Sorry to hear that.

Were there no streams etc nearby, or did you lack appropriate filtration?

Loads of streams and rivers on the map but all were bone dry. It was a really difficult part of the ride.

You need to filter everything out here.

I wouldn't of been able to carry on regardless due to being ill and not being able to take on food either. Just one of those calls I had to make.

Stupid weather. Can't win. :(

Pleased to hear you're ok Karl, see you at the BB300.

glad to hear you're OK Karl.

water rationing and from what I've heard mighty hot at times as well.

sounds very tough, looks totally vaguely exciting & I am so so jealous with what you have achieved.

Lee Craigie appears to have drunk from the same pool as you.

Looking forward to a beer & debrief.

somut wierds going on.

The text above is not what I've written.

when I 'edit' I see what I have written - then save & it is wrong again.

for starters the word 'vaguely; should not be there !
must be going mad

It's the eccentric swear filter, try talking about the Alpkit tarp name or that clothing brand that sell the brevet range. Just one of the forum foibles.

I personally think the swear filter is a bit sub standard.

My Crikey, how much bicycle is sub standard but vaguely exciting

I think anyone whose not been following the race photos on Facebook or Instagram should have a look. I'm pretty sure you'd agree that this race/route is truely epic

It's really strange. I don't think I've ever seen a bikepacking race so heavily publicised like that... especially one so remote.

The event has a Mark Beaumont feel to It - corporate and slick while still being very impressive

Richard G wrote:It's really strange. I don't think I've ever seen a bikepacking race so heavily publicised like that... especially one so remote.

Yeh, but for me I like it, especially with the podcast. If every event was like it it'd be a bit much, but for a place few of us are likely to visit its great to see and hear what's going on.

From this end it seems like a well run and supportive event without taking much away from the obvious challenges.

What's surprised me is how much phone reception there is. Bas (who I know from the HT550) is able to post updates on his Facebook page quite regularly. The reception seems to have better coverage than Scotland but I'm undecided if that's a good thing or not.

Sorry to hear it didn't go as planned Karl. Still, you were there It looks stunning out there and it's certainly made an impression on a lot of people.

Moder-dye wrote:

Richard G wrote:It's really strange. I don't think I've ever seen a bikepacking race so heavily publicised like that... especially one so remote.

Yeh, but for me I like it, especially with the podcast. If every event was like it it'd be a bit much, but for a place few of us are likely to visit its great to see and hear what's going on.

From this end it seems like a well run and supportive event without taking much away from the obvious challenges.

Agreed M-d. tbh I thought it might get a bit OTT at first but I'm enjoying following it. It's a business after all and I think they're doing a good job - looks to be an incredible experience as well as a good event. It also produced this image - like the TdF in the early days. Absolute classic. If anything makes me want to race it, it's this.

Yeh, one of many fantastic photos, love that one too

lol

Jay's just coming into the finish. The guy is barely human!

So, he's got it in the bag with 1720km in 8 days 8 hours and 15 mins with 26000m of elevation.

If you're on FB look at the state of what were essentially new shoes when he started the race. There's not a lot left, think he needed hiking boots not cycling shoes!

One thing I don't have to worry about with my good old five ten flats. :)

i think 5:10s probably would not have lasted the first day.

I've walked hundreds of miles in mine over the last 5 years. One bit of the sole is a bit tatty but that's it.

The advantage is that they give a little, rather than just scrabbling about on the sole.

Message on the tracking page from Giacomo:

"Hi just letting you know all is fine. Im feeling good and having a great time"

It's approaching 1100km so going well.

Nails!!!

All my watched riders have scratched (and in the case of JP, finished). I am interested to see who will be the first woman to finish though.

How long and there'll be a bikepacking world series by pedaled et al.?

Enjoy the rest of your trip Karl

jameso wrote: It also produced this image - like the TdF in the early days. Absolute classic. If anything makes me want to race it, it's this.

That image may give Mike Curiak another reason to call Jay a cheater...