Sorry been away for a week without t'internet.  Do you still need an extra for the 'Beginner/social/we're not bothered about times just get round/where's my corkscrew?' Team?!  Don't worry if you've already found someone. 

I was thinking of doing the Ruthin merida too but only 50km.  Anyone else doing that one?

hi hetty - still hoping you'll be on the team.

 i'm not doing the ruthin one this year - i'm doing the builth wells. but i'm sure some of hour lot will be around.

glad your still up for SITS 

Hi

I've noted down the 19th in my diary for a pre-SITS meet up tester/social ride. I'll most likely me coming by train as my other half is recording with his band. 

Also, don't laugh at me riding flat pedals ! I hate the feeling of SPDs

steph c - dont worry, robinn, ads and myself all ride with flats!

we could maybe meet at hathersage or hope then if your coming on the train. 

hurrah for fellow flat pedallers !

I don't know the area at all so whatever route you prefer is good for me, I ride a hardtail so nothing that will hurt my behind too much the next day please !

i'm going to suggest the calver route - what do you think ads? then we have a great cafe at the end. its only about 12 miles and has got nothing extreme (except 'the chute' but we can go the other way!) its nearly white peak. if everyone agrees then i'll post directions. hetty are you free on the 19th.

Yey I can make the 19th.  I'll have to make my apologies to Pootle & co. for dropping out of the Cannock ride but hope they'll forgive me. It will be good to meet up with the SITS dream team riders (or should that be snooze team?!).  

Hi Steph - I bought some flat pedals a few weeks ago but so far have been too scared to try them!  I know it sounds ridiculous but I've been on SPDs for so many years that I'm worried I'll forget I'm not clipped in and do hideous shin damage that will ruin my lucrative lower-leg modelling career (not).

Hi hetty, I am scared of not being able to get out of SPDs. I've had two bad cycling accidents in the past and fear the third time will be not so lucky ! 

The 19th is good for me still, let me know where to meet you and I will sort out getting there on the train. 

hi all, sorry im going to the other ride on this weekend. I've wanted to go there for ages.

also- something thats bugging me on this thread - rant ahead:

lets get this straight, theres nothing wrong with hard tails or flat pedals they aren't inferior to full suss and spds.

rant fisnished.

ads - i'm sure you put up 19th in first place. what's other ride that is on?

i agree with you about flats - i've no intention of changing - its what suits you and your riding.

Thanks for that comment Ads, rantis how I feel too.  I've  just been unlucky and met a few snobs in the last couple of months and been made to feel like I might as well been riding a Barbie bike with stabilisers !

It makes me a bit wary of other riders in case they're the same but I have realised that most people aren't snobs. For the record I love my bike to the point of giving her a name.  And I'm excited to meet up for a ride.

Nothing wrong with flat pedals, both my hardtail and full sus have them, i use to ride with spd but feel safer and more comfortable with flats,.

hi steph, glad you understand my rant and aren't offended! im just in a bad mood today! sorry.

i've only ever met lovely people from this site so your in safe hands

sorry i can't make the 19/20 weekend but if your local to the peak - stay in touch and we could meet up midweek after work as of next week!  

ps. my bikes got a name too

Right that's it - the flatties are going on my bike (called Babs) tonight.

Ads -  if I'm fit enough by then I'll be going to Llandegla on the 20th too so might see ya there.

would the rest of us like to still meet up then? steph and hhetty?

ads are you at llandegla for whole weekend - what thread is that on. i'm a bit busy at mo so not able to check that often.

Hi th - now llandegla just on sunday i think. i could still do calver on the sat potentially.

hetty - email me your mobile number dude. babs and pash need to meet up soon fora ride

Hilda! lol

I'd like to come on the Calver ride just for the ace cafe at the end!