This winter, I bought a balaclava to keep the wind off my face and generally keep my head area warm. Best money I ever spent. The only thing is it must be properly cold, a couple of degrees or you'll get very warm. Definitely worth a try for the money.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-balaclava-2/

Mike Hall is on the start list for the TransAtlanticWay Race on June 8th too. So with a 4 or 5 day finish of the HT550 he'll have a week or so to recover before another 2500km race. That's some going

Very disappointed having to pull out of the BB200 this year due to the early arrival of our son and the consequential lack of training. All my focus for 2017 is on the TransAtlanticWay Race in June. Nearly 100 signed up with some big names, it's going to be a good one.

Some great pictures here from Eddie Clark of Mountainflyermagazine. Very interesting shot of Mike Hall's spread sheet of time checks and milage markers. Details, Details, Details.

http://www.mountainflyermagazine.com/vi ... BImAOkR.01

Best of luck everybody, I'm nervous and excited for you all

Good review and explanation of the whole setup here:

http://bikepackersmagazine.com/k-lite-review/

Thanks very much for that. I read her first book - Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle. Great stuff, she's one tough lady.

I have one of those Ibera bags too and it's a good starter bag for the money. It probably won't stand up to much abuse but it'll do the job until you have the funds to upgrade.

+1 for Specialized Rime Elite (with the three velcro straps). I've had them since last October with no issues. Comfortable for cycling and HAB. Had to get a size up also.

Really enjoyed that, fair play to ye.

Congratulations to all on a fantastic effort whether you finished or not. Thanks for the great coverage and wonderful pictures, much appreciated and fascinating entertainment. It's scary and inspirational stuff

I'm interested too, PM sent.

Meant to reply sooner. Last summer I did some of the Wild Atlantic Way as part of a Malin to Mizen trip. I covered the route between Malin to Letterkenny, Ballyshannon to Sligo and Galway to Kilrush. On different occasions, I've also cycled Killorglin to Kenmare along the coast (part of the Ring of ...

If it's wet, I use a piece of Tyvek roof membrane cut to size under my bivi (mat inside). If it's dry and clean underneath then you might get away without it.

Thanks for the review Fantasticmrmatt, I'm sold

Stu, PM sent.

Welcome Nobby,

Very new to this game myself but there's great information and tips to be had around here. Enjoy.

Thanks for that. Fills the gap nicely waiting for the next Cordillera.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to travel lightish but will bring a bivvy bag alright. I'll give the Cairngorms Loop some thought too but obviously I'll have to get a move on whichever I choose.

Thanks for the advice Rich, sounds like a well thought out plan. I really enjoyed your blog too.

Cheers for that.

Hi all, Long time lurker and first time poster so to begin with I'd like to thank everyone for all the helpful information and hours of entertainment. Much appreciated :-bd I'm considering taking a stab at the HTR, possibly next year. I realise how ridiculously hard it is but I'm willing to put in t...