Thanks for the heads up - It will be my first time too

I have just replaced my XM7's which are the shoe version of the XM9. I was very impressed with them for hike a bike like the HT550 although I find the waterproofness annoying as (by definition) they don't drain well after river crossings. They have an excellent Vibram walking shoe sole. I use them w...

Mostly but we got sidetracked by some other trails and freestyled a bit did find some interesting bits that could be added though... - Sounds like a great effort, but - as you suggest - unlikely to pass Alan's strict route scrutineering. In true winter conditions it seems like Microspikes and poten...

I saw somewhere he'd had a fall on some ice. - Fingers crossed, no serious injury.

Edit- Found it: https://twitter.com/richpips/status/1201139800545398784

I have a Sonder Transmitter Carbon too. I used it on the HT550 ITT and the Ard Moors Enduro this year with 130mm Revelation forks and 2.6" tyres and was very happy. I have now got 130/160mm Pike forks on it (no fault of the bike - just because I personally needed to raise the front end because ...

Is the BB200 a bikepacking ITT? There's a mandatory kit list which would indicate it is. But ... Many, if not most, choose to ride through so there's no bivvying involved so it isn't. Perhaps. Maybe :???: By my definition then the BB200 is an ITT where the riders are Bikepacking because they are re...

Richpips wrote: ↑Wed Nov 27, 2019 10:22 pm Just seen that Sofiane is in.

Yes - but what about Minipips ?

Have not given it much thought until today, but my instinct was that Bikepacking (and Backpacking) had to include an element of carrying your own stuff to enable a wildish sleep outdoors - but I think it should stretch to include the likes of a bothy stay...

The Big Bear is a cracking route, unfortunately it seems not many ride it which is a shame as there are numerous start points and easy food and overnight options. If you crack on its 3 days, if you take your time its more like 4-5 days. More people should have a crack. Could someone please point me...

Me too ! (Not really a surprise because Alan said I had a guaranteed place after my ITT earlier this year but still a relief).
Alex - You'll love it - We'll have to get some "local" training done - with Karl too.

The others are still Bikepacking ITTs if the individuals choose to treat them as such. It's not all black and white either - For example, I did the Trans-Cambrian in a day earlier this year, but I carried all the gear and then camped near Machynlleth just after finishing and then rode back to Knight...

For ITTs where the rider is not intending to stop and is not carrying that kit is it even Bikepacking ? - It seems more like a very long mountain bike ride?

Just a nudge that 2020 entries for the Highland Trail 550 open tomorrow. - Good luck !

http://www.highlandtrail.net/

These should help https://www.instagram.com/p/B3_x2PNFfpc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B3bt6fdlSsC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Jx6BeFbFA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/B2TpFVGFsnc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https...

Hi Steve, Yes more than likely again, but will do as an ITT again as not managed to complet yet. (unlikely for me to get a place otherwise) If you cycle fast you might overtake me again :lol: Mart Hi Mart - I was gutted to have overshot the Suilag Bothy and missed meeting you (and sharing that love...

Thanks. Yes - I'd heard rumours that the Postie's Path was out in favour of the Tollie Path.
It looks like the Coffin Road might be out too.

Hi All - I'm new to the Forum but thought I would start with this ! :smile: Entries for next year's Highland Trail 550 open on 23rd November (http://www.highlandtrail.net). I did it as an ITT this year (the week before the group start) and the experience has changed my life (mostly for the better!)....