HT550 - 2017

[ianfitz]

My point is I've done half a dozen two day 600km rides and another half dozen three or more day 1000km+ rides, and three BB200s, so I've got a pretty good handle on what body parts cause me distress after three 18 hour days in the saddle. Not being blasé at all, just thinking I have as good an idea as the next man on the start line.

A finish on the 2014 BB200 used to count as a qualifier, I'm assuming it still does.

It may be too long ago though...

[Bearbonesnorm]

It may be too long ago though...

Maybe so ... but what if you completed the CL or LL200 two years ago, would they still count? Perhaps a 'within the last 18 months, 12 months or whatever' stipulation* for qualifying rides?

*just a thought

[ScotRoutes]

There plainly should be some sort of cut-off point but as long as Alan is taking into account other adventures on a subjective basis then I don't see why anyone should get hung up on specifics.

[Bearbonesnorm]

but as long as Alan is taking into account other adventures on a subjective basis then I don't see why anyone should get hung up on specifics.

Me neither Colin. At the end of the day, it's Alan's decision and I know it's not based purely on a list of qualifying rides.

[AlanG]

So many questions! I think most people have got the right idea. You should have been doing this stuff for a while and have done a few big multi day off road rides this year. Applications accepted from 26th November. You will not have more chance of a place if you apply at 00:01. Any time for a week after that will do. I will let you know if you have a place by mid December.
As has been pointed out there are now about 60 finishers so if they all apply it's full! I will review the selection process as needed.
Route guide with GPX track of "touring" version available here:
http://www.bikepacking.com/routes/highland-trail-550/

[mountainbaker]

@Dyffers you did BearBones 2014, I thought that was a qualifying ride?

[touch]

Yep the gpx won't attach. I got the route from another rider who did it the same time as you. He must have gone another way then.

Cheers

The Cyan route is the 2015 (and previous) route following the WHW to Kinlochleven. (strava link to 2015 route)
The green route (which Ian took) is the correct 2016 route. (strava link to 2016 route)

[dlovett]

Many thanks.

Cheers
d

Yep the gpx won't attach. I got the route from another rider who did it the same time as you. He must have gone another way then.

Cheers

The Cyan route is the 2015 (and previous) route following the WHW to Kinlochleven. (strava link to 2015 route)
The green route (which Ian took) is the correct 2016 route. (strava link to 2016 route)

[Dyffers]

@Dyffers you did BearBones 2014, I thought that was a qualifying ride?

Indeed. But as per some comments above, we'll see if qualifiers have a use-by date. I would expect your 2015 'qualifier' to have a longer shelf life than my 2014 one for instance.

[ScotRoutes]

Heads up

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/for ... m/0015604/

Should be finished in time for the HTR though it could leave a more lasting impact on the trail.

[fatbikephil]

If the path work involves getting rid of those horrible wooden steps, happy days.... I'm more concerned about the hydro scheme on the Pattack. On site signage suggests you have to use the old ROW just up the hill from the track which is nothing but a vague line through bog and tussock. Hopefully will be more or less done by next May.

[Dyffers]

Well, the 26th is here. Who's put an entry in?

[Karl]

Not me. Having a year off. I'll be going back in 2018.

Anyone who wants to do it should apply. Alan is a fair man. If you get a place you'll not regret it. Also remember if you don't get a grand depart place you can still enjoy it anytime of the year.

[ianfitz]

Maybe

[AlasdairMc]

Thanks for the reminder. I'm in again. Just need to get some semblance of fitness back in the next six months...

[slarge]

Just sent my email. Hope the crap weather doesn't follow me next year

[Howard]

Sent the email. I don't envy Alan!

[ianfitz]

Just sent my email. Hope the crap weather doesn't follow me next year

Me too ya big weather jinx!

[slarge]

Its a test Ian. None of this nice weather namby pamby stuff. Would be good though to have just a few hours of sunshine in between the rainstorms.....

[PJG]

Well, I've applied - so fingers crossed !
I've not done one of the official qualifiers, so it may have to be an ITT instead.

Will find out in a couple of weeks I guess.

[AlanG]

Over the weekend I received about 70 requests for a place on the 2017 group start. Fortunately not the massive response that I had feared!
So far there are 25 that will be offered a place as they have done a “qualifying” ride, of these, 17 are riders returning for a second, third or fourth time. I will email this first wave later today with the good news.
The rest will have to wait to find out if they’ve made the cut. Only three women have applied, I thought there would be more.

[jam bo]

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but when would be a good time of year for an ITT? I assume too soon and some stuff is impassable, too late and ??

[ianpv]

too soon and some stuff is impassable, too late and

you'll get eaten alive

I sent Alan an email - more from hope than expectation given a less than impressive CV (Braunton 150 and cairngorm loop)

[AlasdairMc]

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but when would be a good time of year for an ITT? I assume too soon and some stuff is impassable, too late and ??

You'll get shot. You pass through some hunting estates, so anything after the 12th August risks meeting estate workers and interrupting their work. The route follows established trails though.

[padonbike]

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but when would be a good time of year for an ITT? I assume too soon and some stuff is impassable, too late and ??

I did northern loop last week March and it was ok, although cold enough to freeze front and rear mech! If there's snow melt in the Fisherfield river crossing that could mess you up if you going for the whole route.