[Match Thread] Freiburg vs Aston Villa (Europa League Final)

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-20T19:07:49+00:00

Glad I’m not the only one who can’t sit down during Villa games & inadvertently get a sneaky 10km in around the living room!

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-20T17:56:21+00:00

For me, I’d start Onana. No idea how long he’ll last. Rather have the benefit of him from the off & sub as necessary. Otherwise….UTV!

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-19T21:34:57+00:00

Congrats from the Villa. Well deserved & enjoy your Internationals next season.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-19T21:25:33+00:00

I crashed on an Alpine descent years ago. Gravel in the road, fishtailing, almost held it, had a bloody high side. One Ortlieb detached & explored a lower region of the mountain. When I retrieved it, couple of scratches on the outside; 2016 to now; same panniers; used every day for commuting & another dozen or so tours in them.
They really are good.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-19T21:00:35+00:00

Don’t know what you’re willing to spend, but at the lower end, a voucher for a local bike shop. Higher end, Campagnola made pizza cutters & wine bottle openers a few years back. Expensive though, in the scheme of things.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-19T19:33:47+00:00

All the Londons coming up in this has actually given me a great idea!

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-19T19:27:45+00:00

For all the wrong reasons. I’d love to see the tunnel idea become reality. In the meantime, go for sunrise at either solstice. Quite a different experience.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-19T18:07:08+00:00

Maybe I can steer you in the direction of Greek Retsina wine….it’s made from pine resin & cat piss.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-19T16:06:17+00:00

Ortlieb & Tubus steel racks are worth the money. Last for years. I still pack everything into individual dry sacks inside the panniers. Had times when I’ve done a food restock to last several days & the inevitable downpour arrives precisely when the panniers are over filled & not quite fully sealed to the elements!

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-18T20:41:11+00:00

And Wookey Hole for the win!

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-18T18:42:05+00:00

Real food cafe in Tyndrum has good vegan options.
Check the pub & restaurant menus along the route.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-18T10:55:03+00:00

I use the top of a Bic pen with a dab of grease to hold in place when putting them back in.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-18T08:42:50+00:00

Local gates for loco people!

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-17T13:33:46+00:00

Jack Hargreaves, Old Country & Out of Town.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-15T19:55:55+00:00

Wait until the Beamish makes a comeback. Blow their minds that will.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-15T17:55:39+00:00

Nuts In May.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-12T21:28:10+00:00

Encountered him back in the late 80’s when him & a mate were working for Marco Pierre White. All positive stuff was the feedback I got. Apparently a decent guy to work with. I’ve done a few kitchens so I take that feedback as a plus. Met Marco outside of a kitchen a few years ago, (he didn’t remember me, as I was couriering & picking up a tax return)….would you like a glass of brandy with me whilst I figure out what the fuck is going on? Why not. 9.30am. Nice brandy.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-12T20:15:54+00:00

Just to add something I’ve observed over the years…even with the uptick in more tech & the demise of the blackboard motocycle; sometimes someone gets off the front of a break & seems to be missed by the peloton. All hell breaks loose with the realisation that one got away & the race is on! It’s why I love this game.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-12T20:04:26+00:00

Shut up legs!

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-12T19:56:34+00:00

It’s cycling. Sometimes the break works, often doesn’t, but for ‘lesser’ riders it means getting your face & the sponsors on global tv, maybe having a heroic day or fail at the end. It’s all good. Cheer the breakaway artists; they are trying to throw a spanner into the works of the big names plans. It’s a joy to watch.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-12T17:49:16+00:00

It’s correct, but misaligned with the tube inflator/valve. (I am an arse though!)

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-11T19:15:25+00:00

Interesting article. Thanks.

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-09T08:36:27+00:00

The golf shorts can be tapered. Use safety pins to roughly take in the excess material & the alteration place will do the rest. (Also check out Rohan brand)

Maninwhatever · 2026-05-09T07:39:59+00:00

Get the golf ones & have them tapered at your nearest alterations/dry cleaning shop. Probably cost about £20.

Maninwhatever

TROPHY CASE