Go on then.

Might have a few others joining me as well.

You do need to pre-book bike on the train. I just bought my tickets for the race of the loop next Saturday and there was only one space on the early train, so best book early for your trip. £28.60 for an off-peak return which gives me flexibility if I either need to bin it early or finish later than...

I'm in two minds about bags. I'd be hoping to use my Cumulus down bag as it's 700g, but my Lamina 35 is fine for prolonged use in the damp - all depends on the weather coming up.

TN Laser Comp is a great tent. Mine has been up in all weathers, with no issues. Weighs about 900g. However, I've also got a bivi and tarp setup which wins on weight.

I'm riding an El Mariachi again this year, but a different one now as a hardtail instead of rigid. Racing Ralphs most likely, and I'm going to lighten up the stock build where possible. It'll still be heavier than the bike I rode last year due to the forks though. Training is mixed. I've been gettin...

RobMac - I've got the route and PDF maps for the HTR430 if you want them - just send me a PM for the link. I'd rather not share openly as it's from Memory Map so I don't know the licencing restrictions.

However, in simple terms, cut the top loop out of the HTR550 and you're pretty much there.

I wish I could do that - Easter is also wife's birthday and our wedding anniversary so little or no chance of being allowed out then. However I suspect your pace is a bit beyond mine anyway...

Highland Trail (actually finishing it this year)
Tour Divide
Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route

Plus a few that are on the road:

John O'Groats to Edinburgh in a weekend. Half day on Friday, train up, then start riding from Wick
Dunwich Dynamo (hopefully this year)
A double century (in old money)

I've tried a few instants, and the best by far is Starbucks VIA, despite being quite expensive for what it is. It's far better than Nescafé and is the closest thing to real coffee but without the weight. I also have a Smartcafe cafetiere mug which while heavier doubles up as a mug so the weight pena...

Is this the race one you're talking about? I'd recommend it, and as a three day route it would be great. I did it with about 25hrs moving time, so spread over three days it would be good fun. Perhaps stop at Linn of Dee on the first night (incidentally the last loo for miles), then Ballater on the s...

There's one in Poundland that is flimsy with a crap handle, but is a quid (obviously) and weighs next to nothing. Worth a shot

They're not Moonlite bags as the Moonlite only has a one-sided drawstring and is a different colour.

Bivi a month for me too
HTR550, and actually finish it this time
Sub 36hr Cairngorm Loop as I did ten minutes under 40hrs this year and reckon I could drop some time off that.

Shouldn't cost per night be a factor? My Argos tent at £17.50 is approaching a quid a night, and was my tent of choice until I got my Laser.

Just got a Topeak Hexus recently and am impressed. The chain tool is the same as on the Alien, but the Hexus ditches all the ring spanners I'd never use. It seems well made and also well thought out.

El Mariachi? £300 for the frame, £100 for a carbon fork.

All mine seem relatively lame by comparison. Last week I remembered that the loch I was going to fill my bottles from was a sea loch, after I'd pitched my tent. I then discovered that six degrees below the limit temperature for my sleeping bag felt pretty cold on my feet. No permanent harm done thou...