Search found 13 matches

by Tinhorseman
2 Jul 2013, 10:07am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Semaine Federale 2013
Replies: 26
Views: 3194

Re: Semaine Federale 2013

I missed Sem Fed last year but totally gave up trying to register online in the past - always a nightmare, they seem unable to sort it out!. It's a great event and cyclists are made so welcome with the towns bedecked with floral bikes, bike sculptures, cycling memorabelia etc everywhere. I am planning to attend and will just turn up and register - slightly more expense but so much easier.
by Tinhorseman
31 May 2013, 5:12am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Taking Bikes on Planes
Replies: 35
Views: 216016

Re: Taking Bikes on Planes

IanSmitton wrote:I have just finished some research about taking bikes on planes, and have drawn up a table of all the major European airlines with how much they charge to take your bike on the plane.

I hope it can be of use to someone here - it seems as though a flight with BA, for example, could work out cheaper than with Ryanair if you bring your bike.

http://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/bikes-planes.htm

Thanks, this is brilliant and really useful - you've saved us a lot of legwork :D
by Tinhorseman
31 May 2013, 4:48am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Taiwan
Replies: 5
Views: 564

Re: Taiwan

Forgot to mention - have you seen [url]crazyguyonabike.com[/url] loads of useful stuff there, happy travels
by Tinhorseman
31 May 2013, 3:46am
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: Forum advert banner
Replies: 166
Views: 188450

Re: Forum advert banner

Audax67 wrote:I believe, although I couldn't swear to it, that sites displaying third-party ads earn their money per click rather than per display. If that is the case, then the CTC would earn precious little, from me at least. I've only ever clicked on an ad once, and that was to see what they were saying about something I'd already bought being advertised by a company I know. Normally I never click ads on principle - you never know what they're going to plonk onto your computer when you do.

BTW, if you run Firefox, try loading the Collusion add-on. It graphs all the links between sites that have dropped cookies onto your machine on behalf of other sites. Quite an eye-opener.

Mmmm very interesting this Firefox inf, will try - thanks :-)
I also avoid clicking on all the stuff rammed in your face - the worst are the floating banner that you have to click to get rid of.
by Tinhorseman
30 May 2013, 8:41pm
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: Forum advert banner
Replies: 166
Views: 188450

Re: Forum advert banner

Don't we get enough ads? - just look at the magazine - probably over 70% and then there are all the leaflets which slatter onto the floor when the magazine is opened :x
by Tinhorseman
30 May 2013, 6:21pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Taiwan
Replies: 5
Views: 564

Re: Taiwan

Whilst working for a cycle dealership in Singapore I went to the Taiwan cycle show in 2011. I always stuff a Brompton in my suitcase when I travel and this was no exception.
I had a week there during which I cycled about 200 miles. I found Taipei to be a great place to cycle as there are a lot of tracks taking you along the river and completely away from the city. I was there during March and the weather wasn't too hot. Polution can be a problem in Taipei and we also has dust storms from mainland China but definitely a place worth visiting and I am looking to go again when I intend to tour the whole island. If in Taipei the night market at Shilin is a must.
I would say 2 months would be good for a thorough chance to amble round and see the whole island in detail. The south is supposed to be very nice. As well as the main tourist sights, I love to go down the back streets and off the beaten track - I have seen so much of the real life of the places I have visited doing this.
Enjoy - so much to see :-)
by Tinhorseman
30 May 2013, 7:47am
Forum: The Tea Shop
Topic: Richard Ballantine
Replies: 22
Views: 4055

Re: Richard Ballantine

Sad news, a great guy whose excellent books helped me a lot in my early years and could be found everywhere. RIP Richard.
by Tinhorseman
30 May 2013, 7:32am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: When are you too old?
Replies: 49
Views: 3271

Re: When are you too old?

Met three guys at Semaine Federale a couple of years ago aged between 75 and 85 - they were either just riding or had just ridden (can't remember which - my age lol) 125 miles fully loaded!
A guy was in hospital when my grandma was in for hip op' having his pinned I think, he'd fallen off his bike - in his 90s - at that age they wouldn't have operated but made an exception on account of his fitness.
Sit in a chair or ride a bike for opposite results!
by Tinhorseman
30 May 2013, 4:39am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Camping stove
Replies: 15
Views: 4184

Re: Camping stove

b1galus wrote:petrol to me is always the most widely available fuel, the motor car is everywhere

I have a an Optimus Hunter petrol stove which although a bit heavy is a beautiful old design - loads of brass in a small metal box Petrol stoves are very economical but I also had problems buying the small amounts of petrol needed whilst touring - having to approach someone filling their car asking them if I can fill my bottle. (Actually I could be a cheapskate as a couple of times they refused payment lol)
I now use a wood burner most of the time which probably saves me over a kilo in fuel bottle and stove.(see above post) :-)
by Tinhorseman
30 May 2013, 4:22am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Camping stove
Replies: 15
Views: 4184

Re: Camping stove

I take a very small gas stove for quick brews. For main cooking I use one made from an old tin can which burns any dry fuel to hand - twigs, leaves, pine cone etc - no fuel to carry just gather where you stop.- the only dwnside is blackened pans but made in minutes, almost no weight and no running costs (and no getting caught without gas again!).
One thing I do make though is a cross shaped pan stand for on top as this reduces smoke and makes the fuel burn better - the whole thing is easy to make with with a sharp knife.
See "wood burning backpacking stove/camp stove" on you tube.
Have fun :-)
by Tinhorseman
16 Feb 2013, 4:20am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Viscount bicycles!!
Replies: 2796
Views: 444341

Re: Viscount bicycles!!

I bought a Viscount Grand Prix in 1981, I paid £139 for it at Pilkingtons in Bury, it was 12 speed and with the addition of a rack I successfully used it as a touring bike for over 10 years covering many thousands of miles, the only thing I had to do was buy a better back wheel after a couple of years. At a later stage I bought a triple crank for it. I loved that bike and have many photo's from my travels - I would probably still be using it but for lending it to my nephew who trashed it. There does seem to be a fair amount of negative comment about Viscount but mine was good :)
by Tinhorseman
16 Feb 2013, 4:07am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Halfords superbright leds
Replies: 21
Views: 3064

Re: Halfords superbright leds

dacky360 wrote:Get a couple of these from Poundland, at least they put a proper beam out and are noticeable.

I have bought a number of these lights, they are very good - and probably from the same production line as the more expensive ones, problem is the brackets are very brittle and snap easily - place them in warm water before stretching over the handlebars and don't overtighten, once on they are ok and very bright.






95766-Flashing-Bike-Light.jpg
by Tinhorseman
16 Feb 2013, 3:34am
Forum: Cycling UK Topics and Discussions
Topic: Benefits of CTC Membership??
Replies: 49
Views: 134492

Re: Benefits of CTC Membership??

After many years of membership I am considering cancelling for the following reasons
1) The magazine has gone downhill - look at it honestly and it's probably over 70% adverts.- if anyone has any from years ago then honestly compare them with today's offering - there were hours of interesting reading - probably the reverse features to ad's ratio!
2) The amount of junk mail that is packed inside the magazine, oh and the obligatory unwanted draw tickets- all of which I throw in the bin - PLEASE GIVE US THE OPTION TO NOT RECEIVE THIS! - for a so called "Green Organisation" this is a disgrace.
3) The little remaining content of the magazine is largely product reviews - already better covered online.
4) Insurance - if we looked many of us would find we already have this ( or could get it added very cheaply) on our home insurance.
5) One of the reasons for keeping my membership was the York rally - and sorry to say this deteriorates annually (not just my opinion but common comment at the rally) - outside caterers with sky high prices, the increasing fencing etc - how much does that all cost?
The only thing left is the campaigning (mmm the mag' used to have campaigning in the title) however this looks to be a low priority with little room left after all the ad's.
If I do renew this year sadly it will probably be my last - it has become increasingly expensive, is not what I joined all those years ago - no longer a cycling club but a business.