Search found 15 matches

by WaitForPete
17 Sep 2014, 10:40pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Sustrans Route Planning
Replies: 14
Views: 7297

Re: Sustrans Route Planning

The world has moved on, you can get the trails from www.Bikemap.net, though if you download the gpx file you may need software to stitch sections together.
by WaitForPete
12 Dec 2011, 2:06pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: the cheapest way of doing JOGLE?
Replies: 15
Views: 2710

Re: the cheapest way of doing JOGLE?

You can camp, but then you have to carry camping gear so it takes longer. Your call.

So hear are my tips based on many months of cyclo-tourism.
Don't take too much stuff.
Cooking for yourself is far cheaper than anything else and the food is often better. If you are in a group this works even better.
Don't take too much stuff.
YHA rocks, Independent Hostels and bunkhouses also.
If you resort to a B&B you will also need to fund dinner.
Travel with almost nothing.
When you find you still have too much stuff, post it home.
Avoid drinking, much.
Aim at finding a Pizza joint during "all you can eat". If you are eventually asked to leave, be nice.

Also

Preparation

Get fit, no really you would be amazed about how easy it is to omit this stage.
Do some weekend rides to see how you get on, or Audax events.
Learn how to read a map and compass and use a GPS.
Don’t take too much stuff.
All of the above allow you to conserve your energies so you do not have to resort to more expensive accommodation.
by WaitForPete
19 Nov 2011, 4:35pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Air horns
Replies: 26
Views: 4368

Re: Air horns

I used to have one but the police took it off me.
by WaitForPete
16 Nov 2011, 1:20pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: what bike for LEJOG
Replies: 58
Views: 7772

Re: what bike for LEJOG

A road bike with lots of gears, try and get down to 1:1 if you can.

If you are B&Bing you don't need panniers, you need a large saddlebag.

If you know where you are staying you can also post yourself new kit.
by WaitForPete
4 Oct 2011, 9:20am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Balance Bikes
Replies: 19
Views: 1488

Re: Balance Bikes

Look at Islabikes.

The wooden ones also get well used.
by WaitForPete
4 Oct 2011, 9:15am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Funny/stupid idea - lejogle in 10 days
Replies: 46
Views: 30724

Re: Funny/stupid idea - lejogle in 10 days

7.5 months is not enough to train for that.
Start with a couple of weekend trips, see how far you can get in 2 days, this will give you a better understanding of your limits.

Strongly suggest you go for one-way in 10 days.
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:47pm
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: Racks for full suspension
Replies: 7
Views: 45439

Re: Racks for full suspension

Another option is a seatpost-mounted saddlebag with a hangar, though you would need to check the clearance with the suspension fully compressed.

I use this setup for off-road Enduros, though the Hei-Hei only has 2.5" of rear travel.
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:41pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Downslink closed north of Steyning
Replies: 4
Views: 807

Re: Downslink closed north of Steyning

"For bridge repairs". You can get round quite easily via Upper Beeding.
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:40pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Route from Dover to West London
Replies: 9
Views: 1682

Re: Route from Dover to West London

This is what Sustrans routes are for!

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/map?searchKey=Dover&searchType=search&Search=Find

There are a couple of options up to Canturbury then R1 is OK all the way in.
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:36pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Helmet Cover
Replies: 11
Views: 1201

Re: Helmet Cover

I use a thin cover for my head and keep a carrier bag handy for when that is insufficient or it rains!
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:31pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Bike storage solution
Replies: 5
Views: 1989

Re: Bike storage solution

Throw out some "crap!"

B&Q among others do big plastic-coated hooks with which you can hang bikes against the wall, you only need 1 hook per bike.
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:29pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Why do people pack up cycling?
Replies: 185
Views: 17222

Re: Why do people pack up cycling?

Some of the stories on here about club members "delighting on blowing away" newbies are horrific.

Any CTC section that indulges such behavior should be ashamed of itself. All good clubs run shorter / easier rides for new (and old!) riders.

Having said that, this is what put me off the CTC for years, having experienced it from Worthing Excelsior in the 80s.

Try Mountain Biking instead, we're much nicer!
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:23pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: ...who makes a good ladies bicycle for a small person?
Replies: 14
Views: 1720

Re: ...who makes a good ladies bicycle for a small person?

Look at Islabikes, their big kids bikes are large enough for small adults and are well designed and built. They may need small tweaks to get the reach exactly right.
by WaitForPete
3 Oct 2011, 5:15pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Suggest a thingy to do this job.
Replies: 19
Views: 1683

Re: Suggest a thingy to do this job.

V interesting for a project I have going on!

So you want to hold down the V-brake Noodle so it all fits together nicely on the bar.

My suggestion would be to pad the noodle underneath with an excess of bar tape, then clamp and compress the whole lot down with 3 or 4 cable ties then bar tape over the top.