Tyre Time!

What’s everyone’s thoughts on tyres? Looks like it’s going to be dry so I’m thinking of using my GravelKing semi-slicks 700×43. I’ve got a set of 650b wheels with 47mm WTB Senderos but think they might be a bit draggy! What ya got?

I’m more disappointed in your distinct lack of gravel!

YouTube Yoga was great if you couldn’t manage anything physical! I’ll give it another bash. Loved it last year. I did a lot of running last time but I’ve been nursing a knee injury since May so runnings out. Can still cycle tho. See you at the finish line 🥳

Agreed! The 2 laps thing is utterly stupid!

Well, it’s gone from wherever it was within Bikester for 10days, to my local delivery depot in apparently one swoop, to be delivered tomorrow apparently. Fair enough…

That was roughly my experience as well!

I’ve read a few things this morning about Toto and Stroll being investigated for insider trading of Aston Martin shares but can’t find any official source. Anybody heard similar?

Hmm. Package still not in DPD’s possession, according to order tracking…

How long has it taken for everyone else?

My item sat waiting to be collected by DPD for over a week. Once they collected it the package arrived fairly quickly.

Well this race has taken me a bit by surprise! I had signed up for the Frontier 300 so when it got cancelled I joined the waiting list for this, not thinking I’d ever get a place. Suffered a knee injury that stopped me running but luckily I could still cycle. I haven’t really trained since May though have managed some long rides. Imagine my shock when I get an email offering me a place a few weeks ago!! I’ve been out every weekend since but still can’t run to improve my overall fitness. Managed my first ever 200km yesterday in 9hrs 15m with 2000m of climbing but this was all on roads! Will I die?

As someone who went on their first bikepacking trips this year I’d recommend a tarp, mat sleeping bag combo. I also bought a tent this year but loved the tarp that much I’ve not used it. Pitched between two trees is my preferred method so far. I bought the Rig 7 from Alpkit. Dried food from Tiso means you only have to boil water.

Considering how expensive they are I was shocked at the massive £12 I was charged for a repair (inc. postage!) I wouldn’t buy any other lights!

Good work there, fella!

I think you’re winning so far

WooHoo! Does that make me Binners Dinner Winner 🥳🥳😂😂

Ate Too Much!

I excelled myself today! McDonald’s Triple cheeseburger starter with a BBQ Double 1/4 pounder meal and a McFlurry for dessert! I do like Fridays! And I’m still 2 stone lighter than I was last year!!

Hmm, I have one day holiday. It is only *one* day of school mini_oab will miss… 😉

Is it not just a half day on a Friday they’d miss 🤔😉

Order some brake pads on the 6th of August. Turned up today.

A friend of ours was selling her house in Edinburgh. She received a few offers and sold it to the second highest bidder! Reason being, they sent her a letter explaining why they loved the house so much etc, etc. It’s seemingly a thing these days!

You could also try starting your own thread. That’s what I had to do.

Just tried that and it disappeared half way through writing it!!

Will do, cheers.

I was using Postimages.com if that matters?

Heading there with the kids in the October holidays so fingers crossed!

I’ve twice tried to upload photos of my first bivvy adventure to this thread but each time I submit the post it completely disappears! It was a bloody lovely trip if anyone’s interested!

Managed another trip round Perthshire this weekend.

Another Bikepacking trip 🥳

Went on a 100 mile ride from Edinburgh to the Borders yesterday. Mixture of gravel and road. Absolutely chucked it down several times. I loved every minute of it, although at one point I did think I must be warped!

I bought a Shakedry a few months ago and was impressed with it but hadn’t really put it to the test. Until today!! Set of on 110 mile ride today with temperatures ranging from about 13 to 18 degrees and forecast for showers. I kept the jacket on all day as there were loads of showers and never once overheated. For about 2 hours of the ride the rain was absolutely torrential! The jacket was ace. I’d highly recommend.

I’ve just received my new bike and it came with a Richey Venturemax WCS which has got a decent flare and it’s comfy on the drops. I’d recommend.

Whinger Spice?

I’ll get me coat…

With gags like that you’re welcome to stay 😂

Happened in Edinburgh a few weeks ago and hardly made the news!

There’s a route runs from Newcastle to Edinburgh called Coast and Castles. You might be able to make a loop out of some of it.

Link

Edit – I should’ve read the first reply 🙄

Does she not have an IT department?

Took my wife approx 6 months to get her IT issues solved by the NHS IT department!

Ace, cheers. I’ll have a look.

@scotroutes – What’s the pole you’re using with that tarp? I could do with one.

Soo… this new access road, gravellable? 😉

Smooth as a babies proverbial! As I approached it my sat-nav appeared to take me in that direction. Turned onto it thinking Hallelujah to then hear the ‘beep’ of wrong turn! Looked over my shoulder and saw the climb up to Beinn Egagach and laughed (because if I didn’t I’d’ve cried 😂)

Grated carrots (lots)
Toasted pine nuts
Sliced mandarins
Fresh coriander
Feta
And top off with crushed poppadoms

Thank me later!

Wish I’d followed it now 😂. I’ll know for the next time! Cheers

Do you mean to the East from Beinn Eagagach?

Yeah! Meant to say East 🙄

That Beinn Eagagach bit definitely works better in the other direction (and with some suspension 😬 )

Yup! 43mm tyres didn’t quite manage it!

Don’t know if you’re aware but a brand new access road has been built running from the Loch Tummel side of Beinn Egagach to the West. It doesn’t appear on any map or Google earth etc. There’s a construction site on the side of the hill but don’t know where the road links to as the nearest main road seems a long way off!

@13thfloormonk

where was that? Am exploring a lot more of Perthshire right now although granted it’s a big area…

It was the top loop of this route –

Edit – Can’t seem to link from Komoot!The route was from Pitlochry up Glen Fearnach to Fealer Lodge across and down to Blair Atholl via Glen Tilt then up to Bruar Lodge and back down to Falls of Bruar, across to Loch Tummel then over to Aberfeldy then looping back to Pitlochry. 100 mile loop.

It was ace but the section from Loch Tummel to Aberfeldy was a bit much. Too steep to cycle up and too rocky for a gravel bike coming down from Beinn Egagach. I camped at Loch Bhac which was lovely. I’m going to try the lower loop next. I used the Rob Roy Way from Grandtully back to Pitlochry but would stick to the road next time as it was another hike a bike with a forest road decent into Pitlochry.

They sound like a winner, any idea how they voted? 😉

It’s Peebles so probably Tory!

Do what I did and buy an inflatable tent and a tarp. On your first bikepacking trip leave the tarp to avoid the midgies, take a Presta pump when you need a shrader and sleep out in the open with a midge net round your head #lessonlearned 😳😂. Loved sleeping under the stars tho!

As above, don’t get a thick one as you wobble on one leg!