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The tracker isn't showing Nelson Trees position, I'd estimate he's currently within 10 miles of Croik.
Thanks for the update epicyclo!
Out of interest, has anyone devised a lazy-southern-softy-keyboard-jockey version using B&B/hostels over 6 days or so? 🙂
twowheels
Out of interest, has anyone devised a lazy-southern-softy-keyboard-jockey version using B&B/hostels over 6 days or so?
I'd be interested too. Too old to lie on the ground with only a a bit of nylon between me and the elements. 🙂
Practically speaking I think it would be difficult because a lot of the route is remote and you cover large distances between civilised facilities, so you still need fitness to maintain sufficient speed to get there before bedtime.
The problem being if conditions slow you down, you're then out in the weather and maybe overnighted without the bivvy gear.
Practically speaking I think it would be difficult because a lot of the route is remote and you cover large distances between civilised facilities, so you still need fitness to maintain sufficient speed to get there before bedtime.
The problem being if conditions slow you down, you’re then out in the weather and maybe overnighted without the bivvy gear.
I suppose you've got two options, take a lot of gear and be comfortable but slow. Or take similar gear to the racers (which isn't much) but aim to sleep in accomodation so you're not as uncomfortable, and baring really unforeseen circumstances will keep you uncomfortably alive and able to ride the next day.
Postie rich just posted on FB that he’s scratched
Markus and Jenny should be hitting Croik about now.
What happens with Nelson Trees who's either lost his tracker, or it's not working? Does his effort count?
Isla Rowntree isn’t showing either
Houns - Islabike IG says that Isla broke her ankle in the run up to HT550 so currently recuperating.
Ah thanks, missed that
The rate of refresh suggests there's lots of cloud cover out west hindering the trackers.
Or the Oykel Bridge Hotel cuisine is fabulous... 🙂
It's finally stopped raining on the west coast. Brighter skies moving in. This could be a race of 2 halves!
What happens with Nelson Trees who’s either lost his tracker, or it’s not working? Does his effort count?
The tracker doesn't matter fir that. Participants will submit a GPX file to "prove" they've stayed on the route. The trackers can't be relied upon to provide that level of detail.
Check out that hound! And those smiling faces of people riding bikes in the rain!
Shame about the awful weather and fingers crossed it changes for the better. Good luck to all.
@thisisnotaspoon, @epicyclo - yes, good point- bivvy and sleeping bag for emergencies.
Here's my first idea for 7 days and tbh I'd consider some pretty tough even with proper bed, meals and not carrying much! Maybe better to stretch it to 8 to make sure it's actually a holiday 🙂
0) Crianlarich hostel (0m)
1) Fort Augustus hostel (100m)
2) Oykel Bridge hotel (cheap room) (100m)
3) Achmelvic Hostel (90m)
4) Forest Way hostel (55m), https://independenthostels.co.uk/members/forestway/ (short day to prepare for Fisherfield)
5) Torridon hostel (60m)
6) Fort Augustus hostel again (90m)
7) Finish and train home (75m)
Probably £160-175 total for accommodation.
Might be a bit drier and warmer tomorrow in the west.
scotroutes
Participants will submit a GPX file to “prove” they’ve stayed on the route.
So if you wanted to go into stealth mode, not having a tracker would be handy because the opposition don't know where you are... 🙂
By heck. There are going to be some interesting stories from this one.
dots are nice but those photos are great 🙂
Interesting. Keep the updates coming thanks.
There's a regular train of retired riders heading down the Great Glen at the moment.
And only 2 of the women still racing.
Liam and Ben in Kylesku Hotel?
@thisisnotaspoon @epicyclo I rode the southern two loops in seven days in good weather last year (bivying). I was riding for fun, not racing, but those were long days and I reckon most would need at least another day to make the whole thing a tough tour rather than an endurance test, whether you’re staying in accommodation or not. YMMV.
Cheezpleez, I would want to enjoy it, so unlikely to take less than 2 weeks 🙂
There's 3 riders who have either gone off piste/retired, or they're stopped at the inn at Loch Glascarnoch.
Looks like the race is on.
4 riders within striking distance of Liam Glen now.
Jenny Graham hasn't moved since last night. Hopefully she's just resting.
How's the weather looking - and how are the rivers...?
Weather looking much better, but there are mountain ranges between here and where the riders are now. The west coast is usually wetter.
Jenny Graham is on the move again.
Who is this then?
That would Alan Parkinsons bike.
I suspect James Hayden will have a very strong finish. If in touch after Torridon, he could make up a lot of ground.
I wonder what Jenny is thinking about the Fisherfield river crossing. It's likely to be deeeeeep.
Go on JG!
JH has a very slow bit coming up while LG is on decent tracks.
@epicyclo - "Or the Oykel Bridge Hotel cuisine is fabulous… 🙂"
I've stayed there on an overnighter. It's belting! All you can eat buffets for hungry outdoor types..
Fisherfield is looming up, and it looks like the race is on...
Liam now well off-route. Can't see what he'd be aiming for as there's no accommodation or shop along that road.
...odd move that one, he'll soon be flying down to Braemore Junction. Maybe he wants to do the coffin road again!
I think that's the allowable long option to avoiding Fisherfield. It may be a smart move.
From HT550 site:
One route alternate is available to avoid a potentially dangerous river crossing in Fisherfield. If you arrive at this crossing and feel that it is too dangerous to cross, you may back track to the road and go via the coast to Poolewe. This will be a significant time penalty. There is no limit on the depth of the river, and it is up to the individual. Make wise and safe choices for yourself, regardless whether ten people have crossed before you.
EDIT: Oops! He's heading for Ullapool by the look of it.
So, he's left something in Ullapool???
So, for those more informed on this race than me, how do the second 275 miles compare to the first? Obviously fatigue may be an issue, but, is the second half deemed easier, harder or just the same?
I think that’s the allowable long option to avoiding Fisherfield. It may be a smart move.
To be clear; in previous HT550 group starts, Alan has made it clear that not crossing the Abhainn Strath na Sealga is a DQ.
We're about to find out how crossable it is. 🙂
Dustin Eroh is very close.
Any word where Nelson Trees is?
So, for those more informed on this race than me, how do the second 275 miles compare to the first? Obviously fatigue may be an issue, but, is the second half deemed easier, harder or just the same?
The 2nd half includes Fiisherfield (river crossing and rough terrain), Torridon (awesome riding but tiring with a full pack) and the Kintail entrance to Glen Affric. Other than those, I'd say it's more straightforward than the first half. Fewer river crossings for one.
Cheers.
Liam Glen has scratched.
Dustin's crossed Fishersfield.
qwerty
Liam Glen has scratched.
Shame after such a strong effort.
We now have our answer to whether the river at Fisherfield is crossable or not.