The racing kicks off tomorrow evening, social media already buzzing as people are making there way to the start in Geraardsbergen.

Anyone from this parish racing or supporting anyone? I've got a few comrades i'll be following and a few more name have cropped up on the starting list that I've ridden with in other races over the years.
It should hopefully be a good race, Anna, Pat and the team have been putting in a lot of effort to make sure Mike's dream lives on and I really hope things shape up to reflect that.

http://trackleaders.com/transconrace17

Chew and Kevin C are both out there.

No involvement other that general dot watching, but very happy that they could keep it going after Mike passing away. Good luck to everyone taking part!

A friend who lives near me in Reus is riding #145 Joan Carrillo. He recently won the CAT700 which is 650km and 13,000m of climbing, off road down the length of Cataluña, his time was 52 hours inc 4 hours sleep. Also finished 4th in the French Divide last year and has put in some big training rides around Spain recently. He should feature at the sharp end barring mechanicals or saddle sores.

'Neil's New Dad' from this parish, aka No.10 Matt Ryan should also be at the sharp end of this..

Looking forward to the dot watching!

Riders list here for anyone thats interested-

http://www.transcontinental.cc/riders/

I see Jo Burt is riding in the teams category, wonder if riders will get a souvenir key ring

Bearbonesnorm wrote:Chew and Kevin C are both out there.

Are they? Brilliant!

Good luck fellas, it'll be a walk in the park!

And there off just watching the start on Instagram live

Is there a list of who is riding what number?

ianfitz wrote:Is there a list of who is riding what number?

http://www.transcontinental.cc/riders/

Just seen Javi there too in a live video....Either that or he's got a twin brother!

Was in his riding gear but didn't have a numbered cap on..

He could be stalking Chew

looks like Kev has turned back and heading for the start, not a good sign, and Chew is carrying on solo. Hope all is ok kev.

Wotsits wrote:

ianfitz wrote:Is there a list of who is riding what number?

http://www.transcontinental.cc/riders/

And also on the trackleaders page under the tab marked 'riders'

Obvious really

numplumz wrote:looks like Kev has turned back and heading for the start, not a good sign, and Chew is carrying on solo. Hope all is ok kev.

Likewise. All the best with what ever is going on kevin.

I see rider 214 is Liam Glen, I assume that's 2 times Braunton 150, and HT550 winner? Was he nearly pro road racer before an accident and packing it in? Hopefully the same Liam as I'll be able to tell my roadie friends I was in an event he was in once and only came 3 places behind him, that should impress them

Daft question, if one of a pair DNFs, is the other allowed to finish or do they get DQ'd?

Also, I'm keeping a tab on #2, Toby (Chester road club, really nice guy) and Stu McCormick, favourite word is clint and he crashed out if the Aussie race on the way to the start line but has finished Route 66 race)

Can I ask what are Chew and Kev's cap numbers so I can follow them as well. Being a relative newbie I don't actually know Chew's real name to look him up

Wotsits wrote:Just seen Javi there too in a live video....Either that or he's got a twin brother!

Was in his riding gear but didn't have a numbered cap on..

He could be stalking Chew

I was passing by coming from a bikepacking trip. Everyone thought I was racing on a ss mtb. Met Chew, Liam and many others. Start was amazing, with the muur lit with torches. Mike Hall's mum words were so...such emotional moment. It was great to be there.

Liam's goal is under 10 days by the way

sean_iow wrote:Can I ask what are Chew and Kev's cap numbers so I can follow them as well. Being a relative newbie I don't actually know Chew's real name to look him up

Look through the 'Pairs' rider list. There's only one 'Kevin' there...

(268 btw)

Wonder if Jo Burt remembered to turn on his tracker??
EDIT: And his partner Gavin still appears to be on the start line.

psling wrote:
Look through the 'Pairs' rider list. There's only one 'Kevin' there...

(268 btw)

Thanks, didn't realise they were riding as a pair, the comments about them above make more sense now.