Highland Trail 2015

[AlanG]

The mechanic in Ullapool is located near the Tesco.

http://www.yell.com/biz/ullapool-bicycl ... l-8099967/

[Ian]

There was a trailer at Kyelstrome that offered bike hire, it seemed to have a few spare bits and tools in it.

Sadly it was shut when I went by it on the Bank Hol Monday last year.
I ripped a tyre and used my first spare tube in the first 22 miles (Devil's Staircase descent), and then punctured on the descent into Kylestrom, so I spare would have been comforting...

[ericrobo]

I'll be setting off from Tyndrum next Monday 18th for my 'annual' pilgrimage (HT430 last year), this time to do the HT550.

I'm not after any records (Ha !) but aim to enjoy it ! if that's possible...

This year on a 29'er, which does roll tons better and gets up the hills better.

I'm taking 4 days freeze dried meals to start off with, brek 800 kcals, main meal 800 kcals, desert 500 kcals, so hope to enjoy a lot more than last year (I lost half a stone ! 10st down to 9.5)

I may see some of you depending on:
a) how fast you are...or
b) how slow I am...

I'll report back via twitter of any wolf sightings or blizzards !

@EricRobo

[Zippy]

I'll come and visit to see the start of this

I'll then go and do the Cairngorm Loop

[Ilan]

when you plan coming tyndrum : 21 or 22 ?.

[Zippy]

Well, i'm driving up on the 22nd so will be about.....but not worked out actual plans yet.

[fatbikephil]

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 to torridon village to digest your large meal before the climb up to Corie lair.

[ScotRoutes]

I can recommend the Whistle Stop

[Dave Barter]

Well, i'm driving up on the 22nd so will be about.....but not worked out actual plans yet.

Same, car bivy for me.

[Ian]

Well, i'm driving up on the 22nd so will be about.....but not worked out actual plans yet.

Same, car bivy for me.

I trust you've mastered the car alarm now?

[GregMay]

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 to torridon village to digest your large meal before the climb up to Corie lair.

We feasted there on the morning of day 3 IIRC (HT450). All I remember is the porridge came with lots of honey - and coke -and coffee -and more porridge.

[AlasdairMc]

It doesn't open until 9 unfortunately, but I too had porridge in there, plus juice, a couple of bacon rolls and some coffee. Good stuff...

[Ian]

The Whistle Stop is recommended here to. That is where my big 41 hour effort to the finish began on the 440. After a cheese and ham toastie on egg-fried bread. Plus coffee, plus numerous other things. Worth pacing yourself to catch while it's open :)

[boxelder]

I take it the trackleaders page only starts tracking once the event starts. Last nights test didn't track at all.
Also (numpty mode), with the basic package from Spot, tracking isn't available is it - only the messages sent show your position. Ta.
Can't decide on tent or bivi bag........

[ScotRoutes]

Did you remember to press the Track button (the one with the footprint)?

I only ask as I had to explain this to another competitor earlier this week.

In fact, maybe there should be a wee tutorial pre-start?

[boxelder]

Activated track and it flashed at me all the way
My own follow me spot page had correct location with each check in message, just no tracking. HT550 track page still has my 'sign up' location from couple of days ago.

[GregMay]

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

[boxelder]

Much obliged

[ScotRoutes]

Activated track and it flashed at me all the way
My own follow me spot page had correct location with each check in message, just no tracking. HT550 track page still has my 'sign up' location from couple of days ago.

Looks like you don't have the correct Plan then

http://www.findmespot.eu/en/index.php?cid=103

I assume you need to have the Tracking Plan for your device in order to be eligible for the HTR

[NewRetroTom]

Check my commute from yesterday on the Trackleaders website:
http://trackleaders.com/highland15i.php ... m_Rowntree
You should be able to do that boxelder - if not I think what ScotRoutes says about you having the wrong plan may be correct.

[boxelder]

I assume to 20 Euros to join the event page gives tracking for a time. Will check, ta.

[AlanG]

Your SPOT tracker has to have a service plan that includes tracking. This would have cost you 112 euros per year for a Gen3 device. If you haven't got a service plan with tracking you are not going to show up on Trackleaders!

[touch]

edit: it's now working for me.

[Ian]

I guessing, but as Tom rode last year, Trackleaders might already be dialled in to his spot page, which is why he currently shows up. New entrants might not be configured yet.

[AlasdairMc]

The Whistle Stop is recommended here to. That is where my big 41 hour effort to the finish began on the 440. After a cheese and ham toastie on egg-fried bread. Plus coffee, plus numerous other things. Worth pacing yourself to catch while it's open :)

Good effort Ian. That was two and a bit days for me, sleeping at the bothy in Glen Affric and above Kinlochleven.