Things should be amicable and we both want the best for the kids…

That’s the secret, to always think about the kids. I left when my girls were 9 and 5 and I made a conscious decision not to slag off their Mum in front of them, even though it was difficult at times. Nearly 5 years on, there are still things to sort out but I have great relationships with both girls. Another thing I’ve always tried to do is take the girls as often as I can, even if it means cancelling whatever I have planned. Last thing, I’ve been honest with the kids about everything – new girlfriends, moving flats, selling the family home. I’ve tried to talk to them about it as soon as I could.

It’s not much but I hope it helps. All the best for the future.

St Andrews is great, lots to do but it will be busy with all the golfers. If you can make it that far, have a look at the Mallaig area, west of Fort William. There are some amazing beaches between Arisaig and Morar. Not many people up that way but there is quite a bit to do.

Camusdarrach beach, Morar, near Mallaig.

I wear glasses with mine too. You’ll love it, fits really well.

There was a public consultation a few months ago which was well attended – there were more non mountain bikers than anything else. The company will be run as a community so any profits go back into other community projects. There are already lots of other businesses in the area related to mountain biking so the market is definitely there.

Its is planned to have a cafe at the top as well and while I agree with previous comments that it can be pretty dreich up there, it can also be stunning. Well done to AIMUp for getting this far.

I’ve always written short, to the point resignations, no matter how much I’ve wanted to vent at the boss. They won’t have a moment of clarity after reading the letter and see everything from your point of view, you’ll just come across as bitter.

As said above, leave the door open.

Inners, every time. The descents are amazing with so many options. The IXS Cup is there this weekend, check the website for the additions they’ve built for it – and a Swedish guy falling on the last jump!

My LBS of choice is iCycles in Innerleithen. Good prices, prompt service, good coffee and plenty route advice from Mr Deas.

Named and Shamed!

I saw it in Peebles last week. Brilliant film, made me want to get out and ride! Going to order it now.

I’m sitting in a daze reading this after returning a while ago. Brilliant days riding. The whole festival has been amazing again. Massive thanks to all involved.

Rooney, I hope you’re OK. I think I passed you at that section. It was loose in there. I loved the descent after the drop, off camber with the roots, I lost places on the climbs but made them back there!

Respect to the Marshalls from me too, I knew a few of them which was great for a bit of motivation!

Any of you go to the gig? What did you think?

Orange P7

My trio did 8 laps too. I want to do it as a duo next year but some training will be needed as the climbs were brutal. Sair Fecht, Rue du soufranne and Pennels Vennel the wrong way were the worst bits for me. The descent was a total blast. The winning solo did 10 laps!

What a brilliant day, I was totally knackered after the GT7 today but the gig tonight has perked me right up again. Many thanks to the Tweedlove organisers for an amazing day.

I’m hoping the weather holds and going without a shelter!

I wondered if someone would pick that up :-)

I’m in a three so hoping to only do 3 laps max and much lying in the sun!

I got a pair of these today from Alpine Bikes. Comfiest shorts I’ve had, so much so that I’m thinking of getting another pair. They have liner shorts but they don’t attach to the outers.

RoyalRacing Shorts

2.35 Hans Dampf are enormous. bigger than the 2.4 Swamp Thing that it replaced.

Innerleithen has more variety as you can mix up the descents at the end with bits of the downhill trails. I think Innerleithen is more technical and a harder climb, there’s nothing technical about GT red (or Black!) but the descents are wide and smooth.

Depends what you like.

There’s only one xc loop at Innerleithen which has some black/red options, so you could do the black options, as you know the riding in the area pretty well and your wife could do the red options.

Sorted!

I spoke the FC guy today and you have 14 days to pay the £3, after that an admin fee is added. He was handing out tickets the whole time I was there today – Buzzards Nest about 230pm. He said there is a season ticket that’s about £60 that covers any FC car park in the Tweed Valley not 7Stanes. Boo!

My girls! The younger is 9 and on the way back from a picnic by the river, she found 10p on the pavement. About an hour later, in the local wine merchant, she reaches into her pocket and puts said 10p in the charity box. Amazing!

agree with all the comments but most of all MTFU.

Mont Blanc all the way – shite muzak or not. I have one and use it every day.

As GrahamS says above, the SNP are doing a good job so people are prepared to listen to Alex Salmond. I’m Scottish, living in Scotland and have voted SNP but have doubts about the non devolved areas – defence, finance etc. I hear the arguments about oil, whiskey and our regiment but I haven’t heard enough to persuade me yet. If we are allowed to have the oil revenue, it will only last another 50 years or so. What happens then? This is a permanent decision and I’m not convinced the SNP are thinking that far ahead.

3in1 and brute force. I have previous for this with my P7 too :)

Don’t worry about your speech, all you have to say is ‘On behalf of my wife and I…’ and wait for everyone to cheer! Worked for me.

Ride Innerleithen. Strava KOM time is 55mins. Good luck!

Morar and Knoydart in this weather will be fantastic. Have a great trip. Sorry, no idea about bike shops any closer than Fort William!

Heartbreaking. I’d just read his Lejog posts too. Condolences to his family.

Whistler. Or up north – as far as you can go. A friend just spent a weekend in the Torridons, it sounded amazing and has been added to my list.

Innerleithen and Kirroughtree are the best.

Hans Dampf :)

I’m jealous too, wish I was going back this year. As above, you can’t walk 20m through the village without seeing a bike shop. Have a blast.

I use skyscanner.

They repaired a panasonic compact for me. Fast and efficient.

I’ve got one too. I do everything on it, last summer I did a cross race on it and took it to the Whistler Bike Park. It does everything that I can do, and more probably. If you get the chance, get one.

schrickvr6 has given you a quality selection of the latest music. All the Oneohtrix records are amazing. The new Actress record is also amazing but my favourite just now is the Scuba record:

I’ve used gmail for years, saves the hassle of having to change email address when you change ISP.

Try Mabie or Dalbeattie, shouldn’t be too far out your way. Give Ae a miss but ride Innerleithen over GT if you get up that far.