Hobbsurf

Drum roll..................... Russ

Normally no problems, last 72 hours have been awful. Googled EE Down & it looks bad. Really fed up with it. Anyone else been hit? Russ

Julia Many thanks for your information and introducing yourself. Russ

Used to smoke, been off for 5 years & @ nearly £10 / pack I'm more than happy to stay off. Russ

Taking this thread a bit off (but not totally) - I'm struggling with occasional skin irritation around the eyes, normally after a glove wearing sweaty paw wipe across the face with the glove covered in oil & pigeon crap. If I get sawdust in the eye when this flare up is happening - f**k it hurts. Those goggles look good, but other than "don't wipe your face with minging gloves you prat" any other tips? Russ

I grew up 3 miles from Silverstone & his time was when I was a teen helping out on the track & painting the Marlboro chicanes pre big races. The Marlboro Girls with the 70's swimsuit look "stirred my loins"........ Pre H&S / Hyper security days, the pit lane was totally open and you could literally walk along with the guys doing the real stuff as if you were part of it. Good times. Russ

Did a job for this guy today: Mick Grant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Real legend. 7 times TT Winner and sparring / rival with Barry Sheene. Couldn't meet a nicer chap, very unassuming but happy to chat about his time. In his 70's but still competing in Trials events!!!!!!!! Who you got? Russ

I'm 20 hours in on my new GM Arb 130. No complaints at all, if it's just you & a groundy it will work at your pace all day. Looked at the TW 125 and it doesn't come close. Russ

I'm with the Slime Mould - slippery as ice underfoot. Russ

Hey Paul Loving the Bull Terrier. We used to look after Lola next door who was gorgeous Russ

Look at this another way The 50% sum is going to be considerable (I assume). If that was given as a one off donation to the RBL without the film, most people would think ''well done Sainsburys''. The fact the film is fronting the donation obviously has a mixed reaction but it wasn't really product placement which is you what you get with John Lewis & M&S at this time of year. The film bought a lump to my throat, which is what the makers intended of course but I didn't suddenly think ''F**k you Sainsburys for trying to make money on the back of the fallen''. My thought were more ''Good film which will make money for a much needed Charity''. This year was different being the 1914 Anniversary, but the RBL normally only get one week a year to make a request for donations. In this country the term ''Charity Fatigue'' is often used. So many well deserving causes asking for your money - we all see the mix of the TV coverage for Children in Need every year with a massive campaign via the BBC both on TV & Radio, mixed with the latest world crisis asking for help - it never seems to end. I support the RBL as ex serving RAF Regt. The Help For Heroes Charity whilst amazing has taken some of that limited public donation away from the RBL - if only they could amalgamate and work together but that's another story. So many similar charities all doing similar things but not quite meeting in the middle, it happens all the time. So what am I saying? ''In this 100th year of the 1914 Anniversary, if the RBL get a chance to get more money than normal in this charity fatigued country - well done Sainsburys, nice film''. Russ

Thanks for the feedback & look forward to more details. Russ

I was thinking beer mats......I'd do them myself so the "wrap my conker in bubble wrap" brigade couldn't touch me. Russ

There's me hoping for a new fizzy wine......... If that's your first go - well done and keep going. Russ

What he said. How & why are for another time - just well done guys & girls and respect to you all - fallen & standing. Russ

Standard PR marketing campaign - don't take it personally, it's business. Not clear from your post if it was directed just to you or a generic mailing? Either way, mailing postcodes in your area is a method of business, if you have the budget. Russ

Craig Missed your post so apologies in the delay in getting back. I call you out again, 3rd party or homespun repairs making the integrity of a chainsaw trouser void from claim? (If one ever had to). So every Arb walking around in repaired trousers is wearing PPE that's void? Here's your £200 pants sir, but mind you don't rip them. Real world? Declare your sources please......? Russ

So it's ok to enter into a commercial agreement as a advertised professional outfit with full insurance la da la WITHOUT A BACKUP CLIMBER & PROPER GEAR............? White transit tipper, with no livery & jeans as PPE spring to mind. Come on fellas? Russ

Sthil Brushcutters - waterproof on front, hard wearing, shin guards are available to slide in but tbh cutting out a camping carrymat (cheap) works just as well. Big bonus - ventilation zips on back of upper leg. Got two pairs & love em. Will take thorn no problems. Russ

Sorry fella - Its Top Trump Card / Eat Your Hat Time / Your Talking Bo##ocks PM me for a reality check & stop being a silly billy. Very best regards Russ

YUCK - Middle aged cyclists & lyrca, it's not nice! (Doesn't matter how far you go distance wise either) At least wetsuits give more of a man shape - unless you've really lost the plot and go windsurfing or something as equally ghey....... :-) Russ

I assume that's a bit of satire - if not "Really?" & get a life. I'm ready to send the Lady my (washed) pants. Russ

Is this service mentioned by the OP up and running? If not, anyone else out there? Thanks Russ

Big Employee v Employer misunderstanding and PPE issue of kit here with this post / thread IMO. Nice to see new gear, but some uninitiated see this as a stylish shortcut which could impact on the safety parameters already in place. Russ

Hey fella. Good luck with the new life - I know that part of land fairly well from a Kitesurfer point of view - Love Anglesey & N Wales from a water and land perspective. Get in with the local group's via showing your mettle on a occasional "hey, try me for free for a day" and if you like me lets talk. Russ