Definitely the right thing to do. If you've never ridden at night then entering an event with 13 hours of darkness isn't the best tine to start
Add in that the weather is likely to be poor at least some (if not all) of the time, it is October after all, and that the course will contain some very tough and steep terrain, and it's not a 'starter' event.
The BB300 I did in 2018 was much harder than the HT550 I did the same year for all the reasons listed above.
I was quite surprised by a few of the bikes and the narrow tyres choices last year. I fully appreciate that not everyone is able to have a stable of bikes, so you may just have to bring what you have. We've had multiple threads on here about what people think "adventure" cycling is, and how that appears to be marketed as a gravel bike on gravel double track. I think a few people would've got a bit of a shock on the first short bit of moor towards the dams, let alone of that first big moor crossing afterwards.
2.35 and 2.25 weren't that narrow, have now put 2.6 on the front, I didn't see anyone riding the moor crossing (probably because they were well ahead of me they were that good). Was probably mid packish and saw people behind until I hit the better part of the descent to SF.
Many who did well were on narrow tyres, I know this because I was following their tracks on the big climb after SF
Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 9:57 am
Shortly after last year, we made the decision to (a) only have one rather than two events and (b) give priority to entrants with a history of competing (but not always completing). The reasons are that, last year we got a considerable number of inquiries from people who by their own admission had very little bikepacking experience but perhaps saw the BB200 as some kind of bucket-list event. From our point of view perhaps even selfishly but I make no apologies, having people with limited experience (some had never ridden at night) out there was a worry and a liability ... neither of which is good for us or bikepacking at large.
I know there will be some who've never ridden a BB200 but are more than capable of doing so, it's those folk who will sadly lose out. However, there may be a number of spots available as time moves on. If so, I will let folk know here.
It's fully understandable. But please dont forget about the safety of those that do get a place
For those curious about the 2024 event, here's a little recap.
Will to record and take photos went out of the window after Strata Florida once I realised I was pressed with time to get to the Spar at Rhyader before 10pm.
Thanks to Alex, Matthew and Tom for lending me some of their footage.
Valerio wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 8:34 pm
For those curious about the 2024 event, here's a little recap.
Will to record and take photos went out of the window after Strata Florida once I realised I was pressed with time to get to the Spar at Rhyader before 10pm.
Thanks to Alex, Matthew and Tom for lending me some of their footage.
Valerio wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 8:34 pm
For those curious about the 2024 event, here's a little recap.
Will to record and take photos went out of the window after Strata Florida once I realised I was pressed with time to get to the Spar at Rhyader before 10pm.
Thanks to Alex, Matthew and Tom for lending me some of their footage.
Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 9:57 am
I make no apologies, having people with limited experience (some had never ridden at night) out there was a worry and a liability ...
I know there will be some who've never ridden a BB200 but are more than capable of doing so, it's those folk who will sadly lose out.
Ah. Fully understandable reasoning, if personally disappointing.
I’ve had this blocked off in my calendar since last year (based on the dates last year’s events happened) in the hope I’d be doing it this year – on the plus side I now have two weekends to think of something else suitably daft to do.
I hope it goes well this year and I look forward to reading about it.
Of course people could 'ITT' the previous years routes, available from a web page near here!
You could start with the '23 route, then the '14 route, and all the others will be fairly straightforward
redefined_cycles wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 9:22 pm
You have some serious mtb skills Valerio. Especially doing that section at 65kph with such narrow tyres
Keep riding safe mate and maybe I'll see you this one.
That's very kind of you but i have no such skills hahah
2.25" tyres are pretty comfy/wide by my standards! Especially on wide rims.
I should have never picked up that much speed on that descent, i got excited and carried away, and when by the time I saw a considerable drop(hard to tell on the video) it was too late. It could have gone terribly wrong but I was lucky.
Thanks you too and hopefully see you in person eventually!
fatbikephil wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 10:03 pm
Of course people could 'ITT' the previous years routes, available from a web page near here!
You could start with the '23 route, then the '14 route, and all the others will be fairly straightforward
Anyone looking to stay at the Wynnstay - Spoke with Pauline today and she is no longer doing meals. Apparently there's a restaurant nearby called Simmons that should be open by then.
sean_iow wrote: ↑Mon Jul 08, 2024 10:08 am
The BB300 I did in 2018 was much harder than the HT550 I did the same year for all the reasons listed above.
Still the hardest thing I've ever done... though I suspect trying to keep my damn tyre inflated for the last 8 hours of it had a big part to play in that.
