+1 on the Ainsley cous cous.
Followed by as much Swiss roll as I can manage.

Benp - It will be fully booked in the next couple of days, going by previous years.
My advice is book it quickly.

Europe can be problematical too. A very unhelpful guard tried to refuse me taking my bike on a TGV. It was packed down to below the required dimensions, but he maintained it could not come aboard as it was in a box rather than a bag. After a few minutes pleading and cajoling he advised me that if I ...

Looking likely that I will be joining you.
Call it a potentially firm maybe

I live quite close to Daventry. Could possibly manage to join you on the 9th.

2280 metres - 7480 ft Lac du lauzanier.
Cold night, damp morning and a scary climb over the Pas de la Cavale to follow.

21kg for my Alps trip
That doesn't include water, but 1.5 kg of food.
Not bad for a full suss

I will take the pillow, will message you in the morning

Lovely write up Colin, reassures me about my choice of the Capra for the week-long alpine trip.

Will try one next. I remember having a wtb saddle years ago, I think it was passing comfortable.

One ride later and it will be going on the classifieds. The search continues...

An ergon SM saddle. Continuing my search for buttock nirvana.

Put some lighter tyres on the Capra. It is now just over a pound heavier than the Anthem. I can't decide which one to take on the Alps adventure.

I finished! That was the hardest bike ride I have ever done. The heat was brutal. Started with Steve, but on the second climb (jaggers clough) it was obvious that I could not keep to his pace. My heart rate has close to max and took 45 minutes to drop to a sensible level. I plodded on at a slower pa...

I can give you a review of the Columbia outdry tomorrow Shafiq.
It may contain a few swearwords...

Great, so 3 of us then.
Looking forward to it now

OK chaps, it's getting close to start time.

Can we confirm who is coming?

me

0730

If we look to start from Castleton visitor centre there is plenty of free midweek parking on the main road.

I would prefer an earlier start as it helps avoid the M1 traffic and makes reaching Baslow coop a little easier.

But if 9.00 is preferable that's fine too.

It's a yes from me
would prefer the Tuesday- Wednesday, but flexible if needed.

I am also doing the Jennride, so perhaps a week or two after?

I am only free midweek, so a bit awkward for a group start.

I dnf
A rebellious Garmin takes some of the blame.

MH if you do have success in buying bike boxes at the airport, could you post a confirmation on this thread. I will be in the same boat as you a week later and knowing the boxes are still available will be a big help. I am not doubting the word of Chew, but I have heard people struggling to find the...

So I am in with Shafiq.
We are now starting in Castleton as the parking is easier.
Provisionally at 7am, but if anyone wants to join us, than this is flexible.
Go on! you know you want to!