Going to speak to HR / Medic people is probably the best way. You may get a sick chit allowing you to wear a more relaxed shoe.

I used to have to wear boots for work, we were issued boots but tended to wear our own. Magnum Classic being a very popular choice, were comfy as slippers.

Magnum also do a midi boot that may be worth a try…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnum-Mens-Boots-Black-Schwarz/dp/B00IAM7HJC/ref=sr_1_11?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1527153459&sr=1-11&refinements=p_4%3AMagnum

Altberg also do a Midi boot….but I’d be very much looking at the Magnum boots.

https://www.tauntonleisure.com/alt-berg-men-039-s-malham-leather-walking-boots.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Adwords&utm_content=Shopping&135=61&aid=14393&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-9Sw0IKe2wIVBZztCh3rvgW_EAQYEyABEgKh3PD_BwE

We have a 2 year old Chocolate Lab, he was also nervous around other people, but his nervousness would lead to him barking at them. He’s also nervous at home and can behave very timid. We’ve had him from a pup, he comes from working stock (farm dog / hunting background).

Socialising worked for us. Not just with humans, but we would go for a walk with other dog owners – he would see how other older dogs behave and learn what was correct. We also did the treat trick, when chatting to people while out we would ask them to give him a treat, he seems to like to do a couple of “tricks” for his treats – so the other people would play with him and he knew he was going to get a couple of treats for it. We regularly walk with an older lab who is very much the boss, so he seems to have learned his behaviours from the older dog.

He’s gotten much better lately, I can take him with me on the trails now as he no longer barks at strangers and will happily go over to them if called. He still barks at people at home and still shows signs of nervousness, he’s jumpy, if we drop something on the floor he runs and hides under the table.

He was also the runt of the litter, which is the reason we chose him. He’s a lot smaller then the rest of his family and has a white streak on his chest, a trait some breeders used to try to breed out as its not desirable – so we had to pick him.

I get the novelty factor of wanting to ride up / down Snowdon. Having walked up it I can also see how it would be a great challenge. But its busy, some of the paths are busy most of the year. Why would anyone want to ride down it when you know you are going to come into contact with large groups of walkers on a very regular basis?

Antur Stiniog isn’t far away or Coed Y Brenin. Different riding, but at least its contained and away from walkers.

I also don’t understand the “we have a right to ride it if we want”, yes we do have a right. But why would we want to exercise that right when there is perfectly good trails that have been purpose built for us not far away. If we had walkers getting in the way at AS because they feel they have the same right, then we wouldn’t be happy.

Yep – top film, not quite as good as the latest Avengers, but still some hilarious moments.

Just as sweary and non PC. Well worth watching though.

Personally I wouldn’t want to spend that amount of money on 2nd hand. I’ve bought 2nd hand cheaper hardtails, but they’ve generally been used as commuters by people and in very good condition. An enduro bike may have had a tougher life, so I’d personally want a level of comfort (warranty) should the worst happen.

I’d be looking at older models being sold off cheaper, unlikely to get an Orange, but I’d put up with that for a bit of peace of mind.

I don’t think with cars there’s a right and wrong answer, just what works for each individual.

I paid £8000 for my Kia estate back in September 2015, second owner. Similar mileage cars on Autotrader are selling for £6500 to £7500.

Previously I’ve leased a few cars on PCP, probably would do again. I had a Fiesta that I paid peanuts for, probably about £110 a month. I had to service it though so running costs similar to owning the car.

The Kia has been a good reliable car, only consumables to pay for (brakes and tyres plus servicing).

My wife is on a huge drive to sort out our pensions, so we paid all debts off and a large portion of our spare money goes on our future. She also has a savings account where she puts in the price of our family car that was on PCP, Audi Estate, ridiculous monthly payment. That money now gets put into other investments. We will buy another car for £8000 or £9000 in 2 or 3 years. But I completely see that leasing would be similar loss / cost. It’s just nice not to have to budget for monthly payments.

I also bought new once, Very nice car, but lost a fair bit on that. Large deposit plus loan. Only had it a year and had to sell it as needed cash to pay for an expensive divorce.

I used to have very expensive bikes, but alas those days are long gone!

Tidal for the quality, but it’s rubbish for playlists or random music. I still use it for home use where I know what I want to play, but for travelling where I want random music Spotify works so much better. For travelling in the car Spotify all the time.

sound quality is small but noticeable for me. But then you need decent headphones (or sound system) to make best use of it.

i have the family plan of Spotify so kids use it on their devices as well. Tidal is on my phone and really only used occasionally when I have no children about and want to listen indulge myself.

dinner parties etc, Spotify again.

Seeing photo’s were other people live and their local rides makes me very jealous!

Really need to leave the Midlands!

I get the losing the motivation aspect. I’ve lost my mojo in terms of racing. Still been riding, generally just pottering about but only when the sun’s shining. Woburn, Thetford and Cannock are my regular trails – not the most inspiring.

Got to talk Mrs W to move somewhere with views like the OP.

I’d be replacing the forks anyway, making her pay. I’d be worried about them having a problem and each ride I’d be thinking they were going to cave in. I’d also want new levers, bike should be back to how it was before the accident. The odd scratch I’d not be overly fussed about as these things happen, but anything major should be repaired or replaced.

I presume it will be clear cut that she caused the crash? If I wasn’t injured I wouldn’t bother with going through her insurance if she would pay up for the forks.

My tuppence worth…I personally wouldn’t pay the additional money. I also would trust the Travel Agent though and try and book another deal with them. I’ve had similar happen to me with Tui last year, I paid for a family swim up room, brand new hotel in Mexico – there was nothing in the T&C’s about under 16’s not being able to stay in the room. 3 months before hand the hotel introduced a policy for no 16’s to use swim up rooms. Tui sorted this out for us – we lost that room, but Tui gave us upgraded flights and an executive suite – all of this was an additional £2k on top of our holiday that Tui did as a good will gesture. (I did have to complain about my 2 daughters hopes have been dashed and they haven’t stopped crying since we told them they had no swim up pool….but Tui did the right thing in the end)

Straying off topic again, family holidays I always use a Travel Agent, generally Tui.This just gives us a bit of security that the hotels are going to be a good standard and we know how to deal with complaints or issues should they arise. When I go for trips just with Mrs W, we book via Expedia or the likes. Easy enough to sort out or go to different hotel if there are problems.

“How about a film about a man with no short term memory where he has to write down clues to his last days all over his body in order to piece together events leading up to the rape and murder of his girlfriend?”

Hang on one memento, that sounds awful. I think someone has invaded your dreams and subconsciously made you type that.

Whoops!! Apologies! Completely disregard my posts in that case.

was actually quite tempted myself after googling it. Anyone know what the terrain is like and most suitable bike? (Lightweight XC or full sus trail)

12 weeks training….hmmm very tempted.

The OP mentioned doing it in a couple of years. My view is that hill repeats and intervals whilst useful are going to be more beneficial nearer the time.

The OP currently does 60 miles a week, personally I think this needs to increase. Maybe nearer the time (6-8 months out) I’d focus on intervals and hill repeats during the week while also keeping up regular long steady rides.

Horses for courses, but FTP increase is not useful in a 12 hour or 24 hour race if you have limited endurance. My FTP isn’t great (approx. 265 watts for a 67kg rider) – but I can comfortably ride for 12 hours at a decent pace on a hilly course.  If I worked on increasing my FTP I’m not sure this will make me any quicker on very long hilly rides.

Just throwing an unscientific poll of one user – when I focused on racing flat crits I had my highest FTP and this was great for one hour rides. But I honestly didn’t feel that fit for my long distance bikepacking rides. I would say I’m now better at endurance riding than a few years ago when I was focusing on my FTP and racing (only a cat 3 roadie). I also think I would get spanked back in the crits.

I’d also worry about burn out, hill repeats 2 years before an event plus HIIT – I know we are all different but that would be a bit brain numbing. Nice long rides, enjoy yourself for now. Nearer the event when you have built a strong endurance level then start adding in the HIIT sessions. Only my advice for what works with me. YMMV.

As already said, extend your existing rides. But make sure you are drinking and eating regularly.

Also see if you can book in other training rides, South Downs Way for example. This is a hilly 110 mile ride, not overly technical but will give you an opportunity to spend time in the saddle while under no race pressure.

Other training rides are available depending where you live, there’s the quantocks if getting further South West is easier, or also the Trans Cambrian Way. The Trans Cambrian may give you the opportunity to build up slower, so 60 miles per day for example – give you the chance to get used to 7 hours in the saddle.

I prefer the type ride I mentioned as I find them less boring than trying to do loops of the local woods/trails. The big skies just give an alternative view.

TM Lewin, not more expensive than M&S and they will tailor them for you.

Modern styles, but no elastic waistbands……

Always go dark suit, light trousers and alcohol not a good match as you get older….nothing worse than a 40 year old drunk with a wee stain!

And I hope you’re joking about those shoes?!?

Having had Assos, Castelli and lots of Rapha, I have a fair few Rapha shorts, at full rrp then they are expensive, but I’ve never paid that price. I think my most expensive were the Pro Race Lightweight shorts at £130.

That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad pair of bibs. My cheaper one’s (club bibs) are absolutely fine for riding in. The only time I notice how good Rapha shorts are is that I can sit on the Watt Bike for an hour and a half and not be sore – cheaper shorts and after 45 mins in I’m fidgeting.

But, over winter I bought a set of DHB 3/4 Thermal bibs, amazed at how good they are for the price. Think I paid about £50, total bargain and I’d be tempted by a pair of their normal bib shorts when my Rapha need replacing.

My Assos were great, but I like to match my kit and I’m just not a fan of Assos jerseys. I had the Equipe shorts, didn’t feel any comfier or different than my Rapha to be honest.

Disclaimer….I must be a bit weird as I also pretty much ride any saddle (road or mtb) without any issues…or without noticing I’m not on my normal saddle. (Probably why my wife always call’s me numbnuts!)

Been fit all my life. Military background.

Cycled competitively for years, at age 44 decided to retire from racing. All my spare time is spent with family and helping with after school clubs etc.

Im at least 1 stone heavier and most of my clothes are a lot tighter. I still get to ride 4 times a week, but at a significantly reduced intensity. I think I overtrained the last two winters and this led to me stopping racing early.

Glad to no longer be worrying out diet, power to weight etc. Nowadays I actually get to see and enjoy the countryside when I’m riding.

Another owner of the 2018 Ex 8 29er.

very good bike, I’m 70kgs and the fork is spot on so far. I do lots of different riding, rocky welsh trail centres, flat fast XC trail centres through to natural hilly trails. Been damn good son far.

I’ve not had much luck with my GPS devices.

Edge 810, regularly power off mid ride when following a route. Rubbish battery life. Bluetooth connectivity was poor, sometimes it would connect, then drop out a short time later.

Edge 520, horrible UI and buttons – didn’t feel intuitive. Some rides would show a straight line and average speed of 100mph rather than the route I followed. Would also power off mid ride. Bluetooth did work fine.

Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS, current device. Records rides with no problem. However connects to Bluetooth fine but then I can’t upload rides from the device to the app. A sync problem every time (using Ally app on either iphone or ipad). So needs to download via a PC each time – quite a common problem I’ve since found out. As I travel a lot it means I can’t review my ride until a week or so later when I return home. (My work PC doesn’t allow USB storage device connection) The Lezyne connects to my Watt Bike and picks up the power/speed/cadence sensors each time with no problems which is a bonus. Battery life is very good, no idea on the actual time but I’ve never had it down below 50% even after 5 hours of recording a ride.

I think its going to the Bolt for me next. I should have just bought the Bolt instead of the 520.

As a roadie and a mountain biker I get mixed up what is and isn’t allowed.

On the road bike its long socks only, just below the calf muscle. White socks with white shoes, black socks with black shoes – but has to match the jersey as well (and that then dictates what sunglasses and helmet to wear)….

Mountain bike socks, one of the things I love about mountain biking is how you just turn up to ride and there’s no care for what you wear and how you look. On the road bike its more about how you look than how you ride.

Mountain bike I’m currently still wearing ski socks, but rolled down. Stops getting gravel and stones inside the shoes. To be fair it was hot riding Llandegla on Sunday in ski socks though!

Depending on the weather, I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable with just a bivvy bag, especially if its wet. I take a tarp with me, just for the added shelter and extra room. Unless there are bus shelters on the route?

I’ve also fallen into the trap before about not being far from civilisation and thinking I’d get water, then its a 27 degree day and I’m doing nothing other than dragging myself uphill. You quickly run out of water. If you can somehow add extra water bottles to your frame (forks) then I’d be doing that. On one ride last year I had to take a 10 mile detour to restock up on water, this was after about 80 miles of a 120 mile ride and was soul destroying (I’d also been getting water as I was going, but still ran out)

Bikepacking can be awesome fun. I did a few individual “epic” rides, but I’m now no longer worrying about 100+mile multi day rides, I much prefer a max of 6 or 7 hours in the saddle, but enjoying the experience rather than suffering.

I always take a pillow with me, weighs next to nothing but is so much more comfortable than shoving clothing into a bag.

This is a few years old now, but still worth a read….

http://bikepacker.com/review-garmin-etrex-30/

How to Use Your Garmin eTrex GPS for Bikepacking

I’m also in IT, its a constant training cycle to stay current. Its also challenging and competitive, not easy to get into without already having qualifications or experience.

IT pay is decent, but the hours and stress can be significant. Personally its not a career i would recommend to people as generally I don’t think its an enjoyable job. Its very service orientated, so the business areas who we “serve” can be very hard work.

As above, I would like at a trade like plumbing. Will always be needed and can’t be offshored.

I have these discussions with the permanent employees of companies I work with.

I’m a freelance consultant, have been for over 20 years. I’ve been very lucky in that I have been able to work all over the world and I’ve never had a period of looking for work after a contract has ended. I’m a limited company and its still in my view the most efficient vehicle. But the gap / benefits of being a limited company are slowly being eroded, even recent changes to VAT have reduced our income further.

I always say that don’t get too excited about the additional income you may appear to receive. You need to take into account things like holidays, illness, pension and tax. I wouldn’t recommend any of the off-shore tax loopholes that some self employed people use. I’d always recommend just using a reputable accountant and paying your dues as the taxman can be scary! I did the off-shore loophole around the same time as Jimmy Carr, I did it for one year, got the threatening letters from HMRC and decided best not to fight the system. I know a fair few guys who ended up with very large fines and back payments to make. Anyway I digress….

I’d also recommend having at least 4 months worth of readily available savings that you can fall back on should you run into a lack of work/income. Rhetorical question, but what would be the point when you would need to decide if being self employed was or wasn’t working for you? If the contract dries up, what happens then? Are there enough opportunities within your field to make it viable? The company you are going to be taking the cut from, are there other self employed personnel?

Also might sound daft, but if you can reduce your living costs that will help any period of inactivity income wise. I live without debt so I know that if I’m not earning I only have to pay the bills and food. No worries about credit cards or loans. This makes such a big difference, even if its just for my mental well being.

Also have a check to see if you would be captured by the IR35 rules. If you are only working for the one client you may have a tough time explaining why you are outside of IR35.

https://www.contractorcalculator.co.uk/what_is_ir35.aspx

I’m with Captain, my stress is about getting it and it not feeling as good as the test ride. or reading about other bikes I should have tried.

First month is generally being really happy with the bike, but a nagging thought saying I wonder how much better it would have been if I’d just spent x more and gone for the Lyric….

My newest bike is 14kgs, bought about 3 months ago, even now I’m thinking about whether I should have spent the extra and gone for a lighter carbon frame. Then I get on the bike and fall back in love!

Stupid thoughts as the bike is far more capable than I’ll ever be. I also don’t think I’ve ever had a bad bike, from £200 second hand commuters to high end silly light carbon bikes. I get to test ride the bikes for a good week or so and this really helps, this does restrict my buying choice to the one LBS, but its a penalty worth paying in my opinion.

I have a tactic in that I keep buying magazines, reading reviews online etc until the wife is bored of it – she then just says “just go and buy the damn bike you really want”. Has worked on the last two purchases.

I divorced and then remarried the same women (still married).

Personally I see it as a complete waste of money, I didn’t want to get married first time around, but its what the wife wanted and ultimately I agreed to it. About 8 years later we went through a bitter and expensive divorce. All the while though we continued to see each other, then after 2 years of being divorced we decided to try again – and now 5 years later still married……..

My wife has what I consider outdated values when it comes to marriage. She just see’s it as the correct way to bring up a family. For her its not about religion, its about the stability of marriage and the family unit….Which in our case is obviously a contradiction, but I do understand her logic even if in my opinion its flawed logic.

The second time around I didn’t want to get married, but again it was what she wanted in terms of making amends for our past mistakes. I see it as being easier in terms of joint banking, bills, wills, life insurance etc.

Majority of blokes I know got married because they thought it was the correct thing to do because its seen as normal. I don’t know of any male friend who has ever said they believe in the institution of marriage, they, like me, just went along with it.

I don’t see myself as happily married, I see myself as just happy with my family, that includes my wife. I wouldn’t change being with them, but I also wouldn’t be bothered if we had separate names and no formal contract of marriage. As long as everything else was legally the same then I’d be just as happy.

I used the Marin Pine Mountain for my bikepacking trips, with soft luggage. Worked well, the plus tyres help the lack of suspension. I did natural trails, South Downs Way, Trans Cambrian and the Quantocks.

For the price it was a really good bike, Marin does have a strange axle standard for the Pine Mountain though, so limits future upgrades.

I know the majority of people are fine with rigid bikes for bikepacking, but for me I now prefer to use a hardtail with plus wheels. I personally found I prefer the comfort of the front suspension, especially when doing 12 to 14 hours in the saddle.

Got to be Shimano Saints, comical levels of zero grip, but they leave a nice indentation in the shin.

Nearly every ride one of my daughters would ask me if I’d had another crash and the wife would tell me off for getting blood on the towels!