+1 to an early start for 200+ riders, resupply and getting back for work on Monday...

May be persuaded to have a go at the longer option...

(Gulp)

It would have to be rideable though. Not sure I could cope with the ratio of unrideable hell like this year again...

Si

Well, it's good to know there's some potential interest.

An earlier start would certainly be on the cards. Would anyone like to suggest a time? Too early and we might struggle though.

The thinking at present with regard to 'badges' is no time segments, ie you either finish or you don't within a specified cut-off, eg 36 hours.

I shall say this one last time, so listen carefully ... next years route will be much more rideable, pushy bits will be limited, really wet bits will be limited. I can't promise things will be 100% rideable because that would reduce possible route options to a notch above bugger all ... hopefully we're clear about next years route now.

I'm up for anything, just let me know when you want the money, then roll me over & call me Doris!

Loud and Clear, El Capitan!!!

Personally I think I'd just try and finish the standard route first.

Agree with the no segment times. Its ment to be a bikepacking race with the need for a stop. Finishing in 20 hours just makes it a really long enduro event (if your in the position to ride it that fast).

Route A - Introduction to Bikepack racing, something that the 'average' person can achieve a 36 hour finish
Route B - Something to push those sub 24's from the old routes. Maybe a HTR qualifier?

36 hour cut off. 8am Saturday start to be back for 8pm sunday

As for getting the route earlier, how long do you need to prepare?
Maybe late on Sunday night the week before. That would give people plenty of time to study it. Any longer before and people will start to pre-ride sections which gives them an unfair advantage and takes away the adventure.

s8tannorm wrote:hopefully we're clear about next years route now.

I think as a gesture of solidarity, you should be lining up with the rest of us.
Your face was a picture after the 2013 Bear Bones, for sure

Ian wrote: I think as a gesture of solidarity, you should be lining up with the rest of us.

+1

Your face was a picture after the 2013 Bear Bones, for sure

You'd just had 8 hours beauty sleep ... no wonder you looked better than me.

I won't be on the start line, there's too much other stuff that requires my attention. However, I will go and put an ITT lap in the week before to quell the blood thirsty masses.

I'd be up for a 200+ route, so long as it was possible to be back for work on Monday

balls - after a meeting with Mark tonight it looks like team Sheff will all be on the 200+

Peer group pressure etc etc

You know you want to Pete!

Sounds interesting, as long as I'm in work on Monday it should be a go...

Drew

Firstly, thanks for trying evolve this great event Stu. It's easy to forget that this is quite a unique opportunity in the biking calendar. Both very hard but accessible are what makes it popular. So extending this makes great sense.

2014 saw many folk realise they are capable of much more than they thought (even if they rudy hated it). So the chance to up the game is welcome. 200 miles of mostly rideable might make me reconsider the mantra I repeated for 4 hours on the way back home.

No early preview of route required. Early start welcome but I appreciate the locals might not like loads of noise early doors if using the school. The offer of your ITT before hand is useful as it gives a rough guide for when we might get around. You'll have to ride this year's as well though to allow comparison :)

std route for me, definitely my challenge for next year is to finish!

For me I'd be interested in a 200km peddley, non pushing, more social, less pressurised, non badged (maybe a slackers tee shirt), more laided back type of event running alongside the sadistic sods who want a 200mile race event.

Would this be possible?

Welsh Ride Thing?

For me I'd be interested in a 200km peddley, non pushing, more social, less pressurised, non badged (maybe a slackers tee shirt), more laided back type of event running alongside the sadistic sods who want a 200mile race event.

Would this be possible?

As Ian says John ... you've just described the WRT.

s8tannorm wrote:As Ian says John ... you've just described the WRT.

I know but why not have a WRT type 200km ride alongside the serious 200 mile ride, racers in one tramps in the other

I know but why not have a WRT type 200km ride alongside the serious 200 mile ride, racers in one tramps in the other

Mainly because I've more than enough to do already. The BB200 is what it is, I refuse to dilute it because some people might find it hard or don't want to do it ... why not spend the next 11 months training?

JohnClimber wrote:

s8tannorm wrote:As Ian says John ... you've just described the WRT.

I know but why not have a WRT type 200km ride alongside the serious 200 mile ride, racers in one tramps in the other

Just do the normal BB200 (200km) route at what ever pace you like?

Oh dear what a dilemma!

25 hours in 2013.......was determined to do 2014 under 24 hours but then had to scratch /commute my entry due unemployment type issues.....

So the black badge was the big target...... But the whole point of the bb200 is ridiculousness and the 200+ is ridiculousness+

If I do get the black badge then I'd be there next year!