Silk Road Mtb Race

[Richard G]

Sorry to hear that.

Were there no streams etc nearby, or did you lack appropriate filtration?

[Karl]

Loads of streams and rivers on the map but all were bone dry. It was a really difficult part of the ride.

You need to filter everything out here.

I wouldn't of been able to carry on regardless due to being ill and not being able to take on food either. Just one of those calls I had to make.

[Richard G]

Stupid weather. Can't win. :(

[sean_iow]

Pleased to hear you're ok Karl, see you at the BB300.

[fatbikerbill]

glad to hear you're OK Karl.

water rationing and from what I've heard mighty hot at times as well.

sounds very tough, looks totally vaguely exciting & I am so so jealous with what you have achieved.

Lee Craigie appears to have drunk from the same pool as you.

Looking forward to a beer & debrief.

[fatbikerbill]

somut wierds going on.

The text above is not what I've written.

when I 'edit' I see what I have written - then save & it is wrong again.

for starters the word 'vaguely; should not be there !
must be going mad

[pistonbroke]

It's the eccentric swear filter, try talking about the Alpkit tarp name or that clothing brand that sell the brevet range. Just one of the forum foibles.

[Richard G]

I personally think the swear filter is a bit sub standard.

[pistonbroke]

My Crikey, how much bicycle is sub standard but vaguely exciting

[Moder-dye]

I think anyone whose not been following the race photos on Facebook or Instagram should have a look. I'm pretty sure you'd agree that this race/route is truely epic

[Richard G]

It's really strange. I don't think I've ever seen a bikepacking race so heavily publicised like that... especially one so remote.

[PaulB2]

The event has a Mark Beaumont feel to It - corporate and slick while still being very impressive

[Moder-dye]

It's really strange. I don't think I've ever seen a bikepacking race so heavily publicised like that... especially one so remote.

Yeh, but for me I like it, especially with the podcast. If every event was like it it'd be a bit much, but for a place few of us are likely to visit its great to see and hear what's going on.

From this end it seems like a well run and supportive event without taking much away from the obvious challenges.

[sean_iow]

What's surprised me is how much phone reception there is. Bas (who I know from the HT550) is able to post updates on his Facebook page quite regularly. The reception seems to have better coverage than Scotland but I'm undecided if that's a good thing or not.

[jameso]

Sorry to hear it didn't go as planned Karl. Still, you were there It looks stunning out there and it's certainly made an impression on a lot of people.

It's really strange. I don't think I've ever seen a bikepacking race so heavily publicised like that... especially one so remote.

Yeh, but for me I like it, especially with the podcast. If every event was like it it'd be a bit much, but for a place few of us are likely to visit its great to see and hear what's going on.

From this end it seems like a well run and supportive event without taking much away from the obvious challenges.

Agreed M-d. tbh I thought it might get a bit OTT at first but I'm enjoying following it. It's a business after all and I think they're doing a good job - looks to be an incredible experience as well as a good event. It also produced this image - like the TdF in the early days. Absolute classic. If anything makes me want to race it, it's this.

[Moder-dye]

Yeh, one of many fantastic photos, love that one too

[Richard G]

lol

[Richard G]

Jay's just coming into the finish. The guy is barely human!

[Moder-dye]

So, he's got it in the bag with 1720km in 8 days 8 hours and 15 mins with 26000m of elevation.

If you're on FB look at the state of what were essentially new shoes when he started the race. There's not a lot left, think he needed hiking boots not cycling shoes!

[Richard G]

One thing I don't have to worry about with my good old five ten flats. :)

[fatbikerbill]

i think 5:10s probably would not have lasted the first day.

[Richard G]

I've walked hundreds of miles in mine over the last 5 years. One bit of the sole is a bit tatty but that's it.

The advantage is that they give a little, rather than just scrabbling about on the sole.

[gairym]

Message on the tracking page from Giacomo:

"Hi just letting you know all is fine. Im feeling good and having a great time"

It's approaching 1100km so going well.

Nails!!!

[Richard G]

All my watched riders have scratched (and in the case of JP, finished). I am interested to see who will be the first woman to finish though.

[Alpinum]

How long and there'll be a bikepacking world series by pedaled et al.?

Enjoy the rest of your trip Karl

It also produced this image - like the TdF in the early days. Absolute classic. If anything makes me want to race it, it's this.

That image may give Mike Curiak another reason to call Jay a cheater...