I inherited my Dad's maps when he died. They range from the 40's through to the 70's... Early OS on linen, and more modern stuff.

Some of them are very interesting...

I love maps too... I sense a common interest forming...

Si

Started off with a Raleigh Chipper as I was too short for the Chopper. This rusted away as I never put it away in the shed, and we only lived 200 yards from the sea. This was replaced by an Elswick Hopper, which was ace for skids until I popped the back tyre and Dad wouldn't replace the tyre unless ...

Have to say, I turned to the venerable pork pie on the BB200. Worked really well. Not ridiculously heavy, tasty, and didn't cause any stomach issues...

Cheese and onion slices too...

I shall use them again in the future...

Si

May be persuaded to have a go at the longer option...

(Gulp)

It would have to be rideable though. Not sure I could cope with the ratio of unrideable hell like this year again...

Si

Nice....

I have moved mine back now. I suffered a lot with IT band pain in my right knee on the BB200, which meant I was hobbling around half the route, and eventually unable to ride anything except flat or downhill. (Still bl**dy finished though). Interestingly, I have just got a new bike (2015 Genesis Croi...

During this year's BB200, I kept thinking that road riding would be a far more sensible pastime than the endless bog/tussock/heather/stream nightmare I put myself through. I kept dreaming of endless smooth sinuous tarmac with misty eyed enthusiasm... Having had my Genesis Fortitude Race for nearly 1...

Badge received.... Though it had tried to make it to freedom too!

Thanks Stu...

:)

Hmmm, January 9th... My wedding anniversary...

Best check with Mrs Darbeze first I guess...

:)

Si

I live in Torquay so any Dartmoor action is close to me too... So count me in...

We should probably try to sort out a SW edition of the BB Winter bivvy really...

Si

Not me either, though it is an idea of some genius.

There isn't a shirt big enough for the words I uttered during those long dark hours...

Si

I took my iPod on the BB200 and used it for inspiration in the darker moments (they were plenty). It largely did the trick and helped me through to the finish. I don't have any Avicii on my iPod, but i heard "Wake me up" on the radio this morning, and the lyrics struck me as relevant (for ...

I ran a Mk6 Joystick on the helmet, an Mk9 Joystick on the bars, and my old Petzl Tikka head torch as fallback. Mk6 Joystick has a focused beam and stayed green throughout the night on low. Mk9 has a spread beam and also managed the night on low with no problems. Ideal combo I thought... Dynamo and ...

Painful and swollen right knee. Painful and swollen left ankle. Fingertips and big toes still tingling from the cold on Sunday morning.

Stomach was and is fine. I also used puritabs to ensure water was drinkable.

Still feeling wiped out and knackered too.

I took a couple of snaps of the Barmouth view... Will post them up this week. Only just got home and am going to sleep for the rest of the week.

I cannot comprehend how it took me over 32 hours and I didn't stop to sleep??

Si

Still coming to terms with it all to be honest... Certainly the hardest thing I have ever done. Still can't walk properly... That photo is brilliant. It would the one word I would choose to describe BB200 2014. When I have had more time to reflect, I may add my thoughts here... Si (officially broken)

slowupslowdown wrote:Mantra for the weekend 'one day we'll be too old for this s**t. Today is not that day'

Now that is a great mantra!

Love it...

Struggling to concentrate today. Excitement/nerves building well. Hopefully to a peek of energy that will keep the pedals turning for over 200KM this weekend...

:)

Si

Two bottles and some puritans... There won't be a shortage of water sources I imagine!

GPS with relevant OS maps printed out with the route marked on and laminated. Compass in pocket too...

Just in case. Only used the paper version twice last year, but both times got me out of a spot of doubt/confusion...

I imagine Bike Hike will have a spike of activity tomorrow morning, that's for sure...

:)

s8tannorm wrote:Do you want me to fetch one with me next weekend?

Yes please…

Thanks

That good eh? May have to look into this in more detail then… This is part of the problem of modern day convenience. We all want stuff cheaply and quickly, but it doesn't help when it comes to trying an item of clothing on first before making the purchase… The only place I have ever seen Urge helmet...

Slightly OT, (and possibly to distract from the ever nearing reality of the BB200)!

How do you find the Urge Super Cross helmet Stu? I know they were heavily reduced at CRC and have been tempted to try one…

Cheers,

Si

Minimal approach here too. Hoping to keep going if possible, but take enough gear to stop and keep warm if I have to. Obviously enough food for the trip and two 750ml water bottles and a pack of puritabs. Maybe a second light to have on my helmet, as I found just having a bar light last year a littl...

I should add that the route is mostly on road!… About 80%