I’ve done so much thinking and planning for trips I’ve not been able to do that I’ve almost stopped dreaming up new things. There’s only so big a wish list I can maintain. But I’m still itching to get out there and get those things done.

As above, once we’re unleashed I’m sure your mojo will return.

Yes, all you need is a 650-750ml mug, a 22g stove or equivalent and a windshield.

You could get a smaller mug and the 8g stove but the former is more versatile and still compact and lightweight.

The Alpkit mug is good https://alpkit.com/products/mytimug

Arse! I too paid outright for OS maps of all the good bits of the UK

Ordered

I have a Garmin Edge Explore, which does much the same stuff as the Roam, as I understand it. You can pick a destination and it will choose a route. If you go off-course it will re-route you and you can even pick a direction and distance and it’ll plan a loop for you. I tend to plot routes in ViewRa...

I pick one based on the terrain and my intentions. That said, it’s almost always a mountain bike, and a rigid 29er at that.

I have the Lidl bar bag/harness. I couldn’t resist it for a tenner (:oops:) but it seems a reasonable bit of kit for the price. That said, the stitching has gone on the webbing that the Velcro loop attaches to, so I guess you get what you pay for. I’d be wary of relying on it for a big trip.

Singlespeed cog and chainring from PX ready for when the existing ones die.
A DHB wind proof winter cap. I never used to bother but I’m getting old and soft.
A couple of cheap tubeless repair kits to increase the odds of me having one with me when I need one.

1. Have a go. You can’t find out what you’re capable of if you don’t set off.
2. Keep going (see 1).
3. Enjoy it. If you’re not enjoying it then what’s the point?

I’ve been using the GripGrab neoprene cuffs with Sealskinz and/or waterproof Northwave boots and I’m fairly impressed.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/gripgrab-cycli ... ankle-cuff

December ticked off with a few days to go. The day after Storm Bella swept through the forecast was cold but dry from the afternoon on, so I decided to make a break for it. A shortish ride through plenty of winter slop brought me to a favourite spot with firm ground and a good view. It was a beautif...

I’m a hammock newb but the two things I’ve noticed are a) that I seem to get a more uninterrupted sleep and b) that the hammock as seat thing is a genuine and unanticipated bonus. It definitely requires more planning and faff, though, so it will never be my primary MO.

Merry Christmas all!

Loved that. The bliss of quiet roads and before the tyranny of marketing

Forgot to mention I’ll also be passing through Balls Cross and Cocking.

Well I’ve plotted my route (103 miles and 7,400 ft of climbing) and I’m delighted to say it takes me to Titty Hill. It’s not one of my GRs but I was so close I just couldn’t pass by.

( . ) ( . )

Bear-faced cheek

It’s the walkers that would put me off. You’ve only got to run into a self-righteous old biddy who tries to bar your way and ask why you don’t have a bell* and it’s all over.

*Answer: you do but she hasn’t replaced the battery in her hearing aid.

PM sent to Tim/trob6 with my selected area:

Verena wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 11, 2020 11:43 pm

Landslide wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 11, 2020 4:51 pm

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the Spars.

Genius

Seconded

I’ve just bought some Galibier winter gloves. Seem good quality but not properly tested them yet. I think the ones I have are a bit warmer/thicker than what the OP wants. I’ve also recently bought some Carnac soft shell gloves from PX. I’ve worn them lots in low single figures C and they are really ...

I asked about riding in Ireland a while back: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15515

Ooooo I do like that Klunker.

OP - what about a Shand?

Favourite ride: the Virtual WRT. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed riding to local places I’d not been before and sharing a similar experience with others on here. Favourite kit: My Stooge Ti Favourite media: I’ve not been blown away by anything this year (that I can remember) but Josh Ibbet’s GBd...