Mid-Essex Mid-Week Nocturnal Series

[Nick]

Nice, thanks, all and probably be there between 8.00 and 8.30 then as I am still at work!

See you later!

[huggy]

Don't wait for me at the RBT, don't think I'm going to make it

[Oscar's dad]

Don't wait for me at the RBT, don't think I'm going to make it

Colonials?  Would it help if we kidnapped you?

[huggy]

Colonials
Not sure kidnapping would help at this juncture, I've not even been to the shed to check the bike still has two wheels and a chain, or anything else for that matter

[Oaky]

Hello lovely people, how about we celebrate Spring having started and the clocks about to be changing, with a follow-up event at chief’s gaff? Perhaps Friday the 25th March?:

•   Arrival at the Chequers, Great Tey any time ready for curry and a naan bread that will be served at 8pm
•   A few light refreshments before cycling back to my place for around 10PM (ish) - it's about a 10-15 minute ride
•   Tent setup and fire will be lit – I’ll provide seating for everyone
•   ~1 cubic foot of Pizzas/garlic bread will be served for late night munchies
•   Drinks into the night
•   Head-off by mid-morning to start the weekend

Facilities are in the process of being upgraded with such luxuries as a lav’ light and an on-demand hot water tap.

Bring anything you’d like to drink for the evening but I’ll also put on a couple of ales – likely from the Mighty Oak Brewing company

Donation of £6 each toward the chicken curry and naan at the Chequers would be greatly appreciated.  They will also put on a veggie option but please let me know before hand.  Further dietary requirements need to be organised directly - can always order straight off the menu

If you could let me know numbers that would be great 

Cracking time last time, sure it will be the same this time

 

[josser]

People mentioned the Cats for this week? (Don't mean to be taking over the forward planning, but will probably be working Wednesday nights permanently from the 23rd March  )

[Oscar's dad]

People mentioned the Cats for this week? (Don't mean to be taking over the forward planning, but will probably be working Wednesday nights permanently from the 23rd March  )

I could be around this week and The Cats always works for me.  Good Old Wally!

[jiberjaber]

I'm in York this week (well if I can get any fuel I will be!  )

[Tomsk]

The Cats works for me. 

[Carlosfandango]

There is the best Grim King you'll ever taste at the Cats. It would be lovely to see Wally again. Not sure about the doll's House decor, but I'm in.

[Nick]

Sorry, not out this week🥲 Have a good one!

[Oscar's dad]

Change of plan, I'm staying home.

[huggy]

Change of plan, I'm staying home.

I suddenly have an attack of high CBA too. See some of you on Saturday!

[Carlosfandango]

Change of plan, I'm staying home.

You chose the pub!

I think you deserve a special "hard as nails" award.

[Toby's Dad]

Off to Paris for the weekend, so not out tonight or for Horsepower. Have fun if you are riding!

[josser]

As the "interimming" forward planning officer, can I suggest the Queen's Head, Boreham this week?

[JellyLegs]

Sounds good to me, I will ask the boss for a permission slip.

[Oscar's dad]

I'm away, Rochdale 

[jiberjaber]

I'm at home but in plague house but no positive test for me yet, not sure I'll make it on that basis, still feels a bit uncomfortable to head out knowing it's in the house and I could flip to positive any time

[Tomsk]

I'm at home but in plague house but no positive test for me yet, not sure I'll make it on that basis, still feels a bit uncomfortable to head out knowing it's in the house and I could flip to positive any time

  Ann is testing regularly having been in contact. Not sure if I should be out this week really ...

[BFC]

I will be out to play, tested yesterday (passed) following exposure to the masses of cyclists at Dunmow and the petrolheads at Snetterton.

A few locals have tested positive - common link seems to be exposure to children or the NHS!

[huggy]

I was LFT'ing daily leading up to, including morning of, before going to Dunmow because Laura is currently enjoying a visit from the C-19 virus, so far I am my usual negative self. However, I have developed a regular common cold that has me coughing and the snot factory is in full production.
I am therefore highly unlikely to be out this week, again, so as to not share my infection with you.

[Nick]

Not out this week as bike in pieces doing new brake pads and cables. Might do the gear cables as well.

While on the subject of maintenance, does this river of rusty stuff mean my head bearings need replacing?

[josser]

Not out this week as bike in pieces doing new brake pads and cables. Might do the gear cables as well.

While on the subject of maintenance, does this river of rusty stuff mean my head bearings need replacing?

Doesn’t look very pretty, but your headset might be ok - if there’s any knocking when you rock the bike back and forth with the front brake on, it’s not so good. It might be that water has got in between you steerer tube and head tube. Best to take apart, clean it up and regrease. But if there’s knocking and movement with the test above, time to change the headset. Though it could also mean that your headset cap isn’t screwed down tight enough! BFC will be along in a sec to give you the correct instructions…

[BFC]

Not out this week as bike in pieces doing new brake pads and cables. Might do the gear cables as well.

While on the subject of maintenance, does this river of rusty stuff mean my head bearings need replacing?

Doesn’t look very pretty, but your headset might be ok - if there’s any knocking when you rock the bike back and forth with the front brake on, it’s not so good. It might be that water has got in between you steerer tube and head tube. Best to take apart, clean it up and regrease. But if there’s knocking and movement with the test above, time to change the headset. Though it could also mean that your headset cap isn’t screwed down tight enough! BFC will be along in a sec to give you the correct instructions…

Strip the headset, it is an integrated type of which there are "a few" options/versions. It is probable that water has gone into the bearing assemblies, flushing and re greasing may work but it is probable that the steering will become "indexed".
Identify the headset variant whilst it is apart, there are some differences in bearing OD for the 1 1/8" formats but also two options of cup angle (36 or 45), check both bearings - some variants had different angled seats top/bottom. Bearings may be marked with an industry standard code.
Consider trying to source a stainless steel variant if buying a replacement.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/headsets.html

and a fairly thorough listing of cartridge bearing replacements

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/Cycling-/-Biking-Bike-Bearings-Cycle-Bearings/c5409_5413_7218/index.html?selection=Angular+Contact+Headset+Ball+Bearings