Cycling UK Forum

Been on that campsite 3 times. A nice segregated backpacking area and a great welcome.
With it being a Welsh speaking town, Caernarfon has its own marvellous flavour. I'm ashamed to say I can understand more in a bar in the Dordogne.

I have done the Chepstow to Holyhead route 3 times.

The first time I took four days, the second five and the last six, always fully laden.
It could be that I have got 9 years older, but I definitely enjoyed the last best of all. We had time to sightsee in Builth during the Royal Welsh and had a great night out in Caernarfon. We also had longer to linger in a brilliant vegetarian caff in Llanidloes and a visit to Centre for Alternative technology.

It depends what you want - a slog fest or a sight fest. The first time I felt I was passing through, the last as if I was involved in Welsh life.

Meet the people!

My Zephyros 1 end pole holders both disintegrated by night 6 of the tour, tied on with gaffer tape, so on return went back to the shop. Six months later it still wasn't resolved. I got another make of tent from the kind retailer.
It could be I bought one of the first batch, I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem.

The £85 is the HP, by the way. I don't mind being insulted online, but I must point out that I did not enter into this lightly.
I noticed in the debate nobody really questioned the price of the public transport.
When I was travelling to Rochdale from Liverpool, the journey was farther but cost £24 LESS. This was also only on Northern Rail [ bikes allowed all day].
Because I had to change to the tram there was little discount. Transport is integrated in connection only.

After another week I really think I HAVE made the wrong decision . My blood sugar is up and my trousers feel just a little bit tighter. The M62 is an unpredictable pig. I miss falling asleep on the train or chatting with the regulars. I get no coffee in Victoria or Piccadilly. Radio 4 is too serious and repetitive and DJ'S drive me bonkers, especially the one in the afternoon who talks all over the records.
However, I have committed myself and if I sell the car I will lose a lot of money on depreciation as one correspondent noted. Oh dear.

Sad to say I've just bought a car, having just got a job 35 miles from home. IT's the first car I have owned since 1982 [although I have driven my wife's car on holiday, to the tip etc] and I am rather sad and only manage to get out on weekends.
The final straw was the cost. The combined rail and Manchester tram costs £98 a week. It's the tram that put the price up £20. That's nearly £400 a month.
The second hand small Fiat costs me £85 a month and £140 a month for petrol, £12 insurance and no road tax. I make that £237.
Yes I know cars depreciate, but I live in the here and now.
It was a very hard decision to make, and I have regretted it a thousand times but it gives me an extra 2 hours with my family a day.
A large part of my life has been changed and I don't like it.

Always camping

Hello Drake
I am type two on maximum Metformin for the last 14 years.

When I am touring is the only time when I don't take my Metformin. While we are travelling, I eat like a pig, but I am sure to take things that slow down the carbs.
Start the day with a large rough "finest" porridge nuts and apricots. Don't eat too early - half an hour before you set off. If you are going a long way with hills you can have you second breakfast if cycling near small towns or even big ones.
One of my favourite cafe snacks is wholemeal toast [ fast-ish ] with beans [ medium] and egg on top [slow ] and maybe a slice of lean bacon.
When the chips are down - such as mile 50+ and 10 to go I will even eat a flapjack.

A few years ago I had a complete wipeout because I hadn't eaten for a few hours, always keep a oatie bar in a bag.

However all type two are different and my advice may not be relevant.

Cheltourer

The problem with the Robens stool was I could not made contact with the seat as it was too far down , except when I fell after a 10 second hover -- backwards ---in the middle of Blacks in Liverpool.
I plumped for the Helinox copy online.

sorry for being so active - I'm excited because we are going on our annual expedition --- this time from Ayr to Scarborough.
Train at 7:00 tomorrow.

mrsHJ
I loved the hat and the grin!

Jim


Two years after we did our short journey I and 6 staff were made redundant from the the school. It no longer exists. Just as well for humanity. The place did no one any good.
For the last 5 years I have been happily supply teaching in the Manchester area. Just got a job in Bury area. Prestwich -- Heaton park area. I think you may be familiar with the environs.

Sorry for the delayed reply about the Telemark 2 but I have been busy looking for work.

The tent is well made though thin and the design means that it relies on tension for stability.
I use it solo and so can't tell you about double occupancy. The inner is a bit close to the face. It is very waterproof and stable with the extra lateral guy ropes I've put on.
Generally, I am very pleased with the tent as it is a doddle to put up and it's very light and spacious for one.

A Telemark 2 from Nordisk. I think Kirk Douglas went there to be a hero once.

The campsite at Goswick was closed last August. There is a good campsite at The Barn at Beal who also have a cafe and do a champion breakfast. The site is on the road which leads to the causeway.
It was fantastic opening my tent to the sight of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle.

http://www.barnatbeal.com/

Thanks for the replies - I will go from Innerleithen to Newcastleton on a minor road. I understand there is a campsite almost in Edinburgh, but I need a site or wild camp between Edinburgh and Brampton - about half way.