Aha, I was wondering when Garmin would see the errors of their ways!

Old Specialized Recons= brilliant including HAB new ones = not that good. So I replaced my old ones in Nov as were starting to fall apart after 3 years, which is fair enough given the time on feet, New ones have morphed into ever so trendy MTB/Gravel shoes. Still really comfy but the tread has chang...

Id be tempted to buy one looking at theses: https://www.findmespot.com/en-gb/products-services/spot-gen4#service-plans Only because I’d been looking down the Garmin rabbit hole until they changed their pricing plan. Used track and trail for 2 weeks this May. Good service etc but cost £87 for the 2 w...

Unlucky Phil. HT550 = utterly beautiful and utterly uncompromising taking no prisoners as well we know. If it’s any consolation when attempting the ITT earlier this month my mates rear hub tore itself apart on the first climb towards Rannoch, 3.5 hours in! Something that could not be planned for but...

You’ll be fine with a few lithium AA’s . I used to use a Garmin GPS66 with AA’s in expedition mode, used to get three days. Now using a Gamin530 in powersave mode which just flicks into life when you are approaching a turn or head off course and get a couple of days easily and then boost from a 20,0...

Hard Luck Mr G, you've done the worst bits! Looking somewhat damp for the whole week of the group start so the watercourses will soon fill up again.... Not a worry, with 2 completions under my belt I’m quite relaxed about it. Fingers crossed for the mass start as weather starting to look a bit more...

For those watching I have bailed at Poolewe. Bit off pace ( plus cleat bolt failure, interesting noises from BB and shoes falling to bits - just stuff) and no way I was doing the next bit in 48 hours as that’s our deadline to get the boat home.sooooo a couple of days to relax in this extreme heat. I...

May BAM. Loch Laggan day 1 of HT550 ITT. Got off the boat at Heysam 23:30. Arrived in Tyndrum 04:30. Set off on bikes having had a leisurely faff at 06:00. Did not get as far as normal on the first day so working on the fact its lack of sleep. Weather is tremendous.

April on my doorstep Bivi done. Ride from the house for 20 mins to get where I wanted, how lucky am I. My partner in crime was unable to come so just me and the wind. Main reason was to test my new Wild Country Coshee micro tent which was £45 from Sports Direct the other day. Yes you heard that pric...

Sorry, struggling how to reply to someone!

So…..

Aha, I recognise the rider on the front of that book!! There is also a second book but after writing both of them decisions a writing career was not for me!

https://www.amazon.com/Manx-Tholtans-1-Ray-Kelly/dp/1911177133?dplnkId=08622005-22cf-4307-87a7-6b06bf9b923a&nodl=1 looks like a nice book :-bd it's the same publisher that does this MTB guide to the island--https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/mountain-biking-isle-man/ Aha, I recognise ...

https://www.amazon.com/Manx-Tholtans-1-Ray-Kelly/dp/1911177133?dplnkId=08622005-22cf-4307-87a7-6b06bf9b923a&nodl=1 looks like a nice book :-bd it's the same publisher that does this MTB guide to the island--https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/mountain-biking-isle-man/ Aha, I recognise ...

Thanks Tractionman and apologies for introducing the word of the day “Tholten” to this eclectic group. Yes Celtic connections are strong here which came after the vikings were knocking around the island burying their ships and depositing the occasional runes once they had finished their pillaging wa...

March BAM turning these in to more like a TAM. Tholten a month. This was a new one to us but supplied level peg friendly ground with a spectacular night sky. Clear night, large moon and temperatures of -5. Glad I had my new 4.5 R rated mat with me.

Loads of spots and still the opportunity to get disoriented in mist! I recognise that spot though, nice old farm towards the top and cracking bivi spot

Feb BAM.zero degrees at another tholtan in the middle of nowhere. Best nights sleep in a while and looking forward to a week off work.

There will be 2 of us doing an ITT early May on the books ( trees planted for those that know).

Count me in. January bivi in a dark sky area on the Isle of Man ( which is pretty dark). Wimped out with tent this time