Lightweight inners = more punctures!
I know, I tried for about a year, and I've switched back from the Spec' lightweight jobbies as it's a false economy.
Plus my bikes 2x weigh about 26lbs, so the weight saving is …. not worth the ink on this page to be honest.

Have you tried that Torq L-Carnatine suppliment powder?

I thought last time I gave it a go it gave me wind and slightly jippy tummy but I'm not that sure now.
I'll try it this week as I have perhaps 4x 3hr sessions left to ride and see if it lives up to its reputation (manufacture's blurb more like!)

Tents: Terra Nova
Sleeping: Rab
Boots: Meindl

There are others, but these two English companies (Meindl are German) are absolutely excellent. Top-drawer money, but a life-time of performance, and you see them all the time in the hills both here and abroad.

You would be advised to perhaps read as many articles as tents differ hugely, and a down sleeping bag is for life – not just Wales!

Do you use post-ride recovery drinks?
I am using them after every training ride at present but what about on the race as I'm going to be taking in a lot of, and alternating between, a mix of carbo & plain water in my bladder and bottles?

My LED2 Hope lights are only good for 2hrs on absolute max, so I might have to look at a 2nd lighting system too – unless they provide facilities for recharging.

Yes, I have the different gels and bars to munch on and know them all of old.
This last week was a non-starter; I seemed so tired. Even this morning I fell asleep after breakfast for 2.5hrs and then slept 30 mins more after dinner. Not good preparations!
Tim

With 2 weeks to go, what's the ideal calendar from today in terms of time-on-the-bike in this coming 7-10 days?Just popping out for a 2.5 or maybe 3hr ride (Sunday from 8pm)
Thanks

Thanks.
I too think piars racing looks to be the hardest category for the majority of riders; that's why I'm worried!
However I am one those people who can sleep anywhere at any time of the day or night and be awake and mentally on the ball within seconds of being roused.
One thing I have noticed, now being in my mid 40's is that I definately seem to require more sleep, gone are the days and nights where I could pull all-nighters and be fine for 36hrs (36+ on many, many occations with work especially) with little if any sleep.
Tim

I have in mind to sleep like a dog between sessions, that's assuming I'm not eating or preparing myself for the next ride.
Surely there's 12hrs when I'm not riding, but you're advocating not getting particularily comfortable & not sleeping.
Is there a reason for not catching some Zzzzz ?
Cheers. Tim

I have the bigger brother, the Ti29er.
I ride the 18 and I'm 5:10.5 with an inside leg of 31 in trews.
Hope that helps.

Leading question: Who here has dentures?
With the Milton, 15 minutes is all you need.

You need to clean it out with Milton Sterilsing Fluid. Any parent will tell you that.

I got mine out and they still fit!
With the HH supaLifa Wear striped top, it sure takes me back, mostly to BAOR in 1983-87.
Not sure they're suitable to be seen on a bike but I rather like the idea that they should be worn with sandals. How about off-white sports socks too?
It's what every well dressed 45+yr old is wearing in town this weekend!

There was a time, way-back-when, almost no one knew about them bar the running community and the Army.
Mine are at the back of my socks drawer and must be circa 1986.

1. Race a pairs event at Bonty 24 this year and not be so, completely wiped out that the week afterwards is not lost forever. My race partner is so much fitter and better prepared than I am.
2. Ride Dalby's Red route in less tan 2:15
3. Find the time to do more. Then, just maybe, I could understand my pc and the software better so I didn't get so damn frustrated with it.

The first two I am going to have a go at this summer. The third one will elude me for all eternity .

http://www.px3.fr/winners/cat_details.php?cat_name=Nature&compName=PX3%202009&pro=pro#

Bottom right image is mine.
It won 3rd in this year's PX3 awards.
Tim

Stoney.
Any thoughts?

Stoney – where are you standing for these pictures?
We have been speculating somewhere across the Bristol Channel but now think it must be NW Scotland more like. Or since you live in the Lakes, there, but what's the land in the far distance if they're taken in the Lakes and which lake is it?
We have our maps out!

The next episode I am reliably informed is the 456's bigger brother, the Ti29er!
Tim

You have the Brecon Baecons and the Black mountains in the south, which might be better for bridleways plus the various trail centres.
I'm spending a few days based on Anglesey 2nd week in October, so if you deceide on the north, let me know what you think to both Snowdon (got to be done) and any other must-do routes.
tim muddybum couk

The foot-fall was soft on the running machine and that's why I think / thought it'd be OK, plus I have some bling new trainers.
I have yet to do my ride as yesterday it rained cats & dogs so I did some work instead.
My upper pect's are a little sore this morning, but if anything, it's a testament to just how many muscle groups XC riding actually involves as I'd have expected my triceps, abs, biceps, glutes, lats et al, all to be a little sore, but that's not been the case.

I did the Induction and feel a little tight across the right pectoral, which is not too good this soon after the exercises. I used to dumbell press up to 32lb more than my own body weight so I have reasonably good tjts.

I did a fair few leg stretches that I’ve been taught & the gym enviroment seemed condusive to getting them done as well.
We did a bit of most things, so the running was more an introduction to the Nautilus Macine. Next time I’ll try it out properly.
My 3hr training ride this evening is the priority and so I took it easy on the leg machines. 3 sets of 10 reps on most of the machines should do it for now.

I’m racing pairs at Bonty 24 shortly and don’t really know if I can last the distance – but there’s only one way to find out I guess!
Once more, Team Heather Mills Swims in Circles rides again.
Tim

I did the Induction and feel a little tight across the right pectoral, which is not too good this soon after the exercises. I used to dumbell press up to 32lb more than my own body weight so I have reasonably good tjts.

I did a fair few leg stretches that I’ve been taught & the gym enviroment seemed condusive to getting them done as well.
We did a bit of most things, so the running was more an introduction to the Nautilus Macine. Next time I’ll try it out properly.
My 3hr training ride this evening is the priority and so I took it easy on the leg machines. 3 sets of 10 reps on most of the machines should do it for now.

I’m racing pairs at Bonty 24 shortly and don’t really know if I can last the distance – but there’s only one way to find out I guess!
Once more, Team Heather Mills Swims in Circles rides again.
Tim

In my own opinion: not at that price for just the frame.
Tim

ps – have you seen the listing? 17 days 15hours to go. This alone tells you he’s got his fingers X-ed!

I was not aware it was just the frame, meaning it’s the same as the VT2, with none of the choice nice bits.
I sold my VT2 about 2 years ago for £375 I think, as a whole bike.
My Pace RC300 only got £318, 2 months ago :(

I’ll let you know how I managed, since I’ve only been cycling for 3 (?) years and before then lots of long walks.

I don’t see myself ever running on the road or even XC.
Just thought I’d give it a go again as I used to run most days in my prime.

….and you keep on going into Poland.
Or am I reading the wrong manifesto!

vt1 and vt2 both shared the same frame but I thnk the suspension was better on the vt1.
Worth a punt but they weigh about 31lbs and if it’s the blue version, it looks very dated. The creame / camo livery was the best.
I had a VT2 and being my first bike I enjoyed it – not sure I’d bother today though.
Tim

That size wouldn’t fit in the frame!
They’re a 2.25 from Bike24 in Germany.
Tim

I think they only come in one size don’t they for the bigger wheels?
2.25 on the 29er and 2.1 on the 26er.

Tim

It’s such a shame when they can no longer do these sorts of things.
My Lab’, Toby, once known as Mad-as-a-brush, who used to love his 8hr epic walks, is now 14yrs old and the muscle wastage ’round his rear-end is awful – it’s what will spell The End in due course.
He’s now known as Dog-who-poos-in-the-house!

Take as may pictures as you can whilst they’re still up for the adventure as retirement is not all it’s made out to be.
Tim

I’ve spent a few weekends at CDB but rate Afan higher.
Less fire trails – which can be tedious.
Tim

What’s your inside leg?
I have a Merida FLX 5000 with full XTR kit that I am looking to sell.
Tim

Sorry – busy bee.
Premiership footballer’s wedding in the morning and just getting ready for the photography – still.

If you go to Flickr and search for – px3 afan – that’s one thus far.
I have a beaut’ from MM this year too but I have yet to show anyone yet.

Cheers
Tim

No, Ma just called 999 – as she’d had to drag herself to a house on her walk whilst out with the dogs in the morning and doesn’t carry a mobile. She does now!

Tim

Alcohol robs you of the REM you need during sleep, in case you’re enjoying a glass of wine, post ride.
Consider wearing ear plugs maybe?
Are your curtains lined or paper thin? ie: are you getting to sleep in a dark room? Try a warm chocolate milk drink before bed as that’s often helpful. Stay off the high caffine suppliments inc’ coffee. Tea I find AOK. Read a chaper in a novel at bedtime. Just some ideas.
One by-product of sex is sleep (for males – not for females) . Being aware of not sleeping usually makes the situation worse!
Hope these help in some way.

My experience with the NHS at Watford is very poor. I was told I’d have to wait 3+ months for a ultra sound scan so I paid for it; that took 2 days notice.

My mother broke her tib & fib 2 weeks ago, and foolishly ended up at the Lister in Stevenage instead of Addenbrookes in Cambridge. They took 4 days before they operated and when she went this Monday to the fracture clinic the specialist was furious that the other surgical team had put her in a pot.

She was horrified at what she witnessed whilst on the ward, eventually being cleared by all the medical staff to go home – ‘cept social services who took another 36hrs to get a note to her about what support services are in place that she might call upon. It has proved to be both out of date and next to sodding useless.

Go private if you can!
Tim
ps – her downhill racing days now seem to be behind her I’m please to say!

I did something similar.
Instead of my clavicle snapping, the AC joint took the fall, chipping some of cartiledge.
An ultra sound showed this and cost me £165 from my local BUPA hospital. I had this done withing 3 days of the fall.
That cartiledge doesn’t re-grow and there is no medical procedure to sort it out.
I can’t even raise my right arm above my head with any weight. That was maybe 5yrs ago.
I hope you do not damage the cartiledge!
Tim
ps- I’m VERY right sided so it’s a problem.

The Afan picture it is then.
I’ll let you know the link to flickr once I get it done (possibly in the ‘morrow).
Tim

Not at SITS – but going to Bonty 24.
I have a couple of really neat night time shots from this year’s MM.
They’re on my main site http://www.t-f-p.com and in the Mountain Bike section but you have to scroll through to about 31 I’m afraid!

theflatboy – which image are you looking for?

Tim