In the great scheme of things there's not that long to go until this years BB200 and there's a couple of things I thought you might like to know in advance.

Friday night:
Once again, the nice people at the Star Inn are happy to let riders kip in their carpark. They'll also be serving food and there's the possibility of breakfast on Sat morning. Those of a softer disposition can book themselves some B&B too should they wish. I ask that no one takes the p1ss and that anyone making use of their facilities in someway, at least buys a drink or two if nothing else. I'd also urge you to give them a shout in advance and let them know your intentions ... especially if you'd like food inc' breakfast on Sat. http://starinndylife.co.uk/

Trackers:
If anyone likes the idea of equipping themselves with a SPOT but doesn't own one, you can rent one. Chris at Track my adventure has kindly offered riders a reduced rental fee of £10 + postage and refundable deposit. You can get in touch with him here: https://sites.google.com/site/trackmyadventure/

GPS:
While not a compulsory item, it's one that will probably prove very handy ... this years route does contain some sections that although obvious on the ground, aren't shown on any maps. If you're considering navigating 'old skool' just be careful.

Finally ... don't forget to pick up your badge when you sign in

I'm at the Star on Friday night...

...if you treat that as a positive or a negative, that's entirely up to you.

Only just spotted the "Self Abuser" part of the BB200 badge.



Si

"obvious on the ground, aren't shown on any maps"

Somewhat different to the last section of last year then.
Sense of humour failure at that point.

In fairness, they may have been somewhat more obvious in the daylight.

They sure as sh*t weren't obvious by torch.

Just hoping the weather is as good or us as last years event. Can't wait to beast myself and really get the BP season started, feels like a late start this yr for me. See ya all there Fri night :)

ooh, that snuck up fast! When does the route come out again?

Not sure whether to travel down on Friday, or have a dawn raid on the road network and arrive Sat AM...

When does the route come out again?

Oct' 6th.

All good information. Thanks Stu

Thanks for the info Stu. Think I'll be taking up the car park offer as I'll be driving up from Surrey on the Friday after work.

*waits patiently in case the waiting list option happens*

*secretly hopes it doesn't as he can avoid a type 2 trudge*

Apparently I can now drive to the BB200 so will probably be there Friday night.

On Saturday morning do we need to move cars from the pub to the start?

You might want to drive to the start - it's 6 or 7 miles or a nightmare trudge if last years bb is anything to go by.

If you are going to the Star that is (which is where a bunch met up last year)

I'm going for Friday at Star. Give Stu half a chance of seeing me return before midnight Sunday

You might want to drive to the start - it's 6 or 7 miles or a nightmare trudge if last years bb is anything to go by.

There is another way, a very entertaining way ... but probably best left for another time when breaking yourself might be less of a show stopper

Bearbonesnorm wrote:

You might want to drive to the start - it's 6 or 7 miles or a nightmare trudge if last years bb is anything to go by.

There is another way, a very entertaining way ... but probably best left for another time when breaking yourself might be less of a show stopper

Over the top?!

Over the top?!

It's like dropping off the edge of the world ... really.

While we're on the subject of BB200 ... I'm just finalising this years lovingly handcrafted route and have reached both a metaphorical and physical cross-roads. In an effort to help me choose the correct direction, can I ask - was last year's route too easy?

Before you answer, remember don't judge soley on the last 15km ... they seemed worse than they were because you'd had such an easy previous185km.

It was not too easy. Full stop. Weather a factor

I think the weather last year was fantastic , I rode in just my bb top until about 9pm.
if it was wanging it down you would have been a tosser long before the final section

burty wrote:I think the weather last year was fantastic , I rode in just my bb top until about 9pm.
if it was wanging it down you would have been a tosser long before the final section

Far to easy last year. Even finished without a bottom bracket, crank arm falling off and split rear brake pipe.

Make it like BB200 2014 route!

"Dave where are you?"

Bet you don't want to revisit "that" push

Last year was relatively easy, partly due to the excellent weather, partly due to the revitalising effect of the great food stop, but it was also way more enjoyable than 2014; by all means make it longer, or lumper, but not sub standard-loads of pointless bog trotting...

burty wrote:I think the weather last year was fantastic , I rode in just my bb top until about 9pm.
if it was wanging it down you would have been a tosser long before the final section

That I reckon. There was enough interest/excitement. The food stop at Knighton was handily placed and the wee all-night cafe was the icing on the cake. Of course, it depends what folk are in it for. I was over the moon at being in and around other riders, chatting at stops etc. I guess a tougher route would mean less of that aspect. Maybe it comes down to a similar choice as Rays Winter ITT - does it always have to be such a huuuuge challenge or can it actually just be enjoyable on the day?

Far too easy, last bit aside. Assuming you want the black badge to actually mean something that is.