Dirty 'Free'ver (sort of)

[restlessshawn]

Since I am not paying 60 sheets for the Dirty Reiver I'm going for my own gravel ride...(I think Mike is to)

Rough plan -

March 10/11

Probably start at Craik forest car park (NT 348 080) so I can keep the tarmac to an absolute minimum
Head in to the hinterland of Craik and Eskdalemuir forests
Ride 50-60 miles - overnight in bothy - ride 50/60 miles

It will be 50 shades of gravel so suitable for CX / gravel / adventure bikes (tyres with a bit of tread)
>90% off road
No real resupply options for food or water (other than burns)
Might be a cafe on Sunday but opening hours are short so don't count on it

Despite the stupid thread title obviously this is not an event (and it's not even in Keilder)

I'll send you a GPX probably a week before if you want -
Come and ride at a sociable pace / blast off and meet at the bothy / ride the whole thing non stop and go home / ride a different route entirely / just sit at home and look at the map...it's up to you

You are responsible for yourself obviously

[jamiep]

Probably start at Craik forest car park (NT 348 080)

Is the nearest railway station over at Tweedbank?

[restlessshawn]

Probably start at Craik forest car park (NT 348 080)

Is the nearest railway station over at Tweedbank?

It would be yeah. We might be able to work something out though.

Starting from Craik means it can be kept a more pure gravel thing.
Last time I was down there I rode from home and bivvied in the woods near the car park then set off on gravel the next day.

[Taylor]

Interested but I'll have to see closer to the time (work dependant).

[Bearbonesnorm]

(work dependant).

Who thought they'd ever hear that?

[pushbikemike]

I'm in.

[Bearlegged]

just sit at home and look at the map...

In!

[techno]

I'm in, could do with a lift share if possible?
I'm in hull but can make my way to somewhere on route

[thenorthwind]

It's in the calendar!

If it helps, I could probably give you a lift from the Newcastle area techno mail.

[techno]

It's in the calendar!

If it helps, I could probably give you a lift from the Newcastle area techno mail.

Thanks fella, getting to Newcastle is a fair trek from Hull so hopefully one of our shandy drinking friends will be flying up the A1/M1
Anyway, I'm trying to rope my mate and brother in at the moment but not holding my breath....

[Taylor]

(work dependant).

Who thought they'd ever hear that?

Pots and Kettles.

[Ray Young]

Hoping I can join you.

Is the nearest railway station over at Tweedbank?

A little bit further to cycle from but Lockerbie may be better for some as it's on the main west coast line.

[fatbikephil]

I'm in!

[restlessshawn]

Few pics from October when I was down there last

22196210_10214708795133284_6570649976656396116_n by Shawn McFarlane, on Flickr

22154603_10214708807933604_6570469806695333755_n by Shawn McFarlane, on Flickr

22281990_10214708806733574_3630827052756557677_n by Shawn McFarlane, on Flickr

22279879_10214708807453592_7572123849939018133_n by Shawn McFarlane, on Flickr

22279723_10214708797453342_5170815380685377523_n by Shawn McFarlane, on Flickr

22196456_10214708796053307_8317341636481727934_n by Shawn McFarlane, on Flickr

[Borderer]

Sounds interesting. Craik is not far from us. Craik forest makes for nice riding. Count us in for the GPX at least - I will put it in the diary, but can't make any other promises this far ahead.
Cheers

[JohnClimber]

£60 is bloody crazy to ride around a forest with food stops half or which are sponsored and pay to be there.

The event was great last year ans the weather was perfect, I doubt that it would be that good again in 2018.

I fancy joining you on this ride, but won't know until nearer the time

[restlessshawn]

Looks like we might get a decent group , won't all fit in the bothy mind

Yes Bridget I am only in lilliesleaf so rode through Hawick on the way there ( which was the last people I saw for 2 days )

[Borderer]

Ah - you are not the teacher we met in Greensykes are you?! If not I expect you must know him.

[restlessshawn]

Nah that's not me, might know who you mean but never really talked to him as only seen a road bike on his car a few times

[fatbikephil]

£60 is bloody crazy to ride around a forest with food stops half or which are sponsored and pay to be there.

The event was great last year ans the weather was perfect, I doubt that it would be that good again in 2018.

I fancy joining you on this ride, but won't know until nearer the time

Dae tell me that, I've coughed up!
The weather will be sh**e though given my incredible weather luck this year

[Mike]

I'm probably in for this now scott haso mentioned it

[restlessshawn]

oh looks like the Border Counties Rally has stages in Craik forest that weekend

[pushbikemike]

How about the weekend after?

[restlessshawn]

yep works for me, you?

hope they don't trash the place

[pushbikemike]

Yes, I can do weekend after.