Really wish I could join you for this, but please feel free to stick up some tracking links at the weekend to keep us entertained. Unless Colin has got you sorted out for Trackleaders? For avoiding the Feshie crossings, I noticed an old picture looking back to the first crossing the other day which ...

I agree, you've got the answer right there - just add a couple of Voile straps to the drybag and you're done. I used the exact same setup this weekend just gone: https://i.postimg.cc/4NfkQ3d1/52316672-Unknown-1280.jpg I've used the Alpkit drybag with a couple of straps much more than my harness or f...

I did a couple of bivies last year with minimal kit to see what I could get away with: http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/49416592_Unknown-1280-768x512.jpg This consisted of a Klymit Ultralite V pad, a SOL Escape bivy and my old silk sleeping bag liner. Think I had a light polarte...

Just trying to catch up here with my paltry efforts during lockdown. I really struggled to feel motivated with being limited to the back garden, but have got nothing but admiration for those who made the best of a bad lot and put in some highly entertaining posts in this thread! April - went for a p...

I reckon they've got a few months in them yet! This was only noticed after a few weeks of feeling the back end slide in the wet!



It was hidden under the mudguards so I had no idea!

Living near the coast is a pain for grabbing squares, especially if nearly all your riding is from the house with a couple of hours to spare!



One day my square will reach Aviemore and I will claim it for my own

Very well put together and brought a smile to my face, so they must be doing something right!

For anyone wanting to join in virtually this year:

https://www.bandok.com/VirtualEvents/HT550

You can also sign up for the Tour Divide amongst others, if you're super-keen!

This was linked to from the new HT550 site that Alan has under construction:

https://highlandtrail550.weebly.com/

That reminds me of a walk up Beinn Bhreac a few years back where we saw a cheeky weasel sticking its head out from under a rock. It wasn't till ages afterwards I spotted this stealth tag under Photos of you on Facebook!

Sounds like some kind of mustelid to me - stoat, weasel or, less likely, a polecat? Also, escaped ferret!

In what I think is chronological order, I've had:

Raleigh
Raleigh
Townsend
Raleigh
Scott USA
On One*
Kona*
Van Nicholas*
On One*
Trek*
Marin*
Ritchey*

Still got and use all the starred ones, though the Pompino is stripped and boxed for when I get round to selling it.

Enjoyed going through that, thanks for sharing!

March was done incredibly early for me, as I got paranoid there was going to be a ban on travel, which obviously turned out to be uncharacteristically prophetic for me. It was also kept local before that became a thing as I was kipping about a mile from where I work. I threw some gear on the Command...

Bivy catch up time! Februrary was a leap year spectacular, heading out about 11pm on the 29th just to really push the limit on last minute. Didn't ride too far, just out to the end of my extended commute route and slept at the edge of Durris Forest. Rainy night and frozen morning. Nice and dry after...

I think the gravel genre of bikes are ideal for people who like to ride straight from their door and get a bit of offroad riding in. For many people this will involve road stretches to link up any track/trails they want to try out. When I built up my VN Amazon #gradventourer back in the day, that wa...

How about a Met Predatore, which is basically an extra large version of the Met Veleno, which I have, but find it a bit tight unless my hair is particularly short. Unfortunately the Predatore just looked too big on my head so I've never used it. Has been sitting in it's box for years now with a tenu...

Panniers!! Burn the heretic!!!! :lol: Aaaah, remember the good old days when bikepacking was just called offroad touring? I fitted the rack in summer for camping trips with my 6 year old, but the panniers are great for an easy night out with a few luxuries, rather than my usual extreme minimalist a...

Think the Tomdoun shut a few years ago, sadly. I'd imagine the Cluanie Inn would have an idea too though.

Oh yeah, I had been meaning to say that but got distracted and didn't! :oops: If you do it in September/October you should be good...mostly lovely tarmac either side of the loch too. https://i.postimg.cc/prv3MmVp/Loch-Loyne-Ride-0072-1280.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/MHYN6zXt/Tomdoun-Weekend-0059-1280.j...

I love plotting routes! Here's a version that avoids all the toughest pushing bits either with a road or easier offroad alternative keeping the riding at a maximum whilst on a tourer. The only bad thing is you miss out on Ben Alder, Bealach Horn, Ledmore traverse and Fisherfield, which are stunning ...

Time to put my belated reports in as usual! January was a last night of the month affair, setting out late and not going too far on my dodgy knees. A pleasant night in the hammock at relatively mild temperatures. The tarp was only necessary for about 10 minutes whilst I was packing up my kit, before...

Also SOCKS from the generous man behind the redefined_cycles tag. They'll be spot on with my winter footwear setup and are now my poshest socks - thanks Shaf!

It's okay, you can just call me Craig, if that's any easier/more confusing!

I slacked off a bit last year without the HT550 to focus my mind, but still got some nice rides in, including yet another Scottish C2C with my mates - that's seven different routes we've done so far over the years. BAM is a great motivator too, especially since I always try to have a new spot each m...

That's my kind of New Year's party above! Just polishing off this year's series, I went for a short excursion from home to the nearest forest: http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_7606-1280.jpg http://highlanddrifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_7609-1280-rotated.jpg http:...