Bearbonesnorm wrote:And finally, the entire meal should be cooked using a single meths stove

I've just been experimenting with a Christmas pudding and a bottle of rum. I'd forgotten just how impressive the flames can be .
Breakfast that cooks itself: that's me sorted.

Have we got a cafe/soft option for breakfast in mind, or should we bring some with us? :cool: Do you really expect a dozen blokes to resist having a "camping stove nerd-off"? :ugeek: Bring some breakfast. :d Then we'll ride to a caff and have some more breakfast :-bd. Rumsey's chocolate c...

There's something about old bikes which appeals to me, but I'm not really sure of the look I have in mind... Perhaps it's the same sort of "agricultural charm" that makes old Land Rovers popular :wink: . https://www.dropbox.com/s/wpacoakx7kodc02/bring%20a%20trailer.jpg?raw=1 https://www.d...

TheBrownDog wrote:...rigid Inbred 29er. I honestly don't like it much but it does the job.

What don't you like about it?

Loads of choice here:
http://www.bikepacking.com/bikes/plus-bikes/
The 2017 Surly Karate Monkey 27.5+ seems the most versatile. I haven't ridden one, though.

TheBrownDog - PM sent.
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RIP wrote:Firepit??

You mean like this one?

TheBrownDog wrote:They'd just be jealous

Yup

Speaking of bivvi spots, I told a friend from my MTB club about the winter bivvi and he volunteered his woods near Little Kimble as a venue for the overnight. To quote him: Firewood supplied free, round house available (sits 8 comfortably with fire in middle), there is also a small shepherds hut wi...

...old bike...'death traps'...off-road riding...pictures...tales of derring-do... Guilty on all counts! :-bd. Six months after I bought my first 'mountain bike' (a previously-enjoyed bouncy, V-braked iron horse of unpredictable durability, for a mere 60 of my English pounds) I spent a winter long w...

RIP - Dec bivi - Yes looking forward to it, as "stuff" is getting in the way of a November bivi.
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boxelder wrote:

Were they on 'gravel bikes', by any chance?

Are such cycles frowned upon in the alpine borderlands of Beds and Bucks?

.
Absolutely: it's just mud and concrete around here. Not very alpine at all.
They're just racers with knobby tyres, anyway.

Looks like a great trip all round Reg: scenery, hospitality and no rain .
Love the colours in that 5th photo.
You can never have too many pictures in a post

Very, very good ; including the word-of-the-week: "lumbosexual" (lum-BO-sex-u-al).
It surprised me the bloke on the receiving end of the comment didn't react, which suggests it's a common term around those parts .

An interesting thread that works on so many levels. You don't have to do something radical for it to have a radical effect on your happiness. May I suggest developing a mental list of what you like and dislike about your current job during the next few months (e.g. like - solving complex problems an...

Sounds like a great trip; I hope the setbacks didn't spoil the fun too much.
It looks like your bike was quite new: did you take it back to the shop when the fork broke?
Did the fork use an air spring or coil spring?
What was the outcome?

metalheart wrote:Mavis Grind C-to C is a bitch though....m

Wow! That's quite an undertaking. What's the ITT record?
Were you accompanied by otters, by any chance? Or carrying a viking longboat?
I believe some London hipsters may be attempting it, 'unsupported'. Can't wait for the film...

Shetland is only a couple of hundred miles of packrafting north of there :lol: Just think how extreme it is here (whispers....it's not really). That is indeed quite a paddle: hats off to you sir, and your incredible achievement. Did you make a short film of it, by any chance? I've just taken a Goog...

Or perhaps something that portrays the gritty reality of sleeping in a ditch and not going home for your tea...

Wow! It's surprising the passion an advert can arouse in some people.

...but essentially I wish I was there!

Hang on: you're in Shetland. You are there!

Were they on 'gravel bikes', by any chance?

Not sure how wise it is for the winter and shorter days though.

Most of the route seems pretty weatherproof (except the lowland fields in the middle). It's keeping your lights charged that will be the problem.
Perhaps try a couple of sections and see how you get on before committing to the lot.

Much appreciated: glad you enjoyed it. It was on the second day I noticed some of the gel sachets have "Max 20/day" on them, so I had to moderate my habit. But hey! I'm in control: I can stop anytime I want =P~ Never had digestive problems with gels: perhaps gels and cheese rolls form some...

It's surprising how reading too many accounts of super-fast, sub-24-hour efforts can lull you into a false sense of security. I was reasonably confident I could do the lot (train to Cromford on Friday pm; ride to Kirkby Stephen, then to Oxenholme; train home) and be back in Bedfordshire for Monday m...

Staggered starting points at Berko & Tring, then heading out to Chinnor-ish sounds ideal. Both are nearer the trails with easier parking than Watford Junction. I'm happy to follow and look forward to the exploring. The... 80 miles ...option sounds epic! I agree its best to keep the route discret...

5/10 Recent chilly nights in the Chilterns and general lethargy about packing had me add the Buffalo Bag to my "summer kit" of down jacket & salopettes, then strap it all to the commuter bike, rather than pack with a bit of thought. I'd forgotten how uncompressible these things were :s...