As per the Wales one, 8th Dec

Myself and Ray

Borders somewhere with a bothy

Anyone else?

Hi restlessnative, Gameshope is OK by me, not sure as to what distance to do. I'm fit enough but it depends on the weather/conditions. I also dont't have night riding lights so we would need to get there before dark.

Will have a look around some other stuff too

Sunset will be about 4pm I'd guess!

I also don't have night riding lights so we would need to get there before dark.

A very friendly suggestion - but you could buy some 8-)

Honestly, night riding is, in the words of the yoot in da hoodz - da sub standard. And with all the dirt cheap but perfectly serviceable stuff coming out of asian manufacturers or loads of uk based guys (from Hope to the supernova-cottage/garage industry that is Troute Lights) the world is your mollusc.

In fact, if you need an excuse, it'd be irresponsible to venture out in to the Borders without a decent set of lights

I just wonder which one of these junkets would be least hassle for me to get to from Leeds ....

Well actually I have been thinking that 4pm is a bit early to stop and leaves a lot of hours in the bothy so ignore my previous remark, i'll get some night lights sorted (will post on general chat for recommendations).

The general form for the Welsh version is something like this:
Meet up at a town somewhere, pile into the chippy for a load of food, back out onto the bikes (later than planned and nearly too full to ride properly), ride pre-planned route stopping for photos, chit chat, bara brith, find that we've not ridden fast enough and its getting dark, fit lights, ride some more, carry bikes a bit, eventually find pre-planned camp spot, settle down under a great big tarp (with annex), eat Christmas dinner, drink whisky and talk rubbish until the small hours and do it all in reverse the following day. The riding bit is largely superfluous - the more time at the bivvy spot in good company the better :D

sounds great!

Ian has described perfectly the last two winter bivi's.
Although last years chippy was substituted with a greasy spoon.
Pseudo middle class party food is a must.

Your gonna need a handful of change also

Ultra light change is that Matt?

Sorry, we're out of fivers... by ianbarrington, on Flickr

Look at the state of those fingernail's!!!!!

I'm looking at options

Innerleithen seems a good start point (whistle stop cafe or chipper)

Ride SUW to St Mary's Loch, then up road to Megget and bothy

If we included a 10 mile road section the next morning to Yarrowford we could head up the Minch Moor road and back to the top of Inners and finish with a glorious decsent of the red trails with full bikepacking gear which would be stupendous

May need a shorter weather is crap option!

or the theifs road back to peebles which could include the lower part of gt

Personal fitness pending, I'd be up for this.

Cheeky Monkey, if I'm in, happy to give you a lift from Leeds, easier to split fuel!

you won't need to be fit to keep up with me!

restlessnative wrote:you won't need to be fit to keep up with me!

Or me!

Ray Young wrote:

restlessnative wrote:you won't need to be fit to keep up with me!

Or me!

Fair cop! Good chance I'm in then. Cheeky, need a lift? :)

Might do, cheers for the offer.

I have very many things to sort out before I know I'm free though (dig days, wife, kids etc). I'll know by November!

Happy to drive and split the fuel as well.

If you're going from Leeds i might tag along if thats ok?

Long way off yet, but i'l see where i am in November

The more the merrier, Chew. :)

Hello Ray and Restless.
I am free from 2pm on Saturday 1st December or 2pm Saturday 15th December. Any good to you?

Mike

Hi Mike, either will do me :) .

Sorry missed this as I was down south on hols, 15th would suit me best if that's ok?

Ok with me.