Why does he have a carburettor hanging from the crossbar I wonder?

I think it's a stove. Primus made one that clamped to the top tube.

Bargain. I've got a trek fuel ex (9) too. Lovely bike, does tend to eat bearings though, and there are a lot of them!

One of the reasons I no longer have a full susser. He better start saving his pocket money..

I've just picked this up for my boy. I was expecting a dog of a bike.

It's hardly been used.

Not bad for £100

.....and no it wasn't nicked.

The whole grouse industry stinks. Subsidised heavily for the benefit of the rich, the torching of moorland causes flooding etc etc. They should reintroduce wolves. HTR would be more interesting then. I thought at the time that if it wasn't for the estates a lot of the doubletrack would not be there.

A local Peak rider has just mentioned nesting birds in the Peak. There are always grouse around here.

I heard cuckoos everyday on the HTR, but only saw two startled grouse.

Do they still breed and shoot them up in Scotland?

Not that we visited all of it.

Hi Martin,

You don't need a fancy bike. Enjoy what you've got for now. I hope you have some good trips.

Rich

I came across this in my twitter feed, a comparison of various external USB chargers. Price to weight, and price to power etc

http://bikelaneends.wordpress.com/2014/ ... kepacking/

Great write up, I especially enjoyed the pics.

I saw you'd stayed at Duag bothy in the journal.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Father's Day not until Sunday?

Yep, I've not worn them yet.

It looks like Dries Brouckaert will be done later today.

http://trackleaders.com/highland14i.php ... ckaert_ITT

Crikey, how much bibs, jersey and arm warmers bundle.

They're my Father's day pressies.

I don't think Aidan is riding.

If I finish I'll be atop the podium.

Aidan says that the other two on the start list have pulled out.

Some interesting stuff above. I'll add a couple of things. Training. I was probably light on miles (1000 for the year). I did some strava hill work, Cave Dale, Doctors Gate, Jacobs Ladder etc. and some steady longer rides without food or water. I did a lot of the miles on a Single Speed. I'd had a b...

Hi Gairy, I did have a gpx file once, but can't find it now. I based my route on the walking guidebook I have. I do recall missing the Bovine Route which is tough on a bike and going round by the road. Likewise I'd avoid the Arpette variant. Just googled and found this, it may be a decent starting p...

I've read Stuart's review of the Lunar Solo, has anyone else got one?

What do you think?

(Not that I can really do it, but) When is it?

Start Date: 17 August 2014, 8am

I've just sent my letter of intent to Aidan, which currently will make a grand total of 3 competitors.

Is anyone else thinking of giviing it a go?

http://www.aidanharding.com/ewe/route/

Well done Rich now how many times did you have to ask yourself what Minipips would do ?

Only the once. http://minipips.blogspot.co.uk/

Thanks folks. I'm glad you enjoyed the write up.

My Highland Trail race in words and pictures.

http://sometimesridesbikes.blogspot.co. ... rview.html

When you say tyre tracks, were you also looking for a set of footprints next to them? I personally got some comfort in finding footprints next to tyre prints as it made me realise that the riders in front of me were walking bits as well! You'll have seen my footprints on a good chunk of the route -...

Cheers for that, great little write up...minimal in kit choice indeed, this use of single speed does amaze/impress me, whilst I get the rationale, I'm just trying to work out the gears..;)! I think if you are going to ride singlespeed on the HTR550 you need to be a very strong rider. Otherwise you'...

I followed your tyre tracks for days Alasdair, glad to see you made it.

Having my supper in Strathpeffer. Missed the shop and garage at Contin. Today has been grim, tmw, hopefully better