Oh yeah - and the Aldi thinsulate lobster mitts are very warm and cost next to nothing if you can find a pair in stock..

I'll stick in a vote for pogies - they'll keep your hands warm & dry in most conditions. Just wear a pair of full finger summer gloves underneath.

You know where he lives now. I won't give you my answer.... Definitely tempting, but wouldn't be worth it :smile: My main aim now in pursuing this is to try and make him understand that his behaviour after the initial incident was completely unacceptable - so it's less likely for it to happen to so...

I've been slowly building up my max square over the last 2-3 years, my starting point was 8x8 I think, but with huge amounts already filled in, so it was fairly easy at first to grow this quickly. For a while now I've been stuck on 24x24 - slowly filling in the blanks (playing the long game) and thi...

Cycling through Middlewich on the gravel/road bike - looking to raise my VeloViewer Max Square count. Ended up in a situation where a car was reversing and encroaching towards me, and I was about to get squashed. I shouted and slapped the rear windscreen firmly, and the car stopped. Driver gets out ...

Hi Al,

I'll take a punt on the Paramo for £40
Will PM you tomorrow.

Cheers,
Pete

Yes please Stu, I'd buy one.

I assume that at least one of those riders was disqualified? This comment makes me nervous. Under normal circumstances this would be outside assistance, but at that moment it's just looking out for our fellow rider. This is what makes bikepacking great! Those river crossing were big challenges and ...

After excessive weather-related deliberation, we'll see you in the pub.
A (small) part of me is looking forward to a proper adventure tomorrow.

That's OK - I'm in credit from last years BB220

Yes pls for the Ocelot.

PM incoming.

Thanks all for the replies & info.

Especially Reg for the close-up of the midge

My 2015 Giant Anthem X 29er has got me round several big rides in style, and a quick google shows a recent model at or near your price bracket: https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/giant_anthem_29er_1_mountain_bike_2018_medium_ex_display-ID_74210 https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s154p9224/GIANT-ANTHEM-29er...

Thanks - that's good to know

Anyone know of any quiet bivi spots at or south of the start (Banchory) ?
We're driving up from the south.

Hi,

I'm contemplating the https://deesidetrail.com/route/ this weekend - does anyone have an insight on the current ground conditions in the Cairngorms sections ?

If it's gonna be a boggy mess, then I might propose that we go for the Capital Trail instead

Cheers,
Pete

Yes pls. Trying to PM you, but the site is a little flaky currently...

2nd dibs on the Bivi bag please.

... Wheel your bike through whilst hoping from stone to stone, or just wade through, with the bike up stream of you. Upstream ? I guess that depends on the water level. I've always had the bike downstream, on the basis that if the current takes the bike I have the option to just let go. If the bike...

Nice write up Ray !
We had no idea we were so close to you on Sunday night

Considering this route myself next week whilst it's dry then maybe follow up with the capital trail. A 2 in 1 kinda ride. Where's best to leave a car for the duration? https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@55.6410155,-3.1779997,3a,75y,340.8h,80.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s-CQW3j4ze3S9Es9HUsz_yg!2e0!7i13312!8i...

I've finished the write-up of my recent jaunt around the hills and bothies of the Scottish Borders.
Hope you enjoy it

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13pY ... sp=sharing

Hi Ray, Yup, as per FB, the three of us crossed the finish line in unison a little before 10pm Tuesday. After sharing pretty much the entire ride, it seemed like the right way to finish. Riding together was not intended, but our pace was very similar and that's just how it worked out. Route was awes...

More Welsh type 2 fun for me again

Anyone use a short travel full sus for normal riding/bikepacking ? I've used a Giant Anthem 29er for general riding, and for several bikepacking trips (Lakes 200, Cairngorms loop, HT550), and I really rate it. Heavier than an equivalent hardtail (of course), and more to go wrong / maintain which is...

Yup, mine is up for grabs for the HT550, and I'm liking the whisky idea. PM me and we'll sort something out.