Tell us about your weekend ride

I recall that bit of Catch 22. You have to phone Scotrail or whatever they might be called as train booking sites don't offer the facility to book bikes from the far north.

That is whT I did anyway when I was ret6from my LEJoG many years ago.

Yeah, they're helpful on the phone but if you're there in peak season you're gonna need to book well in advance or have a very large window so you can take other train options. Even we didn't get our first train choice on the way back in first week Oct, even though we only saw 2 other pairs doing the ATM trail - I guess there's lots of MTBers doing day trips that we don't see.

Ouch. Did you have to walk all the way back?

Of course not.
I also hopped, skipped & jumped.
Twas only about 10 miles.

Just did my longest ride ever.
Big thanks to the forum as going from fixed comuter, to exploring cycling and getting hooked on cycling braving the lycra-gears and crabon.
Bath to Buckingham on the Foss way at the start. Ancient Road.

Looks quite nice. Almost nice enough to leave the house... almost.

Was quite nice 😉

cycled up every hill south of shawlands today - lovely stuff. came across the lanarkshire and renfrewshire hunt at one point in a back lane too - xunts. saw sabs out trying to fsck them up though so took some solace from that.

turned a corner and there were three of them on horses in full hunt regalia - said "aw here we go" as I clocked them and they were like "what d'you mean here we go" as they slowed down to try confront me. um... do you think what you do is popular lads? cos I've got bad news for you

They killed a fox today infront of sabs in question

Actual picture of my feet after 30 miles in the Peaks this morning. Please someone recommend some warm cycling socks, my feet are dying.

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Inov8 100% merino running socks are the only thing that have ever been close to keeping my Renaud's addled feet warm on a bike. (A close second would be Icebreaker merino hiking socks).

I will try, thank you. I have nothing to lose but my toes.

I like woolie boolies

What shoes do you have?

Proper winter boots make more difference than funky socks.

I use PX merino ones when it's not too cold and Woolie Boolies when it's colder. I normally just let my feet go numb though because I'm sick and midfoot didn't let me use overshoes. Now I have midfoot boots. Yay. Also had good experience with waterproof socks in Scotland but it was wetter than colder.

Just some fivetens which is next to going barefoot in terms of keeping the cold out, I know.

Set for snow next weekend so looks like it will be a long cold winter of bullshit so maybe proper winter boots is the way to go.

I wore Fiveten Freeriders in Scotland but like I said it wasn't crazy cold, maybe 2C on a couple of mornings. I've got another pair in storage that are some kind of winter version that replace the mesh with a solid panel on the front that would help

"Five Ten Freerider Elements" are the 'warmer' ones I mentioned:
https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/shoes/five-ten-freerider-elements-shoes-review

"The Five Ten Freerider Elements is a water-resistant version of the standard Freerider. No mesh panels and it’s treated with a DWR coating to repel water.

Water can still get into the top of the shoe, but it offers a bit more protection when riding through puddles and on wet trails."

Last winter I bought a pair of the Planet X 'Das Boot'. (SPD winter boot)

At £75 best bit of winter clothing I have ever purchased.

Use them with 'thinnish' socks to allow toe movement and circulation.

Just checked, they dont show on their website. Shame.

Maybe worth an enquiry. Might still have some stock languishing on the shelf.

Northwave also have winter boots but £££'s.

These are not at all expensive either, and nice & warm (buy a size larger than your usual). Don't know if there are any UK shops carrying them/if it would be a hassle ordering from NL

https://www.plutosport.nl/rogelli-artic-mountainbike-schoen-heren-040-075?channel_code=544&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhf2MBhDNARIsAKXU5GQTTLLaGsVI-YpiuzVFAzyuu7UY34tha0LPXnXSiybpuTZRVYikrYgaAtpdEALw_wcB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HANDS-Foot-Warmers-Pack-Size/dp/B009A88I6G/ref=asc_df_B009A88I6G/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309799295213&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1191474924268892938&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045880&hvtargid=pla-562823117670&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

These are the only things that have ever really worked for me to give warm feet...

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That is a nice autumn leaves picture.

Where were you riding?

South Norwich.

Oh OK I'm west of that.

It's actually a bit more south west now that I think of it. Marston Lane near Eaton.

I believe I am now in the possession of all the experience needed to create the UKs best gravel route.

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