I’m a bit perplexed. Entered the Dales divide but am not on Facebook where much of the updates is happening. No bother though cos Chris Ellison is responsive when needed, though I don’t like to keep bothering him with my stuff!

Question is this, and it’s two fold. Firstly I’m thinking a independent time trial might work better for me cos I can depart the day before and be back well in time of family duties. This means I could hopefully start further down the route and easier to reach for me by train - thoughts?

Secondly, does anyone have any experience of hiring a spot tracker but not starting from the official start line. I believe from some online stuff that, the tracker will be bailable to collect at the start point. But how about me, if so started from elsewhere and closer to home!!

Next, anything you else that anyone wishes to share that might make things easier for me. Main reason for starting closer to the grid points closer to home is that train to Arndale might be a right mission!!

Thanks in advance…

Do you need a tracker if you're doing an ITT?
Can't you just provide your gpx file/strava info?

Valerio wrote: ↑Wed Feb 19, 2025 2:59 pm Do you need a tracker if you're doing an ITT?
Can't you just provide your gpx file/strava info?

That’s a point too Valerio. I actually opted for the group start but the tracker/group start/ITT is all still just jumping about in my head. Without tracker I save £40 hiring fees and then the ITT I suppose also become a bit more feasible. With tracker I thought it might spur me to push myself on a bit and maybe I’ll get join the group start from Arndale which is where I’m booked to start at present.

Just thought to get thoughts and expereinces from others on here but yours is a very valid point too.

Starting further along the route is fine from what I can gather - I assume you are thinking Skipton in which case you are leaving much of the harder riding to the end.

For the group start I seem to remember that a tracker was required if you wanted an "official" time but not otherwise.

Yeah, the tracker was optional so I didn’t click at the time. Harder riding is at the start than Bob. I think that seals my fate. Don’t fancy that towards the end!

I use this company - https://www.tracktrail.co.uk/product-pa ... acker-hire
They post it to you a couple of days ahead of the event, you post it back straight after. Used for the last two Highland trails no bother.

Thanks Phil. That helps too though including delivery back to the company it comes up to about £44. At least I have the flexibility though maybe

I can lend you a gen 3 Shaf if you cover postage. You'll also need batteries.

boxelder wrote: ↑Thu Feb 20, 2025 2:04 pm I can lend you a gen 3 Shaf if you cover postage. You'll also need batteries.

Thanks for that but I always have a bit of apprehension about borrowing stuff and then not giving it back in the exact same condition. I know you’ll probably be fine with it but… gotta keep up standards

I’ll probably go the route of the £40 option from the organisers arrangement. But will book it closer to the date hopefully.