Ha... the physical getting there is no problem. I was just through the door from a nice little bimble back from the Aosta Valley when I typed that message. My Alpine fix for the year sated, most of the journey was spent wondering what to do next. The Cairngorm Loop seems to fit the 'how to hurt but ...

I am hopeful about getting up for the September start. I have the rigid, which I love and have been amazed at what it can do but I have a 29er 130mm full suss that I am thinking of making a rougher terrain bike packing bicycle. Just getting there is challenge number one though, the ride i'll enjoy w...

Bugger.... that'll teach me to go on holiday.

Roll on 2026!

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... =9&t=10139

This is in the Classifieds at the moment.

A great looking thing that I fancy but don't have the dollar for right now.

Can be outer only which is only 600g set up.

Worth a look I reckon.

Mine is about 30 uses in and I am folding along the same creases, I had wondered about this.

Much to the amusement/irritation of some I use a pump to inflate mine, as the moisture issue struck me as one worth avoiding.

This is still for sale.

Due to being a clumsy bugger I have other priorities.

A short sleeve jersey with the fierce bear in whatever size would fit a 42'' chest.

You are not invisible Adjustable!

I have PM'd you.

Truly amazing efforts by the riders at the front, a real raising of the bar.

Terrible luck for Ian, I hope he is safely back.


Now to will on the rest of the bunch, inspiring efforts by all concerned.

Not for the first time I am amazed and inspired by Tom's efforts. Respect.

Good luck all.... remember to enjoy yourselves!

Ummm.... time for the walk, ermmm, I mean ride of shame.

I am currently packing for the Spanish bimble and 2 items featured on the list are making the journey with me!

Ha... that is some amount of kit Sam is rocking! Good to see you got out mate. I went up to the Lakes to beat myself half to death at the PMBA Nationals.... it is anything but relaxing! 3 days to put myself back together for the Spanish jaunt and if I can still straddle a bike after that we must get...

I am happy with a big ggrrrr and a small cuddly, we all need a little cuddle from time to time.

I'm interested, would want to see final designs as not fond of the cuddly bear but like the grrr bear.

I am about to add a meths set up to my existing gas one. Excited. Can't beat owning even more gear! I think I prefer the idea of a gas canister rather than a meths bottle up my jumper... looking forward to playing with both. Always keen to learn, I didn't realise meths would be a bugger to light in ...

I have very limited experience but... Norway Calling mentions that he had trouble lighting his meths burner in crappy conditions and is returning to gas. I have found gas simply will not light if it is cold, i'm talking around zero and it doesn't warm up once going like a meths burner does. I pop my...

4 weeks from now we should be enjoying beer and tapas.

Woohoo.


I am actually getting more scared of what I have gotten myself into as the weeks pass.

This looks like a done deal now. Clearly Mike was not right on the bike early on. He seemed to be struggling mentally too. Once Kristof had a lead he could gauge his pace/rest cycle off that gap. Shame really as I think we have seen the best of Kristof and not the best of Mike. An incredible effort ...

Good stuff lads, good stuff.

I'd be well jell but had a top banana weekend myself.

Hope to catch up next month, need to arrange the BAM trip.

I have an Arkel Seatpacker 15 on order. It is heavy, expensive and out of stock but I have combed through dozens of reviews and videos and reckon it is the one that best suits my needs. I imagine I shall have many years use from it so cost wise I can live with it. It is going to work with the full s...

So I guess someone has to ask..... what tyres? Ok, let me explain. Firstly, I am on a fully rigid Kinesis FF29 alloy frame with a Niner carbon fork... I am strangely addicted to riding it but it does give me a damn good rattling. I am currently running Schwalbe Thunder Burts 29 x 2.25, love the thin...

40% of the distance covered by the front runners and the race is on!


Makes me want to get out and suffer.... kinda.

The Spanish coast to coast guys can throw that one back at me at some point no doubt.

First off the hammock question. Looks like an underquilt is the way to keep warm, mats being something of a pita to use. What rating of underquilt do I need.... say to match my 0 degree top quilt. I am sort of hoping it will be lighter and less rated... so that I can use it as my summer sleep system...

Just catching up with this. A clip on FB of Mike shows him looking settled on the bike and determined... the race needs him back on form. Kristof looks fresh though and will be well rested when Mike rolls in knackered but a visual should pep Mike up and maybe introduce a sense of fallibility into Kr...

Penmachno is my favourite... We have 4 days riding so hoping to get some natural riding in but a lot will depend on the fitness of the others.

Whatever happens there will be beer involved and my son is coming so all good.

Weather looks good for you guys.