@alwillis I’m doing Lakes In A day this year. Did it last year, was an amazing day out. Although it rained for most of the day, the atmosphere was great. Friendliest event I’ve done.
Definitely worth some time recceing the first two legs. Cloud was really low and there were people all over the place after Clough Head, heading along to the Dodds.
Navigation was quite tricky in the later stages, once it was dark. Tiredness and looking for small yellow arrows. There was 20ish people all running around a field trying to find the gate to get out!

@mrsheen my default shoe for 90% of Lakes running (pretty similar to Peak District) is Inov-8 Trailfly 270. Fast, lightish, grippy and the only shoes that seem to last. I see them as the Maxxis Minion of trail shoes…
Sportshoes have the old model Terraultra 270 (only difference is name/colour) on Sale.

@pyro that looks fantastic, I spend a lot time in and around those hills : )

I’m normally pretty good with my food and drink. I think with the heat I completely lost my appetite and even the ‘usual’ snacks (Clif bars, Quorn sausage roll, malt loaf, various jellies) were tough to eat.

Feed stations were good though porridge, soup, noodles were life savers!

@mogrim that sounds awesome, great time for 100 miler. What event was it? I’m keen to do somethng a bit more adventurous. Thinking about the Lakeland 100(mile) next year…

@spawnofyorkshire I was at Lakeland Trails too, probably saw you at some point.

I did the 100km route, really pleased to get round in just under 17 hours. Even managed a sprint for the line to the cheers of the crowd in the park. Great atmosphere and fantastic support from the feedstations and checkpoints. I’ve never drunk so much flat coke in my life!

It was a killer in the heat, I just couldn’t drink enough and struggled to keep eating.

My feet are shredded from the heat, my left ankle is swollen like a potato (twisted it after about 25km…) and I’m still struggling to walk downstairs. It was awesome.

This was my third ultra, did the 55km last year, got Lakes In A Day in October again. Already plotting for next year.

Anybody got tips for ultra foodstuffs? What keeps you going?
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Caught up with my friends last night for dinner, was great to catch up. One friend just passed her MA, other is finally on the mend from long COVID. we also had a lot of cake.

Then we watched a movie, The Nightingale, which was amazing but pretty horrific. We were all traumatized afterwards. Good company and power of film ☺️

Montane minimus stretch. It’s light waterproof and doesn’t rustle like the non stretch version.

I’ve also got one of these, really pleased with it. the only lightweight waterproof I’ve had much success with. A year in and it still works as advertised. I’d definitely recommend.

Anyone run in Hoka Speedgoats? I’m still searching for the perfect long distance trail show and these have got good reviews. Never run in Hoka shoes before so no idea what to expect.

I had two pairs of Hoka Torrents where the sole came off, the second after 50ish miles… I wouldn’t buy Hoka again. The Speedgoats also felt very narrow.

Inov8 Trailfly are my current go to. Nice wide toe box, lots of grip on varied terrain. Cushioning lasts well, I’m over 400km on my current pair. Only downside is they are not cheap (there is a code in the members area to save some money). Or Inov8 Terraultra for a faster, lighter option. These are my most used shoe, zero drop if it matters?

These are the bungee cords in the small shoulder pockets right at the top.

The bungee cords pop out of a little hole on the outside of the pocket. You then use them in conjunction with the bungee at the bottom of the front pockets to attach walking poles. It’s as fiddly as it sounds! I watched a Youtube vid to get a better idea. Luckily  don’t use poles much.

The long one on the back is for another style of pole carrying, I just removed them all.

I left my van in Oban (back when it was still free). Ferry to Barra, up to butt of Lewis, back down to tarbert and a ferry across to Skye. Spent a few days cycling through Skye and then ferry to mallaig and cycled Fort William and then back to Oban.

One of the best trips I’ve ever done, cycling on the islands is superb. Make sure to stop at The Anchorage near the ferry port on Harris, food was excellent.

I have a Salomon vest, Adv 5 I think. It’s great, really light, soft and stretchy. I’ve tried most different brands and the Salomon was most comfortable. It’s been used several times a week for a couple of years, still in great nick.

I also have an inov8 ultra  pro vest, which is better for carrying more weight (kit list for events), as it has more structure. The stretchy ness of the Salomon becomes apparent when it’s overloaded. Good running vests are not cheap, but in my experience if you’re going to use it a lot / for long distances, they are worth the extra cost. Try a few on.

I had one of the osprey duro vests, wasn’t great. The  hip pockets were tiny, would only just fit a buff in. Not much useful storage apart from the back / pack section. Sold it a few years ago.

Couple of ultras: Sierra Nevada in April (in Granada), and Ehunmilak (Basque country) in July.

Nice, I imagine the weather will be better than Lakes In a Day in October! ;)

I’ve had a really good year running. I’ve hardly ridden any of my bikes!

2157km

122500m of ascent

I completed my first two Ultras. Lakeland Trails 55k in just over 8 hours and Lakes In A Day in 14.5 hours. I’ve signed up for Lakes In A Day again, it was fantastic.

What’s everyone entered for next year?

A combination of work and Covid, means another christmas on my own as I’m not travelling to see family. Last year was fine (I went up Scafell Pike on christmas morning). This year is a struggle. I’m injured and feeling pretty low, not looking forward to the 25th at all.  Anyone else on their own?

Meeting friends tomorrow, which will help.

Great idea for a thread. It feels good to vent.

Watched The Suicide Squad last night, enjoyed it a lot more than the first (not terribly difficult). I loved the gung ho nature of the action, some great jokes in there. It didn’t have the emotional throughline of Guardians, I felt not all the characters had enough interactions. Overall definitely worth watching.

We saw it at the little cinema in bowness (my local), surprisingly it was on the smallest screen, which made for a great atmosphere.

Sly Stallone as King Shark stole the movie…

Saw Black Widow last week, was good but not great. Would’ve had a greater impact if it has been released before Infinity War / Endgame.

Ray Winstone’s russian / cockney accent did not steal the movie…

I did my first ultra at the weekend, the Lakeland Trails 55 (anybody else there?).

I was aiming for 8 hours, crossed the line in 8 hours and 10 minutes, really chuffed with that. It was actually 58 km with about 2500m of climbing.

I set off well, remembering to pace myself and not get carried away with trying to keep up with others. Saw a few people blow up on the first big climb up to Kirkstone Pass. Luckily climbing is my special skill 😊  Had a bit of a wobble halfway, as I wasn’t eating enough. It was so warm and humid, I just couldnt stomach anything. Luckily they had soup at one of the feedstations and that saved the day!

It was a lovely event, really well organized. Fully signposted and marshalled. There were people cheering, clapping all over the course. There was even cowbells on the way into Grasmere. I’d definitely recommend the event to anyone wanted to do their first ultra.

I’ve got the Lakes in a Day in October next , just over 80km. Which I’m feeling more confident about after the weekend.

The winner of the 100km course finished in 9.5 hours😱

As with most on this thread, I’m a big fan of pertex type windshells . So light and really help keep the chill off, easy to modulate temperature with layers underneath. I’ve had a few montane ones but I’ve just treated myself to this Patagonia Houdini, just over 100g and the fit and finish is lovely.

https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/product/mens-houdini-windbreaker-jacket/24142.html?dwvar_24142_color=HTE&cgid=mens-jackets-vests-windbreaker

I second the Instinct Solar. Battery life is awesome and it does everything most of us need.CConnection is dead easy with strava, via garmin connect. I don’t bother with any of the lifestyle data, sleep tracking etc. It’s just a comfortable rugged watch, which also tracks my rides and runs.

I love going out on a sunny day and seeing the little graph showing how much sun it’s soaking up 😎

Great story to read. I’ve always loved Mini’s, ever since my parents (i was five or six)  hired one for a holiday to the north of Scotland. Two adults and two kids in a mini, with everything for a two week holiday,  driving from the Midlands 😂 we still talk about it fondly.

I would love an old mini but don’t have the time or knowledge. They have so much character.

MF DOOM RIP.

One of my favourite rappers and producers. I loved the eccentricity, the cast of characters he created.

Listening to madvillain with breakfast 😢

“just remember ALL CAPS when you spell the man name”

I only learnt to drive six years ago, mid thirties. I always cycled and walked everywhere. Living in Manchester there were also fantastic transport links, to the city and all over the uk. I wore the ‘no car’ thing as a badge of honour.

Once I moved to Cumbria, I found it much more difficult. I first lived in Cockermouth, no train station and the buses were expensive, irregular and unreliable.  I’m now in windermere and the buses aren’t bad, also have a train link to Kendal. To get to work, it’d be two buses, forty minutes to an hour. Takes 15 to drive, 30 to cycle.

I still cycle to work regularly but definitely wouldn’t be without a vehicle, a van in my case. I love the freedom of being able to drive somewhere fun for weekend (and sleep over). I’m only insured for 8000 miles a year and rarely get near that, definitely no where near this year!

I’m currently looking to buy a house which will be much further from work, unfortunately driving will be essential. Small village with no real bus links. Theoretically, I could do bike, two trains and more bike to get there 😂

My Smuggler is now my only mountain bike. It does everything I ask from it.

It’s built up fairly light but nothing exotic (Pikes, Arch / DT wheels, Exo tyres). Pedals well and covers ground quickly. It’s a really fun bike. Mines 2017(?) so not the slackest or longest, I’ve never felt it’s held me back. If you can get one at a good price, I’d definitely recommend it. Is it discontinued now?

I would love a Spur or the new Epic Evo, as my riding has become a lot less gnarly over the last few years. TBH the Smuggler is my least ridden bike, so I can’t really justify it…

http://://m.youtube.com/watch?v=54AjKU_stSw

One of my favourite records, worth checking out everything that Rhythm And Sound put out. Heavy. Sounds amazing on headphones or decent system.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AlftMNmDH00

Johann Johannsson. Just breathtaking.

Why don’t my links embed? 🤔

Will be watching tonight, thanks for the heads up.

With the year we’ve had, I’ve spent a lot more time listening to old favourites, so I’ve not bought as many albums as normal.
These are the three that have really taken hold of my brain.

Chromatics -Closer To Grey
Actress – Karma and Desire
NIN -Ghosts V: Together

I’m also looking at a Perfetto (or similar) to replace an old Gore softshell.

I came across this in my searching

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-fiandre-light-norain-jacket

Anybody tried the Sportful? My understanding is Castelli and Sportful are sister brands and the Fiandre uses the same fabrics as the Perfetto, bit cheaper though. I like the orange on the Sportful… 😎

Thoroughly enjoyed this. It appeared just as I started furlough again, perfect timing.

Reminded me of chess club at school (yep, that’s how cool I was).

Another vote for Fitwheels. I’ve had a couple of sets, been perfect. I’ve nothing against Hunt but would much rather have DT hubs when the price is so close.

Fantastic race, great to see Greg on the top step again.

Although I’m gutted for Loris, can he still get enough points to win the overall?

I enjoy the books and the series, definitely differences but I think they’ve done the characters well. I like the fact they’re mixing up the storylines from the books.

I think season 4 was the weakest but looked fantastic with the extra amazon budget. Can’t wait, shame I have to give Amazon money to watch this. It’s the only thing I like on Prime.

Back in the day I had some Hope Mini’s, the pro version with the carbon lever. They were never great but matched the hubs / headset and looked cool ; )

Had Shimano SLX / XT worked well but definietly more ‘grabby’. Never suffered from wandering bitepoint or leaky calipers.

Now have Hope X2 Race and really like them, they’ve been faultless and more than enough power. I like the fact I can get spares for them if they do go wrong. And they look nice in anodised black.

So if you want some shiny buy the Hopes, if you just want some brakes buy Shimano…

What a finish! This has been a strange tour and I’m surprised it actually lasted three weeks.

I feel gutted for the Jumbo team (and Roglic obv), the look on Tom and Wouts’ face as Pogacar was climbing…

Watched Tenet last night, I was captivated. I loved the way it played with time and things we had already seen. Soundtrack was fantastic.

I can see why some people didn’t like it but I love the fact Nolan continues to make large scale, intelligent original films. We need more directors like him (not in style but scope). Also saw a first trailer for Dune, excited is an understatement.

Great finish. It looked like he had an Mariokart style power up. I love the way he dodges the cheeky elbow from Bennett.

Thanks for doing these daily updates Lunge, really helps build excitement for the racing. Shout out to Inrng as well , his daily post are part of my breakfast routine.

I’m not too disappointed, i think it would be difficult for any TV series to do justice to the world of the Culture. They would need a visonary director involved and an infinite budget. Or they would end up adding romance subplots and less interesting characters to ease the viewer s into the story.

I love the Culture books, I’m currently rereading them (seems like we all are !) Just finished Use Of Weapons, gets me every time. I’m happy for the books to continue to be visualized in my head, where I can’t be disappointed…

I went to Arran last year, took my gravel bike and (as above) followed some of the Grinduro route. Lovely cycling.

Kintyre is good for cycling, followed some of the Kintyre Way, I would like to go back an bikepack the whole thing. Worth riding to the lighthouse on the Mull of Kintyre, view is stunning.

https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/the-kintyre-way-by-bike/

Also walked up Goat Fell via the Witches Step on a glorious blue sky day. I was surprised how quiet the mountains were. This was late May. I did find a few secluded spots to kip in my van but I think in the current climate I’d rather get a campsite / motorhome pitch. I’m going to Mull in September after it didn’t happen in May, booked a cottage rather than van sleeping, as I agree on not wanting to annoy locals.

I live in the lakes and the amount of badly parked motor homes and vans (layby’s , passing places…) is unbelievable at moment.

I used the rubber penny flooring from Ebay as well:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332514264053

It’s been in the van for a few years now, super durable and easy to clean after muddy bikes. I think it was about £70 for enough for a SWB Vivaro.

(not very stealth ad) I’ve actually got another roll spare (my brother changed plans). It’s 1.8m Wide Coin Rubber Roll | 3mm Thick | 3m Long, if it’s any use to anybody, drop me a PM. Would need collecting from South Lakes as it’s pretty weighty.

Van every time. I had a little Transit Connect which was ace. Now have a Vivaro which is even better. I find it’s a really comfortable drive as well.

The ease of throwing a bike or three in the back of a van never gets old.

Camped at Sprinkling Tarn last night, was only a couple of tents. Coming back through Langdale it was busy but not unreasonably so. Ambleside and Windermere themselves are as busy as normal for this time of year.

As above, park up early and you’ll be fine. Also if you can, spend a long day out and leave after the rush.

I live in Windermere, I had to don riot gear to get to the Co-op for some beers…

I cycled it four years ago in late September, it was busy in places but fine overall. There were a few campervan traffic jams on the singletrack roads.It definitely doesn’t have the infrastructure or facilities for the amount of traffic it seems to be attracting. John O Groats to Inverness is not that exciting. I’d much rather spend more time on the west coast.

I’ve since been touring in the highlands but followed my own route or focussed on a specific area. I think this is a much better idea. Spend a week around Torridon and you actually get to explore the area and support the pubs, shops and cafes nearby. I think driving the NC500 (even cycling it…) you actually miss a lot of the best parts of the area.

@doom_mountain, nil or reduced stamp duty just now, that’s a saving that could be put into a new bike!

That’s my kind of thinking.

Most of the parts from the Smuggler would transfer over just need to shorten the fork. Is it right that Transition don’t recommend more than a 120mm fork?

That looks awesome. The new Transition design / styling is a real step up, I wasn’t so keen on the wobbly looking carbon frames.

I would love one of these to replace my Smuggler, I’m supposed to be buying a house….