HT550 - 2017

[ton]

TBH I don't think it's an issue that some folk have done "only" 30 miles, it's that the fast folk are just SO fast now.

it wasnt posted to be a issue. just something i noticed

[ScotRoutes]

TBH I don't think it's an issue that some folk have done "only" 30 miles, it's that the fast folk are just SO fast now.

it wasnt posted to be a issue. just something i noticed

Yeah - I do wonder how much different this is from events folk have done elsewhere.

[boxelder]

CH not hanging about FAug. He's prepared well and has a good plan - for me, he's the rider the others need to watch. If dot watching, prepare for a late night......

[Richpips]

They have rattled through Fort A so fast they would only have had a fifty fifty chance of smelling the pizza.

[ScotRoutes]

They have rattled through Fort A so fast they would only have had a fifty fifty chance of smelling the pizza.

[Asposium]

They have rattled through Fort A so fast they would only have had a fifty fifty chance of smelling the pizza.

maybe they had a drop bag such as the pro riders in the TDF

[Richpips]

The call to order would have been
Rider: can I have a pepperoni with extra cheese please.
Pizza shop: is that to collect or delivery?
R: well.......A bit of both. I need you to stand on the pavement with it held out as far as you can so I don't pull your shoulder out of its socket. They would have thought Donald Trump was coming for a photo call.

[jameso]

Nice one Rich and Tom, must be well happy with that ride! Been watching the tail end of your ride, now onto the second event.

[boxelder]

Really impressed with Javi's SS pace! Beardy pocket rocket.

[Asposium]

0.3mile between the lead pair after 8h40 and 108mile
will these guys actually stop to sleep???

[Asposium]

would be interesting to see a riders and bike gallery.
see what they're riding and much (/little) kit they're carrying

[Asposium]

anything at 96.775miles?
a few people have stopped there.
......ah, Fort Augustus

[Richpips]

Neil Belchenko has a handy pack list and narrative on his website. He appears to think sleeping might be on the cards - sleeping bag, jim jams, and a whistful mention of finding somewhere dry to kip.

[FLV]

Neil Belchenko has a handy pack list and narrative on his website. He appears to think sleeping might be on the cards - sleeping bag, jim jams, and a whistful mention of finding somewhere dry to kip.

it has has results on there too, he's not new to this game is he

[Asposium]

Neil Belchenko has a handy pack list and narrative on his website. He appears to think sleeping might be on the cards - sleeping bag, jim jams, and a whistful mention of finding somewhere dry to kip.

hmmm, can't see the video

[Borderer]

Neil Belchenko has a handy pack list and narrative on his website. He appears to think sleeping might be on the cards - sleeping bag, jim jams, and a whistful mention of finding somewhere dry to kip.

He says he slept a total of 20 hours during the 7 day Arizona Trail race, so I doubt he is going to sleep for much for the paltry 4/5 days of this one either!

[Ian]

OK.... just caught up with proceedings for today while trying to move house.

First off - holy crap that pace is fast this year!

They're on the Orrin Track and it's only 10:30. Loads of people are past Loch ma Stac which is a bit of a break point on the route for the first day, and usually only the very front runners would be that far this early.

I'm really interested to see how Phil Addyman responds with Neil and Chris up front. Phil is insanely quick, but last year took long sleep stops (relatively) in order to be able to sustain that pace over multiple days. He may be pushed by these two in terms of pace but almost certainly will be pushed by them in terms of sleep stategy.

Even Alan Goldsmith has ridden past his usual bivvy spot just outside of Fort A.

[cyclingtiger]

Just had a catch up on positions. Wondering if the front few riders might be angling for a late visit to Contin stores and use of the campsite for a couple of hours sleep. Could be a good move as its right on the road so no need for dicking about with finding a bivviable spot in the dark.

[Borderer]

Ian Fitz is going well

[FLV]

Ian is going well yep. Anyone who can run the Bob Graham should not be underestimated in my opinion. He's shown a very good time and to be very strong late in the race before too

Lots of people going a long way on day one.

Also, just noticed looking at last years ride times. Alan DQ'd himself

[Richard G]

I've never done the route, so can anyone help me out and tell me where the particularly difficult bits are in the event?

Be it hike a bike, particularly technical terrain, particularly slow (boggy / whatever) terrain. Would be interesting to know as people are heading into them.

[Dave Barter]

First off - holy crap that pace is fast this year!

This. 3 riders at Contin already before midnight.

[cragrat73]

How is lee Craigie doing as I don't see a spot for her?

[ScotRoutes]

I thought she was saving herself for the TD?

[Richard G]

Yeah, she's not riding this.

Also, holy sh*t at 160 miles+ so far.