Chapeau to the HT550 folk....And a question?

[theredsnapper]

Hi,

I've recently joined the forum, just spent a while exploring the threads and working through the HT550 report...blinkin eck, hats off to all who even entered this event, not to mention those who went on to complete it, amazing strength of will, physical fitness and cycling ability of the highest order!

Onto my question, I'm not claiming to have anywhere near the abilities possessed of you folk, but might there be space for a thread, or indeed might one already exist, that talks about various kit set ups, bikes ridden and/or even just the prep and equipment for those starting out on the bikepacking trail....I'm sure I'll make plenty of my own mistakes, but it would be nice to learn from a few of the more experienced folk before I make too many..

Cheers in advance,

Red

[Bearbonesnorm]

Onto my question, I'm not claiming to have anywhere near the abilities possessed of you folk, but might there be space for a thread, or indeed might one already exist, that talks about various kit set ups, bikes ridden and/or even just the prep and equipment for those starting out on the bikepacking trail....I'm sure I'll make plenty of my own mistakes, but it would be nice to learn from a few of the more experienced folk before I make too many..

I'm not sure that one thread could cover all that lot

There'll already be numerous threads that cover some of the more specific items but finding them might take a bit of searching. There's plenty of info on the blog: http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co.uk/ and on the old WRT blog too: http://welshridething.blogspot.co.uk/ although it's no longer updated and hasn't been for a while.

If you're interested in the ITT side of things I'm just putting together a BB 200 tips and advice piece which should be ready next week.

If you've any specific questions (no matter how odd they might seem) post them up ...there's a wealth of knowledge on the forum.

Lastly ... if the planets align there'll hopefully be a 'Bikepacking Symposium' at the Big Shakeout festival in Sep which should be a great place to pick up tips, try new stuff and be inspired.

[ScotRoutes]

This thread contains a link to a possible "leg up" into bikepacking

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... f=7&t=3698

[Ray Young]

If you've any specific questions (no matter how odd they might seem) post them up ...there's a wealth of knowledge on the forum.

30 months ago I was in a similar position. I had off road toured with racks and panniers and far too much kit. Then one day I came across pictures of bike packers which then led me to this site. As Stu says, there is a wealth of knowledge on here which people are only to happy to share and no question is too daft to ask. Welcome aboard. (Are you by any chance the guy I spoke to on the Aberdeen/Glasgow train?).

[theredsnapper]

Hi Ray,

Thanks for your response, as for the guy on the train....was he a bit of a tool? If so, then no, it wasn't me!

Joking aside though, nope, wasn't me.

Red

[theredsnapper]

Scotroutes,

Cheers for that, I'm on it..

Red

[theredsnapper]

Stuart,

Yes, I did think a succinct, yet ambitious question, but thanks for the links, I'll get through them and in conjunction wi a forum search won't be afraid to ask!

Keep up the good work, It's a great forum and resource,

Red

[Ian]

There's a bit about the kit I used for last years event (and why) here: http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/highland-t ... ar-review/

I'm writing up something about this years event at the moment.

[benp1]

the old WRT blog too: http://welshridething.blogspot.co.uk/ although it's no longer updated and hasn't been for a while.

Out of interest, why did this die a death? Found it a great way of researching the WRT over the winter

[Bearbonesnorm]

Out of interest, why did this die a death? Found it a great way of researching the WRT over the winter

The WRT blog was about before Bear Bones existed. Once BB arrived there was no need for a separate WRT blog as everything found it's way either onto the BB blog, main site or here.

[theredsnapper]

There's a bit about the kit I used for last years event (and why) here: http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/highland-t ... ar-review/

I'm writing up something about this years event at the moment.

Cheers for that, great little write up...minimal in kit choice indeed, this use of single speed does amaze/impress me, whilst I get the rationale, I'm just trying to work out the gears..!

Red

[Richpips]

Cheers for that, great little write up...minimal in kit choice indeed, this use of single speed does amaze/impress me, whilst I get the rationale, I'm just trying to work out the gears..!

I think if you are going to ride singlespeed on the HTR550 you need to be a very strong rider. Otherwise you'll be pushing your bike loads more than you will with gears.

[AlasdairMc]

Here's a route into bike packing that might be of interest - I think it's going to be a beer and biking weekend instead of Spot trackers and soreness:

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... f=7&t=3606

[theredsnapper]

Rich,

No single speed bikes for me, I do know my limitations..

Red

[theredsnapper]

Alasdair,

Sounds a great intro event, I'll certainly bear it in mind, though it's a while off, over the wall too...but that shouldn't be a problem.

Red