BB200 2023

[Boab]

A few photos and videos. Sadly none in the dark which is when the real fun times were had:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pB4wcG9HB2ay7k6G6

Ah, those five Landies... They were not hanging around; came across them a bit further down. I had three behind me at the start of the trail, let them passed while I ate something, then caught them up before the top of the climb, so they stopped to let me passed again. At least they were taking their time and being vaguely careful about their driving style.

[thenorthwind]

A few photos and videos. Sadly none in the dark which is when the real fun times were had:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pB4wcG9HB2ay7k6G6

Some gorgeous pics

And well done!

[trob6]

Really well done to all who entered, it did look cold and wet!

[fatbikephil]

For that river crossing I removed boots and socks and paddled across just upstream of the carnage - twas only calf deep last Saturday (and warm although if I'd got my feet wet they would have frozen, even at 10 degrees...)

Phil. I'm a bit confused (sorry if you've covered it in the blog post ) but you took your boots and socks off and paddled. But still didn't get your feet wet though it was calf deep ?

Remove gaiters, boots and 2 pairs of socks (1 pair are dexshell and were waterproof) paddle across, sit on bank in sun drying feet on the outside of the dexshell socks, put them all back on, straighten tie, continue. It's a monumental faff but it's how I've preserved dry feet through some very wet Highland Trails. I blew it on a crossing later as I tried to tiptoe across the river on rocks which were very slippy and failed - not much water got in the boots but some did soak through the waterproof socks. It was a balmy 10 degrees min but I still got cold feet!

[fatbikephil]

A few photos and videos. Sadly none in the dark which is when the real fun times were had:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pB4wcG9HB2ay7k6G6

That's a massive amount more water on the strata florida!
Good effort, I suspect I'd have chucked the towel in, in those conditions!

[redefined_cycles]

For that river crossing I removed boots and socks and paddled across just upstream of the carnage - twas only calf deep last Saturday (and warm although if I'd got my feet wet they would have frozen, even at 10 degrees...)

Phil. I'm a bit confused (sorry if you've covered it in the blog post ) but you took your boots and socks off and paddled. But still didn't get your feet wet though it was calf deep ?

Remove gaiters, boots and 2 pairs of socks (1 pair are dexshell and were waterproof) paddle across, sit on bank in sun drying feet on the outside of the dexshell socks, put them all back on, straighten tie, continue. It's a monumental faff but it's how I've preserved dry feet through some very wet Highland Trails. I blew it on a crossing later as I tried to tiptoe across the river on rocks which were very slippy and failed - not much water got in the boots but some did soak through the waterproof socks. It was a balmy 10 degrees min but I still got cold feet!

You bloomin genius Phil. It's this section I'm worried about as I'm back on the BAM but with plenty of HAB sections. Once you get past Pym Chair (Peaks) and the other path there's a beautiful little private beach (maybe it was my mind playing tricks). Only thing is that to get across you have a river crossing which was tame and shallow. But I imagine, in full swing could get a bit destructive.

I'm nicking your idea ta (but maybe with some bin bags added to the mix! Thanks Phil.

[redefined_cycles]

Dead centre. Remote n slightly intimidating but beautiful. I'm making up missing the second BB200 in a row, to myself. It'll be a good 4 mile walk preceding this point

[In Reverse]

A few photos and videos. Sadly none in the dark which is when the real fun times were had:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pB4wcG9HB2ay7k6G6

These are really great, well done and thanks for sharing

I had a pretty similar experience to yours - attempted the 300 the first weekend but realised I was missing the cut off. I decided to abandon a bit earlier than you though and headed over to Rhayader for an early afternoon pint and meal, then a blast back up the road feeling strangely fantastic.

Also the same as you it was the Doethe Valley that probably did for me, mentally and physically. Might have been OK in the light but in the dark it was awful and it went on forever.

Ultimately I wasn't fast/fit/tough enough this year. Lesson learnt for next year...

[Hyppy]

Here are some words and pictures from my 200 of the first weekend: https://cycling.hypertelia.com/bb-200-2023

I can tell it must've been a tough day out as I took so few photos despite the scenic backdrop lending itself so perfectly to being snapped.

[redefined_cycles]

Thanks Pete.

[fatbikephil]

Here are some words and pictures from my 200 of the first weekend: https://cycling.hypertelia.com/bb-200-2023

I can tell it must've been a tough day out as I took so few photos despite the scenic backdrop lending itself so perfectly to being snapped.

Good one Pete, enjoyed that - looks like hatred of Strata Florida is a common theme!

[PaulE]

Just in case Stu picks a similar route in future, I think I've found the correct legwear...

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/fishing-b ... R-p-311582

When combined with some fell running shoes, a merino base layer and a raincoat, they might almost make Strata Florida a pleasurable experience!

[Richard G]

I finally got around to uploading my ride to Strava... and realised that I'm actually much more annoyed with myself than I thought I was.

My motivation gave out way, way too soon on this one, and I need to work on not having that happen again. I've done far harder, and in far worse conditions, so not really sure why my head went as much as it did.

[slarge]

Here are some words and pictures from my 200 of the first weekend: https://cycling.hypertelia.com/bb-200-2023

I can tell it must've been a tough day out as I took so few photos despite the scenic backdrop lending itself so perfectly to being snapped.

Enjoyed that, thanks Pete

[Valerio]

Sorry for going off-topic, but how's the fork??!!
I was curious to try one but they're impossible to find/try without buying.

[godivatrailrider]

Sorry for going off-topic, but how's the fork??!!
I was curious to try one but they're impossible to find/try without buying.

I've been in touch with Lauf in the last week and they no longer make the MTB fork as it didn't perform as well as it should offroad apparently.
I'm a massive fan of the idea and I like the looks.
They still make the Gravel fork and oddly the Carbonara Fat fork :)

[Valerio]

Cheers. Yeah I heard they had discontinued the mtb fork but the Carbonara should work on my bike (not sure what the difference is with the mtb version).

It seems like a neat low maintenance solution, I'm just not keen to buy without trying it first.

[Richard G]

Any idea how the black badge / finisher percentage was compared to normal Stu?

I want to know if if was actually hard, or if I'm getting even softer in my old age.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'll have a count up Richard. I can say that I'm pretty sure the attrition rate was somewhat higher on the second weekend.

[Valerio]

Here's a little video from the BB200 for your entertainment.

I'm hardly a Youtuber but while riding I remembered another gravel rider/youtuber left in tears by the event.
The only difference is that I didn't record myself crying hahah

Enjoy: https://youtu.be/AyRsoCUMIyo?si=GN6V_r-8nIljmOy9

[Richard G]

I think you meant this link... and I thought I recognised you from when I headed into the undergrowth (2m 50s).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyRsoCUMIyo

[Valerio]

Ah thanks Richard!!!

I fixed the link.

I wish I had followed you instead of stopping to record. I must have spent over 30min trying to understand how to get out of those woods

[Richard G]

I wish I had followed you instead of stopping to record. I must have spent over 30min trying to understand how to get out of those woods

Brute force is always the answer. FORWAAAAAAARD!

[M4tt]

Here's a little video from the BB200 for your entertainment.

I'm hardly a Youtuber but while riding I remembered another gravel rider/youtuber left in tears by the event.
The only difference is that I didn't record myself crying hahah

Enjoy: https://youtu.be/AyRsoCUMIyo?si=GN6V_r-8nIljmOy9

Thanks for sharing this Valerio, it was great to see it again. Generated lots of smiles and chuckles, watching from a warm hse and comfy sofa..... was slightly different at the time though

BB200 absolutely delivered ..... I'm looking forward to the next one

[Valerio]

Hahah yeah it's very different watching it from the couch, and being 2ft deep in "water"