HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

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boxelder
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by boxelder »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 1:05 pm Dont suppose anyone has any last min tips for me? Ive never ridden in scotland, so not really sure what to expect other than expect trench foot and to be bitten by midges and ticks.....
In Glen Ling, after the climb up Attadale on the way to Dornie, you'll arrive at two gates, about 15m apart. Go straight to the second one. Have fun.
Oh, if it's been wet, expect a river crossing on the Old Military road just before Fort Augustus.
Last edited by boxelder on Wed May 25, 2022 9:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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fatbikephil
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by fatbikephil »

I see Guy Whalley got as far as Dundonald then returned to Ullapool by road. Looks like it was pretty breezy up there but not too damp. Wonder if he'll have another go tomorrow?
Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 1:05 pm Dont suppose anyone has any last min tips for me? Ive never ridden in scotland, so not really sure what to expect other than expect trench foot and to be bitten by midges and ticks.....
Midges still showing a number one or two on the midge forecast. To be cool and northerly breezy so shouldn't be too much of a problem, not looking too damp either. Other tips? Don't quit. Once you get passed Contin your as well keeping on route as quitting beyond here means getting back to Tyndrum is a PIA. Try to do the Torridon descent during the day as its a cracker. Err.... thats about it really other than to enjoy it :-bd

I'm actually wishing I was there now after my proclamation last year that I would never do it again....
Alexinthepeaks
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Alexinthepeaks »

Im hoping to hit Contin at around 1am early Sunday morning....no going back from there......That could be a bit optermistic on my part mind!
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Bearlegged
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Bearlegged »

Nice selection of Q&As with some of the women who will be racing this year:
https://steezycollective.com/women-of-t ... trail-550/
boxelder
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by boxelder »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 8:26 pm Im hoping to hit Contin at around 1am early Sunday morning....no going back from there......That could be a bit optermistic on my part mind!
If you miss Contin shop, and they're not serving at Oykel Bridge Hotel, your next re-supply is Drumbeg Stores. I would suggest 1am at Contin is pretty optimistic, but I don't know how quick/efficient/committed you are.
EDIT: In 2019, Neil Belchenko hit Contin at 11.30pm - but you've probably looked at this stuff already.
Last edited by boxelder on Wed May 25, 2022 9:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Alexinthepeaks
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Alexinthepeaks »

I called the Achness hotel and they are hooking me up for breakfast so long as i get there for 8am till 9am...no pressure lol
ScotRoutes
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by ScotRoutes »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 9:20 pm I called the Achness hotel and they are hooking me up for breakfast so long as i get there for 8am till 9am...no pressure lol
Is that not against the "rules"?
boxelder
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by boxelder »

:???:
Alexinthepeaks
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Alexinthepeaks »

How would that be against the rules? I made a phone call to see if they are open...
woodsmith
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by woodsmith »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 10:30 pm How would that be against the rules? I made a phone call to see if they are open...
I think its because the way you worded it made it sound like something pre-arranged specificly for you rather than something available to all other riders.
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sean_iow
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by sean_iow »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 10:30 pm How would that be against the rules? I made a phone call to see if they are open...
Do they normally open at those hours? If yes then that's fine. If they are opening especially for you or serving you outside of their normal hours then that's pre-arranged support and against the rules. As long as anyone who gets there at those times gets served it's ok.

Anyone who gets there in those times will have earned their breakfast!
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Alexinthepeaks
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Alexinthepeaks »

Yeah its open to anyone between 8 or 9am...i mean tbh the chances of thst happening lol are pretty god damn slim
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sean_iow
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by sean_iow »

I think you stand a good chance of making it :grin: good luck.
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ScotRoutes
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by ScotRoutes »

woodsmith wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 10:37 pm
Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 10:30 pm How would that be against the rules? I made a phone call to see if they are open...
I think its because the way you worded it made it sound like something pre-arranged specificly for you rather than something available to all other riders.
Aye, that's the way I read it. I though that any form of pre-booking was frowned upon.

All you've got to do now is get there before 80 other hungry riders beat you to it and scoff all the food :lol:
redefined_cycles
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by redefined_cycles »

Bearlegged wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 8:57 pm Nice selection of Q&As with some of the women who will be racing this year:
https://steezycollective.com/women-of-t ... trail-550/
What's a veggie haggis pie and where on the loop do they sell it :???:
ScotRoutes
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by ScotRoutes »

An example of veggie haggis...

https://www.macsween.co.uk/products/del ... egetarian/

I'm guessing that any mention of pie refers to the Lochinver Larder.
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fatbikephil
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by fatbikephil »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 10:41 pm Yeah its open to anyone between 8 or 9am...i mean tbh the chances of thst happening lol are pretty god damn slim
Thats worth knowing, if you were fancying doing a more leisurely run you could rock up there for breakfast on the Monday. Thinking about it, didn't Trep and Mart do that last year?

Looks like Guy Whalley has pulled the plug - third time for him I think. I also noticed that Simon Guignard rode from Glasgow to tyndrum on the WHW (!) plenty of hike a bike practice up by Loch Lomond but mebbes not the best way of warming up... fair play though - if he does the route and rides back to Glasgow he should get a special award :-bd
Alexinthepeaks
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Alexinthepeaks »

https://dotwatcher.cc/feature/bikes-of-ht550-2022

Ive currently got 2 bikes listed...the pace and the cannondale...im doing it on the cannondale...
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fatbikephil
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by fatbikephil »

Fair bit of bling there and three of those new Masons. Only two single speeds (go Mike and Gemma!) Only one dropped bar bike...
Looks like James Hayden is a no show as he's down as scratched.
Alexinthepeaks
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Alexinthepeaks »

Where does it say James has scratched...insta seems seems suggest he is racing...


https://www.instagram.com/p/CeBS6Ias34v ... MyMTA2M2Y=
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sean_iow
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by sean_iow »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Thu May 26, 2022 1:20 pm Where does it say James has scratched...insta seems seems suggest he is racing...


https://www.instagram.com/p/CeBS6Ias34v ... MyMTA2M2Y=
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padonbike
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by padonbike »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 8:26 pm Im hoping to hit Contin at around 1am early Sunday morning....no going back from there......That could be a bit optermistic on my part mind!
I'd aim for midnight: it's only 190km with 4000m climbing. :-bd
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Bearlegged
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Bearlegged »

Alexinthepeaks wrote: Thu May 26, 2022 1:20 pm Where does it say James has scratched...
He's fractured his elbow.
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Bearlegged
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by Bearlegged »

Also, Philippa Battye and Alice Lemkes out with COVID.
slarge
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Re: HT550 Grand Depart - May 2022

Post by slarge »

Alex, best advice is not to quit. Your body might tell your head that its tired, and your head might have some dark moments, but keep pedalling and moving forwards. And don't get xaught up in the excitement at the start. You're fit and capable, but this is a ride that is governed by your head not your body....
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