matt_theforce

What a rubbish start to 2023 https://www.hooniganracing.com/

Had a real blast yesterday. There has to be a joy to working a late shift! Warm up going up the TPT to Woodhead Pass, then down the Northern HorseShoe Loop, back along the Longdendale trail, up Woodhead to the Old Road, down the Old Road, around Langsett Res then back across to the TPT and home in time to go to work

I'm no stranger to cycling but for a lot of years have been mainly Road/Gravel focussed after falling out of love with hike a bike MTB climbs here in the Peak District. My son is almost 15 and I have no chance keeping up with him now on the up-hills & as he is getting into MTB racing (XC and Downhill) I need to be able to keep up with him/challenge him on his training rides. I test rode a 2021 Trek Rail 5 at Dalby Forrest and the geometry was so close to my Trek Top Fuel (but with extra suspension travel) it felt so familiar but so much more capable so I took a trip to my local Trek dealer (only 8miles away) & bought a 2022 Trek Rail 7. Its a great spec & doesn't need any upgrades although in time I may change the Bosch Purion screen for the Kiox (I don't need the mapping but would like a better battery gauge/clock & info on my energy used vs power provided) I've only had it for a week & its fantastic, I forgot how much I actually enjoyed mountain biking & now being able to climb stuff I've never been able to before its giving me a whole new world to explore Matthew

I cycle those lanes often, the camera's don't do the steepness and the terrain justice (especially the 1st climb from Riding Wood Reservoir & the last one at Hill Top).

Yes, I know the driving instructor so he has been giving me guidance so I don't teach my son bad habbits from the start. It's my sons birthday today and he is in a similar position, doesn't want to go out for a drive as he has so much A level work to do. There's no rush & I'm not going to pressure him as I want him to enjoy his experience.

I rang the AA to see how much they would charge to put my son on my policy while he learnt to drive but they don't insure anyone under the age of 25. I gave Collingwood a call but they couldn't come close to other learner quotes 😞, they also came recommended by the AA who I'm insured through. I moved to St Albans from York in 1997 @ 19yr old, my insurance went down when I made the move, when I moved to South Yorkshire (Penistone) in 2006 my insurance went up! Quick Update.. After lots of looking around we took a policy out in my sons name through Adrian Flux. The price was extremely competitive & I've had insurance through Adrian Flux before with my modified cars and always had a good experience. As there is long delays in driving lessons, we felt a 12month policy in his name was a good idea as the policy allows for a 1yr no claims bonus too . The v5 can remain in my name but my son will be using it as his own car until he buys his own car and then will be used for my younger son to learn to drive in in a couple of years time. Another benefit we've found to buying a cheap car to learn in, the boys & I are carrying out the maintenance & servicing together, giving them valuable skills for the future (should they chose to use them) but at least they will know the basics of checking oil/coolant/washer fluid etc etc.

Hi All, My son is 17 in March and I'm looking for an insurance solution. He is in full time education & doesn't need a car but would like to get his license before he needs one so is currently in no rush to pass. I have a 2007 Polo (V5 is in my name) & this will be the car that I will take him out in. So far I can see 2 possible solutions * named driver on my policy * he takes out a learner driver policy (and my policy will remain on the car as the V5 is in my name) I like the idea of him having his own policy & I've done an online check for a policy of his own which was around the £270 mark for 12months (with NCB being given at 10months), what I can't find out is, if he passes his test during the 12months will those months count towards his next policy (as he will need to cancel his learner policy and take out a full policy) What have you done with insurance for your young drivers? Any recommendations/pit falls? The V5 is in my name and I have no objection to changing it to my sons name, it will not become his car though as it will be kept in the family as his younger brother will also use it to learn in. Thanks Matthew

I'd forgotten all about this thread How is everyone this morning?

Its something that can get him started with being able to design & build scale models, more to aid with his creativity so size isn't overly important at the minute. We've been doing lots of googling and watching youtube and the Creality Ender 3 & v2 get some very good reviews as a starter printer

My son is at 6th form and studying Maths/Science/Design Technology as he would like to become an architect. He has asked for help towards financing one. I have no idea where to start at what to look at. What are peoples thoughts/experiences? Thanks Matthew

I prefer the 3door seats as they make it easier for cleaning under them 👍

I'm of a similar opinion to you on the PCP/Lease thoughts. 2 years ago we bought a low milage (55k) FSH '13 plate Yeti from a main dealer, sold to us on what excelent condition it was in etc etc, the amount of rust (common problem on the doors) but also the roof & all the scratches and dents certainly didn't come across as excelent. I've just purchased an '07 Polo with 111k on it with FSH and there are a couple of stone chips, no rust & less dents/scratches than the Yeti! We looked at replacing the Yeti last month & visited a main dealer to see a 1 owner FSH '17 (I would like a DSG Yeti) but again the one on the forecourt was in worse condition than the Polo

I'm still quite pleased with my watch, the heart rate monitor is still giving me results that are similar to what I used to get with my chest strap. My watch has been kept up-to date with software updates and I've not noticed any differences in performance/battery life etc. The only sporadic issue is when starting an activity, sometimes the GPS connects straight away, other times it can take 5-10minutes & it happens across both walking & cycling activities.

I can't offer any advise for towing with a mk3 but there is nothing wrong with your van

Did you get anywhere with this? I've had my fair share of vrs's and other models and fancy something different so have been looking at the scout with 184bhp, like you I don't need the ride height (yet) but the 4x4 & DSG is a must. Although there might not be any aftermarket suspension specifically available for the scout did you look down the octavia vrs 4x4 route?