Highland Trail 550 - 2018

[Richpips]

So who's thinking of riding next year?

It was definitely one of the highlights of our year, I think we may be back.

[AlasdairMc]

I really want to say no, but I can’t help but think I could drop another chunk off this year’s time...

[ianfitz]

Captivating as it is to dream, prepare and ride I think I'm going to give it a miss next year and focus on some other rides.

I have some plans...

[slarge]

I will sit it out next year as I want to keep the memories of this year safe! Plus I also have some plans. Back in 2019 though.

[robbie]

I am hoping to get a place at the group start and give it a go.

[Teetosugars]

Would love to, but don't think I've got it in my legs if I'm honest.
Certainly not at the minute while my meds are screwing me over, and my pancreas is slowly dying.
If I can get that sorted, I may well rock up and try.

[Richpips]

Nick, it's worth a look on any of the loops if not all of them. No need to be in race mode.

[robbie]

On this subject
Does anyone have the gpx files brocken down into smaller sections?

[Karl]

I'm going if Alan will let me. Do you think you'll be trying for a group start slot this year Rich? Would be vaguely exciting to ride out with you guys

[ctznsmith]

Diary says no for the group start.

I know this info is probably already on here somewhere but what is the generally agreed window to do the HT550 post winter but pre-midge?

[Richpips]

robbie I have let me look tomorrow.

Karl group start if we're allowed

I know this info is probably already on here somewhere but what is the generally agreed window to do the HT550 post winter but pre-midge?

Before May will avoid midges, tbh though read peoples write ups, midges are 1/10 of the aggravations.

[pkht]

Can I ask, what exactly is the qualifying criteria for a rookie to be considered for the group start?

[Teetosugars]

Nick, it's worth a look on any of the loops if not all of them. No need to be in race mode.

That thought had crosssed my mind..
You don't happen to have a GPX of the loop do you Rich?
Could try a and see if I can fathom out my Garmin, and have a shufty through it..

[Richard G]

Ironically, having trained hard and specifically done a qualifier for it... I wont be there in 2018.

I've been asked by some friends in the US to come over and visit for the Indy 500 and it's going to be on the same weekend. I figure Scotland's not going anywhere, so there's always 2019.

[slarge]

Qualifying events are suitably difficult ITT's in a certain time, ie. bB200 under 24 hours, lakeland 200, Cairngorms loop, and a few others. If you have some history that confirms you as someone who can put up with the mental and physical challenge of 550 unsupported miles through the Highlands I am sure the organiser would consider you for the group start.

Of course you would be free to do it as an ITT outide the group start with whatever background you have.

[ianfitz]

On this subject
Does anyone have the gpx files brocken down into smaller sections?

Yes. PM an email address and i can send you infinitely detailed options.

[GregMay]

Can I ask, what exactly is the qualifying criteria for a rookie to be considered for the group start?

HTR'18: Accepting applications from November 25th 2017. Qualifying routes include CTR, AZTR, ACT5 and French Divide.

Twitter/Instagram feed will contain any pertinent info when I remember to post it.

[ZeroDarkBivi]

Can I ask, what exactly is the qualifying criteria for a rookie to be considered for the group start?

HTR'18: Accepting applications from November 25th 2017. Qualifying routes include CTR, AZTR, ACT5 and French Divide.

Twitter/Instagram feed will contain any pertinent info when I remember to post it.

So Alan has raised the bar - not surprised given how competitive this event has become and the interest from the international racing community. As much as I enjoyed this years event, I think I want to try something different for next years 'big thing' - so many good options competing for limited time and funding.

[Ray Young]

So Alan has raised the bar - not surprised given how competitive this event has become and the interest from the international racing community.

Hopefully this will mean more entries for the Borders 350 .

[Bearbonesnorm]

I wonder if there's the likelihood of a 'splinter' group start given the popularity and fairly stiff stipulations of joining the main event?

BTW - I'm not advocating it, just thinking out loud.

[sean_iow]

I read that as Alan has raised the entry requirement when I first saw it on Instagram, but it could also be that the list there is aimed at overseas entries who follow him? It does say 'qualifying routes include...' which doesn't necessarily mean the other events aren't on the list?

I started this year with the intention of riding enough events to qualify but I fear my palmares is nowhere near good enough to get an entry It will probably have to be an ITT for me if I do it next year.

[mountainbaker]

I want to ride the route and finish it, but given my knee is still causing issues, I think it would be better if I didn't join the group start and did an ITT around the same time (a few days prior so I get to see the fast ones overtake me).

[GregMay]

Pretty sure, if you have the experience, and you apply, you'd have a chance at a start spot.

As for splinter group - it's an ITT, do t :)

[Richpips]

Pretty sure, if you have the experience, and you apply, you'd have a chance at a start spot.

Yep.

It is not a route for beginners.

[sean_iow]

Pretty sure, if you have the experience, and you apply, you'd have a chance at a start spot.

As for splinter group - it's an ITT, do t :)

As soon as Stuart mentioned splinter group that's what I thought of. The Peoples Front of Tyndrum