Nothing on mine. Maybe socks..... Really want a heater for the van to keep the other half warm, but that might be on the post Christmas list.

Makes sense Stu, thanks. My Top Bag is warm, but can be a little draughty, and I can see some advantages of a lighter, smaller pack size bag that is fully enclosed. And I feel the need to buy something....

I have a Rab top bag - around 7 years old. It has insulation on the top, a mesh bottom, and a footbox. Looking at quilts on tinternet it would appear that my top bag is in fact a modern day quilt - or am I mistaken? I am half looking at a Cumulus ultralight sleeping bag, but am also half tempted by ...

So, with all the dropouts it was left to an intrepid trio of Scott, Rob and me to brave the elements and ride bikes, drink beer, eat food and bivvy out in some strange place. After a quick coffee in Church Stretton waiting to see if Burty would turn up we ventured forth, straight into a sharp climb ...

Is it a photo of anything? You decide on the subject matter but consider who's going to see your picture and what is likely to interest them. I anticipate that pictures involving bicycles, mountains, rivers and such will appeal well but pictures of caravans or plastic washing up bowls probably won'...

Puppies Dave, puppies. If you can get some nice puppies in your shot you'll get my vote..

The chicken / cyclist thing - I never knew they were that dangerous! Good karma for clearing up afterwards.

What did it taste like?

I'm confused now. I have to take a photo this year, upload it to a thread that doesn't exist yet, wait for votes then not moan if I don't win. Where's the fun if I can't moan?

I'm still in. Keep an eye out for a blue van. It's only weather, and sometimes the weather makes it more exciting! See you in the morning!

I would consider frequent shelter. We could aim the The Bridges, then back over the Long Mynd to the Ragleth, and mop up any stray pubs on the way.....

I am prepared for any weather though!

Giryan, I also am in Warwickshire, and am doing the Rawlinson bracket (Steve J is a good friend). Living here you are going to have to get creative, as there are no big hills or quality off road riding. I would suggest lots of general riding, and then visit selfsupporteduk.org and look at the ITT ro...

Looks a tad windy on Saturday night. Is the overnight spot sheltered or shall we stop in the pub? Contemplating a tarp, a tent or just a bivvy bag.

Yes, that's the track. The Tarmac looks so inviting but unreachable as the river is just too deep to cross....

Mike, I do a fine grunt and groan. I'll give you a rendition at the weekend....

That sounds epic. It can be a cracking route, but the drier the better. I know all the bits you mention, not from the name but the description.....

If you need a bottom bracket I have one you can have next Saturday before the Shropshire ride - I seem to have collected a few spares over the years.

Local carol singing evening instead. Can't f*#%^ing wait.

Carbon handlebars? I have some I am happy to cut up but they're in the garage. If they are the correct size you can have them.

Our local fines people if their phone rings in the pub. It's a great place to talk, and they brew their own. You echo my sentiments exactly - the number of times you see people tapping into their phones telling the world what a great time they're having with their mates, who they haven't spoken to a...

That makes a bit more sense now. I think I would be adding a bit to that!

Are you travelling for weeks? I don't bother carrying any of that - a cold stream has plenty of washing capability, and I often don't shave when biking.....

I'm still in. Looking forward to a cracking social ride.

Phil, that must have been your Surly at the Pinemarten cafe? We were just heading for the cablecar to go up Aonuch Mor for a bite to eat and a view.

Your bike looked very clean - you sure it had been ridden?

Stu, bored? No, but the course was quite interesting and technical, and an event like that is a different sort of challenge. (
A mind game). Now a road circuit based 24 hour. Yes, that would be mind numbingly boring.

Relentless 18 today. Should have been 24 but I had a little sleep. 200 km, 6200m and quite hard but the setting as fantastic. Was 10th until sleep overtook me, then worked from 48th to 37th. Rich and Tom Seipp were there on the tandem, and Rickie Cotter in pit crew mode. Brilliant event, very friend...

Can't even give this old tat away!

Anyone else want them?