All of these have only been used once so are in tip top condition. All complete with whatever bags/stuff sacks they came with. They've all been stored un-stuffed too. AlpKit PD600 - it's the latest black version £140 posted. Good to -10 so AlpKit tell me. Golite RS 3 Synthetic quilt - Golite rate th...

Fast and light ... remember the minimum kit requirement calls for - sleeping bag - bivvy bag or tarp or tent - lights - phone. Apart from that, you don't have to carry anything if you don't want to. If you're aiming to 'do as well as possible' then I think the 'I'll sleep because I can't ride anymor...

I've just re-read an article by Eddy Meecham in which he compares his present ultralite kit to his previous lightweight kit. He does this by going out with his 'old' kit for the first time in a few years ... now, his 'old' gear certainly isn't what you'd call heavy by general backpacking standards, ...

Just wondered if this is of use to anyone. It's brand new in the bag and I'll never use it.

It's a med cage, 10sp version ... the invoice says it was £34.99 from crc, so how about £20 posted?

Now I think about it, I think it's fair to say the track on the ascent of Carnau is actually more vague than the descent. Once you're clear of Carnau your next hurdle is this stretch which contains 6 fords in 7km ;) http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIW60Gw_7ug/TlPbJQj263I/AAAAAAAAAiY/NKQjZ-z1I0s/s1600/rhay...

Note however that the problem isn't the gradient...

This is your track coming off the top of Carnau a km or so before it becomes really difficut to follow

how far into the loop is it?

The initial climb kicks in at about 145km.

my new goal is to finish it alive and anything above/beyond that is a bonus!

That's what it's about.

One question - what is the name of that hill which is supposed to be a b***h and which, if you can get over before nightfall you are more likely to get in before the 24hour bell rings? The 'lumpy' bit (I think) you mean is Carnau. In all honesty getting over the other side before dark would be a su...

this '2 person lightweight tent' from Alpkit looks interesting:

Your right Gairy, it certainly looks like it would make a good shelter of some sort. My initial thought was ditch the inner and use it as a 2 man tarp tent. It doesn't mention it on the website but I believe it has 2 entrances too.

Ray, you could set that off lovely with a floral print bivvy bag and a dado rail in your tarp

Brilliant piece of kit and works perfectly. Nice one Stu!

Smaller than you were expecting Dan? ... that seems to be most peoples first thought

Has anyone got any experience with those cheap camo tarps off ebay? I need a few solo tarps for later in the year but they need to be cheap. The ones I've seen are a good solo size at 1.8m x 2.4m and weigh in at under 400g. Looking at the pics/specs I think they'd at least handle a few nights weathe...

Pyro please step forward and choose the 'theme' for Sep' if you'd be so kind.

'Twas a close run thing for much of the voting, so hard luck Slugwash.

Talk of Trailstars, MYOG stoves and rigid 29ers all in one post ... superb effort

I'm liking that quilt ... *even the colours look okay.

*Please remember I am completely colour blind though.

Airlocks here too ... but only black ones mind

Cheers Ian ... it was pics like this that sparked my interest. I know the GR 10 runs through the area but it sounds like it'd involve more carrying than riding :(

Yes, as Ian says ... brass nipples. There's a lot of debate as to whether butted or plain gauge spokes are stronger / weaker. My opinion is go butted. On the subject of spokes, I wouldn't fit black ones ... the only spokes I ever see snap are black ones ;) When you're building the thing, keep in min...

For a start I wouldn't go near DT rims, it might just be one of 'those things' but I've seen more of these destroy themselves than anything else ... they seem very 'soft'. If money wasn't an issue then I'd go Hope for hubs ... I'd also look at the offerings from Superstar, my 29" wheels have ha...

Cheers fellas ... any info would be great.

no worries if it's your 'alone time'

I'd planned on going for a ride, not a w**k

There's a chance that I (we) might be heading over to the Pyrenees next year. I've been told to take a bike/gear and pick an area ... I'll be left to my own devices at the side of the road :D After initial searching I reckon that the Ariège region might make for an interesting trip. So far everythin...

Would you still couple that with the eXotic fork or something else?

Given the pricing I'd be looking towards a pair of these at present (On One are meant to have something along the same lines out soon ... but wh knows when)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=64389

I'm liking the look of the On One Lurchers ... not ridden or even seen one in the flesh but I'm thinking at just under £500 and around 3.3lb it could be a winner. Obviously IMO it needs building up with some nice carbon rigids too

Glad you reminded me about this and you're in luck ... keeping in line with last years date, I can confirm that next years version of *M+B will be on the weekend of Jan 12th/13th.

*Although it won't actually be M+B

Tea drinkers of the world unite ... for those who favour a mans drink, I can vouch for Typhoo instant tea. It produces an okay brew, although a touch strong. Throwing a bit of milk powder into it before use sorts it out though ... no faff, no messing about