Not done one of these for a few years but it’s fairly local so it would be rude not to. Might have a small posse.

I’m using a garden sprayer, adapted to take a presta input. It’s worked well for years, even for 4.6 fat bike tyres, but has developed a split that leaks a bit at high pressure. I’ve just ordered an empty 2kg fire extinguisher to take its place. I just use a rubber hose that fits over the outside of...

Wow! That sounds like a proper Bearbones mission. Thanks for the great write-up.

Thanks for the great write-up. I may give this a go at some point.

Excellent write-up, Sean. Loving reading the episodes

Just seen that Decathlon do one too https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/3-5-l-ipx6-waterproof-bikepacking-handlebar-accessories-bag-advt-900/ Looks pretty good but, as with all of these, it’s a question of how well it’ll play with my home-made harness. I’m sure I can adapt the fastenings to work but I’m w...

Thanks for the recommendations. The Wildcat one looks nice but I can’t quite tell if it’s big enough and whether it’ll be flappy when less than full. The Ortlieb could be a contender.

I’ve been using a small (approx 5l) dry bag, attached by a couple of straps to the top of my main bar bag, to keep a waterproof and sometimes other clothing I may want during the day. It’s a very flexible solution but it could be neater and it can be a Slight fiddle to adjust the straps when I add o...

Well done Allen! Bet that feels good

Shimano AM9? They seem to be available cheap and I’ve done lots of riding and hike-a-bike in an older, now discontinued model. They’re billed as a downhill shoe but have a bendy sole and I find them v comfy to walk in. Not much grip, mind.

Just spent six glorious sunny days riding bits of the lower loops. Millions of ticks, especially around Shenavall, but not too many midges. The ground was also drier than I’ve seen it before and the loch crossing was only ankle deep. But now of course it’s started raining. Good luck to everyone ridi...

I use Outdooractive. It’s pretty good but I think the annual subscription and functionality is similar to OS maps. It’s an international product so may well have better mapping abroad than OS but I’ve not really put it to the test.

Neodymium magnets might work. Likely stronger than what you’ve previously tried. I’ve not used them for this application but seems to me they might do the trick.

Cracking idea. Not sure I’ll manage it in 2024 but it’s a great goal to aim for.

Hmmm … now, technically, a night on the sleeper train appears to count according to the rules. Seems wrong but then it’s a lot less comfy than a B&B (or even a half-decent bivy if you’re in a seat).

Cheap Garmins on Sportpursuit - Edge Explore, Etrex Touch and lots of watches

Thanks Bearlegged. Will PM you

Just had the cracked chainstay on my Mk1 Stooge mended and it’s made me think it might also be a good idea to replace the 10-year-old On-One OG bars. I like them but have always thought a bit more width would be welcome. Anyone got anything suitable before I buy new?

Oh, and this programme (How to play Schubert’s Death and the Maiden) was on in the car as I was driving home the other day. I’m not a classical music buff but this fascinating. It’s a really dramatic, evocative piece of music and the whole programme was a good listen. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/pl...

I loved the Cardiacs. Saw them a few times and they were a proper spectacle.

As said above, there’s an apartheid system for seated and cabin passengers and staff can be quite sniffy about it. People do stretch out on the floor in the seated carriages when the train’s not busy. I always just make do with a seat since the old “bargain berths” disappeared. It’s possible to get ...

It can really help to put something (small, not daunting, in the diary on a regular basis. Bivy a month works a bit like this. Once you’ve done it once, the second time is easier and so on. Conversely, the longer you go without getting out, the harder it is to make that first step. Also, making join...

Yikes! I got caught in a storm while crossing the flanks of Cadair Idris a few weeks back. It was close enough at one point that I dumped the bike and adopted the position. Probably about as much good as praying, I imagine, but it made me feel slightly better.

I’ve used an Alpkit down quilt for this. Not perfect but fine for summer and packs down small.

https://alpkit.com/products/cloud-cover-down-quilt

I’ve done it a few times. My top tip is to have something to use as a pillow between your head and the window. A quilt or down jacket helps with the illusion that you’re in bed. I never get a great night’s sleep but enough to make it bearable. Cabins are so expensive now that I’m never going to affo...

Good effort. I enjoyed that