HT550 2023

[fatbikephil]

Alan is wanting a donation to the John Muir Trust for the latest GPX - drop him a line to check.
Parking at Tyndrum has become a royal PIA since the visitor centre got sold to the diner business. They have signs adjacent to some of the parking bays stating no overnight parking. The ones opposite (i.e. next to the fence) have no such signs so I suspect these will be OK. There are also a few adjacent to the shop which I think are public. Really not clear though....

[Hyppy]

So, I'm likely tempting fate by even mentioning it, but at what point do we start to trust the weather forecast? And very much related, any thoughts on bunging a rear 'guard on?

[whitestone]

So, I'm likely tempting fate by even mentioning it, but at what point do we start to trust the weather forecast?

About the 4th of June

Somewhat more seriously, I've seen forecasts that has this current fine spell lasting for another month to six weeks due to the position of the jet stream - it seems it's in one of its stable configurations. Even MWIS are saying it's here for a good while. That doesn't mean you won't get the occasional isolated shower of course!

[fatbikephil]

It is looking remarkably good - maybe some dampness on Saturday but otherwise custard pies all round. And not that hot! Looks like the midges are here though.

So, I'm likely tempting fate by even mentioning it, but at what point do we start to trust the weather forecast? And very much related, any thoughts on bunging a rear 'guard on?

Mine are on and staying on - there will be plenty of mud still on some bits but it should be generally fairly dry under wheel given what the weather has been like in the last few weeks.

[voodoo_simon]

The bikes are out
https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2023-high ... -550-rigs/

[Lazarus]

Despite the weather forecast some crazy fool is doing this

I’ll take a Paramo Velez smock (heavy but waterproof and warm, essential in the Highlands)

You know who you are

Good luck all

[faustus]

Great list of big name riders, and really good bike list. Most interesting is Isla Rowntree and her great looking custom bike:

[whitestone]

Despite the weather forecast some crazy fool is doing this

I’ll take a Paramo Velez smock (heavy but waterproof and warm, essential in the Highlands)

You know who you are

Good luck all

Somewhat oddly the same person is taking a Cumulus 150 quilt because we all know it's fekking tropical at night in the Highlands

[fatbikephil]

Despite the weather forecast some crazy fool is doing this

I’ll take a Paramo Velez smock (heavy but waterproof and warm, essential in the Highlands)

You know who you are

Good luck all

Somewhat oddly the same person is taking a Cumulus 150 quilt because we all know it's fekking tropical at night in the Highlands

Outdry lightweight jacket been in and out of the bag twice now. Currently with the paramo (Quito actually as more venting than the velez) as, whilst it might be dry it could be cool in the evenings. Should just be in range of the 150 quilt (plus can wear paramo in bed ) and I bloody humped my heavy bag round two years ago so this time, I'm ultra lightweight.

Just checked the midge forecast - so much for my other assertion....

[Cheeky Monkey]

Great list of big name riders, and really good bike list. Most interesting is Isla Rowntree and her great looking custom bike:

Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that.

I'm wavering between and

[Bearbonesnorm]

I think I'm somewhat surprised to see so many Tailfins?

[Mart]

I’ve been very sceptical about tail fins, but after seeing how well they coped on the WRT made me reconsider

[whitestone]

I think I'm somewhat surprised to see so many Tailfins?

They seem to have become popular with the American crowd, presumably they've held up to routes like the Colorado and Arizona Trails so depending on how they are loaded they could be fine.

Having done a couple of days road touring with panniers (the coronation weekend) I'd forgotten just how much they got in the way when pushing a bike Those like Isla's might be a bit better but...

[Bearlegged]

They do seem popular, but I've also noticed a non-zero number of breakages on the old social media channels. That said, there's also a non-zero number of breakages of other kit. I guess everyone gets a mechanical eventually.

[redefined_cycles]

Great list of big name riders, and really good bike list. Most interesting is Isla Rowntree and her great looking custom bike:

But could you not see the 853 badge in the seattube... Thats what does it for me. Love that badge (and the frame looks nice and straightforward - just like the rest of em ).

[redefined_cycles]

Despite the weather forecast some crazy fool is doing this

I’ll take a Paramo Velez smock (heavy but waterproof and warm, essential in the Highlands)

You know who you are

Good luck all

Somewhat oddly the same person is taking a Cumulus 150 quilt because we all know it's fekking tropical at night in the Highlands

Outdry lightweight jacket been in and out of the bag twice now. Currently with the paramo (Quito actually as more venting than the velez) as, whilst it might be dry it could be cool in the evenings. Should just be in range of the 150 quilt (plus can wear paramo in bed ) and I bloody humped my heavy bag round two years ago so this time, I'm ultra lightweight.

Just checked the midge forecast - so much for my other assertion....

Go Phil... You nutter! Bikes looking nice!

[redefined_cycles]

Anyone able to attach the trackleaders link here if not already done so?

Whats the time of departure tomorrow?

Please, thanks

[Lazarus]

I dont really see any advantage to one, unless you want to take more /heavier stuff or possibly your dropper still works?

everything breaks but if i have to do a trailside repair i fancy my chances more with a material bag than with a tailfin
they are also somewhat pricey and somewhat heavy

[whitestone]

Anyone able to attach the trackleaders link here if not already done so?

Whats the time of departure tomorrow?

Please, thanks

Shaf - it's linked from the trackleaders homepage (as, for future reference, are all current events). Starts at 0830 but unless something dramatic happens you won't see anything of note for a couple of hours as everyone will be within a few km of each other.

[redefined_cycles]

Thanks Bob. I was just cheating (and being lazy). Will go find it

[redefined_cycles]

https://trackleaders.com/highland23f.php

Found it (I think). May Allah make it beautiful weather for them all...

[Boab]

Good luck to everyone off here who's doing it. Maybe I'll apply for next year...

[Mart]

Crikey ……. Water shortages

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland- ... s-65720206

[fatbikephil]

Quite surprised at that as it's been pretty damp up there until a couple of weeks ago. Hmm, do I need my water filter...

[whitestone]

You in town Phil? We’re in the pub