If there were a UK 'gravel race' ...

[composite]

I have a banana man suit.

[nostoc]

Bananaman probably more aerodynamic than batman or santa

[composite]

Depends who's wearing it.

[Ian]

Note to self: welsh forest roads are tough going in November, after a month of rain.

You'll all have to wait a little longer for details of the full route, as I didn't (couldn't) finish it

I did get some nice photos though, which I'll post later.

[Ian]

Some pics from yesterday.

[composite]

So I guessing some of these roads were in a terrible muddy condition then? Were you on the CX or MTB bike?

[Ian]

By and large, the roads were OK. Not really muddy, just a bit softer than I was expecting, but some of that would have been due to the frost coming out. Those pics were all taken on Saturday. It was -4 degrees to start with - a shock to the system to say the least. Water bottles froze within the first couple of hours.

As for not finishing - I was just feeling weak - everyone has a bad day now and then, I just happened to get one when I was planning to ride 200 miles... I was on the 29er too. Singlespeed - nowhere to hide

Haven't put gears on the Kite yet, but thinking it would be worthwhile if I was going to do the route on it.

[FLV]

Looks like a beautiful day all the same though!

[Zippy]

Looks like a beautiful day all the same though!

Yeah, that does look pretty glorious. Shame about your legs Ian, I'm sure it'll just make you stronger

[composite]

As for not finishing - I was just feeling weak - everyone has a bad day now and then, I just happened to get one when I was planning to ride 200 miles... I was on the 29er too. Singlespeed - nowhere to hide

As harsh as it may sound I'm glad it was you having an off day and not the route in general. :D

[Ian]

I'm surprised there hasn't been more comments like that to be honest!

[Ian]

Right then, latest update:

I rode the northern end of the route at the weekend. Found some lovely trails in bits of forest and open hill I've never been through before, so enjoyed that. Some bits I was less impressed by (discounting head wind, soggy ground and rain), so I've had a little play with the route this evening and Stu and I will be discussing the changes this week.

I will attempt a ride of the northern section again to check that it flows nicely, which I will try to do before the year is out. Meanwhile, I'll begin to compile all the route stats, resupply points and so on.

In the interests of keeping the route low key, numbers will be limited at the group start on 5 April in much the same way as they are for the Highland Trail. The route details will be published in due course for anyone wishing to do their own ride in their own time.

It's looking like the Wildcat 100 will be around 166 km (4000m ascent) and the Two Ton of Gravel 330 km (8100m ascent).

[FLV]

Cheers for the hard work so far Ian.

Is it set to be an ITT style with a 'suggested group start' or a bit more to it like Bear Bones events?

[slowupslowdown-under]

Ian

PM sent!

Pete

[Bearbonesnorm]

Is it set to be an ITT style with a 'suggested group start' or a bit more to it like Bear Bones events?

In the interests of keeping the route low key, numbers will be limited at the group start on 5 April in much the same way as they are for the Highland Trail. The route details will be published in due course for anyone wishing to do their own ride in their own time.

[FLV]

Ah, i did read that but didnt take it as confirmation of the group start thing. Which I do now :D

[slugwash]

Do we need to pre-register to ensure a place at the limited number start line line up in April?

[Ian]

We're still discussing at what level "max" numbers should be without it appearing to be too much of an "organised" event. A show of hands here would be helpful.

The plan was to take formal expressions of intent to ride from the 1 Jan 2014 via the Wildcat website

[FLV]

A show of hands here would be helpful.

*Raises hand*

2 ton please

[thomthumb]

i'm still keen.

I think that 100 might be more suited to my training schedule than 200 though!!

[composite]

I'm in for the 2 ton.

[johnnystorm]

From the comfort of my sofa I'm up for the 200. :?

[Chew]

*raises hand*

Wildcat 100

[pistonbroke]

I'm up for the 200 miler, the winter miles are easier with something to aim at.

[sillybigfella]

Finger raised for the 100.

Somebody's got to be in last place, and I'm your man!!