Search found 434 matches

by MarkF
12 Dec 2014, 10:04am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Multi Function Watches
Replies: 28
Views: 3474

Re: Multi Function Watches

Mick F wrote:
MarkF wrote:
Mick F wrote:This day and age, wristwatches aren't needed so much and sales have slumped.


Nonsense. I think the sales of wristwatches are at an all time high, if I am wrong then they have still increased year on year since 2007.
Not what I read, and I remember an article on Radio4 about it.

Maybe they were referring to proper wristwatches rather than hi-tech things that the timepiece is secondary to the whole use. They also referred to the throwaway society and how watches are fashion rather than useful.



I think the demise of the wristwatch industry has been predicted 3 times, in my lifetime alone, this time will be no different. Plenty of figures for recent wristwatch sales are easily found, they are on the rise and in their most successful period. A quick look at at any High St will confirm this unexpected trend as the high end watches get ever more expensive (with rising sales!), traditional middle range watches like Oris moving upwards in cost and desirability and forgotten names like Hamilton & Certina returning to move into and fill that gap.

Interesting, old v new article.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-watchs-time-isnt-up-2013-07-01
by MarkF
11 Dec 2014, 9:57am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Multi Function Watches
Replies: 28
Views: 3474

Re: Multi Function Watches

Simon, the Casios are indeed classics, the amount of fakes around for such a cheap watch is incredible!
by MarkF
10 Dec 2014, 8:38pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Multi Function Watches
Replies: 28
Views: 3474

Re: Multi Function Watches

I always wear a watch, I do have a couple of solar/radio G-Shock Casios, I use them for football training mostly and they are pretty much indestructible. But for cycling I find the cases are too deep, they dig in my arm. For cycling, inc touring, I use an Orsa military watch on a hemp strap, it's so light I don't notice it, the strap is comfy (+ washable :wink: ), the face is very simple and legible in any light and I prefer it off the bike too.

I did have a Casio Protrek temp/compass/altitude thingy but it's readings were compromised by body temp and it's water resistance compromised by the sensors. I like solar/eco/kinetic but would steer away from them for a tour, you can't replace a capacitor like you can an easily available battery. So, if I wasn't so anal about wristwatches and was the OP then I'd just buy a sub £10 Casio F19W, tough resin case, water resistant and with a useful light, even if it meant a sweaty strap.

Image

Mick F wrote:This day and age, wristwatches aren't needed so much and sales have slumped.


Nonsense. I think the sales of wristwatches are at an all time high, if I am wrong then they have still increased year on year since 2007.
by MarkF
10 Dec 2014, 7:55pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: What are your essentials to go bicycle touring?
Replies: 22
Views: 3519

Re: What are your essentials to go bicycle touring?

I don't own a hat, bar bag, GPS system, mirror or waterproof panniers..................I was struggling to think of something but I suppose my Spork is the thing I'd miss if I lost it, often, it's my entire "kitchen".
by MarkF
1 Nov 2014, 5:02pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Favourite country?
Replies: 36
Views: 7134

Re: Favourite country?

Spain, it's dry, and when it's not, you soon are after, meaning minimal weight is needed and carried.
by MarkF
24 Oct 2014, 10:45pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bikes on a plane - box or bag?
Replies: 16
Views: 2732

Re: Bikes on a plane - box or bag?

alicat wrote:Otherwise packed up in a padded bag with wheels is best,


On a circular tour maybe. I did have a Lakelands (wheels & strap) bag and it was great but not much use unless I was doing a short tour around BCN, so I sold it on Ebay and started with cardboard boxes. I am lucky in that I live 10mins from Leeds/Bradford airport, I also use the train to Manchester but............I've also picked up a bike boxes in BCN, Catania and Malaga and cycled with them to their respective airports.
by MarkF
24 Oct 2014, 9:27pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bikes on a plane - box or bag?
Replies: 16
Views: 2732

Re: Bikes on a plane - box or bag?

I use a cardboard bike box, that's what they are made for, safely transporting bikes and they cost nowt! Never had a problem obtaining one and always arrange at least one sure fire place to pick one up in advance by email.
by MarkF
20 Oct 2014, 9:34am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Baggage allowance- max dimensions
Replies: 15
Views: 2485

Re: Baggage allowance- max dimensions

Contact them via email, so that you have a record.

I flew with a courier with max dimensions, on my final day of my tour I'd arranged to collect a cardboard bike box and then go direct to the nearby airport. It was gigantic! I had zero time and materials to reduce it's size, it was so big I had to go the airport basement and use an industrial scanner as it wouldn't fit through the standard baggage one, no extra charge was levied,
by MarkF
10 Oct 2014, 9:18pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Spain trip
Replies: 4
Views: 961

Re: Spain trip

Goinridin wrote:I'm just in the very first stage of planning my next adventure. I haven't done anything since going coast to Coast over the
Pyreneese in 2010 after which I had my bike nicked. Anyway I'm feeling the itch to go on another journey.
For the last couple of years I've parked my motorhome up on a motorhome site quite close to Benidorm for around 3 months from early February to the middle of May. For 2015 I was thinking of instead of training on my racing bike around Benidorm I would have a bike tour of 3/4 weeks from Benidorm to follow the coast through Spain and Portugal to Compostela de Santiago and back through Madrid.
Does anyone have any tips, information as to wild camping, camping sites in fact any info at all. I intend/hope to wildcamp2 days and then campsite or b&b for 1 night to freshen up, and so on, I intend to begin in early May.


I'd suggest that the coastal route is damn hard work and not particularly pleasant, and downright dangerous in places, the cement trucks are Spain's skip wagons. The whole coast is v.busy and the roads not built for such capacity. Wild camping is practically non-existent, unless you are ok with sharing it with desperate immigrants and vagrants. Paid for camping is available but not cheap.

I'd go inland, traffic drops to super safe levels, it's a tranquil, another world and there are plenty of opportunities to safely wild camp.
by MarkF
5 Oct 2014, 7:40pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: ultra light touring?
Replies: 8
Views: 1721

Re: ultra light touring?

henrik wrote:hi
i did an ultra light tour for 7 days with just saddle pack last year in spain, with hired carbon bike. i literally had cycling kit and change of clothes which i washed every night.
........has anyone tried it with just a messenger bag?
cheers


Yes, I did a 7 day Catalonia tour in early September, flying into BCN and hiring a Trek road bike for 60 euros, I no longer want the hassle of flying a bike out when hiring is so cheap. The bike had no carrying capability (I knew this) so I used a Ben Sherman canvas messenger bag that I usually use with my scooter. All that was in it was a phone, multi-tool, 2 x tubes, flip flops, magic towel, tooth paste and razor, sports shorts & t-shirt (for night/bar wear) and food.

I travel light in Spain normally as the weather lends itself perfectly, riding kit can be washed and dried each night.
by MarkF
1 Sep 2014, 10:19pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Overnight sleep possible in Barcelona airport?
Replies: 7
Views: 2162

Re: Overnight sleep possible in Barcelona airport?

El Prat is v.busy and loaded with security guys, I would not bank on a few hours uninterrupted kip with a bicycle.

I'd sleep at an airport, say Hull, but not at BCN, it is a fantastic city, you could be in the centre super quick via the airport train before the fun has kicked off, with a great night out to look forward to. I use a clean pension that takes bikes, bang central, for only 25 euros.
by MarkF
7 Aug 2014, 10:00pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Camping in Northern Spain
Replies: 11
Views: 3047

Re: Camping in Northern Spain

I don't camp in Spain, economically it's pointless and it's too much hassle trying to find a non-RV site. Rooms are available everywhere, even if you cant "see" them, ask and you'll get something, in many tours I've never not got a room in Spain. For 2 travelling I'd expect rooms (with bathrooms, possibly with buffet breakfast, near amenities, bars etc :D ) to cost no more than camping, probably less, definitely a lot less hassle.
by MarkF
4 Jul 2014, 3:25pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Spain North to South
Replies: 16
Views: 11244

Re: Spain North to South

As "ernybc" said, horses for courses, it's only IMO. :wink: I'd so looked forward to it but found it monotonous, boring, not much visual delight, the experience has put me off cycling the canal du midi. However, I'd also say the same for the interior on the N-630 but the difference was that I was able to make better progress and visit many more bars. :D Again, it's only IMO, but "real" Spain can be so quiet it can drive you crackers, I've visited many villages where I have not seen a single living creature never mind found a shop or, more importantly, a bar open.
by MarkF
2 Jul 2014, 9:44am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Spain North to South
Replies: 16
Views: 11244

Re: Spain North to South

bikerwaser wrote:Hi Mark

i'm planning to do a similar route this coming October but from Santander. i'll use the Via de la PLata and end up in Andalucia where ever there is some there's some work ( i'm looking on the "workaway" website that offers food and shelter for a few hours work a day ).

thanks for the trip info.

if anyone else has any more info i'd appreciate it .


Stretches of the RDP are b.o.r.i.n.g, pics look great on the web but it's monotonous when actually there. The N-630 enables really good progress and is very (surprisingly) quiet.

ernycb wrote:Top tip : Include the Gredos/Bejar region south of Avila if you can !!!

Agree.
by MarkF
29 Jun 2014, 7:09pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Dealing with mosquitos
Replies: 49
Views: 11261

Re: Dealing with mosquitos

Tigger wrote:Ah, but you shouldn't deprive yourself of the most amazing scenery!... so go to Scotland in May before the midge season starts - the weather is (often) at its best then too. I'll let you know about the Autan as I'll probably get a tube before I go.


True Tigger, I've driven all over and wished I could cycle there too, if I could rely on not missing riding days (through bites) it'd be my next tour.