ZeroDarkBivi wrote:I'm unlikely to risk this, given the weather. However, having driven up to Scotland from Somerset yesterday, I am keen to get out on the bike. The Capital Trail is an option, but I expect the weather will also make that route unpleasant. Any suggestions for other rides that might be less impacted by the weather?

Check out the forecast for Skye, it's a great island to explore, or even the Outer Hebrides looks nicer weather and low down

ZeroDarkBivi wrote:I'm unlikely to risk this, given the weather. However, having driven up to Scotland from Somerset yesterday, I am keen to get out on the bike. The Capital Trail is an option, but I expect the weather will also make that route unpleasant. Any suggestions for other rides that might be less impacted by the weather?

I reckon the CT would be wet but OK. Any remaining snow won't be that deep.
Forecast - https://www.yr.no/en/list/daily/2-26551 ... %20Borders

For those starting tomorrow be aware that it has rained on and off all day today, which on top of most of yesterday/last nights snow melting, means the burns are going to be high for a while. Ford's of A'an particularly could be a show stopper. There is a lot of snow in that capture so if the temps stay warm(ish) it won't necessarily drop significantly.
Stay safe and I shall keep my eye out for you(odd bloke on a black/brown CX bike.

The riding in the forests around Glen Feshie and Rothiemurchus are as 'weather-proof' as anything in Scotland - why not set off and re-assess when you reach the Kincraig area, or just do the outer loop. Plenty of bothies and warm hostelries.

Definitely a good option there ^^

I'm still going. Forecast looks good for tomorrow and river levels look low http://apps.sepa.org.uk/waterlevels/?sd=t&lc=234274

I may set off earlier now the group start is not official.

I'm prepared to divert / turn round if snow is too deep / rivers are too deep.

Nikk,
please be a bit wary of relying on a website for river levels - this is nature we are talking about.
The water levels can really fluctuate massively over 12hrs, but in general with lots of snow and rising temps there could be a lot of melt and high rivers.
If you start off on the actual route, you'll already have a good idea from the river crossings you meet on the Gaick pass.
If these prove dodgy, forget Avon and Geldie!
good luck

I've seen the Geldie change overnight from a babbling brook to a raging torrent. I was considering riding the Loop tomorrow but I think all the info here has finally made my mind up for me.

I'm still planning to set off tomorrow. Will be on the fat bike. Prepared to/expecting to be turned back by deep fords.

Spot is here if anyone wants to watch my progress/lack of.....
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... jJMmM6favv

Now we know where you live.

:)

Best of luck to all those brave people giving this a go today; gorgeous morning in East Fife.

Beautiful up here in Aviemore too. The mountains look fantastic

Yep, lovely and sunny. Keep an eye on those burns and enjoy.

reckon toms climbing an lurg now.

looks like its been hard going judging by his pace - or his fatty weighs alot.

about face looks like he turned around at the top of an lurg.

Yes i am bored - im stuck in the middle of the north sea - and watching his dot is more exciting than watching the wendyball in the rec room.

Trail-rat wrote:reckon toms climbing an lurg now.

looks like its been hard going judging by his pace - or his fatty weighs alot.

Looks like he's turned round and back tracking now, hope he's alright

looking at gregs mates photo he probably got up an lurg looked over and went - poke that.

its a long slog through there at the best of times never mind in deep snow - with the prospect of walking back if the avon is high.

I was quite happy to see Tom turn round. Good rider = smart rider = not dead rider.

JohnClimber wrote:

Trail-rat wrote:reckon toms climbing an lurg now.

looks like its been hard going judging by his pace - or his fatty weighs alot.

Looks like he's turned round and back tracking now, hope he's alright

Possibly making for Tomintoul and the outer loop

absolutely greg

looks like he is off out to the braes of abernethy now.

Fraser is at point 100km now . Never been there but it's at the highest point just by looking at the route profile. Sure he knows where is his limit. Scary!. Tom went to the outer loop before starting the climb to the top. Now he's 10km to Tomintoul.
Who else is out there?

Found Howard's spot tracker link. He's is 50km into the route, near Feshieway cottage

Javi wrote:Fraser is at point 100km now . Never been there but it's at the highest point just by looking at the route profile. Sure he knows where is his limit. Scary!. Tom went to the outer loop before starting the climb to the top. Now he's 10km to Tomintoul.
Who else is out there?

He's over the shoulder of Bynack Mor and across the Avon. I'd say that's the two main obstacles out of the way - unless the Feshie is swollen with melt.

the geldie would be my worry. in melt that can be 30ft in diameter at the crossing when the striations fill up .