Another thing on the results and faster times is in 2017(?) our jameso finished in a little over 18 days in a sprint for 3rd place, he was 5th iirc. This year on what I think is a slower course, he would have been sprinting to get in the top 20. Race numbers have about doubled since jameso’s run so ...

Phil, thanks for the offer. If I get my train booked I will drop you a pm. So much to do up there.

8 finishers as I type including the first woman. Not sure what it tells us but 9 different nationalities in the likely top 10 with Canada providing two of them.

Gairy lived in the Ardeche for a few years and should be able to give you some advice

Thirded x

Thanks all, will have a look at some of the options if I find the time. Not sure about fatbikephil's options without getting the maps out. Hoping to find time in September to do something.

Looking forward to the rest of your writing. I had thought before of a reverse Badger to Inverness and then the Pictish down to Embra which would be 8-10 days for me depending. I would be interested to know what your thoughts would be on which of the two to do in reverse, ta.

Ulrich had a tyre issue a day or two ago, perhaps he gave up a bit after that as he was unlikely to catch Justinas.

Impressive ride. I think it took me that long to get to Steamboat. Meaghan still in with a chance of the women’s record, knowing she is so close to Lael’s time will push her on.
If she manages the record Peta will be well chuffed having coached both of them.

Reg, I looked at Woodale, a little further west, but was unsure about access. The lower bit from the A6 has no designation on my map and higher up it is a FP (even though the map makes it appear to be a track) so decided to play safe. I will give it a try next time. Yes, second time in the shed, I c...

I have a brand new Velo Solo chainring going spare. 7075-T6,36t, 3/32, BCD104mm in black

Asking £10 to the BB fund, I'll fund the postage.

June BaM. Last weekend herself said she was out most of Tuesday and Wednesday so why don't I go out on my bivvy ride, definitely a keeper, that one. My plan was to get a train to Styal to pick up a British Cycle Quest (BCQ) clue and then head back home via the Buxton area collecting some tiles at th...

I have been in Scarthin bookshop a few times, but not recently. Whenever I go up or down the via Gellia and pass nearby I always think of it. A couple of days ago I finished 'Faster, Louder' by Boff Whalley (Chumbawamba). It is bio of Gary Devine's early life as a punk while also managing to win the...

I am just home after a couple of days away so catching up. A proper race at the front.
Tough luck Duncan, some rough weather out there. Will you be back in future?
I had been following Liam Glen as well, hope he recovers. I had not heard of his condition but it sounds nasty.

Shaf - I am not aware of a VV app, I recall looking for one some years ago. I thought it was just web based, I could be wrong again.

Some nice weather would be nice. I had this weekend free and but for the weather would have gone out, thunder and hailstones yesterday made me happy at my choice.

I noticed AP was not moving but had not known why until I read this, he will be gutted. Hope he is ok.

Lee- Explorer Helper is working just now on my phone. I achieved new tiles on Wednesday and Thursday and they are showing as done. A fellow rider who I get out with sometimes uses an app called ‘statshunters’ which does the same as Explorer Helper by the sound of it. Further up this page on a post f...

May bam complete. Originally it was meant to be at the WRT at the start of the month. I caught the train to Alsager with the intention of riding to BB towers via some British Cycle Quest clues. From the off my tummy was a little off and near Oswestry I booked into an eco lodge and spent the evening ...

One of the routes on my list. I have ridden a little section near Drumnadroichit and remember the short, steep climbs. My hope is to have a bit longer and ride back down to Edinburgh on another route which I forgotten the name of as I write (need another coffee). Looks like decent weather as well.

Steve, currently in Budapest having arrived by train. In Vienna I saw some Nightjet trains with a cycle sign by one of the doors. I asked our conductor who said our train, I think she called it Euronights, does not take bikes but she confirmed Nightjet did.

Duncan, there was a river crossing somewhere in that area. I could not confirm that very spot but I do recall paddling in the dark around then.
As you say, a lot of rain this winter, no knowledge of current conditions - one way to find out!

There is a Nightjet* service from Brussels to Prague (starts this year) and from there good connections to the South, certainly the big cities. - I believe bikes are fine. I know the race you are on about but I have not looked at where it starts. You can take your built up bike to Brussels on Eurost...

JudithG - that sounds like a proper adventure, one to remember. I got out last night, I was supposed to go out last weekend but as soon as my foot touched the floor out of my bed I felt a sharp pain in my knee that had been troubling me for a few days. My proposed 80 mile ride had two climbs that I ...

I also have Jenny Graham’s book on the go on my Kindle. I am enjoying it but I hadn’t realised just how quick she was moving. The first 7,200km in about 23kph moving speed.

Alan63 - Bader did not come across very well. After I finished it I was sorting some books out and found a book from a charity shop I have never read, or even recall buying. It was by and about the 'Prominente' Romilly and Alexander. Working my way through it now, struggling a bit with the style but...