I know this is ‘only’ an internet forum etc, and I’m not going to step into the debate, but I think it’s really significant that there are people out there who aren’t prepared to sit back and swallow the lies, b*llshit and deceit that we’re fed on a daily basis in this country, and who are actually prepared to speak out eloquently and succinctly on things like this. MisterGnar, Rudeboy (and others)- thank you for your words on this subject. It’s been a refreshing read.

chain half link probably too…

Go to charliethebikemonger.com for bits, bobs and info

scratch that – just read the image details :)

uplink – amazing picture – where’s that from?

hmmm….thanks for the multitude of replies. I’m liking the tent ‘logic’ in most cases actually. I was really surprised how cold it was, given that I had two thermarest type things, a duvet, and the dog sleeping bag / blanket in the end!

Bad news re the tree etc, but is there actually anywhere worth riding in Calke anyway? ;)

Off topic I know, but it was nice to see a couple of ladies ride down some descents past some mincing blokes walking yesterday on the Merida. :)

Top weather, dusty trails, and an excellent route. That drop off was class too! :)

Knee warmers

Got some of these. Cheap, warm and great.

I’m on 2.1 Speedkings, but that’s just me. I might have made the wrong choice ;)

Riding my Orange 5 as my race hardtail isn’t built yet.

Sure you’ll probably be perfectly fine on whatever you normally ride.

If you’re including Thieves Wood, you may as well include Sansom Wood and Blidworth Woods, which you can link up into a big route that can include Sherwood Pines as well.

Dark Peak for me every time :)

brilliant bit of kit. Try trailguru for an excellent free route mapper and online route storer.

Have you been before? Sounds a daft question, but you didn’t mention it…

I’ve been for an extended holiday and found it a much more relaxed country, better weather, and nicer people. Generalisation – yes, but I’d go if I had the chance!

I’d be quite interested to know how the hell she split a le Creuset pot!!? :-)

Nirvana better than PJ? Not live for sure. Saw them both 91/92 and Nirvana were awful. Hving said that, they both disappeared up there own backsides after about 92… :)

Alice in Chains FTW

Is that a 456 with 29er rigids?

State of Love and Trust is better than any song on Ten I reckon…

I don’t get the tree bit at all. My dogs crap – I pick it up in a bag and put it in a bloody bin. Trees? Eh?

I must admit I am trying to second guess my dogs and try and get the bag ready so they crap straight in it – but hey – that’s another story… :)

Nice one – fair play to Sralan!

I absolutely love my iPhone. So many useful applications (especially for cycling with the gps etc)

Battery life is improved a lot if you turn the screen brightness down….

bar de nada is nice, but you literally stink of Tapas after 5 minutes in there!

ooooh Kayal….excellent choice there! Southern Indian cuisine. Need to book though….

Go to Hockley rather than ‘town’ itself. There’s some reasonable bars, and smaller places to eat. Edin’s on Broad Street is nice to eat in (a little deli / cafe / bar) and there’s enough bars nearby to keep you occupied.

Restaurant wise, there’s a couple of nice Thais in the area. Depends what you like really?

erm…do you actually understand anarchism as a concept? It doesn’t strictly mean what the Pistols would have you believe… ;)

Libertarian socialism anyone?

trail rat – I’ve only read Simon’s so far…will explore more!

Thansk for link mike

The faster you hit it, the more fun it is. Make sure you do the ‘downhill’ section to the right hand side of the bike park bit. Top fun!

It is singlespeed-able, as Matt and the other chap (Henry?) proved last year. I think they were the only SS riders anyway!

I rode my Orange 5. Bit like overkill really, but I was fine.

Really enjoyed last year’s, but thought I’d move on to other things this year (Iron Bike) When I got the booklet in the post yesterday though it really made me want to do it again…!

Keep your fingers crossed for dry weather. The rain and wet was the hardest thing of all last year!

rtedge at hotmail.com if anyone wants to ask about last year etc. Plenty of others on here did it too.

Yes – that’s the one. Brilliant article

Excellent…any idea how they’re training?!

Do a ride around Ladybower that includes Hope Cross, Beast etc for the moring one.

Do a longer one that includes Jacob’s Ladder..?

Sure many others will advise you, but if not, mail me on rtedge at hotmail.com for advice if you want.

Ta

Rich

Beautiful…!

Pines is brilliant these days if you know where you’re going. Easier to find good stuff than the Chase

Middle-aged MTBers in ‘too fat for lycra’ shocker.

:lol:

I think there’s a fundamental flaw in the whole logic of this. You assume that people on road bikes are exclusively ‘roadies’ They might be fellow MTBers, training on a road bike for example. Would it upset you more or less then? Does it actually matter one jot whether another human being ignores you anyway?

Yes…’Shottingham’ as it’s sometimes known ;)

Weirdest even!

Wilkinson seems to do what Woolies did, but better and cheaper….

What’s Ambergate like then? Is it singletracky stuff or DH stuff?

I’ve got some of the Merlin Ritchey ones on my SS. Really like them visually and width / rise.

A lot nicer than the rubber bumper ones….do it