Terry G

Good advice there. I lost my father 8 years ago (and if I'm honest, still struggle now), my mother was diagnosed shortly after my dad passed away with parkinsons. She never came to terms with losing my dad and gave up just before Christmas. Even though it was a release for my mum (in so many ways), it still hit me. However you feel, react, express yourself.. it isn't wrong. We are all different. Don't feel you should handle this a particular way. My very best wishes go to you.

I am glad you said 'some cyclists'. I drive and ride. When I ride my bike (or drive my car for that fact) I respect both my use and that of others on the road, but lets not forget that the road IS for sharing. Still, I can only assume you don't fall under the category (I will resist from naming it) of HGV driver that likes to overtake another HGV on a dual carriageway creating that quite charming queue........

".... and you can read even more b0ll0cks in my upcoming book..." As for Lance.. well, I am still amazed with his achievements and physical abilities.... I truly don't want to want to believe he has ever doped, but with the sort of feats he has produced, I don't think anyone would be surprised!

I can't help but love threads created on a car forum about cyclists! You just know it has great potential for an 'emotive' discussion!! I'd rather not think about the number of times I have had abuse thrown at me (none justified). But I accept that as much as there are d1cks in cars, there are also on bikes. I got talking to someone today about mutual respect on the road and I explained that I am fully paid up on my bike insurance (that even includes breakdown cover!!), I never weave or jump lights. The only thing I don't like to use is cycle lanes... this is for reasons already stated, such as the speed I ride at, the practicality of the lane (curbs etc). I must say though that with this lovely sunshine, the cycle lanes round my way positively sparkle in the sun (with all the broken glass across them). I sometimes wonder with some of the lanes, that they are built more to hit a target for green transport, which then becomes a waste of money. With regards to how to respond to abuse, I find ignoring it is the best action and serves to annoy the person all the more. The only time I chose not to follow this, was when a bus driver chose to swerve towards me, so much so that I had to put my hand against the side of the bus to keep steady! With that in mind, once I composed myself, I rode with a bit more pace and caught him up and offered him some constructive 'feedback' Whenever I get any hassle I think of this... "Their actions are typical of people who feel conscious of their own physical ineptitude and rather than do something to rectify it they take their frustrations out on those that symbolise everything they cannot be."

Nice.. Did quite enjoy the thread. It showed a great deal of potential! Am I the only one that feels the intervention of a moderator can spoil what could've been a decent bust up?! I still struggle to understand why the animosity towards cyclists... Good luck to all the riders and I hope the day isn't ruined by any stupidity

Not really sure I can help on this one.. I would suggest you give this forum a try http://www.cyclechat.net/forums/ . All the guys on there are really helpful (and not your usual racing snake types!) and I am sure someone will step up and be able to help. Realistically you have about 4 weeks of training for this, but still enough time (don't view it as a race). I know how scary it may seem (I am riding in two sportives this year.. Dartmoor and Southern plus Isle of Wight Randonnee) From a personal point of view, I wish you both good luck and enjoy every moment.

Yes... Try these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/DeFeet_Woolie_Boolie_Cycling_Socks/5300004468/ I always suffer from cold toes and bought some for work and they are great.

This will be the first official sportive. I have done other rides (around the 70 mile mark) and regular spin is about 50 miles. Really liked the look of this one though and wanted a new challenge.. Have got plenty of time to get ready!

(Not wanting to start a new thread for fear of seeming a little dull:O) I have just entered my name down for this... Dartmoor Classic Cyclosportive 2009 Gonna do the 105 mile jobbie... I may regret this.. (clearly I will be doing the 2010 ride!!)

Oh and for those of you that like to admire their efforts.. this site is great (and really simple) for mapping your route, showing distance and also elevation data.. bikehike.co.uk - Home Here is a regular run for me - bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator

I have got a Cateye (very good unit)on my second bike and a Topeak mini pump (which bolts on your bottle cage fittings). My main bike currently has a Knog (great display and the scan system is great, but it is a bit big) computer and I use a CO2 system... Topeak - Topeak Master Blaster Mini DX Pump With Gauge Only £17.99 CO2 - Innovations Inflation Kit Only £14.39 The CO2 kit includes a strap system that allows you to fit the canister to the seat stem (keeping your saddle bag clear). If you decide to use CO2 I suggest you buy spare canisters and have a test run before you really need it! Also (assuming your tyre valves aren't screwed in place) I suggest you nip into your local Halfords and ask very nicely if they have got any spare threaded washers to give you. This will allow you to 'fix' the valve in place when you come to inflate the tyre (if you don't fix the valve, you will just push it inside the tyre and then lose precious gas) leaving you to remove after the tyre is fully inflated. These are the dogs as well and take up no room at all (and you can store your little threaded washer in the tiny plastic case as well!) - Park Tools Puncture Repair Kit Super Patch Only £3.91 If you go for the CO2 remember to cover your hands when inflating (take your cycle mit off and wrap it round the canister) as the canister gets VERY cold when discharging and will give you burns! And finally... if you want a really easy tyre lever system try this - Crank Brothers Speed Lever Only £5.40 I can change a tyre super quick with this one!! Hope that helps.. Terry Oh..... Luuuurverly bike :drool:

Can't say I have heard the 'honking' phrase used, but there are lots of cycle terms that I still ask what the hell it means! As for the bonking bit.. I am told that it is when your body reaches the very extremes of its capabilities and starts shutting down functions! (the same as marathon runners have when hitting the wall). I have read stories where riders have bonked and 'come to' in ditches or the best one where a rider was laid out on the verge of a lane unable to move or be in any way coherent, when another rider arrived, looked at the rider in distress, then his carbon bike on the grass, got off his bike and nicked the carbon bike leaving his old bike for the poor guy unable to get up! My first experience of a 50 mile ride left me about 5 miles from home where I lost 'power' in my legs and only just made it home, very slowly. I assume it was more about not being used to the distance and also the 'lactic' effect. Now I always make sure I 'fuel' up well before a longer ride and carry plenty of fluids and food bars with me to eat along the way (never had a problem since). I also carry a couple of Torq gel packs in case of emergency (or if I ever meet a rider struggling) to give me a temporary boost. I always stay one step ahead in regards to feeding and fluids.. if you do something when you feel rough, it's probably too late to help. That said... do what works for you.

It is my main bike, a Planet-X Pro Carbon. Had it since Feb, but had an ongoing problem with the headset (which has only very recently been sorted by a very clever bike mechanic who cut an inch and half off the fork steerer!). Also had problems with the cassette hub and some indexing problems. Had call from Planet-X on Wednesday and they are going to build me a new bike. If they deliver on their promise, I will be mighty impressed with the customer service! Dusted off the second bike (Giant SCR) and have been going for rides on that, and loving it! (even though I had 'kitted' it out for winter with mudguards etc) Have been starting to plan next years events.. Isle of Wight Randonnee (May) Go see the final stage of Tour de France And complete at least one century ride (not sure of any good ones though)

I knew I shouldn't of made posts about a new bike.. My main ride has gone horribly wrong:( The good news is the supplier are going to give me a nice new one:thumbup:

I own an iPod (got the big capacity classic on a dock) and a Sony. With a decent pair of earphones the Sony spanks the iPod for sound quality. Creative and Sandisk gets good reviews too (which may give you greater choice at your budget)