Coldgunner

I was always told to leave the car and stand the other side of the barrier, hence why its recommended to keep a coat in the boot.

Back at work this week, been off since Wednesday as I normally book time off for Peterborough beer festival. Went along on Wednesday and enjoyed it, but it doesn't seem to be quite the same. After COVID the festival has certainly downsized a little, but I think something has changed in me too. I enjoy a good beer, but I'm fed up with dealing with the aftermath. Its either the lethargy the day after or having to be up and down to the toilet frequently. I think there's a stage of 'lightly tipsy' that's the fun bit, but being outright drunk ain't.

Shame, I've got a random issue from March 1967 lol

That wonderful thing called the Highway Code states the exact opposite lol. As the more vulnerable user you have the priority. You were entering to his right, he should be giving way to the right regardless of the vehicle.

Out again today, this time at Fineshade woods (https://www.forestryengland.uk/fineshade-wood). Not bad, downside of it being that the parking costs a small fortune. But at least there's toilets and a cafe if you're a bit parched. Fun fact: the cutting on the mid-left of the frame is the old LNWR from Seaton to Wansford. This is the exact spot I used to play Airsoft too. This part of the wood doesn't get the same attention as the proper walking/cycle paths.

Are these the chambers? I've had a couple of walks around the public areas of the site, there's certainly some interesting artifacts about. I was particularly interested in the vehicle shells and the Thor missile pads. Its mad to think what once (and in some cases still) occupied these sites. Feel free to peruse the video's I've recorded there. I went once and only later found out about the launch pads, so went back. Most of the old airfield was given to the village to use as a recreation ground, so its all legal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcQ-JTPSWDk https://youtu.be/cqQooEsJrk4?si=2v4F0KHhJFYMzUQz

Thankfully I drive an estate so loading up the bike is a doddle. You can save on parking costs by going up the Hambleton (don't tell everyone!). Check out the old RAF North Luffenham site if you do go up there again.

Used to walk around it with my ex. If you go in an anti-clockwise direction, the pub is 2/3 ofthe way around. If you need to stop for a pint, you've broken the back of the trip. Rutland water is also local to me, which has several routes. I nice easy one is the Hambleton loop, which basically goes all the way around the Hambleton peninsula. When I feel more confident with hills, I want to do the high peak trail again. I did this on a school trip nearly 30 years ago. Also in mind is places like Woodhead. I did start finding myself on the verge of hyper-ventilating a few times, but I know then its time to stop and walk uphill. It allows me to catch my breath. I due time my fitness will improve. My legs have become like pistons, just need the boiler (my cardio) to help feed them.

Got yesterdays video uploaded, just a coupleof highlights and fast sections. Glad I got the rear brakes working much better now. Ordered a Shimano RS41 3x7 set to replace my knackered shifters too. Some people are asking why I'm fixing up a knackered old mountain bike rather than buying a new one. I don't 100% have the answer to that. Common sense says I'd be better going out and buying a budget one and no have to worry so much about fixing this one. However, I want to fix this one up. The frames and wheels are still good, albeit with a bit of surface rust from being outside. But some maintenance, new tyres, new cables, new saddle etc has done wonders. There's something just... nice... about breathing life into something. Why restore a steam locomotive when a modern diesel or electric can do a better job? Quick stop at the bike shop today for new grips, the old ones were knackered so picked up these ones. Red adds a bit of flair imho. They're ODI grips. My big lego man has been keeping an eye on things too FInally, yesterdays video. Its 24fps so might look better being played on a 24fps TV. I don't think I'll do any more in 24fps, I think I prefer my 50fps work.

Looped Grafham Water today, although managed to bork my front gears. Thankfully the shop were able to take it in and align it so that I could at least use the rear set. My gripshift for the from crank is knackered and needs replacing, but I can't find a set that does 3 and 7 gears. I can find them on Ebay and amazon, but I want to get a good quality set and not sure on how good the amazon stuff is. On another note, used today as an excuse to test out 24fps from my gopro. It should look more cinematic and allegedly improves visual fidelity.

Third Party, Fire and Fick (Thick) :)

Don't think all the gadgets and gizmo's amount to much if the bag of flesh behind the wheel has the IQ of a prawn sandwich.

Who paid for them? Surely the parents must've had to buy them?

Its insane how the xmas wagon has gone from <£5 to £24. Suspect some of the sets have sat in storage all year.

Mum likes it because its simpler to drive, pulling away and hillstarts are easier etc. I think I just like the 'analogue' ways sometimes.

For me, Manual > Automatic Just for someone who enjoys driving, I like the engagement of manual control. Drove Mum's auto Mondeo for a week and as comfortable as it was, it was just dull.

100% agreed, I've very much drawn a line under it. 0 tolerance for BS atm.

There can be some factors here, like blue badge holders but I do understand your point. Also it would help if people didn't keep buying massive cars that barely fit standard spaces. Mum is a blue badge holder, she's legally deaf. The blue badge is associated with the person and not the vehicle, so I can drive my mum somewhere and use a disabled spot. She is perfectly mobile, but car parks can be dangerous as she can't hear vehicles. This has gotten worse with electric coming along now. You get some proper dirty looks when you get out the car and appear 'able bodied' to those who suffer from hard-of-thinking. We ignore those people, but you feel those daggers watching you.

Have been out and about on the bike the past few days. Been quite pleasant by my knees are a bit shot. Think its my seat height so have made some adjustments and maybe that will alleviate the issue. New brake cable and 2x gear cables replaced. Go-pro mount seems quite and set the rear suspension back to the central hole (had it in the top and it was a bit too hard). Long kickstand also fitted. Also, NEW SEAT!!!!! My bumhole is thankful! :D:D:D Been looking at the rear and wondering if I can retrofit a disk brake on the back?

Has anyone made a direct comparison with the old "Design Clever" version of 2001? Doubt I'll ever bother changing it, but interested to see if there's a marked difference.

Urgh, frustration rears its ugly head again. Spent hours writing up correct processes so that jobs can be triaged effectively and correctly. What happens? I get dumped all the crap to deal with still. What a waste of my time. Some people just don't get it, you shirk off your work you're just making someone pick up your slack. grr

Might be just as well getting some aftermarket plates fitted. Might be the lighting on the pictures, but it just looks too chunky?

Added a mount for my GoPro. Sort of a bit like a dashcam in function but might be fun to record any rides in the countryside. Just got to remember to take it off if I have to leave the bike anywhere.