HT550 - 2017

[ScotRoutes]

SEPA data for other rivers in the area suggest it will be low.

Looking at this mornings track, I wonder if something got mislaid at the Corriehallie turn off and they've had to go back for it.

[sean_iow]

They're across

[Karl]

Well Tom is.....hopefully he'll wait for his Dad

[fatbikephil]

They are making good progress overall so looks like things are still pretty dry.

Re the optional detour this is no more - at the start in 2015 Alan said you have to cross by any means but if you back track and go round by the road you don't get a time. Given that the crossing was possible in 2015 (albeit a bit on the deep side) in 2016 he stated that it had to be crossed on the gpx line give or take. In terms of how fast the depth varies depending on rain fall - not very as its actually the loch level you are crossing and this requires vast volumes of water to raise even a small amount. The rivers will rise and fall more quickly and given how dry its been rain will tend to run off the surface straight into burns rather than soaking into the ground so levels could change really quick if / when we get a downpour - just like what Hurricane Bertha delivered in August '14.....

Don't worry it will be fine!

[Richard G]

I must admit, that bit makes me very nervous. I nearly drowned when I was a kid in a fast flowing river and they've always scared me more than they should ever since.

Doesn't help that I weigh about the same as an emaciated child.

[Nikk]

It is rational to be scared of fast flowing water, and water in general. It only takes seconds to get into very serious difficulty. Fast flowing is much worse, as the weight of water can pin / trap you, and it is game over.

For the HTR crossing, it should be ok. It is basically in the loch, and very wide, so water flow rate should be slow enough to not cause problems. IMO the main safety thing to be aware of is entanglement in gear / bike if you trip up in the water. So IMO make sure that your backpack isn't buckled onto you (so it is easy to take off if you fall in), and you carry the bike in such a way that you can drop it easily if you fall in.

I hope it is like it was last year, which was a shallow, lovely, almost warm, foot spa moment for me

On a totally different topic, I am planning to come up and watch the start of the race. Leaving from Edinburgh 6am to get up there by 8. If anyone wants a lift, I have room in my van for at least 1, and probably 2 riders. Just message me.

[Richard G]

Edit - Scratch that, I see they've stopped just before Kinlochewe. I guess they'll grab some supplies in the morning.

[GregMay]

Good Morning from Islay.

Weather is stable until Saturday - high 20s - then thunderstorms rolling in to ditch this humidity.

I'll update when I can on Twitter, but I'm on holiday :)

I'll post a confirmed scratch list at the end of each day.

Good luck competitors.

[Matthew Kemp]

Anyone heading to Glasgow / Tyndrum today?

I am on the 10:30am from Euston Stn.

[AlasdairMc]

I'm heading up tomorrow night, on the 6pm ish train from Glasgow Queen Street, although I'll be starting my travels on a commuter service from Edinburgh late afternoon.

[whitestone]

Heading up during the day tomorrow, probably timing it to avoid the Glasgow rush hour.

[Matthew Kemp]

Have a good trip.I am hopeful of to get the Bike bag onto the Tyndrum train this arvo.
I was unable to grab a bike spot.

[AlasdairMc]

Have a good trip.I am hopeful of to get the Bike bag onto the Tyndrum train this arvo.
I was unable to grab a bike spot.

You'll get a bike spot on the 18:21 to Upper Tyndrum if you want to wait. I think it might be harder to get a bike bag on the train versus a full bike given the limited space on these Scotrail trains, and the conductors on the Tyndrum line are normally pretty cool anyway

[ianfitz]

I'm just finishing off a few things here and then I'll be on the road this afternoon.

Excited now!

[padonbike]

I'm just finishing off a few things here and then I'll be on the road this afternoon.

Excited now!

[Javi]

Tyndrum is very hot today. Yesterday was wettish and very cloudy with mild temperatures.
Trying to figure out how I'm going to pack all this food and sorting out a last minute problem with the trackleaders thing. No much time left.
Met Alan Goldsmith, Neil Beltchenko and Mark Armitage yesterday.
Can't wait!

[Richard G]

[mountainbaker]

Car is loaded (nearly) and setting off for the 9 hour drive in the wee hours of the morning. Should be in Tyndrum around lunchtime tomorrow, hoping for a little ride about in the afternoon if other are up for a pootle.

[journeyman]

On the train from Exeter to catch tonight's Caledonian. Can't help feeling vaguely excited..!

[mountainbaker]

On the train from Exeter to catch tonight's Caledonian. Can't help feeling vaguely excited..!

I could have given you a lift up (from axminster). Next year maybe!

[Mariner]

On the train from Exeter to catch tonight's Caledonian. Can't help feeling vaguely excited..!

If you are going through to Tyndrum you have to move your bike at 0300 in Edinburgh.
Get into the lounge car early and watch the dawn.
Stunning.

[fatbikephil]

I noticed Alan seems to have gone for a wander on his bike today judging by his latest pre-start spot position.
In other news Rich and Tom are about to climb up past the Alt granda - I'm guessing they will head for the bothy. Finish on Saturday pm I'm guessing, hopefully before the deluge arrives....

[ianfitz]

Anyone in tyndrum now? I'll be heading to the tyndrum inn about 9:30 I think.

[Mart]

I noticed Alan seems to have gone for a wander on his bike today judging by his latest pre-start spot position.....

Alternative route for 2018?

[voodoo_simon]

Good luck everyone