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Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 10:25 pm
by frogatthefarriers
There's a Polish metaphor that translates to,"Where they are shoeing a horse, a frog offers his foot to have a horseshoe fitted" To explain, the frog is not a horse but thinks he is. I change it to "Like a frog at the farriers", it reads better like that don't you think?

So why am I posting this? Weeeell....

I just rode my first WRT. It was a super event that I can't wait to attempt again next year, but I was reminded of said frog when I saw the milages the more committed riders had managed and compared it to my puny 62. (About half what I'd hoped to do, but 2/3 of what I'd expected). Then there's the kit others have, superlight this and down that that I'll never have. And a stove that can fry a pan of bacon and onions (thanks Matt). So that's me, the frog at the farriers :smile:

Can I change my user name or do I have to join again as frogatthefarriers?

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 9:14 am
by Matt
You look like you know what you're doing :-bd

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Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 10:40 am
by bookwyse
Its not about the destination but about the journey.

It doesn't matter how far you ride or with what kit as long as you are enjoying yourself.

We did less miles than yourself but as the wife was riding with us it didnt really matter as we all had good fun.

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 11:09 am
by Ray Young
bookwyse wrote:Its not about the destination but about the journey.

It doesn't matter how far you ride or with what kit as long as you are enjoying yourself.

We did less miles than yourself but as the wife was riding with us it didnt really matter as we all had good fun.
I agree however I did upgrade my kit as and when I could afford it which took me about 18 months. I didn't buy the best either, I compromised between cost, weight and durability.

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 11:12 am
by Bearbonesnorm
Can I change my user name or do I have to join again as frogatthefarriers?
I hope you were serious.

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 12:13 pm
by Matt
This kit thing is a bit of a sham really

It's always a compromise and because the kit you've got is a compromise you think other kit will be less of a compromise but when you get the other kit you realise that it is also a compromise but maybe just a different compromise.

I think

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 12:30 pm
by Bearbonesnorm
It's always a compromise and because the kit you've got is a compromise you think other kit will be less of a compromise but when you get the other kit you realise that it is also a compromise but maybe just a different compromise.
That's ^ true. I obviously write quite a bit about kit from budget 'found in a pound shop' items to exotic, big money stuff. If anyone was to read through everything, the one constant, is that there's always a level of compromise required when you use any of it ... nothing is perfect and the grass beneath someone else's bivvy bag will always appear greener than yours.

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 12:40 pm
by Richard G
Besides, carrying all the weight ONLY SERVES TO MAKE ME MORE POWERFUL.

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 12:45 pm
by Ian
s8tannorm wrote:
It's always a compromise and because the kit you've got is a compromise you think other kit will be less of a compromise but when you get the other kit you realise that it is also a compromise but maybe just a different compromise.
That's ^ true. I obviously write quite a bit about kit from budget 'found in a pound shop' items to exotic, big money stuff. If anyone was to read through everything, the one constant, is that there's always a level of compromise required when you use any of it ... nothing is perfect and the grass beneath someone else's bivvy bag will always appear greener than yours.
Indeed. Even lightweight kit is a compromise; mainly it's not as comfortable. Especially if I decide to leave the sleeping may at home.

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 10:17 pm
by frogatthefarriers
I hope you were serious.
I sure was. Thanks.
Fantasticmrmatt wrote:You look like you know what you're doing :-bd

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Flippin' 'eck my bike looks so smaaaall. Thanks Matt and you others for leading me back through the forest on the last day.

As for frogging, it's not just about the kit, it's the commitment and time that I can't seem to manage either. Doesn't stop me having fun though.

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 10:24 pm
by Ray Young
frogatthefarriers wrote:Doesn't stop me having fun though.
And that is the important bit :-bd .

Re: Like a frog at the farriers

Posted: Thu May 07, 2015 10:31 pm
by LSJ
Ian wrote: Indeed. Even lightweight kit is a compromise; mainly it's not as comfortable. Especially if I decide to leave the sleeping may at home.
That version ticks a lot of boxes though. UL, Cheap, fast to put in use, compact, durable. The only drawbacks is the low R value, and comfort

Lars