Search found 5136 matches

by simonhill
19 Mar 2024, 12:33am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Would it be unreasonable … ?
Replies: 12
Views: 363

Re: Would it be unreasonable … ?

I have a similar problem on a fairly narrow cycle path. You have to look away and that is dangerous for me.

You could look away, ride off path, fall in canal and when he hopefully helps you out you explain that you fell in because his lights dazzled you.

His remorse will be unending and no punch in the face for you.
by simonhill
16 Mar 2024, 3:26pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Over-powerful LED lights
Replies: 83
Views: 5787

Re: Over-powerful LED lights

Not car lights, but another curse of overbright lights.

I was dining at an outside food market tonight. Each cooking stall had a really bright light. A big bulbous thing. There were also a few overhead spotlights made up of rows of (presumably) LEDs. The effect was terrible. The glare was eye squinting, made worse by shiny metal table tops.

I'm sure they were all very energy efficient, but if this is the future if lighting, brings back candles.
by simonhill
16 Mar 2024, 1:54am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: crazyguyonabike site
Replies: 11
Views: 787

Re: crazyguyonabike site

RecumbentRide wrote: 15 Mar 2024, 4:12pm
simonhill wrote: 15 Mar 2024, 3:36pm I'd heard that the guy who runs Crazyguy can be a bit awkward. I can't remember details but I think a number of contributors 'left'.
What an odd thing to add to the thread :( Who cares?

I don't care if he was an axe murderer in his past life. He doesn't even have to be of good character for us to enjoy and even support his site. If the site had to be taken down I just think it would be a sad, sad loss.

Trust me there is no shortage of awkward people on here! I might even be one of them :D
What an odd thing to add to the thread.

The post is about seeking financial contributions. Apparently the guy who runs it has made some unpleasant remarks and people have left others thrown off. This means there are less contributions of journals and presumably money. Hence his fundraising.

I thought this was relevant to the post.

Additionally:

Some journals I had been using for info have 'disappeared ', so its certainly not the font of all knowledge it used to be.
by simonhill
15 Mar 2024, 3:36pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: crazyguyonabike site
Replies: 11
Views: 787

Re: crazyguyonabike site

I'd heard that the guy who runs Crazyguy can be a bit awkward. I can't remember details but I think a number of contributors 'left'.
by simonhill
12 Mar 2024, 2:51pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: EuroVelo route 12 between Calais and Hoek van Holland
Replies: 29
Views: 2969

Re: EuroVelo route 12 between Calais and Hoek van Holland

If getting the train to Groningen have you thought about the ferry from Harwich to Den Haag (Hook of Holland).
by simonhill
12 Mar 2024, 2:41pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Overnight stay in France (midway between Calais and Roanne)
Replies: 14
Views: 419

Re: Overnight stay in France (midway between Calais and Roanne)

Presumably you'll book and pay by card.

It doesn't matter if credit or debit it's what YOUR BANK charge for doing foreign exchange. Look at the small print. It can be an extra 3%, plus something for cash.

I use a Halifax Clarity credit card which is 0% on all foreign transactions (payments and cash withdrawn).

Matin Lewis moneysavingexpert has good info on cards abroad.

Generally a credit card is better because you get more protection but I doubt you'll be spending that much.

NB I spend a lot of time abroad so extra charges add up for me. Not so much for one off payments.

Don't forget your GHIC health card.
by simonhill
12 Mar 2024, 1:37pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Overnight stay in France (midway between Calais and Roanne)
Replies: 14
Views: 419

Re: Overnight stay in France (midway between Calais and Roanne)

You only want a stopover, so something like a Campanile is great. Can do cheaper, but if you are happy.....

Can't remember about them, but if you join their frequent user scheme you might get a discount.

How are you paying. Beware UK credit card charges that could add a few percent

As said, they have food. It isn't great, but it's OK for an evening meal. You won't want to be traipsing around town looking for somewhere. Plus they do single meals and a drink. Proper restaurants can be a bit daunting as a single.

Check there is car parking. Where will your bike be? You may want to take it into your room or a safe storage place.

Bon voyage.
by simonhill
12 Mar 2024, 12:34pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: cycle.travel app
Replies: 14
Views: 515

Re: cycle.travel app

Thanks Richard for that link, I can't understand why I couldn't find it in the app library. I do play with cycle travel sometimes (and am aware of the long running thread thanks J.), but it doesn't cover SE Asia yet so it's a bit limited for me.

I'll download the app and play more.

Ta again.

Edit : This item is not available in your country

That would explain it. I'll be home in a few weeks and try then.
by simonhill
12 Mar 2024, 1:48am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: cycle.travel app
Replies: 14
Views: 515

Re: cycle.travel app

Is cycle travel app only available on iOS?

I can't find on Android.
by simonhill
9 Mar 2024, 2:55pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: LTN politics
Replies: 50
Views: 3105

Re: LTN politics

Whod've thought it. Govt trying to bury that LTNs aren't unpopular

"Rishi Sunak’s report finds low-traffic neighbourhoods work and are popular"

'An official study of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) ordered by Rishi Sunak amid efforts to stop them being built has instead concluded they are generally popular and effective and the report was initially buried, the Guardian has learned.'

Read on.....

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/202 ... unak-finds
by simonhill
9 Mar 2024, 2:25pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Cateye cycle speedo/computer adds stealth miles overnight?
Replies: 15
Views: 797

Re: Cateye cycle speedo/computer adds stealth miles overnight?

Have you checked the max speed?

I had trouble with my Cateye 7, particularly in China. I'd lean the bike somewhere and then notice I was doing over 100 kph. I'd quickly move it somewhere else.

I could check if it had happened and I hadn't noticed by looking at max speed.

Some rogue wireless signals were interfering with it.

My guess is one of your devices in the shed? Or the mice on their evening work out.
by simonhill
9 Mar 2024, 12:17pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: CUK Membership Card
Replies: 34
Views: 1734

Re: CUK Membership Card

Lookrider wrote: 8 Mar 2024, 9:33am Can anyone please advise how to download
CYCLING UK main membership app
I cannot find this in a search
It's not on main web page

The reason being I bought in a shop and used the card for proof of membership for the discount

This card was not accepted as proof anymore and was told to download app

A few shops have went down this route
Thanks all
I don't think there is an app. You have to log in on the web page and follow the instructions.

This is from the website:

"How to claim your discounts
Present your voucher and membership card in store to receive your discount. You need to be logged in to this website to view the promotional vouchers.

You can either show this page on your phone or print out the vouchers above. The vouchers are valid until 31 March 2024.

To claim your 8% discount on selected cycles and cycling-related products or 10% off bike servicing at Halfords please download the relevant discount voucher at the top of this page. For bike servicing, then book in your free bike health assessment to organise your service in store. Please present your voucher in-store to redeem your discount and be sure to do the free online bike health assessment before turning up for a service in store."
by simonhill
8 Mar 2024, 11:59pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Flying bikes back from Tirana Airport
Replies: 9
Views: 533

Re: Flying bikes back from Tirana Airport

Don't forget that some airlines accept a large polythene bag.

Personally I prefer a cardboard bike box, but plenty on here fly using the poly bag.
by simonhill
8 Mar 2024, 12:19am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Flying bikes back from Tirana Airport
Replies: 9
Views: 533

Re: Flying bikes back from Tirana Airport

rareposter wrote: 7 Mar 2024, 3:52pm
simonhill wrote: 7 Mar 2024, 2:51pm €20 (£17) in Tirana is pretty steep for what is just 'free' packaging.
The shop has to build up several bikes that may not be entirely necessary for building right that moment and then store the boxes prior to collection rather than just break them down and send them straight off to recycling.

One box - meh, not too much of an issue. Five boxes - yep, faced with the prospect of 5 people walking in, taking boxes and making zero money out of it or 5 people walking in and paying €100, I know which option I'd be putting on the table!
The trip is 6 months away so a decent bike shop will presumably sell more than 5 bikes in that time.

Often the boxes are broken down and flattened so they take up very little space.

This guy has seen an opportunity and is taking it. €100 is very steep for something he may well be paying to have taken away. Certainly expect to pay something, but that is the price for a new box at an airport.

Maybe this is the sort of shop that would charge €50 to replace a spoke because they know you are on tour and have a deadline. Personally I'd try to avoid that shop if possible.
by simonhill
7 Mar 2024, 2:51pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Flying bikes back from Tirana Airport
Replies: 9
Views: 533

Re: Flying bikes back from Tirana Airport

Certainly in Asia, you pay for bike boxes because they have scrap value and because they see them as a sellable commodity.

In UK, bike shops pay to have them taken away as rubbish so are happy to give them away. Probably the same in most of Europe.

I just bought one in Vietnam, my most expensive ever at £7 (US$9). In Thailand I normally pay about £2.

€20 (£17) in Tirana is pretty steep for what is just 'free' packaging.
.