Afan - Easter Sun

[Viv Powell]

Well its official, there is definitely something wrong with my forks - the men from Mud Dock said so, three of them no less (all comments about damsels in distress will be treated with the contempt that they deserve )

They have kept the bike in for observation . Apparently, it is definitely a warranty issue so the forks will be sent back to Trek for treatment or if terminal, replacement. I hope it doesn't take too long .

Think I'll just put the seat down on Steve's and have a little play!! Not too sure about his pedals tho' or the dodgy gear change

[Ian Long]

Just returned from a very pleasant saunter round Al's local patch - his usual circuit round Brockley Combe etc and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it suprisingly bog free compared to Black Down on Friday.

Neroli and I went for a (long) walk to the pub at lunchtime and that plus the lubrication seems to have got rid of any tiredness in the legs (although I did hear a few grumbles from the engine room during the long road climbs).

A few of the descents on Al's ride are quite hairy, particularly the final one which is without a doubt the best part of the circuit.

Thanks Al for a lovely ride to end the Bank Holiday weekend.

[MartinF]

Interestingly, the valve tip & nut broke off my front tyre valve yesterday whilst doing it up after pumping air into the tyre. I'm not that strong, so it must have been a faulty valve. It just came off in my hands, gov. See pics.

I thought I was stuck with present (high) level of inflation until next puncture as I'd not be able to release air from the valve, but I found that sticking a screwdriver tip or similar to depress the remaining valve stem works ok - like a Schrader valve.

I *think* these were cheapy tubes from my local bike shop.

[Ian Long]

Its very easy to bend the thread coming out of the valve while trying to force a pump onto it in a hurry. I've never heard of anyone snapping one off before. Martin "Arnie" Farrimond

[Al Donald]

Second trip round Brockley etc in two days, and as Ian says, an excellent end to the holiday weekend. I even managed to "clean" the final descent this time - and cleated in too The key seems to getting the speed just right and a "go for it attitude"!

ps. any thoughts on the full-sus bike you tried Nigel?

[NigelP]

Had a great ride around the Wall with Martin. See elsewhere for Arnie impressions.

Lovely bike, just a pity my dreams are greater than my wallet.

Back to a clunky hard tail this weekend. Anyone else up for a ride this weekend?

Off to the Bike show tomorrow to be seduced by all the goodies

Will be looking for posting tomorrow night

Nigel