Your Dream Place Or Country That You Would Like To Visit

[PMC]

For me it's New Zealand.  

The climate is temperate, the scenery is spectacular, it's a mountain bikers paradise, it's the middle of summer there and it's as far from damp, flat, grey and dreary Essex as it's possible to get, while still keeping your feet dry on this planet.

[PMC]

Cymric wrote:

Mare Imbrium :-)

Hmm, mountain biking on the moon, just imagine the "air" (excuse pun) you'd get in 1/6 gravity?  

Count me in :-)

[PMC]

Speelgoedmannetje wrote:

And I'm going to Scotland next week :banana:

Speel, if you're passing through Essex (as in Hoek Van Holland - Harwich ferry) then I'll buy you a pint :pint:

[PMC]

When I was about 13 and living (briefly) in Cape Town, my father took me for a drive one Friday evening along the coastal road out toward Sea Point.

The sun was going down out to sea and lights were starting to be turned on in the houses that dotted the mountainside next to the road.  

We pulled over to watch the sun set.  Behind us were the mountains silhouetted against the blue/black sky with lights glowing from windows. Above was a sky that changed in colour from dark blue, through cyan, magenta, red and finally a vivid orange around the horizon as the sun set.  The sea was glowing with what can only be described as a metallic turquoise colour.  This was accompanied by the gentle sound of the surf washing up a nearby rocky beach.

I was very nearly moved to tears by the overwhealming beauty that was all around me, and one day I hope to watch the sun set there again.

[PMC]

@Speel,

Have a good time up in Aberdeen and don't forget to say a big hello to all the regular Aberdonian posters here!

[PMC]

Cymric wrote:
@PMC

Should've realised you were into biking (your avatar is a dead giveaway). I like to bike too, unfortunately, here in the neighbourhood there is not so much suitable terrain. There is supposed to be a very nice trail through the dunes about 40 km from here with a maximum height difference of *gasp* 50 meters! (Which is really a lot according to Dutch standards.) How do you fare where you live?

@Cymric,

Yeah, as Blob pointed out sand plus chain oil makes a fantastic grinding paste, destroying your chain, rear cassette and chainrings in the process.  You also end up sinking right to the hubs in dry sand, while wasting a lot of power.

Actually the terrain in my part of Essex is probably less hilly than you describe.  There are a few decent trails around though with some nice countryside views.  The mud is a mixture of clay/sand and sticks to your frame/tyres/clothing like chewing gum to the pavement!

Glad you approve of the Hope M4 hydraulic disk brake in my avatar.  I have then fitted to my Enduro and they stop on a sixpence.

[PMC]

Cymric wrote:

PMC wrote:
Glad you approve of the Hope M4 hydraulic disk brake in my avatar.  I have then fitted to my Enduro and they stop on a sixpence.

I've been on more or less permanent lookout for decent brakes. I am quite a heavy fellow, and I don't trust the regular V-brake pads very much. Do you have experience with both?

Yep, I certainly have!

My Spesh Rockhopper was supplied with Avid rim brakes, which were the most powerful I'd tried at that point in time.  However after a winter ride when my bike got clogged with mud their shortcomings were readily apparent.

I fitted a set of Hope Mini brakes to the Rockhopper and was amazed at the difference.  They stop you on a dime in all weathers, didn't noticably wear (even during a week long session on the mountainsides of north Wales) and don't rub the rims when muddy.  Oh, and the brake fluid only needs bleeding about once every two years or so.

Even if you're a serious heavyweight, a set of Hope Minis will stop you without issue.  For my Enduro I went for M4s, which are four calliper units - purely because the Enduro is more of a downhill / freeride bike and I wanted a little extra security.  Hydraulic disks are the upgrade that made THE biggest difference to my biking enjoyment.

Oh, and as for lube the wax stuff is good but AFAIR it's only suitable for dry weather as it washes off easily.  I use it in summer though.

[PMC]

Actually, watching Saturn rise in the skies of Titan would be nice - assuming you can actually see Saturn through the thick smoggy haze...

Oh, and I'd need my thermals too at -180 degrees it's not exactly beach wear weather.

[PMC]

Calm down chaps, please!

@Tigger

According to the CIA, China is expected to eclipse the USA as the number one superpower within 15 years.  Right now, China is loaning the US billions of dollars to keep the economy afloat, and sooner or later will want to collect on that loan.  

Just where did you get the information that makes you think that the 3 gorges dam is going to collapse?  

@MDMA

China is a self proclaimed "communist" state and although they're embracing free market economics, the chinese flag and political system remain very much in the old style mould.  Communism altered irrevocably in the mid 1980s when restrictions on free trade were relaxed.  

I've nothing against the system of socialism or communism in principle, but what I have got a problem with is regiemes that pay lip service to human rights.  Myanmar is alledged to have perpetrated some appalling human rights abuses, and I remember the TV images of Tianaman Square in 1989...

The human rights abuses by the COMECON nations prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall remain my primary issue with socialism.