HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

[Alexinthepeaks]

Since entering for the 2020, my entry was defered as a result of Covid, and again in 2021 due to a wedding...

I therefore find myself on the startline for the 2022 grand depart, any others here joining?

It would be good to hear from anyone else starting in May and catch up....

[Alexinthepeaks]

Just me than - haha!

[sean_iow]

There was another thread I stared last year which might have some on? Dave Barter is on the start list.

[whitestone]

I *might* do an ITT the week before. Does depend on a lot of things though.

Looking at the start list, there's not that many "old hands", a changing of the guard perhaps?

[fatbikephil]

Aye lots of young people doing it, fancy that!

[In Reverse]

I *might* do an ITT the week before. Does depend on a lot of things though.

I'm also considering this. 90% weather dependent frankly.

[fatbikephil]

I *might* do an ITT the week before. Does depend on a lot of things though.

I'm also considering this. 90% weather dependent frankly.

Aye, likewise. If I'm going to do it on my jack it has to be in good weather. I tell you what, we'll all scrutinise the forecasts and if it's looking good put the word out on here and we'll all meet up in Tyndrum for a 'not a group start' tour round the route.

[FLV]

I *might* do an ITT the week before. Does depend on a lot of things though.

I'm also considering this. 90% weather dependent frankly.

Aye, likewise. If I'm going to do it on my jack it has to be in good weather. I tell you what, we'll all scrutinise the forecasts and if it's looking good put the word out on here and we'll all meet up in Tyndrum for a 'not a group start' tour round the route.

I may be up for joining you guys at the start, unlikely to be attempting the whole route as I don't think I have that much time off work to play with.
Considering a ht400 length ride and be nice to have breakfast with someone

[fatbikephil]

https://bikepacking.com/plog/long-night ... trail-550/
Annie LE's tail of her winter ride. I see her time is now up on the website so that makes it official

[boxelder]

Any changes to the route since last year/time?

[Dakkar]

I *might* do an ITT the week before. Does depend on a lot of things though.

I'm also considering this. 90% weather dependent frankly.

Aye, likewise. If I'm going to do it on my jack it has to be in good weather. I tell you what, we'll all scrutinise the forecasts and if it's looking good put the word out on here and we'll all meet up in Tyndrum for a 'not a group start' tour round the route.

I may be up for joining you guys at the start, unlikely to be attempting the whole route as I don't think I have that much time off work to play with.
Considering a ht400 length ride and be nice to have breakfast with someone

Hi Guys, I'm up for a ITT the week before starting the 14th, have the bunk house in Tyndrum booked for the Friday night. Breakfast at 0730?

[boxelder]

I was aiming for a 9th May start, but the 14th could work. Probably be governed by the forecast.

[sean_iow]

Did I see that the Coffin Road is back in this year? I didn't think it was that bad, obviously so steep I had to push but in the grand scheme of things it's not the end of the world.

[fatbikephil]

Did I see that the Coffin Road is back in this year? I didn't think it was that bad, obviously so steep I had to push but in the grand scheme of things it's not the end of the world.

I don't know anyone who is doing the route so don't know. I'm surprised that's back in as the new route is far better (nearly 30 miles of singletrack ) There was one short pathless section above the gorge which was meant to be built last year by the company who had put a power cable in from the new Hydro scheme on Loch A Bhraoin so maybe Alan is waiting for this to be done before using this route again.

I've got the week after next off and the Spring bank holiday week (bad planning..) but not sure of plans yet. If I do a Highland Trail type of thing it will be just the bottom and mid loop

[sean_iow]

I've remembered where I saw it, Alan's Instagram, so must be true

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcQQPFGMRJO ... JmNzVkMjY=

[fatbikephil]

Oof glad I'm not doing it now
Wonder if its Tollie path or postie path?

[boxelder]

Oof glad I'm not doing it now
Wonder if its Tollie path or postie path?

What was it last time?

[fatbikephil]

Tollie path which was a bit much after doing all of Fisherfield in one go..... The view off the top was nice though



I vaguely recall Alan mentioning he planned on swapping them in alternate years. If its the postie path and the coffin road climb that knocks the distance back to a mere 547 miles

[sean_iow]

....that knocks the distance back to a mere 547 miles

The 2018 gpx was 536 miles on my mapping software. I remember getting close to having covered 536 on the Garmin and thinking I was nearly there then getting to 536 and not being at the finish

I mentioned this to Alan and his reply was 'why do you think it's called the HT550?'

To which I answered, I'd hoped you'd rounded it up as it sounds better

[fatbikephil]

In 2014 an 15 it was 565 miles....

[boxelder]

In 2014 an 15 it was 565 miles....

I KNEW IT..... The ride from Loch Ba felt eeeeeennnnnnddddddlllllleeeeeesssss. And very cold at 5am.
If it comes off, this will be my first return since then (though I did the WHW last year). Can't wait (although I should, as I've done 100 miles in 6 weekss......)

[fatbikephil]

Worth bearing in mind that Alan may have made a few other route changes if you want to do an 'official' ITT - I think he asks people to donate to John Muir Trust to get the latest GPX track. I guess you could work it out from trackleaders when it appears. I've GPX's of all the variations to date if you want one...

[boxelder]

Well worth joining the JMT as a member anyway I reckon. Special places.

[tanadog]

Oof glad I'm not doing it now
Wonder if its Tollie path or postie path?

At the moment it's the Tollie path, sounds like there's some public works at the end of it, so if that proves problematic the Postie path will be back in. And yes, Coffin Rd.

I'm over from NZ for this edition. I toured much of the route in 2015 so have some idea of what I'm in for One question; what's the scoop with the Oykel Bridge Hotel? Many veiled references to lack of service???

[fatbikephil]

Last year they were brilliant, really helpful - a special snack menu for riders but dead flexible on folk booking tables on the spot and then others piling in. I think it was 2019 that folk got a bit of a frosty reception. Just bear in mind its not far off the NC500 route so it's difficult getting digs if you fancy a night of luxury.