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A quick one for the mechanical minded out there do you tension your chain with the bike up on the paddock stand or with the weight of the bike resting on the wheels? Iv'e never really known and the workshop manuals never specify a method.

I do it on a work stand

My bikes have snail cams, so really easy (anyone remember them )

Then check it when I'm sat on it to make sure it's not too tight

I set it on the slacker side of maker recommendations

Sit on it preferably kitted both wheels on the floor and check the free play is to spec and when correct put it on your stand and measure the free play now which will now be more, note the figure and this is now your setting figure when on the stand. Don't forget to rotate and check at tightest point.
Hope this helps.

Your not alone Johnnyboxer mine has snail cams

Rotate the wheel on a stand until you find the tightest point is least chain slackness. The rear axel is at its farthest point from the engine sprocket when you compress the rear suspension to the point you can form a straight line through the center of the engine sprocket / swinging arm pivot / rear axel. The chain should not be tight at this position adjust too have a little slack in it. Put it back on a stand and measure the slack. As Bill MC said in the future just find the tightest point put it on the stand and adjust back to the measured value.

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I'm surprised that your bike handbook does not explain how to adjust the chain.

Don't forget after you have adjusted your chain to check that your wheel alignment is correct.

Can't beat them, can you

Is there a special cleaning product to get rid of the slimy residue they leave behind?

Rod

Sorry Rod you have misunderstood Snail Cam is like Go Pro but for very slow riders, editing is not required as all your shots are in slow motion
The slimy residue is chain lube as it never moves fast enough to be flung off
Hope this helps you understand this complex subject

Thanks for taking the time to further my education Bill, just as I pressed the "submit" button, there was a doubt in my mind as to whether it was snails or slugs that left the slimy residue....maybe both?

My chain lube is old engine oil, dispensed from a from a small bottle whilst on the move.....that is flung off everywhere, keeps the rust at bay though

Rod

And, if you are leading a run it's a good "breadcrumb trail"!