Excellent, look forward to that too.

I think we're morphing into a Bikepacking/Urbex Fusion forum. And none the worse for that

gecko76 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 2:54 pm Something like that

Also, bumped into a chap walking his dog who mentioned another potential spot; an abandoned hospital, complete with children's toys last time he was there.

That brings to mind some kind of dystopian Eisentein-esque film of a darkly lit ruined hospital with dolls heads and half teddy bears lying around...

I think I might know where you mean - 'ware the neds!!

Thar she blows.

Built between 1723 and 1727, Scotland's first Palladian villa. It's since fallen into disrepair and been securely fenced off. Got round that by having the spot I'd spotted outside the fence. Cunning, you'll agree.

Almost perfect being flat, dry and sheltered. I slept fine until just after 5 when a horrifying and prolonged scream woke me. It was a barn owl, of course, but took a minute for the penny to drop. Dozed after that before getting up to make coffee.


So that's 2024 underway, and 13 in a row. Did a sonnet about last year's bivvies, just for the fun of it.

A fogou for the first, a damp affair
Then by the bypass, awoken by the moon
In March the Duke of Buccleuch slept unaware
Come April, close to home, a dry lagoon
And Spring once sprung, the woods! (with coffee set)
A skinny-tyred dash for the sun in June
A trip across to Fife, the longest yet
A cabin along the canal (I left my mark)
And daughter glad September wasn't wet
For hallowe'en a tunnel, grim and dark
November, bitter chill, Orion bright
The Scottish Winter Bivvy for a lark
And bam! Like that, though some put up a fight
Each one its own, each one a worthy night

Love it

I don't think I'd be getting any sleep in that building

Out tonight for a nice clear, cold bivvy. Forecast -2°C with a moderate northerly... Best take my big coat.

RIP wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:50 am Annnnnnd off we go....

A most luxurious night toasty warm at a visitors centre on the Winter Event.

Nooo-o-o-o of course not! -3c on an open-air but roofed wooden platform at a visitors centre. As mentioned elsewhere, lots of ice everywhere and frozen socks. Perfect!

1/1, 1/12, 98/98

What an ace spot!!! Out of 1 to 10, I'd give that about 12. Maybe more.

Bearlegged wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:22 pm Blimey, that's a fair old tour. Some lovely photos.

Wow, I second that.

Bearlegged wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:53 pm

RIP wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:34 pm ...you've set the bar pretty high already there.

Don't worry Reg, I'll soon lower it.

Not if I lower it first

That brings to mind some kind of dystopian Eisentein-esque film of a darkly lit ruined hospital with dolls heads and half teddy bears lying around...

I think I might know where you mean - 'ware the neds!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosslynle ... =sfla1This is the one he was talking about, though according to 28dayslater (urbex forum) it's under development and people are already living in part of it. Ah well, have to go elsewhere for my nightmares. I believe there are some in Fife.

gecko76 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 13, 2024 2:54 pm Something like that

Also, bumped into a chap walking his dog who mentioned another potential spot; an abandoned hospital, complete with children's toys last time he was there.

Errr, no thank you

gecko76 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 14, 2024 10:34 am

A fogou for the first, a damp affair
Then by the bypass, awoken by the moon
In March the Duke of Buccleuch slept unaware
Come April, close to home, a dry lagoon
And Spring once sprung, the woods! (with coffee set)
A skinny-tyred dash for the sun in June
A trip across to Fife, the longest yet
A cabin along the canal (I left my mark)
And daughter glad September wasn't wet
For hallowe'en a tunnel, grim and dark
November, bitter chill, Orion bright
The Scottish Winter Bivvy for a lark
And bam! Like that, though some put up a fight
Each one its own, each one a worthy night

Nice one

Brilliant! We have our very own Bard Of BBB

That's a belter Justin. A memorable way to get your 2024 campaign up and running!

Here goes, lowering the bar as promised.

Went out last night, expecting it to be absolutely bitterly cold, but it actually seemed to have warmed up a bit. No real frost on the ground, though a bit of ice on some cars as I arrived back home.

Obviously went out to enjoy it, but also as I had failed to get my January BAM in on either night of last weekend (which is quite ironic really when you think about it, it being the bearbones bikepacking (cue is kind of in the title ) winter event), on account of "the rules": Friday night because it didn't involve a bike (still in back of my car and I couldn't be asked to get it out at 1am and ride it round the block a few times), and Saturday because, a) money was involved, and b) our deluxe abode really would have stretched any notion of "bivvy" beyond what I could square with my conscience....

Anyway, simples, left home about ten, rode not in the slightest bit far, but at least it was up a hill, found a nice spot with a view, plonked myself down, slept really quite well by my standards.

IMG_20240114_050903 by Verena Zimmer, on Flickr

Woke up at just after 5 for a pee, quite chilly by then, decided to make a coffee and head home fairly soon, as it wouldn't get daylight for ages, and a grey murky day was forecast so not much point waiting for a stunning sunrise.

IMG_20240114_052210 by Verena Zimmer, on Flickr

Home just before seven.

Sort of unspectacular, but I still really enjoyed it. Loved the cool fresh air on my face, looking up at the stars, and both in the morning, and at 2am when I also woke, there was this very very deep silence, almost tangible. Loved that.

Liking the...blanket? scarf? A good night to be out because it's about to get colder!

gecko76 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:07 pm Liking the...blanket? scarf? A good night to be out because it's about to get colder!

Yes I wondered about the blanket too. My nan used to have one just like that which she wrapped round her knees while she was watching the wrestling. Are you into wrestling V? My nan also liked eating dripping on toast and other heartstopping foodstuffs while she watched the telly. Mind you, she lived until 93 so you never can tell. Maybe the blanket helped.

Fair play V for fessing up about not counting your WE spots as BaMs. Very diligent. I remember having a nice chat about it with you in the Wynnstay. I reckon if you'd ridden to your cricket pavilion or whatever it was you'd've been ok. Still, you've just had a nice night out so it's all worked out in the wash.

gecko76 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:07 pm Liking the...blanket? scarf? A good night to be out because it's about to get colder!

Glad you like it. It's a massive thick fluffy scarf which I bought on holidays in Bagneres de Luchon in the Pyrenees last February, for an impromptu snowy mountain wild camp, which was wonderful, so it carries happy memories for me, and keeps me nice and warm.

Verena wrote: ↑Sun Jan 14, 2024 2:07 pm

gecko76 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:07 pm Liking the...blanket? scarf? A good night to be out because it's about to get colder!

Glad you like it. It's a massive thick fluffy scarf which I bought on holidays in Bagneres de Luchon in the Pyrenees last February, for an impromptu snowy mountain wild camp, which was wonderful, so it carries happy memories for me, and keeps me nice and warm.

Yeah but what about the Wrestling?

I've drawn up a loose plan. Going to the Lincoln Wolds. Anyone any insight on any secret nice spots close to the road. pM me or let me know roughtly where to look.

I notice there's a few Roman/derelict villages on the OS map but not sure whats on the ground!

Winter Event and January BAM

Taking it easy!!
Fuel and engine issues?!?!?!

Our second Winter Event.
Dave and I set ourselves an easyish plan for the weekend.
Why? Following November's 'Two Bothies Tour' our biking had been negligible, and both of us suffered colds over Chrimbo.

The chosen objective, Nant Syddion Bothy.

Day One...Llanbrynmair-Pennant- Pennant Isaf- Staylittle-Hafren Forest- Sweet Lamb Complex- Wind Farm- Bothy...25 miles
Tis always a pleasure to take part in Bear Bones events. We were keen. As the miles rolled by and the ascent grew we suffered some fuelling and engine issues, at times walking what otherwise we'd cycle. Clearly not our normal selves. Reaching the wind farm, dark drew in. We were now on a minor track dropping hundreds of feet down to the bowels of a valley. Steep, loose and slippery stones made progress very slow, and hazardous. Thankfully we survived this ordeal, although both of us considered the worst, then how would one identify our location for a rescue helicopter! Now passing a familiar junction, light was visible from the bothy. We joined many others inside, some partaking in WE, several hikers, and latterly a group of youngsters who arrived in vehicles . By a quirk of fate the only bedroom spare was the largest. Lucky us!! Time to eat, drink and socialise with like minded souls. We slept well, as did the other inhabitants.






Day Two...Bothy- Ponterwyd garage- Afon Hengwm Ford- Mynydd Bychan Forest- Llyn Cwmbyr- Glaslyn- Dylife- downhill to finish 27 miles
Clearly a cold night, evident from the brilliant frost outside, but the building was undoubtedly warmer. All part of the easy plan!
With time on our side, brekkie was slow. And enjoyable. Off we go, heading for the George Borrow Hotel hoping for more food of the egg and bacon variety but lo they were closed. So down the road to the garage in Ponterwyd for supplies. Now the long uphill slog for many miles through some wonderful countryside. My legs kicked into gear today but Dave struggled throughout. His food supplies were not yielding fast energy. Eventually he succumbed to eat one of my special chocolate brownies to flood his body with energy. Given time this worked for him. We gratefully enjoyed a magnificent downhill for many miles to finish later than most, but still during daylight.
Recently finished were Reg and crew. Was great to see you all.
Many thanks Dee for a lovely cake and toast, muchly appreciated.

Thank you Stuart and Dee for organising another great event. Love the Power Ranger pack

Thoughts/good points/not so good:
Must take more pics!
Dave's goose down socks
Dave partaking in BAM for 2024 ???

Fuelling for the future:
Both of us have 'crashed' during Bear Bones events in the last 12 months!!
Neil to drip feed fuel regularly and avoid certain sugary stuff which trips him out
Dave to involve carbs as essential fuel

We both need 'OS Locate' and 'What Three Words' apps
Try out some check points 2025 WE. Maybe!

Total miles 52, ascent 6149'
Neil 1 of 1, 25 of 25

While the subzero temperatures didn't particularly bother me, and I was ready for some nice clear, dry weather, the forecast for a 15-20mph northwesterly winds put me off my original plan of going back to an amazing spot I found by chance last weekend, at the top of a NW facing hill. From any other direction, it's nice and sheltered, so I'll save that one for another day (/night). Instead I went for an area I knew fairly well, with a short ride in and a variety of terrain where I could be fairly certain of finding a sheltered spot.

After a bit of tramping round in the heather, I settled on this nook under a big slab of Northumbrian whinstone on the lee side of a small rise, and strung my tarp across it. There are more picturesque spots nearby, but it was the most sheltered, and besides, it would be dark for a long time. I took my full zipped summer bag as an extra layer, and no bivvy bag, since the forecast was for dry weather and it would just compress the insulation.





A frosty start - the car was showing -2 when I left suburban Newcastle at 7pm, so it must have been a couple below that at least - but after a couple of hot drinks and some porridge, it was light enough to go for a ride. I didn't really have any plans, but it seemed a shame not to make something of the first proper nice winter's day for a while, so after a gentle bimble round the nearby woods, I dropped back into Rothbury, got a coffee and some snacks, and then went for a short loop over a nearby hill. It's a footpath and it's boggy so a frosty Monday was the ideal time to ride it.







I'm still not saying I'll keep this BAM thing up, but here we are in January and I've got out, so there's that. 1/12

February might be tricky - I'm away every weekend. One of them is Jennride, but that's camping in a pre-arranged field, so doesn't really count. Might bivvy near Staveley on the Friday night.

Good looking pitch there Dave. Liking the idea of an extra sleeping bag instead of bivvy bag - will keep that in mind. Here's to more dry nights.

gecko76 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 15, 2024 5:50 pm Good looking pitch there Dave. Liking the idea of an extra sleeping bag instead of bivvy bag - will keep that in mind. Here's to more dry nights.

Ho ho....
So after all this nice frosty weather, guess whats happening this weekend when I'm hoping to get out At one point it was looking like a perfect opportunity for some skiing, biking and bivvying. Now looks like I'm heading for the bird hide again....

Good stuff so far and poetry too!

@NeilA - the youngsters in the 4wd turned up at Nant Rhys. Already there was the Assistant MO and his chums who were there partly to turn away people turning up in vehicles! They muttered something about going 5 miles to somewhere, we guessed Nant Syddion, but nothing they could do to stop them. Sounds like they left you all alone.

gecko76 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 15, 2024 5:50 pm Good looking pitch there Dave. Liking the idea of an extra sleeping bag instead of bivvy bag - will keep that in mind. Here's to more dry nights.

Cheers! Amen to that!

Blackhound wrote: ↑Mon Jan 15, 2024 7:58 pm @NeilA - the youngsters in the 4wd turned up at Nant Rhys. Already there was the Assistant MO and his chums who were there partly to turn away people turning up in vehicles! They muttered something about going 5 miles to somewhere, we guessed Nant Syddion, but nothing they could do to stop them. Sounds like they left you all alone.

Yes Blackhound does seem like it was them. And yes they kept to themselves, confining their activities to the one bedroom. Sounded like they brought camp beds, and beer. They chatted the hours away and didn't affect our sleeping in the next room.