Like others have pointed out anything needed for a serious issue can mostly come from what is always along for the ride and handy--tape, tools, clothing items, packing straps etc…. The typical ‘small’ bikepacking first aid kits are at best a luxury item, good for ‘comfort’ only—ie: bandage a scratch...

Reasonable fears are good….. Ahh, nothing beats winning the 3 hour sprint to that one/single store right before closing, and doing it several days into it, when legs feel and move like lead. On the other hand losing the sprint and finding the planned resupply point is closed is relatively easy to pl...

Weighing one’s bike & kit……. My perspective is don’t let anyone’s opinion on the matter influence you too much. That said here is my viewpoint: Obviously building up a setup that is too light is fraught with risk. But carrying more than you individually need is a beginner’s botch and will lessen...

I have used various ZPack and other suppliers Cuben Fiber items for numerous bikepacking events. Like all gear choices Cuben Fiber has its pluses and minuses. Within reason “best choice” is always determined by how we individually choose to optimize characteristics. But to optimize “light weight and...

Isn't it based on rpm, so bigger wheels with need a higher speed? Yes--and both Son and SP offer dyno hubs specifically made for smaller diameter wheels--so if one of these type hubs were unknowingly laced up to a 700/29 rim they would not produce max power at normal speed. OP should be able to eas...

You might contact Kurt Refsnider. His bikepacking racing and expedition “training/service” website is http://www.ultramtb.net/

Kurt is US based and may not be able to help regarding UK organization oriented concerns but would probably be worth some conversation.

Agreed wet shorts and grit are best minimized on a multi day.
The front neoguard concept is new to me, interesting.
I have 3/4 and full length rain pants but it sounds like 3/4 or shorter would be the best fit for 'almost always on' conditions the HT could dish out.

For some reason I get the general idea it might be a just bit 'wet' riding around in the Highlands....... :shock: Some type of front & rear mud guards seems like a good idea. However I have zero experience with them, other than what little shielding my bikepacking bags inadvertently provide. How...

I have been doing a bit of HT homework most evenings, reading blogs* Googling the route looking at location/pictures, waypointing Bothys on my file etc etc, fun way to spend a bit of time. Also I have been reading about midges and repellents with saltidin (known as picaridin here in the US). Apparen...

Taking the "hike" in hike a bike seriously - ordered some Shimano MT34 shoes. Look a lot more reliable around the laces than the more expensive (and flashier) MT 54. Could be a good choice if I got the size right to fit sealskinz. Any experience of these shoes? Shoes are so 'personal' but...

I reccied the 180odd miles back from Achnashellach to Tyndrum in the summer at the end of our summer holiday. Left Ach 0830 Sat am got to Tyndrum around 2.30 Sun with about 7hrs rough sleep stop in a garage 12 miles north of Ft William. There is still plenty of tough epic stuff: into Camban and out...

If you do stop at Contin for resupply, I can confirm they don't do warm pies (or cold ones, for that matter). And don't have the tuna sandwich :roll: humm, a warm (or cold) 'pie' in this context is? You know, pastry casing filled with meat and vegetables in gravy. Steak and onion, steak and kidney,...

Not sure anyone's mentioned the Struy Inn North East of Cannich. A quite posh pub that does food. (Fondly remembered from a more luxurious previous holiday :shock: ) By the way Marshall, thanks for your questions - a lot of the answers are interesting to other people too! Pity this forum doesn't ha...

Ian wrote:If you do stop at Contin for resupply, I can confirm they don't do warm pies (or cold ones, for that matter). And don't have the tuna sandwich

humm, a warm (or cold) 'pie' in this context is?

Marshall If you haven't already done so might be worth drawing up a list of the sort of food you will be shopping for but listed generically not by brand. Then have a look at a UK supermarket online to familiarise yourself with brands and descriptions. That way you may know exactly what you want ra...

Not much etiquette needed in bothies - especially the glorified cow shed that is Carnmore. Camp anywhere away from enclosed land - windy is good to avoid the midges haven't even looked at the Ullapool section of the route yet. You've spotted the need to do this though haven't you? http://1.bp.blogs...

If you miss Fort Augustus for resupply, there is a shop at Invermoriston that opens either 6 or 7am. However, I think you're perhaps overthinking things. If you aim to carry enough food to see you to Ullapool you won't need to worry about resupply times. There is such a big window of supply being o...

Leaving Fisherfield on the Postman's Path via Letterewe to Kinlochewe it is going to take at least three hours from where you turn left up the Strathan Buidhe. It was less than an hour to Poolewe from here via the old route. You will need to leave Ullapool with plenty of food since this is the most...

Being a nerd I spent ages looking at peoples spot timings on trackleaders after the event (both from this year and last) just to see how fast people were doing the various hard bits (and whether my fat bike was actually a benefit in the boggy bits) but this will give the best guide to timings. with...

Marshall: Yes there can be a Post Office inside a Spar or other shop/convenience store, it's quite common in the UK, in the village where I grew up it was in the pub :-bd If I were doing the route then I'd be thinking of carrying a day to 2 days' worth of food as it's quite possible to get complete...

Trail717 you need to keep in mind that the route is being changed by Alan for this year so getting to Fort Augustus may take a different amount of time (not sure if it well be longer or shorter - just take note it is different). Fort Augustus petrol station is open until 9pm in the summer I think b...

Post Offices are often a service provided by 'convenience stores' in rural areas. The Wolftrax cafe at Laggan will provide food for late afternoon. They track racers and stay open. Contin stores are the best bet for Sunday, then Oykel Bridge Hotel. The hotel will make up take away sandwiches and st...

This time zone difference is nice, I pop on the laptop at the end of my day and read lots of comments and suggestions, ask a new question and look forward to the next evening. Thanks for all the comments and back and forth…………wish I had time to individually respond to each comment……..maybe later whe...

Guess I will need to read thru this: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Glossary_of_Scottish_slang_and_jargon Once I have given some thought and study to 'where/when' on the route I expect reach each day I can begin to determine what my resupply options might be (and make 'hoped for' plus 'con...

Obviously I am in a different time Zone and just took a moment to quickly glance thru all the responses to my question about resupply. Wow this is exactly the info I need to begin my in-depth research and develop a primary (and back up race) strategy, at least from a resupply point of view. Thanks t...