Steve_M

Apologies. I missed a couple of interesting diversions as I rather rushed that (my good lady was keen to discuss matters of great importance). Waypoint A is at Skelwith Bridge. The food at Chester’s by the River at Skelwith Bridge is excellent, though not cheap. It’s also vegetarian. If that doesn’t float your boat, I’d turn right a little before there and head up through Great Langdale to reach Wrynose pass. Please not in June, though, as we’re on holiday there at some point. A visit up to Wasdale Head from Santon Bridge, and return via Gosforth is a fine addition. The view over Wastwater was once described as the finest view in England. You also get to see Scafell Pike / Great Gable etc. A little before reaching Keswick there’s a turning up to Ashness Bridge and on to Watendlath via Surprise View. Tea at Watendlath tea rooms is one of our traditions (though we generally walk thee via Lodore Falls) and the view from Surprise View is worth a moment to savour. I hope that helps.

Using The Struggle misses some good bits of road, but at least you avoid the dreadful logjam that is the road from Windermere to Ambleside, Here’s a suggestion for a decent few hours pottering around the lakes, taking in a variety of passes. I would start from nearer Penrith though (not shown because I used up all the waypoints on Google maps).

One piece of advice. Do not lie to the insurers. Having done work with the fraud team at my previous employers, I can assure you they take a very dim (legal) view which does not end well.

The garden’s a bit wetter than usual. I’m wondering how much more water will be added by storm Franklin.

While on the subject of birds…

I’ve done two of his courses. Tom is “as mad as a box of frogs” to quote a mate of mine, “but really knows his stuff and Is a great instructor”. His teaching style is kinda different but he’s open to discussion as he explains the theory and shows how it’s put into practice - then it’s your turn.

Attend an i2i training course.

I’m not saying it’s windy but my wheelie bin is on a speed awareness course next week.

I was bought a trail cam as a present last year. I’ve discovered the timelapse feature on it so set it up in the paddock a couple of days ago. I’m quite pleased with my first attempt of catching the cloud formations changing over the course of an afternoon. I’ve put it on Google Drive so I can share it… Link

CE isn’t a mark that it’s an appropriate fitment, though. It’s a standard of quality.

I attended a talk by Dr Rod Woods back in the 1990’s. He’s the guy who set “The Cambridge Standard”, which I think the CE standard was based (though that may be a false memory). Since then I’ve been wary of buying from anywhere but a trusted source and with the relevant labels. I also refused to by Frank Thomas stuff after I found that they submitted higher quality items than their production units for testing (I think that was for RiDE magazine review and test). This might interest you

I would add that there are many trade stands at the large events that I would be more than happy to buy from. Hideout, for example, display at the NEC. I own a set of Hideout leathers and they’re superb quality.

The phrase I’m thinking of involves a barge pole.

I’ve rarely bought kit from bike shows. And never protective kit. I hate to be proven right

Good morning. We have one estimate for the kitchen refit. Not quite as bad as we expected, though we may change that as we’ve* had a rethink about the design. *When I say “we’ve” I will point out that my part was nodding in agreement.

Wally. Which was unfortunate as I worked with a chap called Walter (abbr Wally) at the time.

Hi, and welcome. Good to see someone with exquisite taste (VFR800) in bikes around.

My son is trying a social experiment. He’s wearing a “I’m backing Boris” tee shirt for two weeks. So far he’s been kicked, punched, and had a bottle thrown at him. We’re wondering what will happen when he goes outside.

Have you ridden one yet? I’ve been out on a couple and really enjoyed the experience. The only complaint is that the seat to floor distance is further than you’d expect. Mostly due to the seat shape, I think. It does make popping a foot down at rest needs to be a considered action. And that from a 5’ 10” GS rider who has his seat set to high at times.

There’s not an appreciable difference as far as I can tell. I went from VFR800 to ST1100 (no guards) to Triumph Tiger (guards) to FJR1300 (no guards) to R1200GS (guards). The fairings on the ST1100 and FJR seemed to deflect the wind just as well as the guards, certainly compared with the VFR. One reassuring thing, though, is I’ve never had any road debris hit my fingers when riding the Tiger or GS. I have on other bikes I’ve owned - and it ruddy well stings.

Mirador del Fitu, just north of Arriondas, Spain.

I used to cycle to and from work (Martham to Norwich for 6 months then Acle to Norwich). I can confirm it’s hilly in a “long drag” kinda way. There’s a one up from Thorpe End heading east that I hated. The road being bumpy didn’t help.

There’s someone who’s never tried running up Ketts Hill, Grapes Hill, Gurney Rd or Gas Hill. Norwich is surprisingly hilly considering Norfolk’s so flat.

That’s what they thought in Norfolk…. Passport control at the border (Thetford) keeping the hoards out, but the sneaky outsiders built a bypass and now Norfolk has been invaded by general non-norfolkians.

We’re 2 1/2 hrs from each, on a good day. Lots of much easier pickings closer to home I’d guess. Newcastle is an hour away and would be the more likely origin.