Cheers! That’s a few more maps I definitely didn’t need!

Also in pharma here, used to work for a CMO in NI in a lab based method development role, just moved back to the UK to take up a project management role for the same company.

I worked on the logic (like others have said) pharma QC testing and lab work in the UK/NI is toast. We had clients turning down long term stability studies as we weren’t sure if data generated in the UK would be accepted in Europe 5 years down the line when the stability testing was concluded. I wouldn’t want to be a UK/NI based QP in a couple of years, don’t think the future is too rosy there. Coupled with that, I didn’t want to stick around to see how things pan out for NI, tensions were already beginning to ratchet up compared to a couple of years ago.

Not sure if moving into project was a wise move, when I was offered roles in the Republic instead, but the manufacturing side of things seems fairly buoyant at the moment. We’re still quoting for and winning work. And project management is significantly more transferrable, hopefully!

For what it’s worth, my company has been hemorrhaging European nationals at all levels since the referendum, and struggling to recruit to replace them.

The whole Brexit show is a farce.

I recently got a set of Ohlins RXF34s. I like. A lot. Very coil-esque in feeling, track the ground very nicely, and very supple. Night and day when compared to my old Rockshox Revs.

I didn’t get them new however, they are a touch spendy.

I had a 2004 Berlingo, 2.0HDi. Great car until the head gasket went. It was a bit of a sink for money on parts to keep it running though. Had a number of entertaining ‘french’ quirks though, my favourite was the full beams coming on whenever I used the indicators.

That said, the novelty of a 2.0 HDi greenhouse on wheels was a lot of fun – I was able to sleep in the back (6ft 2ish) with the passenger seat pushed forward, with a bike next to me, and a surfboard stored above me. Would be a squeeze for two and bikes, I wouldn’t like to try it myself!

I recently got a set of the DHB Pro MTB shorts. I think they would meet all your requirements and they weren’t silly money either.

Having flown over for the interview, I didn’t get any chance to have a nosey around the town, so was largely working off the reputation! Good to know about the commuting, I was aware Bristol wasn’t great for traffic, and the aim was to stay as close to the motorway as possible.

I was aware of things like the Ridgeway, but good to have the options. I know it’s not too far to South Wales for more techy riding and that sort of thing.

Tetbury is a good recommendation, I’d largely written the whole Cotswold area off as too expensive.

I’ve a 13 plate 1.6 diesel estate, the most basic model (not a VRS, not really my style…) and I love it. It’s massive, does motorway miles in comfort. It’s not the nippiest, but I drive relatively sedately and can get 800 miles from a tank of fuel which I’m a massive fan of.

The only issue I’ve had was the water pump went at around 60,000, but was covered under the 3 year warranty from Skoda. I’m not sure how pricy it would have been.

As everyone has said, carried 4 people plus bikes comfortably. I’ve had 5 bouldering pads and three people in mine, or the usual 4 people plus climbing kit and camping stuff for a weekend.

In terms of downsides, whilst the 1.6 is very efficient, it’s also fairly gutless. And the lip on the boot is a touch annoying. Would be nice to have a flat loading bay. It’s also not quite long enough for someone who’s 6 2 to sleep in comfortably.

Having been given a 16 plate Vauxhall Insignia to drive recently, I vastly prefer the Skoda. Whilst there were less bells and whistles, it just feels better put together, but I guess you knew that!

I’d definitely get another.

Possibly my favourite bike ever…

The full sus is more of a tool. The Solaris is a thing of joy, brilliant fun to ride down pretty much everything. The one bike I think I could never get rid of.

Photo is after a day sliding around the woods in Newcastle (County Down).

Second Bangor tyres. Very handy and reasonably priced.

Grew up in the Forest and drank in Gloucester. It had its charms. None of which i would be keen to repeat. If you must go, Eastgate Street always used to be busy, The Pig Inn the City always had a good (ish) metal night, the René had ‘character’ and well, that’s about it. I’m not so sure what is like these days.

Like everyone else, we pre-drank in Gloucester then went out in Cheltenham.

Good luck.

I’m currently using a pair of Sanuk fleece lined hobbies. Warm, comfortable and with a sole that can handle outside.

As a bonus, they don’t look too slippery!

Works components do narrow wide rings in a range of sizes including 96bcd I think?

Taylor Vernon was the rider who came up short. Snapped front wheel in half and his foot apparently!

If you’d like to be within striking distance of St Davids, Caerfai Bay is a good shout. Well organised, clean facilities. Despite looking like a static caravan encampment, they’ve a separate field for tents well away from the caravans. May need to book in advance though.

If you’d something a bit quieter, and more away from it all, Rhosgadw farm just up from Whitesands is lovely. Bit more basic, but nice and quiet.

In a follow up to this…

I got offered the job, and am now moving to Belfast at some point in June, which is a result! My sister who lived in Belfast until recently recommended living on the Lisburn Road. So, does anyone know of any accommodation in that area, either room or house? I’m fairly keen to live in Belfast initially, not having lived in a city before and being quite keen to try it!

Wow, thanks for all the advice!

Nothing’s confirmed at present, but having had an interview that went a bit better than expected, I thought it best to be prepared!

I do drive, so transport isn’t too much of a concern, but the cost of living was a bit of a biggy. I currently live in Caernarfon, which is certainly fairly cheap.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease – if I get offered the job, I’ll certainly be back looking for people to show me around!

Thanks again,

Toby

Unfortunately, I’m coming over from Bangor, and there are no early train options for the time of the flight. Likewise, for the return journey.

I’d not considered parking somewhere en route and getting a train though. That could work….

I’m still using a MacBook from 2006, and yes it’s a little tatty now, but functionally it’s still fine – I’ve been through a few batteries, and had to replace the hard drive with a SSD and upgrade the RAM units, but it’s still going and more than capable of what I need it for.

I’d go with the MacBook instead of a budget Windows laptop, purely from a longevity point of view!

They’re all the Pen-Y-Fan massif. I am fairly certain of it! From the approach by the Storey Arms hotel.

Ah, lovely. Thanks chaps. Much obliged.

I had a similar issue with a second hand 456, and straightened out the hanger with a shovel as it gave plenty of leverage. Worked perfectly and still going. I certainly give a go.

Interested to see what comes off this….

I reckon a Transit is a good call. Loads of parts, servicable anywhere, and a bit wider in the back….

I work in elite sport and we use Derry a lot. Can Defo recommend him http://www.derrysuter.com/#!maintenance/c66t

Based in Mansfield!

How not to live your life was utterly brilliant. W1A is good in a cringey sort of way.

The Revolution Will Be Televised seems like it should be on Channel 4. Still quite entertaining though.

A new series of Lead Balloon and How Not To Live Your Life to go with the new series of Detectorists would be wonderful. Please?

I’ve given up listening to Radio 4 at the half 6 slot. Even the Friday night stuff other than the Now Show seems fairly dire. The only thing of note that really stood out in the past year was Cabin pressure and The Castle.

Clobber,

If you’ve not heard from rocky mountain, I’d certainly be interested. I’ve dropped you an email.

Thanks,

Toby

Won £100 on a scratch card and colonoscopy confirmed I don’t have Crohn’s disease! And I’m off work tomorrow! It’s turning into a good week.

I rate my budget Canyon offering (Grand Canyon?). Bought expecting to want to change the frame and viewed it as a good way of getting a load of 29er parts. Turns out it’s pretty good. I like it. It flatters me going uphill, compensates for a lack of riding, and is a bit more sketchy going down, but still not too slow…

If anyone needs a lift from East Midlands Airport area, shout up, or drop me an email (in profile!)

I’ll come! Been looking for something a bit more social!

I’ll be keeping an eye on this – mine only ever gets used on chilli!

My mum and sister both seem to live out of theirs though!

Teva Links Mids?

Look a bit clumpy, but I’ve seen them cheap somewhere?

PEDANT ALERT PEDANT ALERT

Cougar – Moderator
One does not “fire” an arrow. One shoots an arrow. Philistine.

Surely one neither fires nor shoots an arrow, but looses an arrow?

I grew up in Newent, and both my parents worked in Cinderford/Coleford. Nice enough area. I would argue the north or the Forest, Aston Ingham, Newent, Huntley, maybe Westbury areas are quite good for transport links. Close to the M50/M5 and Ross for the roads into South Wales. Easy access to Gloucester if you want it. Anything in the Forest proper is a bit more of a trek to get out and about…

All of the major towns in the forest are a bit grim. Anything smaller between them varies between being quite nice, or a bit banjoey and inbred.

That said, I liked it, and I like going back now and then!

thanks all. it’s happened at the worst possible time as I’m moving house and starting a new job in the next 2 weeks! thanks again.

Toby

I have to do a lot with bluebells through work, and at the moment it’s the only real time of year to do anything regarding scent analysis! So I’m spending a lot of time in places like this….

Cheers all, much appreciated.

I’ve had a mooch around Beacon Hill, and some of the woods around there, and it seemed better than expected. It’s more the proximity to the Peak that helps. There isn’t a lot of altitude though.

Thanks again,

Toby

How do you make your living? Plant Research Technician in a Chemistry department. I look after a pretty diverse array of instruments, that I wouldn’t get to do in a non-academic environment, and help students with practical issues. Go out harvesting for other non-student related research, and currently looking at quantifying floral scent in common British flowers.

Are you happy doing it? Not really. It’s interesting, and different every day, but I’m tired of the location, and I’m not passionate about the work. Mixture of work and non-work issues make me want to leave.

Would you considering a change of career? I’d love to do something a bit more engineering related. Always toyed with the idea of outdoor ed, but I’m falling apart, and I’d like to have a trade to fall back on.

Does it pay enough for you to mtb comfortably? Just about. I have no dependants, only have to look after myself, and have a pretty reasonable stable of bikes. Living in North Wales helps, and the ability to ride Snowdon from the house is awesome!

I’ve used a Patagonia Half Mass for the last couple of years. Still looks new…

I use one of the original ones from MTBbatteries. Works well, good support, well-priced, that sort of thing. More than enough light for most things. I run that mounted on my helmet, with a Lezyne Power-Drive on the bars (picked it up whilst cheap on Sportpursuit). Battery on the Power Drive seems to last forever on full beam, and I’ve had comfortably 6ish hours out of it.

Not read the rest of the thread, but this.