sean_iow wrote: ↑Fri Jun 26, 2020 11:55 am What do you use to oil them?

GT85 spray (with PTFE).

I had been a fan of Topeak Fuel Tank top tube bags. However, 2 have now failed due to the (waterproof) zip getting stuck and then damaged. I have been careful to keep them clean from mud. I have also tried not to pull them excessively hard. I have also tried "oiling" the zips to see if tha...

It is surprising about Scotland lagging because they seem to have a very low rate of deaths and presumably infections. Although perhaps that is in part because they have been more cautious regarding a relaxation of "lockdown". I am keen to attempt the Cairngorms Loop 300 in late July/Augus...

I have one of the benefits of a tarp / Deschutes / Gatewood etc. that can just roll over to pee. Having said that, most times in the Lunar Solo I just unzip and arch my back.

[EDIT: I should add that I used to work down sewers so perhaps not as squeamish as some].

I'm 6'1" and have the Lunar Solo and the Deschutes with a pole from Stu and am delighted with both. The Deschutes is the same "length" as the Lunar Solo. Both are slightly bigger than the Gatewood Cape. Both have guy-out tabs to pull the tarp sides out a bit to get a bit more clearanc...

I'm chuckling imagining trying to explain the nuances of astronomical dusk to a zealous Derbyshire copper and what their reaction might be !

Nice one ! - Hopefully I will be able to joint you next time Dave

Thanks ! - really looking forward to this

For those in the Peak (and for wider interest), the following popular cycling stops were open last weekend for takeaways with the (now normal) distancing arrangements: Parsley Hay refreshment kiosk and toilets. Millers Dale Station refreshment kiosk and toilets. Hassop Station Cafe Fairholmes (Ladyb...

Thanks! I would like to try and make this. In the mists of time there used to be a weekly "Peak Midweek" ride organised through one of the MTB website forums - I cannot even remember which now LOL ! I was reminiscing about that the other day as I rode some of the regular trails. Cheers, St...

Yep - I'm really keen to try your loop on that weekend - It will be fab having something to look forward to.

Nice one! Thanks. Would like to ride this

Thanks. Will take a look and hopefully have a go at your loop soon. Here's a slightly adapted "Lord of the Loops" route originally from the Vertebrate Graphics Dark Peak MTB guide. It comes in at 73 miles and 10,000ft. (Ignore the little leg of to my home in Chinley!) https://www.strava.co...

That's just using the pole that came with my Lunar Solo. I already had a loop of elastic on the bivvy bag but there is so much flex in the pole that a short piece of guyline would do the trick. A mat inside the bivvy bag would give it more shape and open the vent up a lot more. The setup could be e...

The Achness Hotel at Rosehall let me and another bikepacker pitch on their lawn and they left the back door open so that we could use the toilet etc and dry stuff off - superb.
That was in May 2019 so perhaps before the change of ownership.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2381340869

Day 2 - Gripping stuff! The kids never get tired of seeing that pic of you in the feed sack

Fantastic ! - Looking forward to Day 2. With this and Karl's diary I am well happy now

Thanks Karl. Great stuff !
Looking forward to tomorrow's already! - So used to box-set binging so good to have the anticipation and wait

sean_iow wrote: ↑Wed May 20, 2020 10:43 am Here it is, brace yourself, it's Tropetastic*

https://youtu.be/5poYdjEMoN4

Thanks for the film. - We really enjoyed it. - The kids loved seeing the mini Deschutes - Will add this as a half-term project with them - but they will be nowhere near as grand as yours.

I got a Velez Adventure Light smock after doing a wet ITT of the Highland Trail 550 last year and wanting a jacket that I could be confident of surviving severe weather in. I've used it loads over the autumn, winter and spring. Very pleased with it. It has side zips from chest down which help with v...

I've said it before but I'll say it again anyway, there is no requirement to return home in the Act. The guidance they keep producing is just that, it is not the law. The law hasn't changed since the start of the lock-down. - Thanks. I might then have a go at the "Peak 200" as a local ITT...

When the governments think of "Camping" they are going to be thinking camp sites with communal toilet and washing facilities. For that reason, it feels to me that camping will be one of the last things we will be explicitly allowed to do. The best we can hope for is the removal of the &quo...

I did a MTB loop in the Peak today (to/from home). I had taken all my own food and water filter. However, half way round, I stopped at the Bradwell Coop for a nice cold drink and some fresh food. Nobody batted an eyelid. Bradwell is 12 miles from home. It is still in Derbyshire and still in England....

I rode my route today - Tough but good fun. It came in at 8,182 feet on my Wahoo.

- Very thankful to live where we do

https://www.strava.com/activities/3488640572

Anyone planning an ITT this year assuming lock-down / restrictions are lifted before Julember? Not all, but perhaps part of it. Though, even if restrictions permit it, the welcome in some small communities may be uncertain for a bit. I've been a bit startled by the extreme reactions in my small vil...