Pfth, Dan didn't bring a sleeping bag or waterproof bivi in 2013 and he didn't die. You'll be fine*

He did looked pretty messed up by the end mind you....






*you may die. But whatever, eventually we all die.

AlanG wrote: I have moved from Poolewe to Swindon..

I'm sorry for your troubles Alan.

Many thanks - think I'm going to have to sell a kidney now! Your blog on the HT440 was probably the most informative of the many I read before last years race, ano really helped me focus on my kit choice. Sadly the carbon frame was the weakest link, although my mental state was pretty fragile by th...

Trackleaders won't "work" until the HT550 starts.

Been doing a bit of google street view research into various shops and cafes on route and discovered the Whistle stop cafe in Kinlochewe - on the torridon road as well so handy. Anyway it gets good reviews on trip advisor and is apparently open until 9pm. Top spot as you have the road cruise along ...

Perhaps... I don't know...if so. HURRAH!

Richpips wrote: I've yet to come across someone who has paid for their bags.

I have.

Also, the battery life on the Gen1 is vaguely exciting with Lithium batteries. Hence I still have mine.

Gen1 SPOT - 1 set of lithium batteries will get you 7 days.

Remember, your SPOTcast will only run for 24hours, then you need to reset it.

That's reassuring! Did you buy it in the UK? Yes The exam question: With your experience of HTR & Cairngorm Loop races, would the Spearfish be your weapon on choice on these routes? I rode a carbon, 80mm hardtail for the HTR, and a 100mm steel SS for the Cairngorms. I've used the Spearfish (sna...

Wow...there is a Corima track bike in there that I lusted after for a long time. Beautiful.

Pat wrote:Ah....are they warrantying it? (Is that even a word?)

Yeah, that's not even an issue with Salsa.

It had quite a bit of riding on it, was an early frame from last years batch, but yes. Getting sorted no questions asked. I do love Salsa and their down to earth nature.

Trackleaders trail tracker is ready to roll: http://trackleaders.com/highland15

Ride solo. Then the only slow person is you.

Navigating at any speed with maps....good luck.

Pat wrote:Oh... What happened? Defect or user error? :0)

Little from column a, little from column b :)

Just for balance: I had one. It broke. Twice. Titanium is overrated. Custom steel is what all the cool kids are riding now :cool: ;) Maybe you just had a sub standard frame. I've broke maybe 5 alu. frames (road and MTB) over the years, and two steel frames (MTB). Still never broken a Ti or carbon o...

Ian wrote:Greg, is yours back from the menders yet?

Waiting for the new frame to land at the moment. All the more reason to ride the SS :)

Having ridden both the Split Pivot and the older flex design...you made a good choice of not riding the new one...as you'd probably now own one :)

I've a Ti Fargo. I've had zero negatives with it, I'd had a steel one before. The Ti one is nicer to ride, lighter, and in my eyes - looks better.

Also had Ti race hardtails in the past. Mixed batch, but most issues came from fit - not the material.

May make this, not sure.

BreninBeener wrote:Is that Conwy castle?

It is.

I have one of last years ones. I've rode it down the Sarn Helen and done a few other bike packing rides on it. I've raced if for a few 24 hour races too. Also, it gets used as a bike for normal day to day riding. Hands down, it is one of the best all round bikes I've ever owned. I love it. https://f...

For those interested, this is the Twitter account that will be associated to the Highland Trail. https://twitter.com/HT_550 I'll try to keep it up to date during the race with what riders are up to - but will mainly be using it to announce finishing times and scratches. If you're racing, feel free t...

IIRC the gate you're talking about - I have a vague memory of taking my bags off my bike, firing them over the gate, then climbing/dragging myself and bike over it.

Where there is a will, there is a way.