I enjoyed that - sometimes it would be nice to just go to one spot and hang out, rather than always being pressed for time and distance. Ben Alder Cottage is a great spot to hang about and enjoy the isolation I reckon.

Managed to get my March bivy in a couple of weeks back in the snow to make it 3/3. Plans were made but changed on the fly. Headed out from Blair Atholl on the Saturday morning with the precipitation in full flow. http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_4102-1280-e1553678913574-768x...

Yep, the Speyside way would be a good way to keep it more offroad, whilst still feeling like it gives you a fast easy stretch of riding. Also avoids the puddle of doom on the way to Tulloch!

Yep, the Fealar Lodge climb was definitely the low point on my ride in September 2017. Took me a lot longer than 3 hours too! Sounds like you were were out the same weekend as me and a buddy. We were planning just one of the loops to give him a taster before a future attempt, but ended up just doing...

I know exactly what you mean! I've been humming and hawing over a set of Whisky No.9 forks which look like they'd be perfect. Do the Van Nic forks have as much clearance as the Kinesis?

Updated mine to 11 speed Di2 a few years back and it's been just the ticket. I stuck with the BB7s as I like the simplicity though.

I think that the Ritchey Swiss Cross is the only thing that could tempt me away from this bad boy:



Going on 10 years old and still looks brand new under all the dirt! #amazonsrule

I've got a similar mark on the left rear of mine that is like a strip of the top material has been shaved away. I assumed it was caused by a seam on some shorts rubbing it. no idea why it's only one side!

Good choice for an overnighter there, am planning to take my wee fella out there in the spring too. Met Prince Phillip there a few years back when we were having a picnic on the lawn outside - he just did a loop round the building in his Range Rover, gave us a wave and drove off. Suppose he's still ...

Hmmm, looks like someone else visited the Rock and Run sleeping bag sale?

February knocked off in my customary last minute style on Tuesday night. I extended my work commute into Durris Forest for a chilly overnight before riding into work bathed in beautiful sunrise light. Clear night for cold temps and stunning starscapes. http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2...

A few less stylish pictures here: https://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=11904&p=147209#p147209 We mainly just followed the telegraph poles to keep us right. You could always mix it up a bit and cross the Moor by passing Gorton Bothy and continuing East to cross the b...

Another late one for me, did my usual head out after getting the kids to bed and went up to a wind farm not far from Aberdeen. Temperatures were very low and my feet were thawed out painfully in the showers at work! Packed up in the morning: http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_...

9/9 in September with adult company for a change! A short ride out from Dinnet to a hilltop bivy on Cnoc Dubh, which is a lovely spot with views of Loch Kinord one way and Lochnagar the other. http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_3073-1280-768x576.jpg http://highlanddrifter.com/...

Trying to catch up on my BAMs for the year before it never happens! 8/8 in August with my favourite riding buddy in Glen Quoich: http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/QuoichCamp_010-1280-768x576.jpg http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/QuoichCamp_055-1280-768x512.jpg...

It's a great bit of kit and boils the water up very quickly, even when it's properly cold. I've used it on loads of trips without feeling too weighed down - the main issue is the volume it takes up compared to a very lightweight setup. https://i.postimg.cc/FKLV0RGd/Alladale-Loop-0122-1024.jpg https:...

Enjoyed that, thanks. Blackburn bothy is always a good shout - in really good condition and never seems to be busy?

Forsinard? Sure is - was my April executive bivy spot. I went for a mix of mountain and road Di2 to get my 1x setup. I don't think a clutch mech is a necessity if you have a narrow wide up front, so a cheaper alternative might be to use 10 speed road shifters with a 9 speed mountain mech and wide r...

I went 1x on my Amazon a couple of years back and haven't regretted it a bit. I've got a 42 up front and either an 11-40 or 11-42 cassette, depending on my wheels/plans. It's used loaded and unloaded, on and off road without ever feeling too limited. I think any climb that is too steep and loose to ...

For those of you wanting plus tyres at a decent price, Wiggle have the light version of the WTB Ranger at a much lower price (£23.99) than elsewhere: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wtb-ranger-tcs-light-fast-rolling-plus-tyre I bought a couple to set my Commando up as a 29+. Also pretended to be a new custo...

Epilogue finally added with massive gear nerd-out!

http://highlanddrifter.com/ht550-2018-epilogue

Enjoyed those, thanks - I love a good ride write up. One day I'll be able to free up time to do more than one event in a year, maybe even in England!

Aye Sean, that was me - I think you passed me later on and were away into the sunset! Le Shadow is indeed Pascal, we're buddies on Facebook now. Will stick it all in the Epilogue post when I get a chance...

Mental. That is all.

I've also got the SOL escape bivy and think its a decent option for what you describe. I've only used mine a couple of times - once in my hammock at sub zero temperatures where there were some condensation problems; the other time was a dry cool night sleeping on the ground and there was no condensa...