“Maud”

TM

Sometimes, its not just going to happen. It’ll be there tomorrow, next week, next month, next year.

Go. and come back. You’ll do it.

TM

Another happy Primus Eta Owner here. :) Great ain’t they?

Watch out for scratching the pan with the burner itself when you put it away. The thin bit of felt stuff they provide isn’t man enough for the job esp when its wet. (says he with a scratched pan :( ). If you can fit a plastic bowl or two in there its fine.

TM

Spooky – you left that wheel deliberately in Hobbz’s way didn’t you?

(expects a collection of bike bits to be assembled near Hobbz’s next landing area)

TM aka R

Touching something energised at 630V DC is really bad. Mains is AC – alternating current – and tends to throw you clear if you happen to touch it. DC – Direct current – only flows one way so you stick and have been dragged/prised off. Nasty.

TM

Original question “Buying a bike for the girlfriend – worth it or not?”.

Based on your description – No, its not worth it.

Too right about her current Apollo bike. She’s likely to get out of her depth on even a modest downhill (and its SO easy to get carried away with biking :) )

Hire a bike and see if she likes it. She won’t feel committed and neither will you. Buying something does funny stuff to our expectations. You want to prove you spent wisely, right? That can easily get in the way of enjoying the ride, for her and for you.
Think of it as hiring a pedalo for the day. It’s having fun together outdoors (stop sniggering at the back). Forget the male I’m-only-having-fun-if-I-go-fast mentality and relax…

The Chase has fireroads right? Forget that FtD is there and have a pootle. You can always do more, but once you’ve scared her off that’s it.

Good luck and enjoy :)

Oh and one more question – Do you actually want her to come biking regularly with you? For many of us MTB time is self-indulgent c*cking about time with our male mates. I’d recommend being honest with yourself, and her as it’ll save a lot of trouble if she does *gasp* actually like biking…

TM

p.s. all IMHO – you may think quite differently and that’s fine :).
p.p.s If I come across at all patronising I don’t mean to – honest advice intended only :)

Thanks everyone for the ideas and the inspirational photos.

Phil – we’re going for a week – If its okay I’ll drop you an email.

anyone else have “must do” routes for a group of 4 with trailers from Fort William?

Thanks

TM

All,

Any further knowledgeable people willing to help? (and thanks to those who’ve responded directly so far)

Phil,

Now that you’ve used my thread to advertise your wares ( LOL – :) ) Could you offer some route suggestions?

As mentioned, happy to donate to a charity of your choice (and we’ve joined the MBA in preparation…)

Thanks

TM

Nukeproof

very much still around :)

If folks are looking for regular rides in East Surrey then do look up MTB-idle and the merry bunch that are Diary of a Mountain Biker.

Link available at a google search near you :)

TM

Peter

Wishing you all the best from Donna and I.

I’m sure it’ll be fabulous :) :D

TM aka Rich _F

ah ha I see a plan forming :)

I have a list of email addresses from folks who expressed an interest in semi-organised rides in the redhill/reigate area.

I’ll send an email out to that list suggesting a night ride.

I’ll post again in due course.

TM

Crazysmudge aka Al,

Did I understand your email correctly – you’re 10mins ride from Reigate Hill? I can show you some trails/put you in touch with some regular local groups/offer route advice (delete as applicable and as per your requirements!)

I often struggle with the term “good ride”. It does all depend what you’re after. The riding around Redhill and Reigate tends to be very varied. The quantity and width/twistyness of singletrack varies with the season – the fully green trees and bushes of summer makes for much tighter twistier lines!

HTH

TM

*waves*

that was a good day :)

TM

blu tone/all

correct – as soon as they recognised you they’d stop the conversation.
It’s a tricky one as out of context it can be hard to recognise a voice.

Other than that there’s the confidentiality thingy as wot’s been mentioned.

TM

Further food for thought from a happy RC405 owner..

I tested a variety of bikes before I plumped for the Pace. I realised that I wanted a bike that despite being overkill for the trails I’m riding now, was going to encourage me to ride obstacles that were currently beyond me. A bike to grow into, if you like. The Pace just wants to hoon down/up/over/off everything, despite its owner being more reluctant..

I know a lapierre zesty owner and she is very delighted. They are both great bikes. For me the history behind Pace and the UK-ness of the brand means something. (Yes, I realise its not made in britain etc etc). As much as folks deny it, what the brand stands for does play a part in the buying decision when you get up to this price level.

Enjoy the testing :D

TM

Coffeeking,

Great face from Lisa there :)

Doncha love the “off the back” fall on the first video?

TM

All,

Most entertaining – thanks for posting all!

Comedy dismount that makes me smile – thanks to Ian aka Lego

excellent near miss from Bob[/url]

A complete loss of concentration fall (me)

TM

Votchy and all,

I’m running a nice short stem (70mm Hope) and it feels spot on.

The crash above was down to rider skill (a lack of), as well as a big rock hidden in the puddle…

I love the fact the back end isn’t relying on a cleverly valved shock – I run with no platform damping and rarely get any bob or other squishy oddness.

TM

Happy 405 owner here :) Its more than I need, and rider skill and nerve runs out well before the capability of the bike. Quite embarrasingly good at flattening obstacles. I call it my “assisted living” bike – its like one of those care homes where you get a warden and a helping hand down the stairs and a common room.

Although now and again I get complacent – Can I get one that prevents this happening?

TM

I quite enjoy the mission when I’m out rides of seeing how much litter I can collect and stuff in pockets and in the camelbak. It’s immensely satisfying and I like setting the example.

TM

In a world of cookie-cutter high streets and homogenised town centres, Blackpool stands out by so different to anywhere else in world.

For me that difference is worth celebrating!

A busy afternoon at the Pleasure Beach has an atmosphere that (IMHO) is fabulous.
It has one of the world’s finest collections of wooden roller coasters, many of which are hugely underestimated.
I’ve had some utterly wonderful days (and evenings) enjoying the buzz of the place.

Illuminations, the Tower, the lively nightlife.

Isn’t it all about perspective?

TM

Hiya tandem people!

To add some more to the pot, we’re on our second tandem – our first being a much loved (and quite bouncy at high speed!) Dawes Double Edge. A great and cheap ish option especially if you can find one second hand.

Now we’ve upgraded to a Landescape, bought from MSG cycles in Lancing (South Coast, do a google). We wanted the flexibility of being to do road stuff and off road and it seems to work really. I think its about 40lbs in naked form. Lots more when its fully laden for touring around Denmark last year :)

More than capable of some mild off-roading and it suits us well. We tried a full off-road tandem and decided it wasn’t for us so do try a few bikes and styles.

Big up to Alex at MTB tandems in the US of A. Their Fandango looks like a great machine and he’s a true advocate of customer service (as well being excellently enthusiastic).

STW tandem ride? yes please!

TM

Dez

Spot on, TM.

Thanks – I work as a Coach, helping people sort out what they want and how to get it. Work mostly in the corporate sector but happy to have a chat (for free!) if that’d help AND you’re serious. Email in profile.

TM

Been seriously considering dumping the cosy, secure, financially rewarding, but ultimately soul destroying IT world. Something to do with turning 45 and not seeing how I’ll be able to survive this crap for another 20 years! How serious I’ll turn out to be, is maybe another matter

/start honest and no offence intended mode/

How serious you are about changing is the point – everything else is just talk.

My meaning of “serious” is “committed”. Change tends to involve some uncomfortable situations, many by virtue of the newness of everything and lots unsubstantiated fear sloshing about. Being serious means not scurrying back to the familiar at the first sign of a little additional effort being required.

The payback is in the long term – looking back knowing that what you’re now doing actually means so much more.

TM

p.s. Soup – great post!

TM

The Surrey Oaks (aka “The Soaks”) in Parkgate near Charlwood (sort of gatwick way). Great beer, Boules outdoors, good landlord.

The Plough at Blackbrook (not far from Dorking). Serves Badger beer and great food. well worth stopping in if you’ve been to the Surrey Hills..

The George Inn, Robertsbridge (Just off the A21 just North of Hastings). Run by my sister so perhaps I’m a little biased (!) but she serves really top notch home cooked food. Quite a smart pub and not one for a big cheap fill-me-up-after-abike-ride food, more special occassions/posh sunday lunch.

Fat Cat, Kelham Island, Sheffield. Surprised noone has mentioned this little gem. Is it still going?

The Castle, Bodiam. Really huge sunday lunch, not far from the trails at bedgebury. Open all day too.

TM

Stu, no probs.

I’d also encourage him to go out with a few different groups, as they all have their own style, pace and technical riding content.

TM

Stu,

Forgive the obvious question – does he actually want to ride with others?

Everyone’s different :)

If he is up for some company, then one approach is to ask some folks nicely in Peaslake on a sunday if he can join them. I’ve had riders join us in this way and it means that he can do as much or as little as he likes.

If he’s after something more organised then above suggestions are great. Also have a look at Sussex Muddy@rse[/url]. Mostly riding out of Sussex with regular forays to the North Downs and beyond. Really friendly rides where no-one gets left behind.

TM

Ooo I love steps riding :)

Would love to have had a go down these beauties but had the road tyres on :(

And significant kudos if you know where they are…

TM

Morning Jon (*waves*),

I share your view that a bit of airtime within a larger ride is fantastic (and having followed you down one or two trails I can confirm you do like to leave the ground on occassions – those when you were still in my sight! :) )

It seems to me that there’s plenty of opportunities on the current trails to get airborne. Thinking about Barry Knows Best for example, there has to be at least 3 or 4 four air opportunities on the way down. And I know I don’t utilise all the little ramps and kickers littered about our favourite trails.. I guess I speak as a mere mortal, although I suspect the vast majority of the bike riders on Holmbury are mere mortals in the most part too…

I wonder if you’re talking about having a dedicated jump run? table tops and big kickers and the like. An interesting question. My take is that sorting out the current trail network is the first priority (The end of Barry Knows Best comes to mind). And you know as well as I do the policy on new trails (no new trails on the Hurtwood). Interesting – yes. realistic? hmmm…

TM

All,

Really pleased to see this debate going on here and to hear from so many people. Hurrah!

Geetee 1972 wrote – I am a friend of Hurtwood already, registered with the website, I pay £100 a year by S/O, I’ve even met, spoken, volunteered in person and by email for trail building/maintenance duties but no one have ever contacted me with times or dates despite much trail work having taken place since that time. I’ve heard similar stories from other people I meet around the trails. It’s very frustrating because having met some of the people responsible for the existing hard work, they don’t come across as being terribly understanding or inclusive – they come across as being unfriendly and a little didactic. Maybe they’re just introverts but I am worried because I don’t want to end up being marginalized in my riding.

Great stuff that you’ve joined Hurtwood control and contribute so generously Geetee.
My experience has been that the guys and girls leading the trailbuilding work have been really friendly and have welcomed volunteers with open arms. I know the approach has been to build a small core team to start with, but having lots of willing people is all important. (and for anyone who’s never built trails before – its really hard work and many hands make light work :) )

I wouldn’t take it personally – maybe post on the Hurtwood control forum to find out more?

As for being didactic (meaning having an air of teaching) – well I for one will gratefully accept a bit of instruction on how to build trails. Partly as I want to make sure my effort isn’t wasted and partly so the trail I’m building will still be fab in the years to come… If you’ve built lots of trails before and understand how to make a trail sustainable then I suspect the guys and girls would like to hear from you even more!

Oh and I’m not defending anyone, simply giving a different perspective.

TM

p.s. welcome back STW :)