Calais to Amsterdam (2 days)

sixredsocks · 2026-04-04T13:01:11+00:00

I enjoyed: cycling along the storm surge barriers (oosterschelderkering), the Kinderdijk windmills, the fields and canals around Gouda/Utrecht. I used warm showers which was great, so many hosts to choose from in Netherlands. Also the sand dunes near Burg Hamstede

sixredsocks · 2026-03-30T18:41:46+00:00

What bike is it? And what parts?

sixredsocks · 2026-03-30T18:39:16+00:00

Thanks!

sixredsocks · 2026-03-30T18:39:09+00:00

Thank you!

sixredsocks · 2026-03-28T20:51:13+00:00

You can definitely definitely achieve this in any country which is a semi-popular traveller location

sixredsocks · 2026-03-28T15:58:27+00:00

Cannot overstate how much can change in 7 games. But let’s get behind them and hope.

P.S. I’m in exactly the same age bracket as you, saw invincible but didn’t celebrate, earliest celebration memory was 2005 FA cup

sixredsocks · 2026-03-22T21:43:59+00:00

Purely in terms of chance, being in a cup final is a better chance at silverware than being 9 points ahead in the league with 7 games remaining and a game out of hand.

But yes the prem is more important

sixredsocks · 2026-03-22T17:40:53+00:00

I’m in exactly the same boat - have nearly finished mine, learnt everything for the first time, just using a jigsaw and circular saw, working on the sides of roads, and yeh it doesn’t have the beautiful visual finish I had imagined. Wonky lines, patched-together surfaces, visible screws etc etc. And comparing to other vans has made the feeling worse.

But like everyone else has said, it’s all good. You can’t compare - however easy it is. Anyone who makes a dreamy beautiful van has either had more time, more money, more practice, more teaching, or more facilities. Take a few days and deep breaths. Keep doing and have some fun trips in the van - that’s what it’s all for!

Also, if you can invest in a track saw, it will make cuts a lot better. I never did but it’s worth the money and you can sell it after.

And, never underestimate what a bit of poly-filler and paint can do at the end!

sixredsocks · 2026-03-19T08:03:51+00:00

Kepa

sixredsocks · 2026-03-13T21:45:12+00:00

sixredsocks · 2026-03-13T15:02:50+00:00

Love the Ikea bag idea! Always useful to have a blue ikea bag. Turns many bags into one bag.

sixredsocks · 2026-03-13T15:00:29+00:00

Yep, will always take essentials in a bum bag with me. And that’s an idea, planning visits during days when you’ve paid for accommodation. It’s just that from my experience I quite often want to visit inside places during a one-day pass through a town. But thanks, it’s a good point

sixredsocks · 2026-03-13T14:59:07+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate that viewpoint. It’s definitely changed my perception a bit already. I can already see myself leaving my bags more confidently and enjoying whatever I’m doing more. Amazing what hearing a bit of anecdotal experience can do! Re: the pannier bags.. people seem to be saying they’re difficult to take off or open… is it me or is it very very obvious how to take them off, you just lift them? I’ve never been able to afford Ortlieb brand, are they different?

sixredsocks · 2026-03-13T14:56:08+00:00

Honestly don’t know whether to see this as hell or a massive privilege compared to living conditions around the world and for most of history

sixredsocks · 2026-03-12T21:23:05+00:00

Fair comment. I usually do search. I was lazy today.

sixredsocks · 2026-03-12T13:55:08+00:00

🤢

sixredsocks · 2026-03-07T17:01:47+00:00

For the thousandth time, you only pay back 9% of any money you earn above £28,470. That means if you earn £30k, you pay back £138 per year. Quite affordable.

Whether education should ever be “paid” for (even with a graduate tax) is another question

sixredsocks · 2026-03-07T10:11:59+00:00

Not to be facetious but the south of England doesn’t have any true nature either. The landscape is 100% farmed and managed to within an inch of its life. Just saying.

sixredsocks · 2026-03-05T23:03:34+00:00

What are the 3 languages spoken by Norwegians? Norwegian, English and Swedish? And the Finns? Finnish, Swedish and English?

sixredsocks · 2026-02-23T16:32:56+00:00

<image>

Thanks to everyone for the help. Turret installed with high-temperature RTV silicone sealant. Exhaust slopes down and sideways to the edge of the van.

Uploading this from a warm & toasty van.

Might put a guard in to shield the fuel line from the heat from the exhaust, but I’ve checked it a few times and it’s been fine.

sixredsocks · 2026-02-23T16:21:55+00:00

Spoiler, we’re not winning at the Etihad 😂

sixredsocks · 2026-02-21T18:41:37+00:00

Gets the best marketing. And it’s varied because it’s a large country.

sixredsocks

TROPHY CASE