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Thanks all for a very enjoyable meander round Essex. The first class carriage home made up for the lack of karaoke in the pub.

Great stuff. Looks suitably epic.

I've got a thermarest venture. About 500g, cost about 50 quid but it's so comfy I use it as a spare mattress at home. Packs pretty small. Seems to be quite robust too. The further up the lightness scale you go, the more fragile they look.

They finished the work about a week ago. Not sure if there is any real difference. I'm cool with the zebra crossings though. It's fine by bike as you can always safely filter your way through and it slows up the cars. I ride it every day on my commute. I also rarely see people cycling on the pavement (unless you're talking about the south side, in which yes, a cycle lane would be useful. The traffic is worse on that side, probably because the roundabout is controlled by traffic lights ;)

Chingford tomorrow:

Train out:
1) middleofnowhere
2) Scrabble

Ride out:
1) @rhowe
2)

Might be in for this chingford thing. Is it pretty flat?

My in-laws live there for their sins. I haven't got any gpx routes to offer but have done variations of an enjoyable route out via Barby > Grandborough > Lower Shuckborough > Priors Marston > Fawsley > Little Everdon > Find a way through Daventry > Welton > Barby > Rugby. It's pretty flat but there are a few lumps to be encountered south of Daventry. Enjoy.

I'm yet to do anything to the north, but a nice route should be easy enough for the other day. Post the outcome here so I can do it next time....

It's last year's Jamis Dragonslayer. Saw it here and fell in love, then found it was on sale at Evans in my size so my mind was made up.

http://www.bikemag.com/gear/2016-jamis-dragonslayer-27-5/

Only real change is swapped out the 2x for 1x10. Front mechs r def.

Also, need a dropper for non adventure duties. This year's looks even more sorted, if more expensive.
https://www.evanscycles.com/jamis-dragonslayer-27-5-pro-2017-mountain-bike-EV275236

3.0. I'm a complete convert to plus tyres in anything other than a mud fest. I don't get to ride as often as I'd like, but this bike handles like a trail bike but with sooo much grip. On gravel or hard pack it just rips and makes me look a much better rider than i am.

Yep, I've got a "Gub" one. Seems to work but then it only really has one function and it's not tried to stab me in the bottom yet. 10/10.

Looks good. How pro is your sewing machine? Wondering if I can convince my misses she needs a new project.....

Thanks!

I've no doubt it's possible on a cross bike, I saw a chap coming the other way at one point on one, but I'm not sure how much fun it would be. Coming from a mountain bike background, before moving to road bikes later in life I've been puzzled by the cross bikes for anything other than racing cross or winter commuter if I'm honest. That's just me though, my wrists are accustomed to suspension of some form when it gets lumpy.

My bike was certainly slight overkill for the downs, but it's my only mountainbike and what all my bikepacking gear is orientated around. It also eats up flinty, gravelly descents without batting an eyelid. Much fun and very confidence inspiring even fully laden.

Tarp set up was a cheap thing off Ali Express, I'll try and find a link later. Used a small ground sheet as well so just like a small tent, just no inner and no poles to carry. Not sure how it would hold up in any serious weather. I managed to get everything connected to sleeping in the 13l dry bag up front (tarp, groundsheet, thermarest, sleepingbag travel pillow and pegs/guy line bits). I'd probably take my hammock if it was warmer, however there are not many woods on the second half which could have been interesting.

It can take me 17 minutes to decide what to have for breakfast. Unbelievable.
Is there anywhere the real detail of a case like this can be seen? It must be on CCTV so it must be relatively clear how the incident unfolded.

Cross post from bikepacking thread - my weekend exploits...

So I kicked off my 2017 adventures with a couple of days to complete the South Downs Way. Was supposed to be doing it with a mate, but he had to pull out late in the day. Looking at the forecast, there was no way I was going to miss out too. It's nice to get some alone time too I find. I hopped on the 16:04 train from Waterloo to Winchester on the Friday evening and was pedalling by 17:15. So started two and bit glorious days of sunshine. Don’t think I saw a cloud for the whole 100 miles.

Here’s a pic of my bike set-up for the trip. Tarp, groundsheet, roll mat and sleeping bag upfront in a 13l drybag. Extra layers for the evening in the seatpack and various bit n bobs in the frame bag. The hardcase in the bottle cage had my toolkit. This meant my rucksack only really had water and snacks in which was nice. I hate having too much weight on my back for these longer rides.

Managed to bosh out about 15 miles the first evening, however as I had all weekend, I was in no rush. Had a lovely pint in the pub at Exton before pressing on to find a bivvy near Meon Springs. Managed to find a quiet little spot atop a hill. Figured it would be less cold here than in the valleys. It was still pretty baltic though as soon as the sun went down. Dinner and a beer under the moonlight and I could feel the stresses of the week melting away.

I was woken early by some seriously horny pheasants/grouse however the 5:30 start meant I was fed, coffee’d and packed up by 7am. My two luxuries, a travel pillow and Aeropress, meant I felt ready for the day ahead.

I was right about valleys being cooler; descending to cross the A3 through the Queen Elizabeth Country park was cold and really dewy. Got soaked by spray from the grass and needed the climb out the other side to warm up. As the day got going I was treated to stunning vista after stunning vista.

Managed to make my way to Houghton for a pub lunch and a rest up. Not having to rush was nice. This is about halfway so every mile more was a mile less to do on the Sunday. At Devil’s Dyke I’d done about 50 miles for the day, 65 in total and so was ready to call it quits. A couple of pints at the pub were nice enough. Spectacular view, shame about all the people. I then retraced my steps a little to find a lovely spot for the night.

A better night’s sleep meant a slow start to the morning but up and going by 8. With 35 miles left and another stunning day to come, I couldn’t really believe my luck. The legs still felt fresh apart from my right knee which was slowly blowing up. It happens on road rides around the 100 mile mark but this was first time mountain biking for a while. Need to get to the bottom of it. Anyway, it’s great riding for views, not so much technically.

This all means you can just plod along and the signage means navigation is basically redundant. Great coffee in the Youth Hostel near Southease, a cracking pint and some cheesy chips at The George Inn at Alfriston before the final slog over to Eastbourne.

Cruising into the seaside town a sense of accomplishment tinged with disappointment it was over. Suddenly you’re back amongst the world a ride like this filters out. Beer on the beech seemed appropriate.

Then a train to catch home. Managed to squeeze in a decent Fish n Chips on the platform while I waited which was excellent.

It’s probably the perfect introduction to off-road bikepacking. It's so accessible from London, and really simple to get around. It's hard work though, so massive respect to anyone that does in a day. If only there were some slightly better descents it would be right up there. It was always a bit of shame to crank all the way to the top a down only to fly down the other side on a straight bridleway. Hopefully Dartmoor/Exmoor later in the year if I can find another 3 or 4 days away from the family. Just hope I can time it with weather like this!

Just my tuppence worth...

I've got the Alpkit tapered drybag, which now appears sold out but I'd hope they get more in. It was £20.

It was pretty frustrating to begin with as if you had multiple items in it, the main strap round the saddle rails and under the bag would find the gap between two bits in the bag and work loose. To get it tight again you had to completely re-pack. Mega faff.

This has been solved by adding a piece of flexible plastic to the inside to line the bottom. I cut it out of half of an old A4 ring binder and shaped it a bit. Took 2 minutes. This stops the strap getting between anything in the bag.

I also added a second strap with a metal buckle that is really easy to tighten up. This means if it ever does work loose, it's 20 seconds to get it tighten again.

Ebay is your friend if you're a tight arse:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/V-Tech-Thread-locker-Medium-Strength-Blue-VT-843-6ml-Threadlock-Threadlocker-/261953643614?hash=item3cfda7645e:g:BUAAAOSw~gRVlp3n

So I kicked off my 2017 adventures with a couple of days to complete the South Downs Way. Was supposed to be doing it with a mate, but he had to pull out late in the day. Looking at the forecast, there was no way I was going to miss out too. It's nice to get some alone time too I find. I hopped on the 16:04 train from Waterloo to Winchester on the Friday evening and was pedalling by 17:15. So started two and bit glorious days of sunshine. Don’t think I saw a cloud for the whole 100 miles.

Here’s a pic of my bike set-up for the trip. Tarp, groundsheet, roll mat and sleeping bag upfront in a 13l drybag. Extra layers for the evening in the seatpack and various bit n bobs in the frame bag. The hardcase in the bottle cage had my toolkit. This meant my rucksack only really had water and snacks in which was nice. I hate having too much weight on my back for these longer rides.

Managed to bosh out about 15 miles the first evening, however as I had all weekend, I was in no rush. Had a lovely pint in the pub at Exton before pressing on to find a bivvy near Meon Springs. Managed to find a quiet little spot atop a hill. Figured it would be less cold here than in the valleys. It was still pretty baltic though as soon as the sun went down. Dinner and a beer under the moonlight and I could feel the stresses of the week melting away.

I was woken early by some seriously horny pheasants/grouse however the 5:30 start meant I was fed, coffee’d and packed up by 7am. My two luxuries, a travel pillow and Aeropress, meant I felt ready for the day ahead.

I was right about valleys being cooler; descending to cross the A3 through the Queen Elizabeth Country park was cold and really dewy. Got soaked by spray from the grass and needed the climb out the other side to warm up. As the day got going I was treated to stunning vista after stunning vista.

Managed to make my way to Houghton for a pub lunch and a rest up. Not having to rush was nice. This is about halfway so every mile more was a mile less to do on the Sunday. At Devil’s Dyke I’d done about 50 miles for the day, 65 in total and so was ready to call it quits. A couple of pints at the pub were nice enough. Spectacular view, shame about all the people. I then retraced my steps a little to find a lovely spot for the night.

A better night’s sleep meant a slow start to the morning but up and going by 8. With 35 miles left and another stunning day to come, I couldn’t really believe my luck. The legs still felt fresh apart from my right knee which was slowly blowing up. It happens on road rides around the 100 mile mark but this was first time mountain biking for a while. Need to get to the bottom of it. Anyway, it’s great riding for views, not so much technically.

This all means you can just plod along and the signage means navigation is basically redundant. Great coffee in the Youth Hostel near Southease, a cracking pint and some cheesy chips at The George Inn at Alfriston before the final slog over to Eastbourne.

Cruising into the seaside town a sense of accomplishment tinged with disappointment it was over. Suddenly you’re back amongst the world a ride like this filters out. Beer on the beech seemed appropriate.

Then a train to catch home. Managed to squeeze in a decent Fish n Chips on the platform while I waited which was excellent.

It’s probably the perfect introduction to off-road bikepacking. It's so accessible from London, and really simple to get around. It's hard work though, so massive respect to anyone that does in a day. If only there were some slightly better descents it would be right up there. It was always a bit of shame to crank all the way to the top a down only to fly down the other side on a straight bridleway. Hopefully Dartmoor/Exmoor later in the year if I can find another 3 or 4 days away from the family. Just hope I can time it with weather like this!

He served a two year doping ban earlier in his career. Flawed testing system? Of course it's flawed. It catches people but you think it catches 100%? Good for you.
It just "looked" dodgy. He flew up that final climb like it was nothing. I've read a few books on what it feels like when you're juiced. The look on his face, speed he turned over the pedals, seemingly skipping up the mountain, commentators blown away. It had all the trade marks of the olden days. Just my opinion though. If he keeps it up all season and doesn't get popped, I'll reconsider.

Dragging it back to Valverde (sorry was on holiday last week) while watching him beast it up the final climb on the queen stage in the Volta, dropping everyone seemingly with ease the commentator uttered something like "this is unbelievable" and all the warning bells were going off in my head.

Recommend the Naturehike lightweight offerings on aliexpress. Think I got my two man for about £70. Not much over a kilo. Not sure how long lasting it will be, but it's managed about 12 days last summer and still looks like new.

Just back from a trip to Champagny en Vanoise. Lovely little resort connected to la plagne and very close to courcheval. Propper village feel and you can head up to a stunning little hamlet up the road and chill in stunning scenery. Got me researching spring touring trips. The wilderness seemed close and inviting this time of the year.

Clausthammer is good. You can get it from Waitrose. My fav is Kronbacher, but I've only had that in the pub and not yet found a shop supply. I refuse to pay more than I would for actual beer as it seems wrong.
The blue Erdinger one is nice, if different. The label markets it as some kind of life giving elixir so you get to feel like you're having one of your five a day. Perfect mid summer ride pint if it's ice cold too. Had one just before pushing over the Walnascar "Road" in the lake district last summer in about 28 degree heat. One of the best pints of my year.

Not bad - cost to Greggs ~8p

Everyone's happy. It's harder to complain with a mouth full of steak bake.

Thanks all, really enjoyed it. Legs are feeling it today. Hope to make it to the next one although it'll be a long way home...@cgg I think owe you a pint so i'll need to settle that before too long.

Some trepidation my end. 48x19 and a fair few miles in my legs this week already. Don't think it's a ride for short sleeves....