The BB 200 Thread

[tommid]

I can't wait, I'm aiming to just finish.
I'll be working in Wales the week before to acclimatise.
I think that I have all that I need...

[evilgoat]

Hmm, been looking at the route. I know some of the tracks. Some I don't know I can guess what they're like.

However, one that is bothering me - that track past the roman camp - is it a hellish bog fest?

[Bearbonesnorm]

However, one that is bothering me - that track past the roman camp - is it a hellish bog fest?

There's 2 tracks over there ... the N route is quite obvious on the ground but isn't the official BW and not shown on all maps. The S route which is shown as a BW is harder to follow.

As far as the BB 200 is concerned either is okay to use. Both will have damp sections but much will depend on weather conditions. Obviously your feet will already be quite wet by this point

[ianfitz]

How much water do people carry at any one time?

[Ian]

I'll be carrying two 610ml bottles.

[FLV]

Undecided on water, either the same as Ian and 2 bottles or a 2.5L in my camelbak.

Depends on whether I manage to pack without the camelbak or not.

[Chew]

You wont need anymore than 2l at a time. Its Wales so there are plenty of streams to fill up from as long as you are sensible

[johnnystorm]

2 x 700 ml bottles here and Oasis purification tablets to be on the safeside.

[mountainbaker]

Booked for the night before at Dolgadfan farm campsite so I don't have to leave devon at some silly hour on Saturday morning.

Can't wait!

[Zippy]

I've been looking up people's write ups and strava logs etc. This is going to be brutal! :?

[composite]

Well I passed my driving test yesterday so no having to get the train for me! Having to ride 14miles on the Sunday evening was not a prospect I was looking forwards to. :D

[slowupslowdown-under]

very nervous now :?

[MikeD]

I believe that someone from Outdoor Fitness magazine will be riding ...

That would appear to be me. Hello :)

[johnnystorm]

I believe that someone from Outdoor Fitness magazine will be riding ...

That would appear to be me. Hello :)

Are you bringing AdRock too? :)

[darbeze]

Booked for the night before at Dolgadfan farm campsite so I don't have to leave devon at some silly hour on Saturday morning.

Can't wait!

I am coming up from South Devon, but have got friends in Ludlow, so I am staying overnight on Friday with them. Not too bad a journey on Saturday morning then...

Have a feeling I may be staying with them on Sunday night too!!

[MikeD]

Are you bringing AdRock too? :)

Well, that's the soundtrack sorted if nothing else /plugs in iPod

[Bearbonesnorm]

Mike can you email stuart@bearbonesbikepacking please. I just need your email address and ... Do you eat meat? ;0)

[JohnClimber]

BB200 pass failed to get

[MikeD]

Mike can you email stuart@bearbonesbikepacking please. I just need your email address and ... Do you eat meat? ;0)

You have mail :)

[Fozzyuk]

So it's a little too late to do any training for the BB ( I should have entered next year not this year !) so now I'm beginning to think about logistics

My main concern on a longer ride is food and drink, I did a 149 mile road ride last weekend and managed to drink my way through about 9 litres of energy drink (I've always been a big drinker...used to get dragged off for regular diabetes tests when I was younger)..

I also stopped at numerous 24 hour petrol stations to keep me going...

So, for those who haven't done this before, what opportunities are there for none wild water / drink sourcing and are there any shops / pubs / 24 hour petrol stations en route and if so where ?

Many Thanks

[Bearbonesnorm]

In reality there's not much along the route and depending what time you get to what there is, it's unlikely they'll be open ... there's certainly nothing 24hr. It would be possible to detour into Rhayader but it's likely to make finishing harder ... The temptation to skip the southern section of the route could be very strong once you reach Rhayader.

Pubs would be your best source if you need to restock/refuel but carrying what you need will be the safest way to ensure you don't run short - I'm implying food here, not water.

Don't bank on finding any other water than what is in rivers, lakes, puddles, etc. Water shouldn't really be a concern as long as you're sensible.

Fast running.
Upstream of fords, crossings, etc.
Away from sheep grazing (from within forests is good).
If in doubt stick some Aquapure tablets in your pocket - 1 tablet per 1L of water should make it safe in 30 mins.

Much of the household drinking water in mid-Wales is what many might describe as 'wild' anyway. Just because it comes out of a tap doesn't mean it's any different from what's in the nearby stream.

Sorry, I know all that doesn't help in the slightest.

[Fozzyuk]

All useful, thanks !!

My water at home's on a private supply / spring so I do se what you mean, hopefully that should provde me with a level of immunty to diluted cattle urine !!

Re pubs, anyone offer any thoughts as to those on rote, I'd rather avoid pushing into any towns if I can, or for that matter aywhere off of the route at all !

I think on an earlier post someone also mentioned a youth hostel ?

[Zippy]

Anyone know if the cafe at trallwm will be open? That's 38 miles in by my reckoning so should be able to get there during some sensible opening hours...

[mountainbaker]

Are we getting the route today?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Are we getting the route today?

Tomorrow

I think on an earlier post someone also mentioned a youth hostel ?

Ty'n Cornel at SN 751 535. I shall be in touch to warn them. Water and possibly a brew will be available in exchange a donation so pack a bit of change.

Anyone know if the cafe at trallwm will be open?

Think it's 4.00pm ... I recall Ian said he'd call and warn them.