I know it's not rated any more, I just fancy including it on my ride for old times sake. I first rode it 15 years ago and loved the setting as much as the ride. Might just do it to see how it is, though hope it's not a slog.

Thanks both for the input so far, shame to hear that horse traffic might have diminished enjoyment. I'm thinking it's a 50/50 whether I do it or not. As you say psling, it's a stunning valley however you travel down it, and i've some nice memories form my trips down it - that's the main reason for w...

I'm planning on riding down this in just under a couple of weeks (southbound). It's been about 8 years since i last did it, and i'm wondering if anyone has done it recently or when summer vegetation is at its height? Is it in OK condition (for the area, my expectations are set accordingly!), and mos...

Restrap small frame bag, bit expensive though, and probably a bit big for general riding.

Interesting that it's billed as one of the toughest and *seemingly* more remote of the bikepacking races...surprised it has lots of 4G. That's more than can be said about lots of rural Wales! :grin: I have to agree that too much media on bikepacking races is a bit tiring and distracting. There's a g...

Looks a great route, and if it's as well crafted as people are saying , then seems worthwhile giving it (or bits of it) a try. I really appreciate the aim of creating a long and spectacular route that you don't have to travel abroad for. I would agree the balance between rough/exciting trails and ea...

Hi Sean, You can get the route here if you have a viewranger account (even a free one): https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MTk5MzM= Or if that doesn't work just google 'wessex way viewranger' and it'll come up. Quick look and the portion between Westbury and Newbury uses a lot of byways on the ...

I'm also a bit of a die-hard paper map-er. But, recently i've been finding ways to just use pictures of maps on my phone. I've used Bing OS layer in the past and done screenshots, and taken photos of paper maps I own. I've found I can satisfy my map readers need to look at a map and take in the envi...

I'd tend to agree with what's been said about the benefits of soft luggage so far, and it's worked for me too. But you do have to be in the mindset of only taking what is necessary and packing light. I do find some soft luggage products to be annoying or badly designed - or I just don't get along wi...

My mate has got on older model designed for 29+. I've ridden it a couple of times and I love it, very capable and ideal for bikepacking. Imagine the current ones are just as capable.

Alexandera has finished, 18 days and 20.5 hours :-bd I make that over 4 days faster than her time for last year :grin: Great ride Alexandera! :-bd Every picture of her does show her smiling, and shows that a great attitude goes a long way. Also, she said that her legs were her secret weapon - and w...

I really enjoy riding in the new forest, even though none of it's remotely technical. Here's a route I did a couple of years ago that took in a lot of the designated off road trails (that are easy to follow), and went via a stop at the sea. Would be easy to start from Lymington and do it in a long d...

Couldn't fit in a bivvy this month so no BAM. But I had a weekend away with my folks and rode from Salisbury to Blandford Forum via Martin down, Pentridge and Tarrant Rushton airfield. Only 37 miles but a surprisingly tough ride in the heat, and more bushwacking than I hoped for. It was a beautiful ...

Agree with the sentiments about rules, and feeling like you must do something epic, and must bivvy. I couldn't fit a BAM in this month but did some nice riding anyway, and stayed with family instead. Also riding over similar terrain, bridleways that required painful bushwacking in parts. I used to l...

Agree with the sentiments about boredom being a state of mind. I often find myself more attracted to landscapes that might seem superficially 'dull' or 'monotonous'. I actually like riding in forest plantations (overlooking their sometimes dubious biodiversity for now!) and flat plains, as there are...

Norway is spectacular. I've not ridden there, but it seems a great place for touring. If there is a lack of off-road trails, then it would be more than made up for by the stunning landscape. I'd be happy doing some hiking side trips instead. Glad you enjoyed it!

Not on the scale of encounters in Zambia and Oz, but I did see an escaped wallaby in woods just outside Caversham! I even got an article in the local paper as I managed to get a mobile phone pic: https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/binfield-wallaby-spotted-in-woodland--10164466 ...

Oh wow, that's not going to clear that quickly! Definitely going to slow people down. I know the NM section is renowned for peanut butter mud when it rains, but that it can dry out pretty quickly in the heat....

I like Ride the Divide for showing the route and *some* of the people in it, and some of the things Mathew Lee says. I guess i've just got used to chuckling at the bits where Mike Dion is talking

As voodoo simon says, Reveal the Path was risible!

Agree about MH's flag, i'm kinda routing for him to stay ahead! Where on the route is the snow and mud, out of interest?

Really enjoying this TD so far, it's pretty gripping. I also looked at Alexandera Houchin's blog, and I like the cut of her jib. I do like seeing people doing things their own way, and she's clearly really capable and a strong rider. There's a really interesting piece about her dirty kanza ride, and...

Sorry, now sold.

Another thing to bear in mind, which is always the case when looking at the hybridised area between mtb and drop bar bikes, is the compromise between bar type and terrain. It's personal choice and down to how much of certain types of terrain you'll be doing, but it's just to remember to think about ...

29er V2 Scandal 18" in green for sale. Pretty good condition, with only minor cosmetic damage, no dents or tyre rub. Comes with a smoothie headset in good working order (painted black) and 2 crown races for both steerer sizes. Also includes vertical and SS/track swapouts. Have plenty of pics I can e...

Looks a great trip. Nice that you could change plans and make it up as you go along. Think that's a joy of touring/bikepacking that gets overlooked sometimes.