I'm focusing on just finishing. I will be really happy to do that. The time is not a concern for me.....it might be for everyone waiting for me but, hey ho. As for training. I'm not managed any great distances yet but focused on making my rides have as much climbing as possible. For example did 40 m...

Think me and the misses would be up for this. We're newbies so will have to educate us in the art of drink, ride, drink, eat, ride, sleep, ride.

We've bivvy'd before and I'm entered to on the bb200 so hopefully we won't be too far behind.

Hi Stu. Bit nervous about the warmth rating. Would you say the 400 is worth the extra money or is the 250 suitable for October weather. I know the question can't really be answered, just looking for opinion really. I usually sleep with base layers and down jacket as well just in case. http://m.field...

Thanks for the replies. The quantum 350 and PHD seem good value, maybe a bit more pricy than expected. They are both half the weight of my current sleeping bag which is good. Zonc, I sleep hot so generally need to regulate my temp down so could do a similar thing to you. I'll keep searching but them...

Hi Guys.

Bit late in the day but trying to mod my kit to make it lighter but useable in October. Any recommendations on sub kilo sleeping bags for that time of year?

Its for an event in 3 1/2 weeks time

I've just voted 'getting there' but I have just had butterflies in my belly thinking about it.

Anyone else apprehensive of the unknown?

The 18650 is a rechargeable lithium ion battery which isn't suitable for the Dakota from what I remember (3.6v). Standard lithium batteries are 1.5v.

All our training has come to a grinding Holt on Thursday by some little scrots nicking all 6 of our bikes We will be there more determined than ever as we can't ever let these vermin win.

Ian I think your right. I have decided to go for round black ones, I know there are strong arguments for square and hexagon ones but I've made my decision :smile: Sounds like a lot of people have used the conti's to good effect think I may get some and try them out. Really want to make sure I'm best...

Cheers Rich and alasdair.

Its more of a passing question of what you ride and generally find comfortable. I wouldn't ride with my on ones as they are really heavy and quite draggy - great for a blast round the peaks but for anything with big miles would make it much harder.

I currently ride on one chunky monkey and smorgasbord but they're quite draggy. Thinking that a faster rolling tyre might be better, any suggestions? I have racing ralphs on my single speed and have previously used specialized purgatory which both seem faster rolling and probably more suited to a IT...

They provide a good service and a good range of tube sizes. Not had any problems with mine so far. For security you could go for a thicker tube (they do them). As for leaky valves not had any problems with my presta so far.

I got a couple of the karrimor x-lite bivvy bags last week. Not had them out on the hills yet but seem well made and under 300g. Stood out as good value kit (unless I get soaked). I did a fair bit of research about them before purchasing, all reviews found were on a French website (thank you to goog...

Going off what everyone is saying about the bb200 I'd say best slogan would be:

"Every way is up"

Kit. If its not on the mandatory list leave it at home. Light and fast. If its going to be uncomfortable to stop you’re more likely to keep riding. Starting to realise Chew is right about this. Loaded up my bike for the first time last night with the kit I 'need'. It was so heavy and slow. I'd load...

Will we get an entry list to see which nutters (including myself) that we should avoid in normal social gatherings? I've already started to plan out my kit.....crazy or what

Thanks for all the info. I've order a Dakota 20 and ordered full UK mapping from ioffer. I'll let you know how I get on. Just need to find a good handlebar mount......any suggestions?

It seems that for what I'm looking for the Dakota or Etrek is suitable. Everyone has suggested garmins upto now, think that's probably for a reason. I have been looking around and noticed no one has mentioned the Oregon range, any reasons? Thanks for the link to ioffer, johnnystorm. They've got some...

Hi guys.

We have entered our first bb200 but don't have a GPS. I use traditional maps for our riding usually. Could people make suggestions and recommendations? Many thanks

I'm a new member on here and my first post. Just would like to say that I'm in. Wanted a challenge so I've entered the 200.........I don't feel the 200km is hard enough so I'm bringing the misses along as well.....that's gonna be the real challenge :lol: Before any asked, she wanted to come. Think s...