – just found it – didn’t know there was a toll for the bridge / tunnel! Sorted now :)

Ta very much :)

Thanks, I had already checked google!

But there seems to be 2 different approaches – either (a) finger on left hand corner, turn on etc, or (b) press the lap & start buttons together and wait for a garmin ‘splash’ symbol.

So I though I’d ask on here in case someone has already done this …

Thanks folks – some useful input there. Unfortunately I can’t use contacts, and I don’t want inserts, so direct glaze is my best option.

I agree that eyes are important! Hence the query about the quality of the lens, in particular re protecting my eyes from UV / dust etc – happy to pay more if necessary for improved protection. Equally, I’m never going to be a winner in the fashion stakes (!), so I’m not interested in paying a premium for a product unless it offers a reasonable gain in performance.

It would appear that experiences differ re Ciliary Blue, but given the substantially lower cost, I am tempted to give it a try. Those that do use their lens – do they offer suitable levels of UV protection (eg suitable for the very strong light of the alps)?

Thanks again all :)

I am the only person on here who enjoys Club rides?!? Maybe it’s more a road thing, but I really enjoy being part of a cycling club and the regular weekly rides. Good for my training (I can always opt for a “hard” ride if I want to push myself), great social craic, cafe stops, help when you’re tired or have a mechanical, and most of all have made several good friends :)

Equally I ride several times a week on my own – love the flexibility to choose when and where I go, and will happily head off on a solo 100 mile ride through the mountains.

Plus, ride out regularly with my partner – we’re fairly evenly matched and both training for the Marmotte, so will both aim for similar training rides.

Personally, I think it’s great to have a bit of diversity – sometimes solo, sometimes just two of you, and other times a ‘mini-peleton’ on a club ride :)

Thanks all :)

Just spoken to a very helpful chap at Keswick bikes as well (many thanks!), who has said similar – open to cyclists, but might have to walk a bit.

Looking forward to it – staying Grasmere and glad to be spending a few pounds in the local accomodation and inns as I think they’ve lost a fair bit of income from reduced visitors due to the flooding and road closure.

This news item says there is now a temporary road for a shuttle bus, pedestrians and cyclists.
http://www.itv.com/news/border/2016-02-16/temporary-a591-road-transports-its-first-passengers/

But, I had heard that it is now restricted to just the shuttle bus as the temporary road is too narrow to pass cyclists. Any update much appreciated :)

Thanks folks :) I’m getting a bit better idea of various options now. If anyone has any wheel builders that they would particularly recommend, let me know.

Ta :)

Great stuff! Thanks very much everyone, really useful advice :)

I’ll start looking in to it in a bit more detail, and contact some of the above mentioned wheel builders.

Quick query – a few folks have mentioned ti QR skewers. I’ve had a quick look and they seem to vary in price from £15 to £60 – any advice on how to decide?

TiRed:

Shallow profile
Budget in the range of £400-£700
Use – long alpine climbs / descents (plus events like the Marmotte etc), along with 100+ mile mountain rides in Snowdonia. So looking for a mix of light weight, and good braking performance on long descents. Summer use only (I have “winter” wheels).

All – Thanks for the wheel builder recommendations, I’ll check them out.

Thanks for all the suggestions folks, much appreciated :) Maps coming out tonight!

I would normally take my road bike, but I’m heading up this weekend and the forecast is for the freezing level to be down to the valley. I’m not a fan of icy roads (been involved in a few road club accidents involving ice), so would prefer mtb if it’s likely to be below freezing.

Lots of miles and hills / climbing not a problem – in fact preferred :) (I live in Snowdonia!), and happy to mix up quiet lanes, tracks, cycle paths, forest trails etc.

Looking forward to it, haven’t been riding in the lakes for years!

Maps of routes – brilliant! (I’m one of those old-fashioned folks who still use OS paper maps :) )

Thanks very much!

Thanks folks :)

Don’t have a problem going through forests etc, I just didn’t fancy a day spent riding in a circle through the trees.

Happy to go with any interpretation of km’s … :)

Good luck to all, and keep posting your training updates (if only to keep us all motivated!)

My only “tips” (not that I’m an expert, I just ride big mountain routes a lot, so have seen a lot of problems that folks can get in to …)

– “power to weight” ratio: on long alpine climbs it’s good to be as light as you can be (your legs have got to carry every kilo up that mountain!) Tiny people like me obviously have a bit of an advantage, but everyone will benefit from reducing body weight whilst retaining their power.

– take it steady on the climbs, especially in the heat (the main thing I’ve seen is guys going off too fast and blowing). I find big alpine climbs to be as much about your mental attitude as physical ability.

– Train to find your hill climbing “sweet spot” – the pace and cadence up hill that you can maintain for a long time.

If you see me skipping past you on the climbs, just remember you’ll get your turn when you fly past me on the descents :)

Lunge – see you in the start pens (I’ll be the small, blonde lass from Wales looking rather nervous :) )

My weekly training plan:

– Jan / Feb: turbo training, strength training, pilates, at least one 50-60 mile hilly ride (I live in Snowdonia, so all rides are hilly!)

– early March: hard training week in Gran Canaria (long climbs / hot)

– March / April: continue turbo sessions, 60-80 mile ride, replace pilates with an additional short hilly ride. Weekend in Lakes doing the Fred Whitton route

– Mid-April: training week in Majorca (focus on 80-90 mile rides with lots of climbing)

– May / June: focus on a weekly mix of (1) 100+ mile very hilly ride, (2) short hill rep session (3) local TT (for high intensity training).

Already started on an improved diet (no alcohol, low fat healthy diet), but I only weigh 46kgs so need to focus more on building power than reducing weight!

I’ve done the Maratona in the Dolomites for the past 2 years, so have some idea of what the Marmotte will be like. But want to as fit as possible for it (plus I’ve entered the Etape which is only 8 days later!).

Glad I love hill climbing and big mountain rides :)

I’ve just registered for 2016 :)

Got a reasonable idea of the suffering to come (I know several people who’ve done it before). I’ve done the Maratona dles Dolomites for the past 2 years – absolutely loved it, but fancy a bit more of a challenge for next year.

The going up doesn’t bother me too much (I love long alpine climbs and at only 46 kg there’s not much of me to get up hill!), but not a big fan of descents.

Training will start in January, so in the meantime I’ll just enjoy a couple of months of social rides!

brooess – good points there! Especially about spending your time learning (rather than TV or FB), and volunteering to help others.

But, work / jobs aren’t always a bad thing. I’m fortunate to have a full time job that is mentally stimulating, where I spend my time with a lot of great people, and in a small way contributes to ‘social good’. Rather than avoiding work, maybe it is better to focus on spending your time on work that you enjoy, and provides other rewards than only money?

Other than that, it is quite simple – buy less, experience more! If we all lived just a little bit more by that principle, I think we would all be a bit happier – it doesn’t have to be a case of “all or nothing”.

I was recently asked what I wanted for my birthday – simple answer: time spent with the people I love, outdoors in the hills and playing on the beach, laughing lots :) As the saying goes – “one life, live it … now!”

nickc – I should probably ‘fess up to being only 5’ … there’s not much weight associated with being such a shortie :)

BMI of 19.6 if that gives a more accurate comparison?

46kg; 47 … age exceeds weight (ahem! avdave2)

I’m quite good at riding up hills :)

Stef – have a look at the “riders week” info, there are some organised rides in the week before the event. Also, there are so many riders just out and about, and everyone just chats to each other :)

A few other practical tips –
– there’s a good supermarket in La Villa, plus lots of very nice places to eat and drink
– good comprehensive bike shop for parts / repairs / bling bits in San Cassiano
– if you want an alternative to riding, drive to the top of the Passo Valparola / Passo Falzarego and visit the reconstructed war trenches – impressive, moving, and an incredible reminder of how harsh it must have been fighting in the mountains
– take an evening stroll in La Villa to see the magical “alpenglow” turn the mountains an amazing hue of orange / reds / yellow.

Re tyres / gearing etc – grip is important and run your tyres at a slightly lower pressure than normal to reduce the risk of a front blowout on the descents. You’ll be fine on the climbs with a compact and a 28/29, but might find the final “mur dl giat” which comes right at the end and ramps up to a really steep 20% a bit tough (it’s short and there’s no shame in walking this, many people do).

Did it last year and doing it again this year. A few tips:
– the cut-off time for the long route is OK as long as you crack on and only stop very briefly at any feed station
– if you’re a guy and haven’t done the event before, you’ll be in the last pen. That means you’ll have about 8000 riders in front of you, so if you want to make it round the long route you’ll need to get past as many as possible
– stay to the right hand side if you’re a slow climber as faster riders pass on the left (that said I ended up on the left as I climb quicker than most – so try to avoid getting boxed in if you’re a quick climber)
– take care on the descents, and have 360 vision – faster riders will pass you on both the inside and outside lines of hairpin bends.
– save something for the Giau, it’s the hardest climb, and everyone suffers on it!
– expect your average speed to go way down! That amount of climbing in relation to distance (14,000 ft in only 85 miles) is going to be relentless.
– watch out for weather (the roads get very slick if it rains), and poor roads surfaces in some places

Having said all that it is without doubt the BEST event I have ever done :) Stunning scenery, incredible atmosphere, fully closed roads, music, helicopters filming overhead, friendly riders, and the best-ever cycling jersey as a reward!

Maybe see some of you there?

Thanks very much all! Getting very excited now :) Fingers crossed for some good weather!

Scotroutes – thanks for the tips. Just a quick query – I’ve had a look at google earth, but where is the best place to start / leave the Machair road on a bike (or can we follow it all the way along the coast)?

Jamiemcf – we thought of doing that route (in reverse) but opted to ‘shortcut’ through Skye instead. Looks like a fab route, and that’s a well-laden bike!

Anyone got any info on bike shops in case repairs are needed enroute?

Scotroutes … ah yes :oops:

Ton – when are you up there? We’re going from the 9th – 20th May.

Anyone here ridden over Bealach na ba and round Applecross? We were planning on doing it as a loop from Plockton – feasible on touring bikes?

Would you actually have to live in Buckley? There are some fantastic places within easy commuting distance eg the villages around the clwydian hills – great for both mountain biking and road cycling, an active mountaineering club, and easy access to Chester, Liverpool, Manchester etc for more urban culture.

I certainly value my holidays and working hours, and would be reluctant to trade that in for a more familiar location.

I’d suggest giving both options more thought, and take some time to properly explore the areas within commuting distance of Buckley.

Ah, I saw that on google earth and wondered if it was rideable! Can you ride the full length of the island on this (it seems to run parallel to the road) or just a section?

Climbing bealach na ba on a touring bike will be an interesting challenge, but I guess it’ll be good for “power building” :)

Cheers!

Cheers Scotroutes – useful info and advice. Thanks :)

I’ve just got the smaller Pika (I measured the tyre / saddle distance so hopefully OK). This will be enough for weekend ‘mini-tours’ staying in hostels etc.

I’m currently undecided about what option would be best for an up-coming 11 day road-based tour round the outer hebrides, skye, mull etc. I know you’ve toured round there (any info much appreciated), so would you choose:

(A) touring bike with rack and panniers – heavier but bombproof (my old tricross with waterproof ortleib panniers), staying in hostels (no need for tent or bedding) but self-catering (so will be carrying some food)

(B) carbon road bike with various framebags – lightweight but maybe not enough space and concerns re ease of packing / accessing kit.

Totally undecided at this point :)

Just resurrecting this post!

Scotroutes / or anyone else: do you know how well the revelate harness would fit with very small road bars (38cm)? I’ve got the pika as my bike frame is tiny, but not sure how the front roll options would fit.

Any advice on alternatives to the standard rack and panniers for a very small framed bike much appreciated – there’s not much info out there on lightweight touring options for us short 5′ folks :)

Ta!

Thanks all! I now know a lot more about bottom brackets … always keen to learn rather than just pass my bike over to someone else to sort out.

As the current BB30 bearings appear to be running OK, I’m going to try the wheels manufacturing adapter first as it looks like I can do it myself without special tools (just a large Allen key to remove cranks / chainrings). If that doesn’t work, I’ll opt for a permanent change to shimano, but will probably get my LBS to do that as I don’t think it would be worth me paying for specific tools.

Thanks for all the info and advice :)

There seems to be 2 options:

– simple press-in adapter (current bearings stay in) http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wheels-manufacturing-bb30-to-24mm-crank-spindle-shims/

– a more expensive “BB30 to outboard bottom bracket” which seems to have integral bearings, which would imply that my current BB30 bearings would need to be removed. http://www.madison.co.uk/products/cycling/transmission-braking-components/bottom-brackets/bb30-to-outboard-bottom-bracket-shimano-compatible-red/

(Getting more confused …)

Ah, thank you! I wasn’t sure if I needed to remove the existing BB30 bearings in order to use an adapter. But … there is a slight “clack” noise coming from the bottom bracket at the moment – does that mean the bearings need removing / greasing, or replacing, before I put an adapter in? (Sorry if these seem like stupid questions!)

Thanks guys! Also, does anyone know if Camden Market is worth wandering round? Or visiting London Zoo?

Phew! Finally managed it:
6,028 miles
165,093 meters of ascent

Not easy miles – included the Maratona dles Dolomites and the Stelvio, along with numerous hill climbs!

Feels like a massive achievement having spent February and March having tests and operations, so most if all I’ve just been delighted to be able to ride my bike, regardless of how many miles!

Wishing you all many more miles of happy cycling in 2015 :)

piranha … that’s my kind of Christmas holiday :)

I’m starting today:
– Christmas Eve: road ride up Pen-y-Pass
– Christmas Day: mountain bike or road ride round Conwy (why waste the daylight hours cooking! Christmas dinner is best in the evening :) )
– Boxing Day Mince Pie Bimble: mulled wine ride with friends
– Sunday: hard hilly club ride (or cyclocross race)

… and continue …

Happy Christmas / Nadolig Llawen to all! Have a fab time :)

For what you’ve asked for, my recommendation would be Costa Teguise in Lanzarote:

– guaranteed warm and sunny in January
– lovely little town, loads of good places to eat, nice beaches and quiet bays, and mostly just low 2 story buildings (a virtual ban on high rise blocks – so the opposite of Benidorm!), only a 20 minute drive from the airport (or just get a taxi transfer)
– lots of lovely self catering places, from small villas to apartments. We booked via homeowners direct – casa McElroy. Definitely recommend it.
– several good bike hire places in town
– lots of broad tracks for gentle off road cycling, excellent road cycling, good hiking (there’s a hiking guidebook and map for Lanzarote), amazing snorkelling, diving etc (the marine life you can see just from the beach is fab!)
– Cesar Manrique’s work – just google it – amazing!

I’m in!

Thinking of having some meaning to the rides rather than just mile munching. Maybe do my “favourite local routes of 2014”, or ride out to the best cafés for a mince pie tasting competition :)

Although being as I’m based in Snowdonia it might be “sheltering from gales and rain” rides!

Thanks folks! That’s a trip to the Tate planned :)

Will try the Italian … unless there’s any other suggestions?

Nobody knows …?

(Also online or email booking would be good so I can reserve the right sized bike, at only 5ft it’s difficult to get one to fit!)

towzer – that sounds like the “terram” fabric I used to use when building footpaths etc. Robust and hard wearing, but not sure what it would be like to plant through?

Any other advice / experience appreciated :)

Thanks folks.

To be a bit more specific, ideally I’d like a 4 or 5 metre width so I can use one large piece to cover an area 4 x 5m. Also want it to be strong enough to suppress some fairly persistent weeds like couch grass from pushing through. Happy to pay more for a product that works well, just don’t know which is the best?

Thanks guys.

I got the frame / fork secondhand about 6 years ago, and it was built up with fairly well used basic components from an older hardtail, so pretty much everything is about 10 years old. The bike hasn’t been used for about 4 years so a lot of parts appear to have seized.

I think I’ll need to replace the groupset, brakes (I think it’s got old Avid 5’s on it?), and bars, but the wheels, seat post, stem should be OK. And the fork will need servicing – if it’s worth servicing a lefty fork which is that old?

My toolkit and my skills are fairly basic :) I’m keen to learn, but there are limits as I’m not the most technically-minded of people!