Looks slightly terrifying.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmoc23yBvUK/

Yeah, there was a neutralised start for so a certain distance.

Pretty sure he said on the podcast that there were a couple of 300km sections without resupply, not 500miles, but could be wrong.

There are a few passes that are definite HAB for anyone.

Also think he said the ideal would be something like 2.1 tyres, but again can't remember if I've mixed that with something else.

The podcasts really are worth a listen for the detail. Been listening and watching that much stuff lately in my confinement that a lot has blurred into one!

They did spread out real quick though eh? Jay is at 322km with the back marker of the last group at 80km. Well actually one at 11km which is I guess worrying after that time period

This is from their Instagram, might go some way to explain the spread of the field:
"A sudden and severe snowstorm, which started late afternoon stopped many of the contestants on their way to the first high peak of the parcours: the 3,780m Kegety pass.
While part of the riders in the front of the field managed to get through, many decided to camp at the bottom to wait out the storm"

I think that Instagram post kind of summarises some of the challenge of the race! Not an easy start eh?!

I must admit, I sort of draw the line at "moderate chance of dying" events. I enjoy a challenge, but I aint leaving my wife a widow pushing on when I shouldn't on a bike ride.

Podcasts are a really good listen.... https://www.silkroadmountainrace.cc/podcast2018

Richard G wrote:I must admit, I sort of draw the line at "moderate chance of dying" events. I enjoy a challenge, but I aint leaving my wife a widow pushing on when I shouldn't on a bike ride.

Unless you're truly daft in the mountains I think UK roads are far more likely to do you some harm? 3700m with the right kit shouldn't be anything beyond challenging and a bit uncomfortable at times. At worst, a cold and exposed bivi then backtracking.

3700 is high though. Makes me appreciate why the adventure syndicate lot were out there early. Good aclimatisation could put you a long way ahead on day 1-2.

I'd have thought a severe snowstorm at those altitudes a lot more likely to kill me than your average UK road. That's why I definitely wouldn't be trying to push through it.

+1 for the podcasts. New one out today

Yeah number 4 release today is a brilliant listen

jameso wrote:
3700 is high though. Makes me appreciate why the adventure syndicate lot were out there early. Good aclimatisation could put you a long way ahead on day 1-2.

And days 3, 4, 5... The value of proper acclimatisation over 3000m can't be over-stressed.

What height does it start at?

Edit - Ahh, low. I assume they must have been acclimatising at nearby elevation rather than at the start then. Just looked at the route, the first climb is hilarious.

Rickie Cotter for SPOTY, what a gesture!

Unless you're truly daft in the mountains I think UK roads are far more likely to do you some harm? 3700m with the right kit shouldn't be anything beyond challenging and a bit uncomfortable at times. At worst, a cold and exposed bivi then backtracking.

Absolutely. Death on the road is likely to be swift with no warning or prelude. Death in the mountains is more likely to be slow and creeping - with the right skills, it's a bullet you have a far greater chance of dodging ... and on that cheery note.

Again, to be clear... I was talking about choosing to venture into a snowstorm in the mountains.

pistonbroke wrote:Rickie Cotter for SPOTY, what a gesture!

What's this?

She was sat on the start line with 15 mins to go and heard of another rider who couldn't start as her bike was still in the UK having failed to be loaded on the flight so she said, sod it I'll wait with the other girl and set off when her bike arrives so she isn't riding alone. They're under way and trying to get to the first checkpoint before the cutoff. It was in the Podcast #4.

Nice... and yeah, the bike thing is always a fear. It's why I refuse to use FlyBe (I know it can happen with anyone, but I've heard of them doing it a lot).

Richard G wrote:Nice... and yeah, the bike thing is always a fear. It's why I refuse to use FlyBe (I know it can happen with anyone, but I've heard of them doing it a lot).

In Shetland we called FlyBe ( who provided our lifeline service) FlyMaybe due to their fantastic service

I don't know if it's standard with all airlines, but they always said they couldn't guarantee your bike will go on your flight and if it didn't it'd go on the next flight. It's always put me off as I'd like to take my bike from here to Norway one summer, but the next flight would be 3 days later if it didn't go with me

I was talking about choosing to venture into a snowstorm in the mountains.

Yeah, well you're not going to die instantly ... unlike getting hit by an 8 wheeler that's doing 50

Richard G wrote:Again, to be clear... I was talking about choosing to venture into a snowstorm in the mountains.

Got it, I misread you saying 'events' as something about the whole thing rather than the bit about carrying on into a snowstorm. Without good kit I think that could count as 'truly daft in the mountains'

Bearbonesnorm wrote:

I was talking about choosing to venture into a snowstorm in the mountains.

Yeah, well you're not going to die instantly ... unlike getting hit by an 8 wheeler that's doing 50

Significantly less time to reflect on how stupid your choice was with the latter though.

What's going on with Lee C? She's missed a turning and gone way up a valley...

mountainbaker wrote:What's going on with Lee C? She's missed a turning and gone way up a valley...

I remember watching Paul Errington ride across the Baltic into Russia during the Rov 150. Hopefully a spot fubar....

Hopefully a spot fubar....

Hmmm, seems to follow that ridge/valley quite well... I fear not.

IG suggestion is off route for resupply?? Been confirmed she's OK.

She was making good progress closing the gap last night when the rest had stopped, but not now