Winter bivi/bothy/hammock gala 2012 (Scotland)

[Ray Young]

So we saying 15 Dec for definate then?

[restlessshawn]

yeah :)

[Ray Young]

Gonna have to book the night off work then :D .
Any ideas where we are going yet?

[pushbikemike]

No idea about route. Happy to follow. Will you be on the pompino restless?

[restlessshawn]

I need to build up some singlespeeding legs before I'd attempt using it for a longer ride like that! I mostly built it up for riding about the back lanes and a few paths near where I live. The Inbred will be out as usual.

Whereever we go I'm expecting a bit of a mud fest the way the weather has been

How about we meet in Inners, head south on the SUW to st mary's loch then down the road to Capercluech and right past Megget reservior to Talla Reservoir (atleast we won't be short of water!). Gameshope bothy is here. In the morning we could head over Dollar Law into Kirkton Manor Valley and back to Peebles.

Or if anyone has another route idea?

The bothy has no fire and you'll need spare socks as there is a burn to cross to get to it.

[Ray Young]

Sounds good to me. Mike, can you lend me some lights again?

[pushbikemike]

Sounds good.
I'll bring some lights for you Ray. Do you need a lift Inners, Ray? Could pick you up in Dalkeith.

[Ray Young]

Hi Mike, a lift would be great, cheers. How's the 29er build going by the way?
Also, any other takers for this wee ride?

[pushbikemike]

Hi Mike, a lift would be great, cheers. How's the 29er build going by the way?
Also, any other takers for this wee ride?

Got myself a new tyre which doesn't rub on the frame. The WTB Bronson 2.2 must blow up big. Got a shcwalbe 2.25 in there with plenty room to spare. Not got a front mech yet. Still time. New grips were purchased, Specialsed body geometry to offer support to my wrists what with the rigid fork. Got a new set of bars for another bike on the way and will use the old risers on the 29er. I found the Fleegles a little too low.
Heading out form a cheeky night in the local woods tomorrow. Looks like it will be chilly. Also i've been rebuilding some lights i made a few years ago. Little LED ones out of some salt and pepper pots. They look rough but work pretty good for the "shine-them-in-your-eyes-to-see-how-bright-they-are" test. I'll test them out tomorrow night. Found another light in the shed drawer that i made out of a baby food can and three LED's. Still works well. :D

I can pick you from Dalkeith around 12ish on the 15th. Then head down to Peebles to get my bike and then cycle to Inners. Does that sound Ok to you and Restless?

[Ray Young]

Sounds good to me Mike, let me know where to be to get picked up.

[pushbikemike]

How about 12.15 at tescos in Dalkeith? Sent a text to your phone too. Mike

[Ray Young]

How about 12.15 at tescos in Dalkeith? Sent a text to your phone too. Mike

Yep, sounds good to me, cheers Mike. Ray.

[restlessshawn]

Looks like the ice may finally have melted, hoping it stays away till after next weekend now

I never did get time to go and check out the bothy, but you can't plan adventure anyway

[Ray Young]

Current forcast for sat/sun, day temp 6c, night 4c and dry both days with light winds. Keeping my fingers crossed. Also going to attempt to make some bar muffs from an old closed cell foam bed roll and good old gaffer tape.
The bothy looks good in the pictures i've seen.

[Ray Young]

Hi guys, do I need to bring maps or has someone got a gps with the route?

[Ray Young]

Looks like you n me then Mike, i'll bring the maps.

[pushbikemike]

I've got maps and found my old gps for back up. Got a couple of lights for you. Bike all set but still not got front mech and new pads on front brake need bedding in.
Will meet you at Tescos as planned.