Right then i'm getting set, maps sourced, bike running sweet (nearly) bivi kit chosen and re chosen, food mound growing healthily
I have no plan B, except a quick sprint back to the car on main roads if it all goes wrong for me, but saying that, i'm quite happy to sit it out as long as i can stay dry in my bag.
My main indecision is footwear,as i will be on my bike i should wear my spd shoes and pedals, but as i have never done one of these before and i will probably be doing more walking than riding would hiking boots, gaiters and flatties be more suitable??? i've ridden flats before but not in boots and do like the feel of connection you get with spds, might just wear the spds, get wet cold feet and put up with it. its only for 2 days eh?

I'm wondering much the same.

Been planning to wear my Shimano MW81 boots with insulated overshoes on top (sadly only space for thinish socks).

I'm considering trying to seal the sole around the cleat as that is hopeless on wet ground. Not sure what to use though.

I just use my Sumner spds and waterproof socks .

I'd accept your feet will getting wet at some point, wear shoes that drain well and wear wool socks for warmth when wet...

I wouldn't bother plugging those Shimano shoes, in my experience they do an excellent job of holding water, so I doubt much escapes though the cleat plate. On last year's Mere Century audax I ended up pouring water out at each control... The neoprene/windproof bits did a good job of keeping the chill off, took more than a day to dry them though and the smell...

Advise would be:

Wear something you're comfortable walking in. If you havent ridden in the area you're bound to be on a track thats either too steep to ride or too wet/boggy to ride.

Do everything to keep your feet dry. Ride around puddles, find the best way to cross fords, pick your way through bogs (or just avoid them). They may get damp, but avoid getting them soaked.


I just use normal hiking boots, merino socks and flats.
Better shoes for walking and pushing
Flexible soles allow movement in your feet for circulation
No cold conduction from the cleat

The forecast is to be quiet mild
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/W ... /long.html