Ian wrote:Truly outstanding ride from Neil.

Sorry to hear Ian needs medical treatment - given he's a trained in medical stuff (nurse/ paramedic?), it must be serious enough for him to seek attention.

He's on the move again
Limping to Tyndrum

Nice work ian.!!

Quick recognition of my pal Pete McNeil. Chasing down Alan Goldsmith (good luck with that) in his first try at the ht550.

I worked in a bike shop with Pete many years ago and we daydreamed the day away with talks of rides like this.

Eager to see how Phil A. is doing, but quite clear what's going on there. Just two options left...

Have I missed a bit somewhere? Ian is ahead of Phil - how did that happen, and why was Phil off route through Fort Bill?

Was very surprised to come back and see Ian in third again. Really odd.

Ian, Richard, yes I am confused on both those points as well. Looks like Ian just passed the Devils staircase sign with Phil closing in behind him.

Ian is currently making his way over the Devil's Staircase having scratched in Fort William. He will be down on the Glencoe side of the staircase in about an hour and has asked if there is any chance of a lift back to Tyndrum if anyone is close by and able to oblige? If so, please stick a message on here and I'll relay it to him-his spot is on if someone wants to go and get him.
Cheers
Mark

I saw his tweet, gutted for him

Ian wrote:

Eager to see how Phil A. is doing, but quite clear what's going on there. Just two options left...

Have I missed a bit somewhere? Ian is ahead of Phil - how did that happen, and why was Phil off route through Fort Bill?

That "off-route" bit is because the track on TrackLeaders doesn't show the diversion caused by the closure of the Soldiers Bridge.

Ah sh-t, gutted for Ian, he was putting in an amazing ride. So well paced and planned by the look of it. Still, whatever happened doesn't detract from an incredible ride up to so close to the end.

Neil Beltchenko's ride that takes some doing. Only 8hrs stopped time. Like a sprint race.. Amazing stuff.

So impressed by so many riders in this event, again.

Ian's up towards the top of the staircase now. He'll be down on the A82 in about half an hour I'd guess if anyone is around and can help him get back to Tyndrum?

Seems he's on his way down the A82. Bit slow for a car I'd have thought though.

Yep, I think he's decided to leave the route and ride back on the road.

Truly amazing efforts by the riders at the front, a real raising of the bar.

Terrible luck for Ian, I hope he is safely back.


Now to will on the rest of the bunch, inspiring efforts by all concerned.

Mbnut wrote:Truly amazing efforts by the riders at the front, a real raising of the bar.

Terrible luck for Ian, I hope he is safely back.


Now to will on the rest of the bunch, inspiring efforts by all concerned.

+1

Looks like Steve's just in time for breakfast

Disappointed for Ian to get so close. Brilliant tactics though, and I will spend some time analysing his pace/ strategy.

Very happy to see Steve come into the finish. Just outside of four days, but still brilliant. Maybe he can come back for a sub 4 day ride another time

Awesome job Steve.

Broken but happy. Will find Fitz after a shower

Broken but happy. Will find Fitz after a shower

Well done Steve ... and give Ian a big (man) hug

I've got Bob, Javier and Alan in their own windows now. Can cheer them on throughout the day.

Mega impressed with Slarge. Smashed it on 3rd attempt. That's commitment

In fact impressive rides by everyone. PB's galore and super impressive debut times by all the new riders.

There's obviously been a lot of thought put into the planning of most rides this year. But to then pull that off must be extremely satisfying.

Hope everyone recovers quickly and enjoys some very deep endurance fitness for the rest of the summer.

[quote]Phil Addyman is closing in on Beltchenko./quote]
Me and Neil are sitting in the cafe in Tyndrum having a laugh at this. I think I did close to within 1 hr later on day2.....but then he put the gas down and kept it down.

padonbike wrote:

Phil Addyman is closing in on Beltchenko./quote]
Me and Neil are sitting in the cafe in Tyndrum having a laugh at this. I think I did close to within 1 hr later on day2.....but then he put the gas down and kept it down.

In the race flow (Trackleaders) there were a few times where it seemed that you were travelling a little bit faster.

Perhaps his statement came from there...?

Enjoy the Feeling of accomplishment - it will soon leave you empty and wanting to do a biggish ride next ;-)

Well done to both of you!

Next up Javi. Looking very much like a very successful HT550 for him again! 3rd time it will be.

I'll be at the finish to snap some photos of Javi, he should be a happy camper, maybe he will drink a beer if I bring him one.

Thanks for all the love, it was fun reading through the thread. Great route, great scenes and fantastic people. Scotland wins!

All the best for now,
Neil B.

Superb ride Neil - Congrats the ride, the win and the record!