2016 Highland Trail (group start)

[Chew]

How does this compare with Phil Simcock's time?

You can look back at the tracker from 2014 http://trackleaders.com/highland14

It took Phil just over 24 hours to get to CP2

[whitestone]

What's Ian Wilmshurst doing? Looks like he's heading down the Great Glen from FA.

Edit, just seen your (Greg's) tweet

[GregMay]

We shall see. I suspect major nav error - we had two Canadians go uber wrong yesterday too - but this....well it also could be a F'this I'm going to the pub moment.

[Trail-rat]

#must paint/fit skirtings / doors and paint window sills ..... Not sit watching blue dots :D

[GregMay]

Confirming Ian Wilmshurst as a scratch - injured back, is pootling back to Tyndrum.

[whitestone]

Confirming Ian Wilmshurst as a scratch - injured back, is pootling back to Tyndrum.

Oh dear. That's tough luck. Hope he gets back to Tyndrum OK.

Echoing what you said about so many getting to FA so quickly, there seem to be more riders closer to the front of the field this year than last. I know the northern loop is a bit deceptive in relative speeds but there's eight (now nine) riders on it.

[Chew]

It does look like we have a race on our hands. Those top 9 are all currently within 10 miles of each other.

Interesting to see how people cope with the upcomming hike a bike and the overnight strategy.

[GregMay]

It does look like we have a race on our hands. Those top 9 are all currently within 10 miles of each other.

Interesting to see how people cope with the upcomming hike a bike and the overnight strategy.

Yep, this is the key for the racers :)

[Bearbonesnorm]

Why has my internet connection decided now would be a good time to commit suicide? It's so slow, I can't load the map on Trackleaders

[slarge]

Better weather this year, it was a tad damp and windy last year. They're going well though.

[ScotRoutes]

In reality, you don't need much to keep bike, body and soul together in these circumstances - with the correct MIDGENET.

FTFY

[ScotRoutes]

I was through Contin twice today on my way to/from Ullapool. There was a group outside the shop early on and then a couple of riders at the filling station later. Weather is generally very good - only a wee sharp shower this afternoon.

[boxelder]

Been out for a wee trip with my brother (first bikepack), from Tyndrum to Ben Aler Cottage. Managed some spectating, as we joined the route at Bridge of Gaur and follwed it to Ben Alder Cottage. We met riders from Marshal (USA) backwards. Coditions are fantastic, though maybe a bit hot. the Czech pair seemed to be suffering from the heat on the climb over to Loch Ericht. The bridge across the burn to Ben Alder Cottage was causing some problems, but not as many as the boggy, steppy trail down to it!
Hal the Canadian had a perfect slow-mo over the bars moment, but not as good as MBUK Matt, who managed a very impressive 'superman' over his bars into the peat sludge....... He arrived a few hours after everyone else, having started 2 hours late (photographer issues). He's carrying lots and in it for the long haul, carrying and testing lots of kit. He's a big BB supporter, so cheer him on. He was however just getting up when we left Ben Alder at 9.15am, so he's taking a relaxed approach.
Photos to follow......

[GregMay]

OK...that appers to explain what's going on with Matt then...he's going quite slow.

If anyone knows Fiona Massey - tell her to turn on her SPOT - or chirp it at least.

[adjustablewench]

Not that watching dots is addictive - but just checked to see what happened overnight and Lee seems to be off the route...

I'm hoping she's missed the turning and realises soon

[slarge]

Looks like she bypassed the lumpy road to Lochinver. A real shame if she did, but the rest are going well.

[boxelder]

Until I work out how to show pics from flickr, here's the album

https://flic.kr/s/aHskxp8UVX

Looking this morning, Liam must have gone hard yesterday. He was near the back of the field at Ben Alder.

Dan and Hal the Canadians had missed the turn onto the forest climb from Bridge of Gaur, so put a few extra miles in. There were a few complaints about the bog trod to Ben Alder Cott, so good luck when they reach the 'Suilven stumble' to Ledbeg Junction.

[adjustablewench]

It will be awful if she's done that - she still seems to be going strong

[boxelder]

It will be awful if she's done that

Easily done though, if not concentrating, and in a few minutes you're back on route and wouldn't have noticed. Did she ride that section recently on the North Coast 500?

[GregMay]

This is going to be a GPX to prove you didn't moment I fear :/ One of the problems with the lack of fine data from the SPOT - so lets not jump to any conclusions.

Steve Heading has had a mechanical - one of the Al's is having gastric issues (assuming Goldsmith) and they've bailed to the road.

[Chew]

Looks likely to be Mr Sheldon whos diverted with Mr Heading based on where Mr Goldsmith is.

[GregMay]

Looks likely to be Mr Sheldon whos diverted with Mr Heading based on where Mr Goldsmith is.

Ahhhah! Alan G's SPOT updated, it's been quiet for the lsat 40mins!

GO go ye oldie HAB master.

[NewRetroTom]

Unfortunately it looks like Lee didn't double back from her off-route spot. From there to Lochinver only took 20 mins.

Compare that with Philip Addyman who took 46 mins to do it via the off road route, which fits in with my experience of that section.

[Dave Barter]

Big shout to Ian Fitz who is right up there and really motoring.

[GregMay]

Big shout to Ian Fitz who is right up there and really motoring.

Its his birthday too :)