Cycling UK Forum

Ive just been away for a few days to North Wales having experienced every season - wind, heavy rain and sun. The PAHL tent stood up to every thing the weather chucked at it. A bit draughty but nothing my new Snugpak bag could'nt handle.
Glorious first trip of the season.

This fellow certainly liked the Hike Lite!

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/preview.asp?id=497

Twenty four quid - wow. The tent works better than the first Voyager Superlites, some of which leaked on the flat part of the roof.
I have experience of both

Here's another one - seems eveybody likes this tent! I think even I might like it.

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/Products/FT/PID-Wild+Country+Tents+Duolite+Tent-783080.aspx

They seem to be much dearer in other places eg. £190

http://www.winwood-camping.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Gelert_Meteor_2_-_Lightweight_Two_Person_Tent.html

Here's a semi geodesic tent under £100 - too good to be true. It is just over a pound in weight heavier than a Terra Nova Voyager but £210 cheaper. I havent got one but it received a favourable report in the Camping magazine.

Its a season and a half bag. I found myself "waking up" cold under about 7 deg C, and thats with silk liner. Terrific value for money though

I think the route from Grassington to Pately Bridge will be very busy in August. I think that I will just have to push a couple of times!

I would like to know people's opinion of this route, or if parts of it are possible with full camping gear. For instance coming out of Settle looks steep on the map, as indeed does coming out of Kettlewell. I think this route will make an excellent alternative to the regular Pennnine crossings. Here goes:

Fomby Point - Preston - Longridge - Clitheroe - back road to Settle - Malham tarn - Kettlewell - Masham - across Vale of York - Ampleforth - Castle Howard -Kirkham Priory - West Lutton - Burton Fleming - Flamborough Head.

I'm busy making up this year's route across Northern England and was wondering if anyone knows a good route across Preston towards Longridge to get to Clitheroe, probably my first camp.
I try to use easy off road, yellow or not busy brown roads, although I dont mind using non - lethal A roads.

Walney to Wear, or even better Walney to Whitby, has much more character. After years of Pennine hopping, W2 Whitby is by far my favourite ride. There is the Southern Lakes, the backroads of Furness and the Lune gorge on the first two days and on third day the challenge of Tan Hill with one of my favourite towns, Barnard Castle at the end of the day.
There are some interesting places on the "flat" day from Barnard Castle to the Great Ayton area. Crossing the North York Moors was a great experience.
After Whitby I went to Scarborough down the old railway line - some deadly inclines here - to catch the train. There are frequent trains to York.
The Hadrian Cycleway was a good ride, with some fine scenery, but little challenge.

Walney Island to Whitby then on to Scarborough.

Southern lakes - Howgills - Tan Hill -Barnard Castle and then the hell and glory of the North York Moors. What could be better?

Is google ever wrong?

I just thought I would post this to The General Readers of this column. A few misconceptions about me have arisen, judging by my PM's

1] I have never been to Daventry in my life let alone cycled through it.
2] I am not the Ikenbikeit who owes anybody £40 for a brooks saddle - they make me very sore. So I would NEVER buy one. Is there another one of me?
3] I have never been a member of the communist party.

I hope these answers have cleared things up.

I'm afraid over the years my gear has got outrageously expensive [ hilleberg and a hand made bike ] so you guys have made me realise that the tour is more important than the gear.
My first tour was on a down geared 3 speed with two RAF haversacks slung over the rack. Over the last 37 years the gear and bikes have got more and more expensive.
Next tour - in 3 weeks time - Im going to take big maps so I can change my route if I feel like it instead of narrow preplanned memory maps. The old steel Carrera MTB is coming too then I won't be scared someone is going to nick a £1500 thoroughbred. I'll be able to take a cheap light lock too and save weight.

I still like the Hilleberg though. Cant give it up. Addicted to overpiced gear. I'm on a gradual reduction program.
PS Does anyone know if you can buy meths in Haltwhistle?

On Friday the 18th July I will be setting off from Workington across some of England's finest countyside. I have done this thing for the last several years on my own but this time I have a hankering for someone or some other people to be part of the ride.
I am 52, male and am very easy to get along with, [ except with total alpha people]. I like two or three beers on an evening so a camp is nearly always near a pub.
I am a teacher, although don't hold it against me. I can do 30 to 40 miles a day and will be camping along the way. I can lend some camping gear.
e mail durhamlad99@yahoo.co.uk if interested

I will never buy Altura again.
I bought a Night Vision - yellow faded quickly - also dirtied quickly.
It was washed ONCE in Grangers waterproof cleaner @40oC wash and the coating peeled off spectacularly.
The LBS Bike Shop blamed me. "Sorry sir it must be your fault."
Sorry LBS where I have spent rather a lot of money over the last 10 years, I wont be spending any money in your shop again.

And I wont be buying ALTURA