BB200 2024

[fatbikephil]

Yup I'm in the Alleppo again.
Must check out the takeaway, I'd not spied that.

[In Reverse]

I'm in the Wynnstay but will be eating at the Alleppo so I'll see you there.

[Richard G]

Spar at k180 open until 11!

Yeah... will get there and breeze in comfortably under 24 hours for the 300. Walk in the park.

No.

[fatbikephil]

Well I got to Llanwrythl last year (K150) at 9 after starting at 7.30, so 180k by 11 is do-able on this route I think.

[Hyppy]

Just had a look over the 200 route... it looks unusually friendly, which tells me I'm missing something somewhere.

Yeah, suspiciously friendly. And re missing something, to quote myself from last year: "my virtual recce had totally missed what ‘fords’ on a map might mean in reality"

[Hyppy]

I'm in the Wynnstay but will be eating at the Alleppo so I'll see you there.

Ah, I was hoping to find somewhere to eat Friday evening so may head there too.

[Richard G]

Well I got to Llanwrythl last year (K150) at 9 after starting at 7.30, so 180k by 11 is do-able on this route I think.

I think in this instance you might be missing the fact that whilst you are you, I am not.

[Valerio]

Just had a look over the 200 route... it looks unusually friendly, which tells me I'm missing something somewhere.

Yeah, suspiciously friendly. And re missing something, to quote myself from last year: "my virtual recce had totally missed what ‘fords’ on a map might mean in reality"

I only managed to have a quick look, i havent spotted anything obvious (other than the lack of resupply points) which is scaring me.
Im bracing myself for a "oh sh!!t" moment.

[macinblack]

Well, I'd like to say I'm all set but I've still got a load of faff to do before setting off tomorrow. I was going to have everything good to go by last weekend but life got in the way as usual. The good news is that because we are going to Italy on Monday and Mrs Mac is terrified of flying, there was a danger that I would have to drop out to be an emotional support dog over the weekend but she's given me the all clear. Woohoo. I think.

[redefined_cycles]

Does anyone recall the minimal kit list suggestion from precious years. Obviously we have the 'use your noggin' advice but I'm wondering whether it used to be, bag/quilt + bivy/tent + mat'. Or was it just tent/bivy + bag/quilt (in the minimal sleep kit requirement that is, obvs there's other safety kit that we'll have/take).

[whitestone]

This was in last year's invite:

RIDE
• Whether you plan to use it or not, all riders must carry the following as an absolute minimum and failure to do so will result in a DNF. Shelter (either tent, tarp or bivvy bag). Sleeping bag. Mobile phone. Front and rear lights.
• No kit sharing or gear caches. Riders should be self sufficient in regard to equipment, spares, etc.
• Don’t assume that all shops / pubs will accept cards.
• Trust your gps - some tracks might be on the map but not on the ground and vice versa.
• Close all gates. Do not litter. Smile and say hello.
• It’s hedge cutting season in mid-Wales, so do make sure you have puncture related spares.
• In case it’s not clear, the route runs in an anti-clockwise direction from the split.
• Badges - BB200 sub 24 hour = Black. Sub 28 hour = Blue. Sub 36 hour = Green. BB300 sub 36 hour = Orange.

[redefined_cycles]

This was in last year's invite:

RIDE
• Whether you plan to use it or not, all riders must carry the following as an absolute minimum and failure to do so will result in a DNF. Shelter (either tent, tarp or bivvy bag). Sleeping bag. Mobile phone. Front and rear lights.
• No kit sharing or gear caches. Riders should be self sufficient in regard to equipment, spares, etc.
• Don’t assume that all shops / pubs will accept cards.
• Trust your gps - some tracks might be on the map but not on the ground and vice versa.
• Close all gates. Do not litter. Smile and say hello.
• It’s hedge cutting season in mid-Wales, so do make sure you have puncture related spares.
• In case it’s not clear, the route runs in an anti-clockwise direction from the split.
• Badges - BB200 sub 24 hour = Black. Sub 28 hour = Blue. Sub 36 hour = Green. BB300 sub 36 hour = Orange.

That's excellent, thanks so much Bob. Was contemplating leaving the mat and taking some proofed pants instead. You've just helped make that decision a bit lighter.

[riderdown]

Does anyone recall the minimal kit list suggestion from precious years. Obviously we have the 'use your noggin' advice but I'm wondering whether it used to be, bag/quilt + bivy/tent + mat'. Or was it just tent/bivy + bag/quilt (in the minimal sleep kit requirement that is, obvs there's other safety kit that we'll have/take).

Just base it on likelihood to stop

For me it's high so packed accordingly, didn't stop in 22, did in 23, packing same again

Where you stop also makes a difference

[Richard G]

I'm really struggling with the cold for some reason at the moment. Wondering if I should bring some lightweight overtrousers for when it gets a bit wet.

(Not that I have a bike yet)

[In Reverse]

I'm taking rain trousers. Rode the full thing in them in whatever the Storm Callum year was. Very handy for sitting down on the grass for a 20 minute power nap at 2am.

Rain overnight on Saturday. A couple of crafty shelter spots already scouted on Streetview

[Hyppy]

I'm taking rain trousers.

Likewise. Overnight I invariably end up in waterproofs as an extra layer irrespective of inclemency.

[Richard G]

Still debating my decent jacket, or my packable one. There's an hour of heavy rain forecast (amongst all the light rain) that's leaning me towards "decent".

[redefined_cycles]

That's me ready/about to load up the car.
Bivy stuff in the backpack. I decided on a hard rain jacket and a warm jacket with backup waterproof trousers. Let's hope I've not overdone it (or underdone it).

[Richard G]

I love the rear ass saver.

Edit - You'll all be pleased to know I still don't have a bike. I do have my tubeless tyres mounted though!

[redefined_cycles]

I love the rear ass saver.

Edit - You'll all be pleased to know I still don't have a bike. I do have my tubeless tyres mounted though!

That's good. I was actually thinking of you when I decided to post the pic. Bit of light encouragement as I've now shoved mine in't car. Hopefully helps with sleep catching!

Yes, butt saver might keep my new (to me) yellow Crikey, how much jacket clean. Looks like it's been hardly worn and got on a right bargain from fleabay. Along with some new gloves from the same maker but not such a bargain!

[slarge]

I think it will keep your rear light clean Shaf, but not much else (it doesn't extend far back enough to keep your jacket clean). Good effort though!

[redefined_cycles]

I think it will keep your rear light clean Shaf, but not much else (it doesn't extend far back enough to keep your jacket clean). Good effort though!

Yeah, I was looking at them bloomin angles after sticking it on. I'll keep hoping though and maybe when the slush comes I can take jacket off. Lol. It needs an extension (I recall the previous milk bottle effort now - had some sort of and extension but can't recall how.

I guess that'll be the next purchase!

[faustus]

Money well spent, and easy to take off and on :
https://www.themudhugger.co.uk/collecti ... 9850035374

[redefined_cycles]

Money well spent, and easy to take off and on :
https://www.themudhugger.co.uk/collecti ... 9850035374

Ugly plastic bottle mudguard removed. Ugly plastic mudguard bought. Thanks Faustus. It'll match the front (but a bit uglier).

[Polisherman]

Mr and Mrs Polisherman will be having a swift pint at the Wynnstay. See you later...