For the children of Gaza - a photo journal of my Bearbones200 2024

[redefined_cycles]

The resolve for each of these events comes from doing the ride for some form of charity setup. This year I was lacking, "the why" and previously just answered it with 'because:idiot'. So it's no surprise, to me at least that I was looking to scratch after (whilst) experiencing how hard it was in reaching Mach.

Then I thought of Sidra, Hind Rajab and Reem and it strengthened my resolve. I decided that the (only) one or 2 pictures I had planned to take and hopefully help me getting a black or 28H badge, needed to change.

Instead I focused on taking pictures in the imaginary world that I was doing so in order to share our beautiful Wales with the children on Gaza. Every child loves pictures right, and I look forward to sharing with my little man later (and maybe daughter but she's 13 now!).

If I get a chance I'll try and write up the report. About how I almost lost a shoe to 'the ford' or why my riding time and total time were 10 hours apart. Maybe about dead man's drop and sharing my thoughts on why that name was given, or the joy of finding an open cafe at Mawwdy only because I was 8 hours behind schedule.

For now though, here's 'the yield'. Hope you enjoy and if there's any that you'd like sharing on this here thread, just shout! Oh, and you'll need to view it bottom to top.

https://imgur.com/gallery/zbzbDRG

NB. 6th year old entering; 4th time of actually starting; 3rd time of completing and 2nd time ever of earning a badge. Alhamdulillah/ All Praise to God. Hopefully we can sticky it on to my little man's future framepack and write under - For Hind, Reem and Sidra.

[Richard G]

"'because:idiot'"

Funny, this is usually my default answer.

I salute your resolve. Takes some real grit to keep going when you're that exhausted.

[TeaFuelledMutantGingerBike]

I don't feel there are nearly enough pictures of gates to give them realistic impression of what the event was truly like...

And that cafe! oh yes - very happy to stumble across that for second breakfast on Sunday morning.

Thank you for taking so many pictures though - apart from the gates (and maybe a ladders tile or two), I think represents my weekend pretty well too.

[redefined_cycles]

I don't feel there are nearly enough pictures of gates to give them realistic impression of what the event was truly like...

And that cafe! oh yes - very happy to stumble across that for second breakfast on Sunday morning.

Thank you for taking so many pictures though - apart from the gates (and maybe a ladders tile or two), I think represents my weekend pretty well too.

I think, them double-stile gates, they took me by surprise. So forgot totally the camera (or that kids love ladders ). 2 x tubs of ice cream at that cafe gave me the false impression that them last 20 miles were all road. Must've been the sugar.

[redefined_cycles]

The backdrop of this years attempt (at the BB200) was that I'd had enough DNFs that I really needed to start clawing back the statistics. I also had a left thumb (radial nerve actually) injury that needed time to heal and experience of last years training, 'draining my back in'. So it was gentle exercise and other non-routine methods employed.

I did 2 marathon hikes, fasted (water allowed) for almost a month and kept track of my sleep. I also employed a 'let's not be too frugal' approach and got a hotel near the event. This all paid off dividends, Alhamdulillah (All Praise to God). Sleep tracking strategy was to get lots of sleep the night before the night before, as suggested by Prof Peletiere in the excellent book, 'Lazy Persons Guide to Ultra Marathons'.

Sleep taken, properly and late to get up at Oswestry, about an hour away. Decision was whether to put on a 'proper mudguard' or not. I decided I didn't like the motorbike look so went without.


Otherwise this, miles later, wouldn't be as satisfying with a massive flap hanging out the back. I had my waterproof bright yellow Crikey, how much jacket afterall.

Quick prep and by 0928 I was off from the community centre. In my own thoughts and minding my own business, I heard a 'beeep'. Now friendly short but also not angry long, somewhere in the middle. It was a black BMW driver, what an idiot and not as if he could've overtaken any sooner on the blind bend.

Reality check sorted that I wasn't on a Sunday afternoon ride, I cracked on. Up and up and up I climbed. Not a sound in sight for the first couple of hours and I'd assumed I was the last of the late batch. Pictures were to be limited to 2, but then this place is so lovely. I settled on 1 every quarter.




Picture quota already taken and I was barely 10 miles in. Then I lost the track, erm. Back I went with James and Shell coming opposite, wasn't gonna be the loser that didn't point out that they were heading into 'a false track'.

Backtracked and unable to find an opening, James made the right call and got over. We followed and before you know it, we're on another head scratch moment of, 'erm Where's that track gone'. Thankfully James was kind enough to give me a shout as I looked up and down the pencil line path, as if looking for a phone.

Snicket jumped, I took these shots as a thankyou for James. Again, the pics-quota was suffering badly and progress was rather slow. I think this was the last I saw of either of them.


What a backdrop


Gorgeous Wales

Next came the fords, tiny puny things. Laughable in all honesty that this is what soem of were worried about. I assumed I was making good progress Alhamdulillah!



My mind must've started playing its dirty tricks by now. Barely 12 miles in and no 'bottom-apex' in sight. My 'why' needed work and who better than to think about Hind Rajab - YouTube her phone call to emergency services if you wish, whilst the monsters played games with this 6 year old, then BBC report it as 'young lady'.. unbelievable - and the rest of the children.

Mindset was made to dedicate the ride to these pure souls, and a new leash of energy came with it. Determined that I'd not be shortcutting when I finally got to Machynlleth. I cracked on, to the 'Real Ford'.


Oh, schnozzle! I've never actually done one of these on a sustained ride before. I knew the theory and empowered with that, 'what would Alan do' feeling (look him up, Alan Boardman YouTube Bikepacking sensation), I'd asked enough questions over the years and I had a (quick) plan.

So the ford, was actually a ford this time. Not brave enough to try and ride through and definitely knee deep. Quickly took off my shoes and socks which I'd put back on once drying the feet. The 'discus (throw)' was too far to risk missing so I walked in a bit and threw it ahead onto dry ground. At that point a trio turned up and my second rider interaction of the day (still not at the southern apex of the route).

"Would it annoy you if I told you there's a bridge across there" I was asked. "Erm, maybe" I accurately retaliated. I was halfway invested with one shoe on that side and a bike this, just then I took the lunge for the second shoe but it landed cross eyed into the water.

Quick leap for it and I caught it just before it 'shipped' downstream, Alhamdulillah. Must've been a bit of a scene but they didn't giggle Then I made haste, got the bike across; cleared some water out of the 'problem' shoe and tried to keep up.

That was probably my fastest 'off road' pace through the whole 33 hours. Kept up for a few miles before I lost em. Thankfully the second bridge - which I'd spotted but couldn't figure out there was a ford beneath - they shouted to confirm was 'the one'. Stopped and recuperated here with a fresh ablution, socks on and prayers done.


Another Ford crossed safe and dry though a bit of a lunge. By now, despite the slower than hoped progress, my newfound 'the why' was helping keep me focused.


Balanced the bike carefully and took an exhibition shot. Pretty certain babies would love that (if not being constantly targeted and killed).


Beautiful Wales, Beautiful BB200!


Oh, hello. A couple of and only mushrooms I met whilst avoiding yet another dunking.




Which, then, of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny? (Surah Rahman [The Merciful], Quran).


Very thoughtful farmer. Reminds me about the gates this time round, all but a few felt seized.


That descent mentioned above was slippy enough. But rode as much as I felt safe.


Every picture gets me closer to the end point.


The water is loud. But sometimes hard to reach.




Machynlleth came and went. But time calculations meant I knew it may have been my final food stop. But food as many know on these silly rides can have negative repercussions.

Halal half pound cheese burger downed and 4 avocados bought from the co-op. Lovely chap at the Mach co-op thankfully told me about my head torch which was on in my backpack. No junk food except for the Irn Bru of which 2 were bought. 3 packs of double eggs; a couple of potato pots; tomato pasta and not much else.

The brothers at the burger place (Town Kebab House) were smiling enough to have lifted the spirits even further. Happily had my water topped up but no chit-chat. Downed the burger, updated the forum and shot off. If only I could reach Dallgellau in the next few hours and that toll bridge. But it wasn't happening and progress remained slow, but positive.


6 miles out from Mach, a bench in a bus-shelter was spotted. Perfect sleep opportunity for someone with a SOL (survive outdoors longer) bivy bag. For those not in the know, if you ever have to deploy a SOL then you are definitely out of your comfort zones, all of them!

Evening prayers done outside this bus shelter and aware of a women with her dogs not far away. Despite me being in the shadows I'm sure she could see me. Must've been a bit of a confusing sight! 10 to 15 minutes of sleep on an iron bench. Balancing myself whilst hoping it didn't suck too much heat away.

Then I was off and up, up and stop and walk instead. That was one long climb and must've been terrible for those that could actually see it.


Pennmaenpool Toll Bridge and paid up with an extra 20p on top. Then at end of this sorry looking bridge I had some potato and pasta. Interesting flavours the co-op employ these days, or maybe they're designed for survival and not much else.



Looks like it's my camera that's bad, but I can assure you (after seeing someone else's pic, it was). Next stop, another point on the map of which the place I couldn't pronounce.

Hiked or biked up a massive climb which reminded me of the time we rode through Barmouth. Then some sort of trail centre and I decided to get another few minutes kip. 0200 or 0300 in the morning and me sat cross legged, I fell asleep.

It didn't last long though as thankfully (for the wake up call, not the) rain started dropping. It wasn't gonna be light so I popped on the waterproofs and made haste.

Was I here.


Or here.



Or maybe trying to get round this ditch. What I truly know is that the best photo of the day came along. I recall how I'd always be looking for mountains and hillsides. But then after becoming more acquainted with what the Quran was actually telling us, started appreciating the sky more and more.


Do they not see the sky above them––how We have built and adorned it, with no rifts in it; how We spread out the earth and put solid mountains on it, and caused every kind of joyous plant to grow in it, as a lesson and reminder for every servant who turns to God; and how We send blessed water down from the sky and grow with it gardens, the harvest grain, and tall palm trees laden with clusters of dates, as a provision for everyone; how with water We give [new] life to a land that is dead? This is how the dead will emerge [from their graves]. (verses 6 - 11, Surah Qaf, The Glorious Quran).

A befitting group of verses as that pic was taken at the second bus shelter of the day. Again, with a set of recycling containers next/near to it (must be a link between bus shelters and recycling in Wales).

This time it was early morning prayers, so about 0630 and I used 'the jacket' to lay down in the shelter. It wasn't the best kept I've come across, but I suppose there's been worse. Maybe I was at the northerly apex or...
Actually, scratch the 'or', cos I was.



Happy with that and on hindsight it fits with the timing I'd calculated and recalculated in my poor little brain. That I'd make it well before cutoff and the first time throughout the ride I was without water. I remember Stu saying once years ago, 'it's Wales (you never have to worry about water)'. Well he was right but for those few hours it was tough getting down to the stream-falls to fetch it.


The rain came and my poor little ebay purchase the not-waterproof, waterproof R a pha jacket was letting me down. It was leaking but the rain wasn't as bad to be stressed too much about. I have messaged the seller who's response sounds like he thinks I'm after a freebie or a discount, no apologies detected. Maybe he doesn't really appreciate the gravity of my situation (but I take full responsibility for taking it)!




More inaccessible water and seized gates, but back on the trails. Then what I imagine was a shot of Snowdonia/Eryri National Park.


If We had sent this Quran down to a mountain, you [Prophet] would have seen it humbled and split apart in its awe of God: We offer people such illustrations so that they may reflect. (v21, Surah Hashr, The Quran).

Then came the hallucinations, nothing spectacular. A tree trunk/twig that I mistakenly identified as a duck with a hat on. That was confusing until I got closer.


This black spec that I was certain is a bird. But obviously not as it failed to move and stood upright. Around this time came the next ford crossing and with no way round I decided to push forth. It was tiny but looked gigantic at the time. Not even axle deep or anywhere close.


I'd been seeking out water for the past few hours, but in my attention to crossing this tiny thing, I forgot all about filling up. Not to worry though and as Stu says, "it's Wales". I probably filled up in at least 2 or three of the next water fountains/run-offs.


Beautiful Wales.


Very befitting for a tribute ride foe the kids.


Somewhere in between these pics, I'd managed to get some ice cream from the cafe at Mawwdi. Maybe it was the rush of sugar, but after having seen my 3rd set of riders in almost 30 hours, a double hard-core climb and a fresh torrential downpour, I decided to quit.

Probably part of my sleep deprivation but I wasn't confident in 'stupid jacket' to keep me safe. So I once again got dressed up for storm weather, but this time with deep winter gloves. Quickly made ablution and did my prayers, as I knew I'd not make it back before sundown. Then I reprogrammed my GPS to shave a full 12 or 14 miles off my route!!!

Thankfully idiotic idea laid to rest, Hind Rajab back firmly on my mind as my 'the why' and I soldiered on. Just a few more (broken) bridges to a proper badge. Albeit a regular one for the weak people (just messing).


Another opportunity of a missed bridge. I looked around and could see nothing obvious. Unless maybe you class them logs as a sorry excuse for a bridge, I hopped across the Ford with my amphibian-feeling feet (in socks & shoes but they were protesting.

Earlier, I'd had the chance to cross the greatest puddle of the whole route. It must've been ordered specially by Stu from Strata Florida. I tried to go round, but the bog caught me again. Stuck on a rock edge I had to make the leap for victory. Instead of landing right, I landed wrong, and my whole foot (maybe more, it happened so fast, I wasn't all there) was swallowed up for a moment or few.

Anyway, back on track I made it back to the final bends. Only less than 8 miles left, once I make it up these hefty gigantic climbs. Then it came, another 'best pic of the ride' moment Alhamdulillah.


No, not that. It's just a puddle pretending to be a massive ford.



No, not that either, it's just another fabulously beautiful mountain side!


That!

Then it was just the formality of some roads here and there and not being struck by a driver behind a wheel. A bridge that was out and me gashing the lovely Harry-the-bike, as I rushed back to my beans on toast and mushrooms.

Hospitality by Stu and Dee was once again, welcoming and second to none. Nursed my feet and said my prayers. Then at some point in my rush to get the bike into the car, I stamped on the carbon £200 flipping saddle!! Both the frame scratch and this little sadness, they felt (and were) light compared to what they're going through.

Even though I had no charity page this year, if anyone wishes to donate a few quid (there's alot of orphans that need support, physical and emotional) then I've setup my own DD with [urlhttps://humanaid.org/appeals/palestine-orphans]Human Aid and Advocacy[/url] as they have feet on the ground. As endorsed by 5 Pillars News (BBC, sorry but you should be ashamed!).

My ride in statistics:

Time ridden: 22H 29 mins
Total time: 34H 25 mins
Total ditches: lost count
Total calories expended: 22000 kCals
Percentage of time enjoyed: 99.9999
Slips trips and falls: 1
Tall stile steps climbed hoping to survive: 2
Other riders met/seen enroute: 7
No of avocados eaten: 4
Number of wasted Irn Bru bottles drank: 2 (less than 100 calories each, what a joke).

May Allah bring about justice for those that are oppressed and abused wherever they may be.

THE END (for now)

[Richard G]

You're right about the SOL. I've never had to use mine, but I've also been in the same position where I really, really wish I'd had it (I genuinely thought I might die that night).

I very nearly chose to climb into it on the 300. Not for comfort, but so that my body was more obvious for collection after embracing the sweet, sweet embrace of death rather than continuing.

[redefined_cycles]

You're right about the SOL. I've never had to use mine, but I've also been in the same position where I really, really wish I'd had it (I genuinely thought I might die that night).

I very nearly chose to climb into it on the 300. Not for comfort, but so that my body was more obvious for collection after embracing the sweet, sweet embrace of death rather than continuing.

Lol, that's so funny (in hindsight). I didn't know that's what you usually take Rich. Yes, definitely the SOL for me eas the way forward. Still had the PHD so combined they would work OK for some survival.

Sadly my plan to ensure I get good sleep the nights before and hence my later starting. Might be more prepared (than you ) next year and be there early enough. Can't believe you do a 300 after only getting the bike ready a few hours earlier Rich.

[redefined_cycles]

Oops, forgot that one final photo now I'm half recovered.

[fatbikephil]

Well done Shaff! Cheers for taking the time to write it all up too

[redefined_cycles]

Well done Shaff! Cheers for taking the time to write it all up too

Thanks Phil. I didn't wanna be rude about the mudguard, but you (well, you're ugly bike) feature in my mind every time I think of adding a hideous mudguard to the rear. Instead I'm taking today to wash the yellow jacket and reproof it - hoping it's good enough to make a comeback for next year (if I'm still about and strong enough).

Appreciate your reading it as I've always hated the sound of my own voice/writing ever since high school!

[Dave Barter]

Hell of a waiting list at your dentist

[redefined_cycles]

Hell of a waiting list at your dentist

Nah. He's so good Dave. Private dentist. But most of the time doesn't charge me. Maybe cos I know him for over 40 years or so, though I can't quite put my finger on it.

Always go to the counter to ask for the charge. Brace myself for a £75 (minimal I think) bill and overjoyed when they say, 'no charge'. I have to leave that there in case I forgot - the regularly twice yearly checkup (sometimes get a free teeth clean if he decides so).