The Highland Trail 550, 550 miles in length with over 16000m of climbing, started on Saturday morning, 22nd May, and the first finisher is already in. With some diversions in place this year, it’s not clear that this will stand as an official record time, but it is Very Fast. More impressive still, winner Liam Glen is on a singlespeed Stooge Scrambler.
Liam crossed the line in 3 days, 10 hours and 55 minutes, having led the race from the outset. Second, third and fourth place riders are much closer, though fourth-placed Josh Ibbett may just have lost touch with Andrew Hutcheson and James Hayden. Annie Le is leading the way for the women, though Emma Holgate isn’t far behind.
On hearing the news, Stooge Bikes owner, Andy Stevenson said, “Does this mean the Scrambler is now a pedigree race bike? But seriously, I’m in absolute bloody awe of Liam’s achievement, he’s a single-speed God and should be carried aloft. The fact he’s on the bike I designed for this kind of stuff is an unexpected delight. Or in proper English, I’m over the effin moon. But this is definitely about the athlete and not the bike. What an achievement!”
Of the over 60s in the race, Ian McNab is leading the way, Mike Sheldrake has scratched, but oldest rider Chris Johnstone is still going.
Joining Mike on the scratch list are 14 other riders, including organiser Alan Goldsmith. The first couple of days were pretty cold and wet, and if you weren’t feeling it or had an unlucky run on mechanicals it was tough going. For the remaining riders out there, the forecast is improving, though there’s enough water sloshing around on the ground that it’ll certainly not be ‘dry’ for some time yet.
Related Stories:
10 Bikes of the Highland Trail 550
7 More Bikes of the HT550 and how to follow them
Highland Trail 550 | 2019 ‘Epic Wet Edition’ – What Did It Take To Get Round?
Singletrack Merch
Stanley/Stella Stella Muser Bad Decisions Colour Mug
Material: 100% organic ringspun combed cotton Medium fit. Single jersey. Set-in sleeve. 1×1 rib at neck collar. Inside back neck tape in self fabric. Sleeve hem and bottom hem with wide double needle topstitch. Weight: 180 gsm. Please leave this field empty SIgn up for our newsletter: Exclusive editorial & early access…
Singletrack Sponsored Features
Scott Ransom: The Super Trail Bike
There’s a lot going on with the new Scott Ransom. But in a nutshell it is a mountain bike with 170mm of travel, progressive geometry, and a 6-bar rear suspension layout. The Scott Ransom comes with 29in wheels as standard, but if you fancy a mullet, it can be ridden…
Featured Premier Partner
Join our mailing list to receive Singletrack editorial wisdom directly in your inbox.
Each newsletter is headed up by an exclusive editorial from our team and includes stories and news you don’t want to miss.
