I suspect geese and ducks get their down damp occasionally. I do like seeing 'diver' birds sat up high with their wings spread wide, drying out in the sun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZk2aMLMJG8

Hi James, The bag is outside the 5 year warranty (or the original one it replaced is). Send me your address and I'll post you it. If you think it's worth tackling/saving, feed the local bear.
Held flat the zip works fine, but not really when filled.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Tue Jun 17, 2025 3:18 pm

boxelder wrote: ↑Tue Jun 17, 2025 2:29 pm Why the inner - midge protection?

Midges, mozzies, horse flies, ticks and slugs

Along with poorly trained pugs, poodles and daschunds if camping in Langdale.......

there's a non-obvious line on the left avoiding the crag near the bottom That's the original switchbacks of the bridleway, sadly shortcut now over the rocks. It's much more obvious from below. I reckon after Black Sail YHA, you've missed the right turn up the steps at the start of Scarth Gap and ri...

Why the inner - midge protection?

That is cheap for XM9s https://www.bike-discount.de/en/shimano ... ring-shoes

What was total cost?

there's a non-obvious line on the left avoiding the crag near the bottom That's the original switchbacks of the bridleway, sadly shortcut now over the rocks. It's much more obvious from below. I reckon after Black Sail YHA, you've missed the right turn up the steps at the start of Scarth Gap and ri...

Over 100 miles ahead of the record

I’ve signed up! Looking forward to my first Jennride. How does the mtb route compare with the 2022 route in terms of techy-ness? The descent from Stake Pass into Langdale is the only bit that's techier than 2022 I reckon. Everyone will be walking down parts of that - yes that was the sound of a gau...

Yeah, the zip is 'welded' in. This bag is a warranty replacement for a previous zip failure. I can check (through work) what Ortlieb can do.

I've got a black one with a 'bulgey' zip, if you're up for some fixing?

Loads of feathered beasts on an overnight at Greg's Hut - curlew, lapwing, short-eared owl, golden plover and redstart.
One of the chaps I was up there with was very excited to find moon wort (v rare, especially if it's the variety he thinks, which has 1 other confirmed sighting in UK)

Does this review help? It talks about last reviewing in 2023 and what's changed.
https://flowmountainbike.com/tests/2025 ... id-review/

The mtb route is probably the hardest route that has been put together, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49685454 When you say hardest - as in because it's a bit longer/lots of climbing type of thing, or because it's quite techie? Fitness related I'll be thinking twice, techie stuff I'll just send :g...

Re: FKT - 2015 and 2016 was still about how far could you get on day 1 and make opening time at Contin store. Since Neil B and Chris Hope etc in 2017 the whippets haven't stopped until after the second OB Hotel passing. What was your stopped time in 2015 Tom? EDIT: just found the Trackleaders repla...

Billions of people manage it every day w/o a plastic widget, all you need is a bike bottle held in one hand and the other free for business. And remembering which way round it was last time :smile: Agree James, but this does look to simplify the process, especially if you've limited water. I rightl...

I'm going to try one - turns out there are loads of them available on line, just these ones are small and light - TLS to Rinse More S....?
Paul the back packer has some interesting ideas for vegan meal options too.

Indeed it might.
I was more asking about the efficacy TBH - any positive experiences? It makes sense, and is simple, but it's the first I've heard of it.

yourguitarhero wrote: ↑Sat May 31, 2025 12:58 pm Just drill some holes in the top of a PET bottle cap and take it with you?

Would work while the bottle was full, but would soon stop be able to squirt upwards at all. may test that way though before buying. I have an old squeeze soft bottle that may work.

Anyone tried a mini bidet?
https://holeyhiker.com

No paper/wipes to carry or deal with. Avoids "monkey butt" apparently.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnVQiy ... cuK0cHJFSQ

Unite Components have 35% off everything with code UNITE35 Chainrings for ~ £35 https://uniteco.bike/shop/drivetrain/chainrings/sram-oval-chainring-direct-mount/?attribute_pa_size=28t&attribute_pa_colour=black&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17191283036&gbraid=0AAAAACdHwiqZa447pgrDDS1ZY5...

I know hours feel longer on the big climbs and HaBs, but those times look wrong - last year's time was sub 82 hours wasn't it? You finished sub 140 hrs in 2015. Those are the average times for all riders from the group start who successfully finished. My bad. Must learn to read more slowly....

Records seem moot, considering Bealach Horn was missed? I don't think Alan is planning to put Bealach Horn back in again. The route has changed (slightly) every year. General trend has been for it to get easier. 2024 vs 2015 I reckoned was maybe ~4 hours quicker having taken out northbound devil's ...

Strong finish from Graham Cottingham - nearly got sub 4 days.

Everyone who starts is a winner (or something like that). Thanks for giving us a flavour of it.