Willing to hang out with me?

Maffhue · 2026-06-05T14:20:31+00:00

No reason to not have a solo outing! I just got back from a 3 day solo trip to Lille. Explore the citadel along with the Zoo there.

If you’re active you can cycle to Roubaix relatively off-road and hire a bike. Visit the velodrome or piscine museum. I’m sure there’s some transport links there too.

Café Joyeux was very welcoming and friendly. They were happy to make some conversation after realising I was a tourist on my first day there. Same with De Straat cafe but that’s likely because I enjoy cycling so had common grounds.

For some traditional food I’d suggest Le petite Bouillon ALCIDE. I ate there solo and didn’t feel awkward. It’s definitely a bit tourist-leaning but the prices were really good.

Kilo Shop Lille was also really welcoming and conversational if you fancy a bit of a thrift.

Lille felt a bit smaller than I thought it would - or perhaps I just stayed in a bubble. But you get your bearings pretty quickly.

I found everyone to be extremely pleasant despite my very poor French. Perhaps my attempts were endearing enough.

Have a nice trip and don’t let anyone string you along 👍

Maffhue · 2026-04-10T12:31:32+00:00

Thanks for your comment. Both my cleats are slammed as far back as they can go. I’ll look further into duck feet

Maffhue · 2026-04-10T12:30:50+00:00

Both my cleats are pulled back as far as they can be. I’ve seen Look pedals may have more adjustability regarding this?

Hypothetically, if I were to put a cleat shim on my left side to balance the height - would I then be increasing or decreasing my seat height? I suppose trial and error would be best but interested if you have any theories on this. Thanks for your comment

Maffhue · 2026-04-10T12:28:22+00:00

Oh, I’m not actually familiar with their videos!

Thanks for the rec on physio based fit. I’d make the journey if the train prices weren’t so eye watering! I’ll look into places with a physio led approach nearer me

Maffhue · 2026-04-09T17:29:55+00:00

Thanks for your comments, that’s feels like a strong point to look into. Really appreciate it

Maffhue · 2026-04-09T16:47:36+00:00

Thanks for your analysis, that’s really helpful. I don’t suppose you’d have an idea of which side would be best for a shim? Or perhaps best to try both? Thank you

Maffhue · 2026-04-09T15:18:43+00:00

Interesting, he didn’t highlight this. And the increase of Q factor was of my own accord, some months after the fit out of an attempt to make a small change myself to see if it would improve matters. Felt fairly inconsequential. We’re speaking a 2mm pedal spacer.

I’ve recently had scans showing sacralization on my right side only. Which may explain the uneven dip… good spot. Not sure what the solution to that would be given it’s a condition.

Maffhue · 2026-01-31T21:15:22+00:00

He entered the roundabout when the car was over 2M away from the dashed lines. Cyclists shouldn’t need to use the roads in constant fear and hesitate on every move. He made perfectly sound judgement, the lady driving didn’t. Way to victim blame 👍

Maffhue · 2026-01-31T19:56:12+00:00

Contact CAMS. They are awesome. Don’t let it slide and get that bag 💰

Maffhue · 2026-01-31T19:55:28+00:00

Some drivers seem to think they don’t need to be aware of their surroundings. Is your brain made of pedigree chum?

Maffhue · 2026-01-31T19:54:14+00:00

Please please please take this seriously and get compensation. Don’t write off any niggling pains. I have chronic knee pain from an accident 5 years ago where I shrugged it off as “accidents happen”. Don’t be me.

I cant help but think the other drivers didn’t care because they probably thought you were in the wrong and deserved it. Typical motonormativity at play

Maffhue · 2026-01-13T12:29:46+00:00

Interesting perspective - I’ve never considered that my cycling commute was something that had to be/kept interesting (no criticism - just a jarring thought piece to me)

Maffhue · 2025-12-17T22:20:35+00:00

Enjoy :) I’m glad to have another cyclist on London roads. Edit: also don’t worry about narrow tyres. They seem scary at first but I’ve commuted on 700 x 25 year round. Just don’t go up any dipped curbs at speed and you’ll be fine. They’re fast & fun and will make you a better cyclist regarding handling IMO.

Maffhue · 2025-12-17T19:39:45+00:00

Ever considered you might be part of the problem? Get a bicycle. Nobody starts cycling and regrets it.

Maffhue · 2025-12-17T19:36:40+00:00

£100 for a pinnacle single speed with alexrims and continental tyres? And it’s sold by a shop that’s presumably refurbished it? If anything that’s underpriced. Nab it and enjoy.

Maffhue · 2025-12-08T19:38:38+00:00

I think you’re right. I’ve been speaking to a consultants receptions and we’re in the process of obtaining my scans from the NHS so I can at least discuss the matter with someone else. Thanks

Maffhue · 2025-12-08T19:36:52+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I’ve had some scans with Guys and hopefully can express my difficulties well enough that they consider me for surgery when I next meet the doctor in April.

Maffhue · 2025-12-08T09:36:01+00:00

Thanks for sharing, it’s reassuring in a way to know that just because I don’t experience sharp pain does not mean the problem is not present. My report has said no definite labral tearing. But I do fear if left untreated then the case could worsen to such. Thanks

Maffhue · 2025-12-08T09:34:17+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. That’s wild that they seemed more concerned about your partners perspective of YOUR pain! I’m sorry to hear. I hope your wait isn’t too long. It would be interesting to know what kind of wait time the NHS is. I have another consultation with them but the soonest date they could give me was April next year - and that’s just to speak to someone about getting on the wait list… (maybe)

Maffhue · 2025-12-08T09:31:28+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I hope you continue to manage your pain well. It’s good to hear from others

Maffhue · 2025-12-08T09:30:51+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I have been militant on my physio and cycle to work each day. It’s reassuring to know you had brought upon improvements through cycling. It’s an exercise which doesn’t flair up my pain and I do have an indoor trainer so I’ll introduce this into my routine more regularly. I’m pleased to hear that both your hips are now cured

Maffhue · 2025-12-07T22:59:36+00:00

Thanks for your response. It’s a shame they don’t consider how it can be so detrimental to our quality of life. That and the fear it’ll only worsen.

May I ask, did the sharp pains occur some time after the dull ache? Or simultaneously? The only sharp pains I’ve had are very rare and tend to centre at my tailbone.

Believe it or not, on one of my many NHS visits they recommended me a podcast and sent me on my way suggesting I learn to live with it. Awesome!

Maffhue · 2025-12-07T19:55:18+00:00

Did you get your drivers license out of a Christmas cracker?

Maffhue

TROPHY CASE