HT550 2023

[boxelder]

I'll be running it

Doubt you'll run much from Croftown/Inverbroom to Loch an Fhiona. 400m climbing in 1.5Km. At least you won't be pushing a 'baggage cart'

Wrong track!

Oh yeah, missed the Dundonnel bit and just read 'whole crossing'. 5 min/miles all the way then Best section of the HT.

[Richpips]

http://trackleaders.com/highland23

James Rothwell aged 11 and his Dad Rich are about to start day 3 of their HT550 ride.

Currently in Cannich.

[boxelder]

Kylesku for dinner? Bet it'll be busy in there tonight though.
vaguely exciting effort from James.

[Leerowe76]

Fantastic for 11yr old, doing great

[boxelder]

On the slog up out of Inverbroom now. No fun at all, but gets it out the way.

10pm - looks like they're heading for Shenavall bothy. That's been a shift and a half for an 11 yr old.

[Verena]

Fantastic for 11yr old, doing great

Wow, impressive that

[fatbikephil]

Looks like they are having a lie in
Also looks like better weather there than here - ideal for a paddle!

[Richpips]

Safely across the wee burn now.

[Lazarus]

Not moved for a while no, hope everything is ok

[touch]

Not moved for a while no, hope everything is ok

Rich said on instagram that the weather wasn't looking good today so they were considering hiding out in the campsite at Lochcarron for the day. Looks like they may be on the move now though. The rain has stopped in my part of the Highlands recently so maybe conditions have improved for them too.

[Lazarus]

Thanks

[fatbikephil]

Snow above 500m today and somewhat breezy....
I suspect Camban bothy is on the itinerary for them tonight then another couple of days should do it

[boxelder]

they may just pull this off - impressive given recent weather. That river crossing on the military road over to Fort Augustus could be interesting. Hope they get a good night in Camban and benefit from the better weather to come.

[fatbikephil]

12 hour shift yesterday, looks like they will be done today

[Mart]

Hugely impressive - well done that lad

[whitestone]

There's a video by Annie Le on bikepacking.com of the women in last year's edition - https://bikepacking.com/plog/the-pink-d ... 550-video/

[boxelder]

I reckon the women's race (if it is a separate thing) will be great to follow this year - a fair few very strong riders. Jaimi Wilson smashed out a sub 26 hour Lakeland 300 last week.
Come on Cath - you've got this!

[fatbikephil]

Looks like it's going to be a right old ding dong up the front this year. I will be plodding towards the rear...
3 weekends to go and I've no idea what I'm taking with me

[Hyppy]

I was all set and ready for it—albeit completing rather than competing—but am now in a race against time to be fit, having had a big off last week. I think my body'll be ok given a few more days, but my face is a right mess and I'm currently on a liquid/chocolate milk diet as it's too painful to eat thanks to a mouthful of stitches.

Still, at least I've got my headshot sorted for trackleaders: CONTENT WARNING - BLOODY FACE PIC

[Richpips]

I was all set and ready for it—albeit completing rather than competing—but am now in a race against time to be fit, having had a big off last week. I think my body'll be ok given a few more days, but my face is a right mess and I'm currently on a liquid/chocolate milk diet as it's too painful to eat thanks to a mouthful of stitches.

Still, at least I've got my headshot sorted for trackleaders: CONTENT WARNING - BLOODY FACE PIC

Liking your ear muffs.

[Bearbonesnorm]

[boxelder]

Liking your ear muffs

Worst Princess Leia costume ever

Heal quickly

[Dean]

I have just come back from weaving across Northern Scotland for six days from JoG to Blair Atholl - the boggy ground I have done before seemed drier (can't vouch for Road of 1000 Puddles).

However the ticks were atrocious, I removed more ticks from my legs on this trip than in all previous 15 years of tramping across Scotland combined.

[Hyppy]

However the ticks were atrocious, I removed more ticks from my legs on this trip than in all previous 15 years of tramping across Scotland combined.

*adds tick remover to 'to pack' list.*

I'm back on solid-ish food as of today and have been back on the turbo for the past few days so making the start at least looks on.

[AlasdairMc]

I have just come back from weaving across Northern Scotland for six days from JoG to Blair Atholl - the boggy ground I have done before seemed drier (can't vouch for Road of 1000 Puddles).

However the ticks were atrocious, I removed more ticks from my legs on this trip than in all previous 15 years of tramping across Scotland combined.

I was walking through Fisherfield last weekend and it was the same there. On the plus side, the Loch crossing was shin deep at most