Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
So, me and my SO are going on a week's cycling holiday - to the Lake District!
I know, I know, we're mad. Or at least, I am. We did the Brecon Beacons last year. My SO keeps saying things like
"WHY can't we go to Norfolk?" But, there you go.
Anyway, we're staying in Tirril on 27th and 28th July, near Grasmere on 29th to 31st July, at Seascale on 1st August and Buttermere on 2nd and 3rd of August.
Given that we're only taking what will fit in 2 panniers each, I was wondering if anyone could:
i) suggest a session;
ii) lend me a fiddle; and
iii) pick us up and take us to and from the session?
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Hey, maybe, let me do some asking around... I had a friend who used to regularly attend a session, mostly fiddlers, up there, possibly Kendal area, that had its focus on Lakelands music... I'll drop them a line, and a couple of others that might be able to help, and then get back to you if I get results...
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Thanks Jack. I'll try that.
As you can imagine, if we have to get there ourselves, we will be severely limited to where we can go. After a hard day's cycling 'n' all. Unless we can get a lift, even five miles could be a strain!
I *will* try these contacts you guys have put up, though. Don't know whether I can survive a whole week without touching a fiddle ...
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Ben, when you descend the Wrynose or Hardnot be sure to stop for a while at the bottom to let your brakes cool off! (I know, I've been there!)
And, of course, you'll be using the lowest gear ratios you can lay your hands on...
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
there's a session in nether wasdale on thursday nights. Can't remember which pub but as both pubs are opposite each other it shouldn't be too hard to find which one. I've no idea as to the 'standard' cos I've never been.
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Saint, you're brilliant!
I *will* be coming back to Cork some time. I know the area reasonably well but haven't been in that particular corner of the Irish Isles for about three (or four?) years now.
Look forward to meeting you!
And Trevor - not such an idle mutt after all then?
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
County Cork is superb for biking, highly recommended, but I suspect you know that...
Nice contributions as always hounddog, I definitely got a chuckle from that, even more imagining what kind of steel framed bicycles you were lugging around 45 years ago ~ respect!
Ben, I'm just touching base. I've sent out a few inquiries but not response of any use yet. I'll add any positives here as well as sending you and email.
Being a rain lover, whatever the wheather, I'm jealous. It sounds like a great trip. We've never given the Lakes justice, in a holiday or rambling sort of way, by wheel or on foot. My work there was a commute, though sometimes based there for a short time as well, measured in days, and a few late night music-dance related moments... Mostly I could only look longingly at the contryside as I passed through it, making an occassional stop to enjoy it without worrying about driving and schedules and responsibilities, and there was the occassional stop for a meal or a brew...
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Ceol, bikes were lightweight back in those days, too. My racing bike (with gears) weighed in at just under 21 lbs, and the one I used for general riding and touring wasn't much heavier at about 23-24 lbs. All-steel frames made from butted tubing, of course, but virtually everything else on the bikes was aluminium alloy.
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
21 lbs., nice, and of course, some of the best frame makers were about then too. I keep forgetting how time flies... I had a similar frame back then too...
Ben, I'm off playing music with someone tonight that may have some ins, if he can remember them, his family is up there and he often goes up to visit and play some music. If I get any positives I'll let you know tonight, later...
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Ye Gods!
May have to cancel ... my son borrowed my bike while his is in for a service ... and I think he's written it off. First bloody time I lent it to anyone. I got it last year, it's a Trek 520 Tourer, and I loved it ... they were about to stop making them ... probably have by now ...
Oh sh*t ... miserable now
Yes, yes, my son's OK ... but what's that got to do with it?
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
I just did a search to see what a "Trek 520 Tourer" was about and only got 'vintage', and folks trying to find a value for their 'old' bike? Who makes it?
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
It's made by Trek, it was brand new last year, it's a light-weight, triple butted chrom-moly steel, 23" frame. He "fell off". (He's fine, by the way, just my bike who isn't.) First and only time I'd lent it anyobody - never again. I have now managed to get it to a bike shop, who say it will take a week or two to fix, and I think the cost will be about £300.
As I say, fairly miserable, really.
Apart from anything, if I'm going to be able to go over Hardknot and Wrynose, I need a bike to ride ... working on that one ...
You know what? This reminds me of that thread a while back about someone lending their fiddle, or guitar or something, out of the goodness of their hearts, to find it mashed when returned.
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Better news on the bike.
The bike shop are pulling out all the stops, and they have now fully tested the bike and say it IS fixable. Not only that, but, brilliant people that they are, they are going to get it done by tomorrow (Saturday) lunchtime. Can't get the original parts because, as is the way with decent quality bikes these days, the parts have been superseded. So it will be a little bit different, which is annoying, but still ...
... and £300, as I feared, to fix it (new handlebars, new gear shifters/brake levers, new cables, new top joint, new pedals). But the main thing is ...
The trip's back on!
Now, back to that question of how to get to a session/get a fiddle/etc. Saint? I think I need you to move temporarily to the Lake District!
Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
So, me and my SO are going on a week's cycling holiday - to the Lake District!
I know, I know, we're mad. Or at least, I am. We did the Brecon Beacons last year. My SO keeps saying things like
"WHY can't we go to Norfolk?" But, there you go.
Anyway, we're staying in Tirril on 27th and 28th July, near Grasmere on 29th to 31st July, at Seascale on 1st August and Buttermere on 2nd and 3rd of August.
Given that we're only taking what will fit in 2 panniers each, I was wondering if anyone could:
i) suggest a session;
ii) lend me a fiddle; and
iii) pick us up and take us to and from the session?
I told you it was a cheek ...
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
It sounds like a wonderful trip. I wish we were in the area to offer assistance...
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Thanks ceol, it'll be fantastic! Apart from maybe the day when we do Hardknot and Wrynose in the same day!
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Hey, maybe, let me do some asking around... I had a friend who used to regularly attend a session, mostly fiddlers, up there, possibly Kendal area, that had its focus on Lakelands music... I'll drop them a line, and a couple of others that might be able to help, and then get back to you if I get results...
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by ceolachan
I used to work in Cumbria...
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
What at? Beer-tasting?
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by nicholas
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Well, that was definitely part of it...
Here's something for starters Ben:
http://www.mostlyacousticcumbria.co.uk/jam.html
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Oops! ~ forgot to add the homepage:
http://www.mostlyacousticcumbria.co.uk/home.html
# Posted on June 23rd 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
There is a session at the Dungeon Ghyll Inn at Langdale, but i'm not sure when it is (could be worth a phonecall).
# Posted on June 24th 2007 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Thanks Jack. I'll try that.
As you can imagine, if we have to get there ourselves, we will be severely limited to where we can go. After a hard day's cycling 'n' all. Unless we can get a lift, even five miles could be a strain!
I *will* try these contacts you guys have put up, though. Don't know whether I can survive a whole week without touching a fiddle ...
# Posted on June 24th 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
http://www.odg.co.uk/tarriff/index.cfm?sectid=1100
This is the website for the DG, the landlord plays fiddle maybe you should contact him and explain your situation. He might have a spare !
# Posted on June 24th 2007 by flossie
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Ben, when you descend the Wrynose or Hardnot be sure to stop for a while at the bottom to let your brakes cool off! (I know, I've been there!)
And, of course, you'll be using the lowest gear ratios you can lay your hands on...
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
By “brakes” I meant the wheel rims. I’ve known them get so hot that they caused puncture repair patches on the inner tube to lift off!
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
there's a session in nether wasdale on thursday nights. Can't remember which pub but as both pubs are opposite each other it shouldn't be too hard to find which one. I've no idea as to the 'standard' cos I've never been.
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by pavlf
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
You should have come to Cork on the holidays and if you ever do I will sort i) ii) and iii)
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by Saint
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Saint, you're brilliant!
I *will* be coming back to Cork some time. I know the area reasonably well but haven't been in that particular corner of the Irish Isles for about three (or four?) years now.
Look forward to meeting you!
And Trevor - not such an idle mutt after all then?
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Thanks Ben, but my Lake District bike tour was about 45 years ago, and I wasn't quite so idle then
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
County Cork is superb for biking, highly recommended, but I suspect you know that...
Nice contributions as always hounddog, I definitely got a chuckle from that, even more imagining what kind of steel framed bicycles you were lugging around 45 years ago ~ respect!
Ben, I'm just touching base. I've sent out a few inquiries but not response of any use yet. I'll add any positives here as well as sending you and email.
Being a rain lover, whatever the wheather, I'm jealous. It sounds like a great trip. We've never given the Lakes justice, in a holiday or rambling sort of way, by wheel or on foot. My work there was a commute, though sometimes based there for a short time as well, measured in days, and a few late night music-dance related moments... Mostly I could only look longingly at the contryside as I passed through it, making an occassional stop to enjoy it without worrying about driving and schedules and responsibilities, and there was the occassional stop for a meal or a brew...
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Ceol, bikes were lightweight back in those days, too. My racing bike (with gears) weighed in at just under 21 lbs, and the one I used for general riding and touring wasn't much heavier at about 23-24 lbs. All-steel frames made from butted tubing, of course, but virtually everything else on the bikes was aluminium alloy.
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Hi. The main session in the area is at the Lamplighters in Windermere on a Wednesday. Good luck.
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by Leftheris
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
I'm really grateful for the help, support and suggestions on this so far, so thanks guys. You're the best.
... but ...
I'm beginning to feel, after the various mutual maulings on another thread, that I'm probably not worth 'rescuing away' to a session, in any case ...
As I say, a BIG thanks anyway.
# Posted on June 25th 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
21 lbs., nice, and of course, some of the best frame makers were about then too. I keep forgetting how time flies... I had a similar frame back then too...
Ben, I'm off playing music with someone tonight that may have some ins, if he can remember them, his family is up there and he often goes up to visit and play some music. If I get any positives I'll let you know tonight, later...
# Posted on June 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Ye Gods!
May have to cancel ... my son borrowed my bike while his is in for a service ... and I think he's written it off. First bloody time I lent it to anyone. I got it last year, it's a Trek 520 Tourer, and I loved it ... they were about to stop making them ... probably have by now ...
Oh sh*t ... miserable now
Yes, yes, my son's OK ... but what's that got to do with it?
# Posted on June 27th 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
What happened?
PS ~ no luck last night, sorry...
# Posted on June 27th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
I just did a search to see what a "Trek 520 Tourer" was about and only got 'vintage', and folks trying to find a value for their 'old' bike?
Who makes it?
# Posted on June 27th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
What's your frame size?
# Posted on June 27th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
It's made by Trek, it was brand new last year, it's a light-weight, triple butted chrom-moly steel, 23" frame. He "fell off". (He's fine, by the way, just my bike who isn't.) First and only time I'd lent it anyobody - never again. I have now managed to get it to a bike shop, who say it will take a week or two to fix, and I think the cost will be about £300.
As I say, fairly miserable, really.
Apart from anything, if I'm going to be able to go over Hardknot and Wrynose, I need a bike to ride ... working on that one ...
You know what? This reminds me of that thread a while back about someone lending their fiddle, or guitar or something, out of the goodness of their hearts, to find it mashed when returned.
Ah well. I'll get over it.
# Posted on June 27th 2007 by ethical blend
Re: Gosh! This is a cheek! But what are virtual friends for?
Better news on the bike.
The bike shop are pulling out all the stops, and they have now fully tested the bike and say it IS fixable. Not only that, but, brilliant people that they are, they are going to get it done by tomorrow (Saturday) lunchtime. Can't get the original parts because, as is the way with decent quality bikes these days, the parts have been superseded. So it will be a little bit different, which is annoying, but still ...
... and £300, as I feared, to fix it (new handlebars, new gear shifters/brake levers, new cables, new top joint, new pedals). But the main thing is ...
The trip's back on!
Now, back to that question of how to get to a session/get a fiddle/etc. Saint? I think I need you to move temporarily to the Lake District!
# Posted on June 29th 2007 by ethical blend