Search found 1123 matches

by matt2matt2002
18 Mar 2024, 6:47pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Old tourists
Replies: 16
Views: 1281

Re: Old tourists

Last May/ June, 55 days in Thailand. Rode South from Bangkok to Trang.
70 years young .
by matt2matt2002
17 Mar 2024, 11:48pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: crazyguyonabike site
Replies: 11
Views: 788

Re: crazyguyonabike site

RecumbentRide wrote: 17 Mar 2024, 7:10pm Apparently my post was about seeking financial contributions for Crazyguyonabike!! REALLY! Next I'll be accused of getting commission.

The post was about highlighting the fact that the chap is fundraising AND it's a valuable resource. I believe there is a difference.


I'm completely unaware of the site owner's political views and about his personal life and issues. What I think is admirable is he is intent on keeping the site going without ads. I've seen other sites where you can barely see the content for ads.

Far too many people consume content on the web and expect it to be free and then critise when the quality of the content is not what they expect or they don't like the site owner's personal views. What is changing is a lot more sites are now charging subscription fees. I use a lot of sites for their valuable content, pay little or nothing, but honestly if I have to worry about the owner's/contributors views I'd just give up. Who does that?

Simon in your contributions you've not said one postive thing about the site or it's owner but you happily use/used it. That's what pisses me off. Some people are too quick to criticise and knock others.
Agree 100%. Nail on the head.
by matt2matt2002
17 Mar 2024, 2:40pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: crazyguyonabike site
Replies: 11
Views: 788

Re: crazyguyonabike site

irc wrote: 16 Mar 2024, 5:18pm
simonhill wrote: 16 Mar 2024, 1:54am
Some journals I had been using for info have 'disappeared ', so its certainly not the font of all knowledge it used to be.
That happens as the journals are the property of the author not the site. As for the owner. He is opinionated and expresses strong opinions. That said it only effects the forums and there is no need to use them. In fact compared to previous years the forums are quiet. As result of general changes in social media or site specific who knows? In any case having a very divisive owner hasn't stopped people using Twitter.

It is a useful site IMO whether you use the forums or not.
Quite agree. It's my go-to site for touring info and I've contributed 6+ tours.
I've also had some err... exchanges of views with the owner. On balance I decided to stay and contribute a modest amount of ££.

I decided our conflicting political views weren't a deal breaker.
He appears totally up-front about his personal life and issues and is intent on keeping the site going without ads or outside assistance.
Fingers crossed he doesn't meet a bus.
by matt2matt2002
7 Mar 2024, 6:48pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Tour Plans for 2024
Replies: 76
Views: 9394

Re: Tour Plans for 2024

Back to Thailand for me. South of Bangkok.
Pretty and pretty flat, which suits my 70 year old knees. ( Or as I sometimes call them, 140 year old joints ).
Last May I cycled down to Trang and then some islands in the Andaman sea.
I returned to Bangkok via overnight train.
In October I think I'll train South to start the tour and have more time on the islands.
by matt2matt2002
9 Feb 2024, 11:28pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: When Using Navigation Devices Do You Loose The Overall Perspective of Your Tour?
Replies: 47
Views: 2369

Re: When Using Navigation Devices Do You Loose The Overall Perspective of Your Tour?

" and I was just doing a Biden".
Nice phrase. Did you pinch it or invent it yourself?
by matt2matt2002
9 Feb 2024, 9:28pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: When Using Navigation Devices Do You Loose The Overall Perspective of Your Tour?
Replies: 47
Views: 2369

Re: When Using Navigation Devices Do You Loose The Overall Perspective of Your Tour?

Overall perspective ?
I used Komoot on my Android phone last May when I rode South from Bangkok to Trang.
It suites me but I've heard other folks list the negative points.
There was plenty to keep me interested so the Komoot enhanced my days.
One less thing to worry about. I always knew where I was and how far to my destination.
by matt2matt2002
9 Feb 2024, 12:15pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Thailand in Oct / Nov
Replies: 2
Views: 356

Thailand in Oct / Nov

I toured Thailand South from Bangkok last May/June.
I'm thinking of returning this Oct/Nov.
I've researched weather info but wondered if anyone here has toured there then?
Looking at South of Trang and possibly into Malaysia.
Thanks folks
by matt2matt2002
19 Jan 2024, 10:19am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Caledonian Way vs National Cycle Route 1
Replies: 15
Views: 1156

Re: Caledonian Way vs National Cycle Route 1

I live in Aberdeen and a few years ago I rode the end 2 end of Scotland so started my tour off at Muckle Flugga and finished at the Mull of Galloway; taking in the Western Isles.
I've also visited Shetland and Orkney several times with my bike and tent.

Lots to see in both areas. I feel that Shetland is quite a harsh area compared to Orkney. Few trees or quaint towns north of Lerwick but Orkney was like a lush garden compared.
I'm fortunate that I can visit both quite easily from my home. If on a once in a life time tour - time considerate - I'd stick to Orkney.

But I'm not you and you're not me.......

Best of luck.

Matt
by matt2matt2002
11 Sep 2023, 10:37am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: MSR Hubba Hubba cleaning
Replies: 7
Views: 3678

Re: MSR Hubba Hubba cleaning

Thanks folks
Really appreciate all advice.

Re the cleaning; any difference between the flysheet and tent?

Thanks again

Matt
by matt2matt2002
7 Sep 2023, 9:46pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: MSR Hubba Hubba cleaning
Replies: 7
Views: 3678

MSR Hubba Hubba cleaning

Love my tent. Served me well for 3+ years.
I look after it as best I can but there are now quite a few ' smudge' marks left by slugs, squashed fly's/ midges etc.
Nothing that has damaged the fly or tent fabric but I'd like to clean it up.

Any thoughts on how best to clean fly and tent?
Or perhaps leave well alone?

Thanks

Matt
by matt2matt2002
2 Aug 2023, 8:13pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Komoot Premium
Replies: 5
Views: 1051

Re: Komoot Premium

I'm just back from 55+ days touring Thailand, South from Bangkok.
I used Komoot premium on my Anroid phone.

Very happy with Komoot but my phone didn't like the heat, Battery swelled up. Managed to complete the tour without anything exploding and new battery fitted on return home.

I'm returning next year with a Wahoo and Komoot.

I think I was offered a cheap price for the Komoot Premium after lurking for a while on their site. Not that, that was my intention. I dithered about considering other options and then they made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

Check out my tour:
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TimetotryThai
by matt2matt2002
28 Jun 2023, 12:23pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Recommend a garmin type gizmo for touring
Replies: 21
Views: 1055

Re: Recommend a garmin type gizmo for touring

brianleach wrote: 28 Jun 2023, 8:58am I am very happy with my Wahoo Roam version 2 which was preceded by version 1 and before that a Polar device.

It does have all the perfomance stuff but you don't have to use it.

The display is very good for my old eyes even in bright sunlight.

I have a stem mount on all my bikes and it is easily transferable.

My only concern for a newcomer would be the need to have the phone app for route transfers which might rule it out. I usually download the cycle travel gpxs before I leave.
I'm interested in the Wahoo.
What did you find different between the #1 & #2 version?
There are #1's in eBay I could buy.
Thanks
by matt2matt2002
2 Jun 2023, 1:15pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Sri Lanka
Replies: 3
Views: 445

Re: Sri Lanka

I've been twice. Once with my bike and having liked it so much, I took my wife there the following year. Without bikes.
I circled the island on my bike.
Very flat.
Hills in the middle.
Lovely folks and food.

Negatives: bus drivers are dangerous.
Pollution may be a problem for you. Rubbish burnt roadside. Car fumes bad.

Those things don't worry me personally. Far outweighed by the many fantastic experiences.

After I left, there was ( another) political scandal and the economy nose dived.
Not sure of present situation. I suspect still safe but not sure of costs. Maybe their nose dive is good for our exchange rate?

Check out my Crazy Guy journal
Welcome to the jungle
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/welcometothejungle

As mentioned above, quite a few journals there. Bill W is the master. But others may be of help.

Pm me if you need anything else.

Matt
by matt2matt2002
20 May 2023, 2:24pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: North Coast 500
Replies: 51
Views: 3531

Re: North Coast 500

Tezzerthebikerider wrote: 18 May 2023, 7:12pm Thanks for tip ,Gairloch tomorrow so def an easier day .Last 2 have been awful ,Windsock says 93% headwind and 20 mph today .In The Ferryboat Inn now
Is Windsock an app you use?
I'm in Thailand at the moment. Would it cover me here?
Cheers
Matt
by matt2matt2002
15 May 2023, 4:47am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: British Hostels
Replies: 70
Views: 5161

Re: Recent experiences of youth hostelling

+1 for Orkney
Staff super helpful.
Ferry from Aberdeen & Lerwick arrives around midnight so a key is left out for you in a cabinet in the foyer.
Also used Loch Ranzer and one on Islay a few years ago.

Can't comment on changes over the years but they suit my own needs now.