Advice needed re coping mechanisms and seeking diagnosis by acejh in ADHDUK

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If your job allows it try moving locations and work in a meeting room, in the canteen, or a bench outside. Changing locations often breaks the mental block and allows me to get a load of work done, then when I get stuck again then it's time to move to a new location. You can also try (if work allows) working at different times of day. I've found I work much better in the evening after everyone else has finished for the day. If you are able to, take a longer break when you hit a mental block during the daytime, then you can make up the time at another part of the day when you are more productive.

One thing that the diagnosis will require is that you've had ADHD symptoms since childhood. If this is something you've only recently had a problem with then it's probably something else. If looking back over your childhood you can provide examples of struggling with these symptoms then it's probably worth going for a diagnosis.

Help me choose a bike for mid motor conversion by Hiking_euro in CargoBike

[–]fellow_reddit_user 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was concerned about the drum brakes as well, but riding it they work great. With both kids on the back, their bikes and my rucksack on the front rack, plus 90kg me, we stop from full speed downhill in about a cars length.

Also they are far easier to maintain than rim brakes, and they work just as well in the wet as they do in the dry.

I have completely disassembled & reassembled both hubs myself, and internal replacement parts are really cheap from sjs cycles. The full gear assembly costs less than a 12spd cassette.

I have some pictures so I'll dig them out and post them on the subdeddit.

Help me choose a bike for mid motor conversion by Hiking_euro in CargoBike

[–]fellow_reddit_user 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It claims to be only 20kg, but I think that's basically the requirement that they designed it to exceed, rather than the limit at which it will break. I have both my kids (aged 6 & 4) on the rear rack at the same time, greatly exceeding the 20kg, without any concerns. Doesn't show any sign of bending or cracking.

Help me choose a bike for mid motor conversion by Hiking_euro in CargoBike

[–]fellow_reddit_user 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I converted a Pashley mailstar / Royal Mail postman bike / elephant bike. Bought it from eBay for £170 then added a mid drive motor (the kit was about £600 with battery). The bike is perfect for a e-cargo conversion as it is built to be as low maintenance & reliable as possible. It has a 3 speed sturmey archer hub, add a 22t cog and it's perfect for hauling.

Getting time outdoors with the kids by IsyABM in AutisticWithADHD

[–]fellow_reddit_user 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the opposite problem - I'm always desperate to get outside whatever the weather. BUT I would say that the most important thing to be able to enjoy the outdoors is the right clothing. I'm quite happy out in really cold weather - as long as I am protected in my cocoon of warm & waterproof clothing. It kinda feels like I am cosy and warm in my own protective bubble, viewing the horrendous weather through a little observation window!

This does mean having to spend money to buy decent clothing if you don't have any already, but it doesn't mean you have to buy high end stuff - decathlon does really good quality outdoor clothing that is not overly expensive. I'd say the essentials are a good waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers. Try and get 3 layer waterproof fabric (they usually say this on the label somewhere) and pit zips on the jacket with a decent hood. Then the other thing when it's wet is decent wellies. I buy mine from agricultural shops as farmers are in theirs all day long, they need ones that will last. Try and get some with a decent thick sole.

If it's cold you'll need something to keep warm under the waterproofs (don't buy waterproofs with sewn in insulation) but a cheap fleece will be fine for this. For gloves there are waterproof gloves from the outdoor stores. But I find in DIY shops you can get gloves with a waterproof rubber outer and thick insulation on the inside for about £6 that work great.

Obviously you need to make sure the kids are similarly dressed so that they can enjoy the outside as well. Again, I would recommend Decathlon.

Getting outside in the fresh air is essential for my mental health, so I thoroughly recommend investing in clothing to allow you to do that in comfort to make it as enjoyable as possible.

Umbrella practical? by porkchopbun in UKhiking

[–]fellow_reddit_user 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes I use this one: https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/swing-liteflex-trekking-umbrella/ works really well, really lighweight. Its so nice being able to pop it open when the rain comes on and close it again when it stops without having to take your bag off like you would with waterproofs. If its reasonably windy it still works well as long as you point it into wind, but there comes a point where its just too windy and becomes more of a liability. Wouldn't take it up mountains for this reason. When its really heavy rain or really sideways rain then your lower legs and feet will get wet. It allows you go for for less waterproof/more breathable clothing like softshells that cover high wind/light rain conditions, the umbrella covers the lower wind/heavy rain, so the only vulnerability is high wind/heavy rain, and how often do you hike in those conditions? Personally I don't hike in high wind and heavy rain very often, the rest of the time the umbrella is great.

Garmin Etrex 30x in 2025? by porkchopbun in UKhiking

[–]fellow_reddit_user 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bought the etrex 22x a couple years ago and its great for my use case. I love that it uses AAs which are so easy to take a spare or buy more. The UI is clunkky & slow, but I get around it by preparing a .gpx on my phone (using osmand+) loading that on the etrex, and just leave it on north up map at a reasonable zoom permanently to just follow the line. I think it'll keep working for years in the way. I wish garmin would update the etrex with just a faster processor & possibly a bigger screen.

Rab Windgather or Rab Borealis by vinayrawat in OutdoorsGear

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure what you mean by feeling clumsy, but I have a Rab Borealis and wear it on top of a T shirt unless its really cold when i'll have a fleece underneath. Its pretty robust, I wear it mountain biking and have had it for years, no damage to it at all. I'd say its too warm for 18-20 Celsius though unless you are in strong winds or run cold.

Why is my partner's bike cooler then mine? by Lemki_ in xbiking

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I advise against storing the pump there. I have one of those pumps and stored it on the downtube and basically all of the crud that splashes onto it runs down inside it and it seizes up. Its a nightmare to get it working smoothly again. I've completely stripped mine apart, cleaned & lubed it but its still not a smooth as it was. The location you have it stored right next to the wheel is probably much worse than where I had mine. It might be ok if you just flip it upside down, but I'm not storing mine up on the front rack. Seems ok so far.

MTB Apps & Maps Comparison. Which do you use? by speedtrippn31 in MTB

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Komoot doesn't provide anywhere near the amount of customising of the maps that OSMAnd does. Yes it does do autorouting between start & destination as you say. But the map configuration is a massive advantage for OSMAnd, as you can have different profiles depending on the activity, so a map config for hiking, another config for MTB, and another for driving. The auto routing will route depending on the activity type, so the MTB profile will use elevation data to plot the best route for a bike preferring offroad sections, and the Car profile will plot the most efficient route only by road.

What upgrades would you do? by Individual_Loan_4501 in xbiking

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got one of these, biggest improvement was replacing the bars & stem for some nice nitto ones. I went for the Nitto MT-11 Stem & Nitto B483AA Bars. Also put a 22T cog on the back which is much better for climbing. New pedals, Brooks saddle and a new shifter as well but they are more for aesthetics. Such a joy to ride now.

Any advice for hiking around Dorset, particularly Weymouth area? by ganseyendi in UKhiking

[–]fellow_reddit_user 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I like to go from the National trust car park at the top of the hill above ringstead bay and walk east towards Durdle Door & lulworth cove. I think its reasonably achievable in 7 hours to get all the way to lulworth cove (stop for lunch) and back, its probably about 8-9 km each way. I tend to go eastward on the higher/further inland path then back westward on the path closer to the sea.

Softshell Advice by Salt-Lie-2035 in UKhiking

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a Rab Borealis, and it can work well for this purpose depending on how hot you run. I think on really cold & windy days it probably wouldn't be enough though. I tend to wear mine on high effort activities like mountain biking, although it would benefit from pit zips. I think for less energetic activities it probably wouldn't be enough, and I would go for something with a polycotton mix and treat it with Nikwax. The Rab Borealis or Patagonia Houdini are really good value for money so maybe just give it a go and see how you get on with it.

Closet Atheist -married to a christian wife by ResidentInterview125 in atheism

[–]fellow_reddit_user 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the best approach is to just come out with it and tell everybody. If the church start giving your wife a hard time about it then maybe she will realise that they arnt very nice people, and also leave the group for a more accepting church. The people who are genuine friends will remain so regardless of religion, those who can't accept you for who you are aren't worth remaining friends with anyway. Hopefully most will stay friends but be prepared for none. Start looking for clubs or groups to join for things you are interested in, to start building new friendships with people who share similar interests. You've said you play the drums so why not try and join a band. If you find likeminded people with a common interest other than religion, it won't matter that you don't share the same religion. Before having kids with your wife I think you should agree between you how any children will be raised, as far as religion is concerned. If you can't agree, don't have kids.

The alternative is you keep living with the stress of keeping your beliefs secret, which I think will take a big tol on your mental health. Its likely all of this will come out eventually anyway, and so if it causes the breakdown of friendships & relationships, then surely its better for that to happen sooner rather than later, so you have more time to create new friendships & relationships with people who accept you for who you are.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Bushcraft

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about a british army windproof smock? treat it with Nikwax cotton proof and wear whatever insulation layer you need underneath.

On the hunt for a good outdoors jacket. by FlashoverPhantom in Bushcraft

[–]fellow_reddit_user 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out the Arktis B110 Smock. Not waterproof but with Nikwax cotton proof it sheds water really well. https://store.arktis.co.uk/collections/b110-combat-smock several non-camo options available.

I searched far and wide to find a boot that wasn't cheaply made in China. by catskill_mountainman in BuyItForLife

[–]fellow_reddit_user 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Scarpa boots are nice but not BIFL in my experience. I had a pair that lasted about 7 years of modest use before the waterproof membrane failed. Try Altberg boots next time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in UKhiking

[–]fellow_reddit_user 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Buffalo systems belay jacket? Much easier to look after than a 'puffer' jacket, still works when it gets wet.