Yep agree - full lap
leave length as is is my opinion - Lemans - ride the fire road - stop at our pits and have a cup of coffee or 2 - couple of hundred riders will flatten it a bit 😉
Full lap, c'mon you're Scottish, can't wimp out because of a bit of snow.
another vote for full length
I guess the only limiting factor would be if emergency vehicles can't get to the strategic points for effecting rescue if necessary.
Anyone want to e-mail Strathpuffer organisers to let them know we're canvassing opinion on here?...
I think there's one or two popssibly on here already
Cullen-bay?
Anybody know what the driving conditions are like from the south?
M6, A/M74 and the A9?
we're comming upal the way from southampton leaving friday morning 😯
A9 from Perth is passable (but susceptible to drifts if it gets windy), as are the roads on from Inverness. Anything south of that I'm not sure. Lots of webcams of roads on the traffic advice sites. Have a lookie on them. There's certainly ones of the Slochd and Drummochter passes on the A9 which are the main spots that get blocked.
Just ridden the possible sortened lap.37mins and only 20-30 metres of walking.Normal puffer lap time for me 40 mins.In these conditions short lap was still tough going when of the fire road.Stray of the centre,bye bye front wheel.Decent from veiw rock was great ,hardpacked all the way to the finish and riding very fast.Spiked tyres don`t you just love em.
The roads are fine from Glasgow/Edinburgh north. Past Aviemore there was some snow on the outer lanes of the dual carriageways so overtaking was only on the normal roads unless you had a 4x4 and limited understanding of the physics involved. The only potential problems with the roads are the high winds forecasted over the next couple of days but they'll clear them very quickly if they block again. The smaller roads were fine all the way to Strathpeffer too, no real ice or snow.
That's a long drive though, good luck!
Just ridden the possible sortened lap.37mins and only 20-30 metres of walking.Normal puffer lap time for me 40 mins.In these conditions short lap was still tough going when of the fire road.Stray of the centre,bye bye front wheel.Decent from veiw rock was great ,hardpacked all the way to the finish and riding very fast.Spiked tyres don`t you just love em.
Interesting, how long would you estimate a full lap of the normal course to take in it's current state?
If they clear the fire road,stii1.1.5-2hrs as it is.however the thaw has arrived,up to3 today.Anbody remember what grass looks like.........?
A vote here for the shorter lap because:
a) better chance of getting medics/marshalls on course and not so far to take out any casualties
b) you can always do double laps to give team-mates a rest (which I know doesn't help the solos but those types usually relish anything that makes it harder)
c) small field for a 24 hour event so won't take that long for the traffic to clear
d) if conditions worsen unexpectedly you won't be spending half the night standing around the changeover area as the lap times have become a lottery, only a quarter of the night...
e) selfish reason: my radios will work better !
8) good news
yeah along drive, all 4 of us are insured to drive so will take in in turns and just try to get there asa(safely)p
cheers
Good points Helen, well presented. 🙂
Trouble with a short course for me is getting lapped over and over and......
Trouble with a short course for me is getting lapped over and over and......
And for me, it would be the increasing number of laps not matched by a commensurate decrease in the amount of time left to go...
getting lapped? I fully expect to be lapped before the end of my first lap 🙂
As for shortening the lap - I would say go with whatever is the most fun - I'd rather have to do a bit of hikabike than the whole lap be dull.
at the end of the day i dont really care - whats left of my minds getting put in a wee box and left in the pits anyway.
just wanna ride my bike and have an excuse to eat lots of food
8)just wanna ride my bike and have an excuse to eat lots of food
me too
Just back down from the course with two of the organisers. Looks like a long lap is a goer unless there is more snow in the next few days.
We were discussing the merits of clearing Vs trampling so we tried a short section trampling and after a few passes back and forth on a short section of fresh snow(equivalent to 20 - 25 people walking) it was perfectly rideable. As people then ride it, it may polish up a bit but hopefully the folks with studs on will scuff the polish off again.
There should be approx 200 people passing round on the first lap so if everyone is walking the snowy bits then this should theoretically squash it down nicely. Either that or it will be partly thawed by then and turn into a quagmire 😀
If you can get hold of studded tyres, get them!!
Hoping for a few more bodies to join in on Wednesday.
boilerplate ice 😀
Any updates as to where they are parking us all?
Another vote for shorter laps if it means more time actually riding the bike than slogging your bike around over the shoulder. A shorter lap and less walking means more consistant lap times and hopefully drier feet.
I vote long laps. It's the Puffer: it's not supposed to be easy.
Anyone with a day off tomorrow,you can turn up at the shop for 11,going out to work on the top single track.Bring a shovel and food.Any assistance would be great.
(yet) another vote for the full lap - esp if it's the same course as last year 🙂
it's supposed to be tough and us soloists won't get quite so dizzy 😀
Yes well there is "tough" and there is "event cancellation because the medics can't get on the course and the Forestry won't issue permission".
I am sure the organiser will make the right decision to ensure event goes ahead safely...
I am also sure that whatever happens it won't please everybody. I am more worried about getting up and back the A9 than the actual bike riding !!
Right, some explaining is in order i think!
1) the full lap is the right length in the dry/mud. (normal conditions)
2) the course is covered in around 15 inches of snow.
3) riding the snow yesterday revealed that actually, even although you stand on it or ride the track, its still very squashy and spongey.
4) rescue medics have to get everywhere.
5) event organisers can make a better judgement than people hundreds of miles away!
so what im saying is, leave it to the event organisers, they know best!
and dont worry, it will be tough enough!
Spanglefish website is down at the mo', must be updating it- antisipation is killing me!
by the way niterider, apparently you can only do the puffer in 45 minutes, you have something to prove!
EDIT: the site now says the event is a goer.
and i kinda hope it only uses the lower half of the track, even though it means all of our work will have been for nothing! except making our own riding easier of course!
website still not back up down here in Edinburgh. is the snow having some affect on t'internet?
Live cameras for nervous people:
[url] http://www.trafficscotland.org/lev/index.aspx [/url]
Drumochter's going to be worst. Looks OK just now. (Click on the camera icon north of Perth).
Cheers, al.
yippee! now I can even more excited - spose I should think about making ice tyres now ❗
Website he say
Forestry Commission inspected the course today, and are happy for the event to go ahead.The whole race will be on snow or icy fire roads, so Ice Tyres will be an advantage.
We've got teams digging furiously to prepare the course, so we still have to decide the final design, depending on whether we can make the whole original course rideable.
If you are nearby, and have a shovel and some spare time this week, get in touch!
One of the lads did a lap of a shorter course in 40 mins on ice tyres today, and he would normally do the full course in 45 mins in good conditions.So whatever the decision, it will be a classic Puffer!
If you are coming with a 2WD and trailer, you might be further away than usual, but we're doing our best to clear as much as possible.
Twinklydave: like you I'm worried about getting dizzy, whizzzing round in tiny little circles 😉
In truth, my Dad making it up to pick up the kids worries me a bit more.
al.
Check my lap times if you want Cullen.I know and you know my average.By the way,hope you won`t turn back half way round this year,say no more
Great news that it's going ahead!
Not so great news that one of the team has backed out now! 😡 Everyone else I've asked has said something along the lines of "Are you 'kin mad? There's no way I'm doing that"
And further bad news is that I had to tell the wife that I'd left it too late and the Ben Wyvis Hotel was fully booked 😯 I'm popular! 😀
the walling's place is nice though Barney!
anyway, Niterider, your average was fantastic at the summer puffer, and im better than i was last yeam, what with all the training i've managed in the 15 inch deep snow for the last 3 weeks. 😯
"Niterider"- Iain who was out digging on monday was wondering if you could post up a map of the shortened route that you did,
Was is just from the firetrack up to view rock, or did it encompass the quad track as well. Also, could the shortened route maybe go around the loch to extend it?
Don`t worry to much about the short course Iain ,its not set in stone yet.
nope, its set in snow 😛
BTW, can anyone point me at a decent Contin trail map? Google doesn't seem to know.
And for the chap lacking accommodation for his wife: that was me last year. We booked with Tony at Coul Holiday Cottages, which was *absuloutely*lovely*. We've got one of Tony's cottages again this year. Can't recommend highly enough. Tony's on 07966131842 - you may be lucky!
[url] http://www.coulholidaycottages.com/ [/url]
Cheers, al.
[url= http://www.laterooms.com/en/hotel-reservations/89841_tulloch-castle-dingwall-nr-inverness.aspx ]room at the castle[/url]
I've booked a room here for Friday night, looks like they have some left
The road north of aviemore hasnt been good for a month. today was the best day so far with a fairly clear road but dont get cocky. the windblown snow in places you werent expecting (bridge over the findhorn at Tomatin) can appear from nowhere so if you are driving up in the eve when the slush is starting to freeze and you hit the bridge at 70mph.. and find the snow all over the road, good luck trying to scrub the speed on one of the most icy parts of the A9! just take it easy.
By the way, anyone heading up north to this race without a shovel has forgotten one really important tool.not just for emergencies you might have on the road,but once you get there it will probably end up being yer best friend.
A plastic snow shovel sells for 15 quid. try and get one back home as the local store sold 60 in 1 hour and the other hardware store sold 400 in 1 hour.
You can buy contin trail maps from squarewheels allankelly... dont know if you can get them online.
Lots of work done on the top half today.Fireroad is now snow free and 4 of us cut a trail from the fireroad to the bridge of thighs,about half way through.Back out tomorrow and thursday.Anyone free to help out more than welcome.Time now to relax in a radox bath
P S cullen, Callums frame arrived today 2.54lbs
thanks cullen, now you mention it i might even have one from before. Al.
Hey guys, I couldn't get transport for yesterday or today. Will have a car tomorrow though, what time do you need a hand?
was in bnq at garthdee tonight - met another cyclist in getting supplies for ice tires - people are taking this seriously :O
popped into alpine and they said the last week they have had more requests for them than they have had the entire time that the mechanic had worked there (8 years)
Snow Free Fire Road ..What about ice free?
Still need for ice spikes? The million dollar question!!
I made some up today just in case!
2.54 lbs?!?! thats 1150grams, around the same weight as mine, IIRC?
enough frame waving! I hope he enjoys riding it... in Aberfoyle 😈
Niterider- questions-have you cut the track like we did on the latter half of monday?
-Have you replied to that e-mail from "the lonely puffer"
-do radox baths actually work, or is it purely for the bubbles?
Ta
krembo- NR means that the firetack is clear of almost all snow...
Hi doug,about 10.30 at the shop,if thats ok.
lower fire road icy upper fire road patchy :wink:,thaw is taking hold but don`t what it to freeze at night
Good effort guys, keep up the excellent work. Did you have a decent posse today Niterider? At this rate you'll be half the man you were last week!! 😉
Planning a rekkie tomorrow nite to check up on all your good work.
Big thaw here today in the Muir/Inverness 😐
Yeah a good crew,A few more to help tomorrow,doing are upmost to ensure its near as dam the full course.Enjoy your ride tomorrow,let us know how it went,if all goes well you won`t have to walk to much 😈
and take pictures.... of the course, that is. 😳 😯
Hi cullen left e mail for lonely puffer.Call me at work tomorrow.
Hey up cullen posted the Light today should be with you before 01.00 tomorrow I think I forgot to put any instructions in so will email some in the morning .
what is the mileage for a lap of the course .
Around 6 miles per lap... cant wait to see the light now!
NR- Will do, was going to call in and change my forks around, il leave it till thursday...
I think my inter-lap hobby will be taking pictures of ice tyres. Cue Flickr gallery!
So: how peed off will you diggers be if it all melts before Saturday 1000 !?
I spent ages hacking a safe walking path along our street yesterday evening for the kids... and this morning the street was completely clear! ?#%$ 🙄
Cheers, al.
mad props (as we say in fife) to the organisers and their helpers for getting this on.
hey niterider. thanks for tip about the tyres. did one tonight and your rite DOGS BALLS. will make the other tomorrow. great job in track. wont manage out cause on 12 hour runs in lorry this week but will pop in on friday. and sorry about depot but the man from delmonty he say no.
Diggers won
pll be.
Allan the diggers won`t be peed of at all if it melts.Most of us are riding in the race or helping on the day so better the conditions are is great with us
But if it melts it won't be such fun 🙁
really looking forward to it no - thanks again to the traildiggers
Hearing the A9 has taken another pounding overnight and is shut in places! How's puff-land?
went up this morning and its still snowed over with a nice ice underlay... the top part off the fire road is knee deep in some places. Alek (on here) is off to ride it tomorrow so i'll get him to post an updates.... its a bit sloppy going into the carpark and camping area due to the temp increase we have had... metcheck says rain early sun am... not nice
sq wheels boys have been doing lots to get things ready.... good luck to all you folk in tents!! 3 thermarests me thinks.
Guys, I'm going to be a bit late! The drive is a skating rink and I'll need to do some ice breaking before I have a chance of getting the car out! At least I'll be warmed up by the time I get there.
If anyone's not left yet is there any chance you could tell me where you're working and I'll head up there and get you? I'll check the thread before I leave.
Snow gates closed at Dalwhinnie on the A9.
[url] http://www.trafficscotland.org/currentincidents/index.aspx [/url]
al.
It's no problem - A9 will be clear for travelling north on Friday.
By the power of greyskull - WE HAVE THE POWER! Shovels!
i be traveling the wonderous road that is the a96 .... ****ing death trap of a road at the best of time
Trail rat - you're not cycling there again are you?!
al.
Niterider.......is it still suitable to use your horse lorry / camp site during the race? Will have a kit back and cool box with me!
Was intending to park the car away from the main parking but would therefore need a base and somewhere to catch up, get a proper seat/hot drinks etc.
I may as well start this ball rolling - there must be others in my situation?
To cut a long story short my puffer team have abandoned me and pulled out, so short of doing it as a solo (not really an option!) I haven’t got a ride. Has anyone else been abandoned by team mates at the last minute and wondering how you are going to fill a space? I cannot get anyone to fill spaces at this stage so am offering myself up to any team that needs to fill a space.
To get an idea of standards, we weren't really aiming to do a competitive race, it was all about taking part and enjoying what should be one of the best puffers yet - in normal conditions I'll do a lap up the fire road to Bill, over the viewpoint and on down to View rock and down in about an hour, so I admit I am not the fastest but got a load of enthusiasm to go the distance.
So if you're short of a rider and I can help email me here dnjholland@hotmail.co.uk ….if it's any benefit I will come with Red Poppy meal tickets from those who have abandoned me!
Cheers
A Lonely Puffer
Trail rat - you're not cycling there again are you?!
too much kit needed for the puffer - although the way my motors going i might end up towing it there !
A lonely puffer - just solo. YOu know it makes sense
from localised reports im getting it seems if he has gears he will beat me ...
Yeah right Terry (podium!) ya we whippet 😀
well i was hoping SS would be an advantage in these conditions but mr bathgate tells us 32:18 got him about 200 yards before he was fair puggled.
He pushes bigger gears than me normally !
hores hoping things go wildly wet and sloppy and SS might become an advantage again