Breaking news - trains are now on!! http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015 ... day-strike

Rich: we are hoping to see you both off tomorrow. Also staying at By the way tonight. We are in a red VW camper if you want to knock off the door tonight.

Knock on the door perhaps. ....

I'd also like to see you depart tomorrow. Betweent 7 and 8am?
I'm at the main car park near tourist office. White pannelled delivery van and a grey roofbox but I think I'd better find you at the By the Way.

Rich and Tom set off on there adventure at 7.05 this morning. We sorted out a bag piper recording of Scotland The Brave on an ipod to see them on their way.

Javi- just seen your post and it looks like you missed them. Noticed a few vans parked up as we went to the start.

I'm out and about on the bike Saturday and Sunday but will be keeping the guys at Trackleaders updated as and if someone scratches.

So, if someone contacts me to scratch I'll post it to the @HT_550 Twitter account as soon as I hit signal. I'll be doing an update of scratches once a day as a post if all works out IT wise while on the move.

Ride well kids.

Kind weather and feeling-good wishes to all .. have a good ride!

Last minute panic!

Spare brake pads ordered from CRC on Tuesday haven't turned up. Have had to ring round Edinburgh bike shops to see who has Hope X2 pads in stock and send my OH out to buy them!

I may have missed it further up the thread but what's the strategy for Rich and Mini Pips? Other than getting him back in time for school of course

In about half an hour it looks like they'll get to the first of the hike-a-bike sections along the Abhainn Rath.

Very dissapointed that Alpkit failed to deliver my new frame bag intime, despite emails and phone calls to confirm this would happen. At least I wont be able to take too much kit, and I'm sure I have enough fat reserves that I won't starve!

Joints are aching this morning, probably from panic training...

Blackhound wrote:Rich and Tom set off on there adventure at 7.05 this morning. We sorted out a bag piper recording of Scotland The Brave on an ipod to see them on their way.

Javi- just seen your post and it looks like you missed them. Noticed a few vans parked up as we went to the start.

I missed them for few minutes. It was 7:20am when I was at the campsite.

Very good luck to them!

ZeroDarkBivi wrote:Very dissapointed that Alpkit failed to deliver my new frame bag intime, despite emails and phone calls to confirm this would happen. At least I wont be able to take too much kit, and I'm sure I have enough fat reserves that I won't starve!

Joints are aching this morning, probably from panic training...

What frame? Where are you? Sure someone can lend one. If you're near Sheffield I've lending options...

Tom, I have a spare pair of pads - I'll be at the start!

Half an hour to go.....

Bet there are some last minute butterflies as things start to get all too real.

Good luck all, should be a hell of an adventure!

Uh, that's weird - my post last night has vanished...

Anyhow - 2 mins to the start...

Good luck all - here's hoping you get good weather, nice trails and the hike-a-bike bits aren't too arduous!

And they're away!

Trackleaders reports that the front rider has achieved precisely 0ft in travel

May the sun keep shining

Good Luck to everyone – I'll be keeping an eye on this thread as I'm going to take a crack at it early august!

Ianfitz - many thanks, but lack of frame bag became the least of my problems after my girlfriend crashed the van on the M74 last night. Thankfully neither of us are seriously injured but unable to continue. Never letting her drive again!

Unexpectedly sunny in Glasgow this morning; hope it lasts for those now underway.

Pace is quick this year!

Josh Ibbet and Steve Heading through Fort A. Tom Rowntree not far behind.

Good first day pace from a number of others off here too.

The Pizza place in Fort A is going to be very busy.

Looks like the majority will clear there tonight.

Interesting to see tomorrow who can keep the pace up and whos maybe pushed a bit too much on day 1.

Can someone in the know post up a link to the spot tracker site for this event please?

Rich and Tom have made past the rocky push beside Loch ma stac. No updates for last hour and a half, so maybe stopped at the small bothy that lies shortly after. Could be in for some late night disruptions for other racers though.

Looks like the Pipps have stopped for the night. It's not an area of the Highlands I know, is there a bothy there? There's a bothy that many people seem to aim for on the first day but again, I don't know where it is.