Health and Safety 2

Still nothing new. So emails again.

We'll get down to this properly when we're on the road next week.


JW

What exactly does a double stroke pump do? I tell you what, after last night’s ride (oo-er) I am definitely going to invest in some cycling shades. I had about 50 flies land in my eyes in an hour. Nice.
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MS

Temperature in Wales on Sat and Sun: 13C. A mite chilly.
In northwest England Mon Tue: 20C.
Lakes Wed Thur: 17C
Scotland Fri Sat: not sure yet but for Wed Thur it's set to be 15C

Seems ok to me, the only thing kit-wise that might be a good idea is gloves so your little fingers don't get chilly in Wales and maybe Scotland.

Mr Waterhouse: still set for the maintenance class this evening? Please bring £50 cash.
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JW

Yes - definitely sorted for tonight barring transport issues...
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JH

Double action pump inflates on both strokes. An action i'm not unfamiliar with.

Bought some fairly skimpy gloves but they have very good padding - stumping for theory that i'm going to be incredibly hot from all the effort so comfort is what i should accomodate...

Got some waterproof cycling socks - seem to remember someone recommending those.

What's the difference between normal shades and cycling shades, apart from the obvious dashing styling differences?

New crank so far today. That was cheap!
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MS

Last night's maintenance session was fun -- we learned a lot but may not retain any of it as the bloke's housemates were smoking quite a lot of weed.

Normal shades should be fine, although maybe not ideal in dark light. Dark light -- odd phrase.

I just bought some GT85 (the cyclist's WD40), some Wet Lube (yes really), tyre levers and a chain breaking tool. Stopped short of the cable cutters as they were another £30. Toyed with the idea of waterproof covers for my shoes given the unpleasant soaking I got last week, but turned them down as they too were £30. Likewise said "sod it" to a spare tyre. Have got lots of inner tubes instead.

I will try to go and get a walking pole or two today. Shout if you want one too -- I will possibly go at about 1pm.
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JW

Good call on the tool set. I am also contemplating the socks and shades but am pleased to report the rest of my kit is working fine. Matt didn’t mention the best news: George the bike maintenance guy is the first person with any idea about these things who thinks that we will have no problem with the challenge. Bless him!

I’m OK for walking poles cheers.

I’m sorting out the van today so we can plan Friday…
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JH

Super dooper. I changed two tyres on my bike and added a few accessories over the weekend. It's not bike maintenance per se, but there were no instructions to speak of for the cycle computer so at least I know the 6 years of engineering i did at uni have paid off.

I love George.

I've got some tyre levers, a set of allen keys, and some recommended puncture patches (better and easier than an old school repair apparently). I've got 2 spare inner tubes and the tyres I got have the word Armadillo on the side which made them £5 more expensive than the ones without. I've got lube for myself - might pick up some for the bike later.

I'm suitably poled too.

Anyone think we should add the majority of these emails to the blog? We should do something to maintain it anyway...
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JW

Good call. The blog could do with some life to it. If anyone is feeling creative they could change the format too. I couldn’t be arsed…
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JH

Oh. I've saved us all some money. We no longer have mountain guides. There's a good chance we'll be ok. A 30% chance, I'd say.
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JW

Winner. I would much rather have £50 in my pocket and be dead. Only joking.