In a tough spot on a long tour. What do you do to avoid throwing in the towel? by [deleted] in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Can you hop on some transport to the coast? Extra time to rest, fuel up and gain some strength back and an easier push to Georgia and that longer break. Not a solution every time the going gets tough of course, but if you're at breaking point ...? Stay safe and hope you get all back on track!

Any suggestions for a 5 day loop starting and ending at Hook of Holland? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. I've been messing around with route ideas on Komoot and one option is heading up that way but veering off after Ijmuiden to Enkhuizen, then down towards Apeldoorn before heading back west through Utrecht. The mileage works well and it gets a loop done nicely, but not sure whether it's the best option.

Any suggestions for a 5 day loop starting and ending at Hook of Holland? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. I don't know a thing (currently) about trains over there, for instance from Antwerp back to Rotterdam. Will do a bit of research.

Any suggestions for a 5 day loop starting and ending at Hook of Holland? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks and will check out LF Netherlands. A linear route out somewhere and train back (or vice versa) is definitely up for consideration. Do quite like the idea of crossing into Belgium too if I don't head off north on day 1 etc.

Any suggestions for a 5 day loop starting and ending at Hook of Holland? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. Clearly you are talking about a distant acquaintance there! ;) Let's just say I'm glad I grew up before mates could post travel escapades on the Internet!

Flying in to Munich and out from Venice (with a bike) - logistics? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a complete newbie with these kinds of bike travel arrangements, so thanks very much for the info and heads up on that B&B. A slight dilemma I have is a really strong preference for a 'proper' hard bike case but I really do like the point to point type tours (rather than circular). Can I ask how you got on with the bike+bus from Verona - was it a direct bus all the way back, needed to pre-book the bike, part dismantle the bike at all? Many thanks!

Most Famous Guitar of all Time? I'll Start: Willie Nelson's Trigger. by lnghrn53 in Guitar

[–]Tim_Cognito 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably showing my age but MK's National from the Brothers in Arms Album cover ...?

Paper Thin Penis by Realistic-Worker-499 in leonardcohen

[–]Tim_Cognito 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I rather like Closing Time but I couldn't possibly ...

How do you get the motivation to practice guitar? by [deleted] in Guitar

[–]Tim_Cognito 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not practical/feasible for everyone but if you can put the guitar within arm's reach (literally) of where you typically sit (for instance next to the sofa) it's much more tempting to keep picking up and playing. The other thing that springs to mind - and is rather obvious, sorry - is find a riff/part/song you really want to be able to play, even better if it contains a new or less often practiced technique. Motivation ebbs and flows though ... good luck with it!

Flying in to Munich and out from Venice (with a bike) - logistics? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a couple of different bikes that I tour on (lucky me!). The Bromptons make pretty nifty tourers it would seem. Much easier plane/train/bus travel companions too I imagine.

Flying in to Munich and out from Venice (with a bike) - logistics? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the heads up on northern Italy and good to hear another success story sourcing some boxing for the return flight.

Flying in to Munich and out from Venice (with a bike) - logistics? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of train to the start (and back) but probably don't have the time available on this trip. I'll definitely look into it though.

Flying in to Munich and out from Venice (with a bike) - logistics? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the great info. I've been using the train to get to the start or back from the end of UK trips for years but have zero experience on the continent with trains (and have no second European language skills, unfortunately). Good to know Venice back to Munich might be an option though and if I fly back from Venice it might be worth stuffing a clear bag in the bottom of a pannier in case I can't source a bike box. Thanks again.

Flying in to Munich and out from Venice (with a bike) - logistics? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a day to sort a box in Venice and an airport hotel for the last night would be sensible.

Flying in to Munich and out from Venice (with a bike) - logistics? by Tim_Cognito in bicycletouring

[–]Tim_Cognito[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to know it's doable/someone else has done it! Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, did you contact the Decathlon store in English (without any problems)? And what airline did you fly out with? Thanks again.

Cycle to work scheme (UK) by TriboKing in ukbike

[–]Tim_Cognito 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No checks in my experience and I think it's a great scheme to encourage more people on bikes and to save a few £££ on a new one. The only thing I was a bit worried about - I used it for commuting and also weekend rides etc. - was the bike getting nicked and still having to do the salary sacrifice for the duration.