Apologies for starting a new thread but I didn't want this to get swallowed up in the existing one ...

Firstly, thank you to all who set off on Sat morning. In my mind, everyone who did that is a winner because from there on in, what happens isn't always entirely down to you and all the prep' and resolve in the world might not be enough to overcome what life's decided to dish out

A few people asked me whether this would be the final BB200. The answer to that is ... if people still want to come, then it will continue. The weird thing is, the BB200 really doesn't feel like 'our' event or 'my' event but very much 'your' event. It's become something that belongs to the riders, so while those riders exist, it does too.

Some folk also asked about the decision to make it invitational. Well, I feel completely justified in that given that the only stress I received was by way of an uncooperative circuit breaker on Sun morning. At no point was I worried about anyone riding and I never felt that I had to question anybodies ability to deal with whatever circumstances they found themselves in ... that peace of mind was the aim in making it invitational.

On a more practical note. I have 2 items of lost property, so if you're short of a small saddle bag or an Exposure battery, let me know and I'll reunite you.

Lastly, a very big thank you to Dee. I always say that nothing would happen without her because it's true.

As you were and well done all.

Those words give me a warm and fuzzy glow that almost tempt me to sign up for another.

Thanks again Stuart .

I vowed this would be my last 200 , I'm 60 next year and this morning I feel nearer 100 but it's a hard event to let go , so unless my wife talks me out of it I'll be back again in 25

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Oct 07, 2024 9:19 am At no point was I worried about anyone riding and I never felt that I had to question anybodies ability to deal with whatever circumstances they found themselves in ... that peace of mind was the aim in making it invitational.

Wait wait wait, wait... wait.

You're telling me you've not been worrying about me? After all these years you're telling me that you've not been fretting about when / if I'll return? It's all that's been keeping me going when I'm out there with the horrors of Mid Wales!

asked me whether this would be the final BB200.

Hope you took their names. You should pay them back by not inviting em for a few years and then only entry with a 1000 word essay. Explaining why they should never ask such a question ever again.

My plan is to keep entering until and if I hit 70. The wife asked something about me, "going to enjoy yourself". Or something along them lines. Maybe she was wondering why I put myself through the trouble.

Anyway, I explained to her that the event keeps me working hard on my health the rest of the year round. During the ride (and I don't want anyone hating me for this as I appreciate many on here might find it an unsavoury topic, not me, sorry) I wondered about whether the organiser left the earth before me.

I just assumed that it would be the only way the event would end. Especially since there's no one, erm, like Stu (and Dee) - and may Allah guide them both to that which is best. Sorry, that's alot of words for, yes Stuart I'll be back (God Willing).

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Oct 07, 2024 9:19 am A few people asked me whether this would be the final BB200. The answer to that is ... if people still want to come, then it will continue. The weird thing is, the BB200 really doesn't feel like 'our' event or 'my' event but very much 'your' event. It's become something that belongs to the riders, so while those riders exist, it does too.

Selfishly I'd say "hopefully not".

Speaking in the past to Dee and yourself it's apparent that the BB200 (and other BB events) help with the usage and therefore upkeep of the community centre in Llanbrynmair which in these days of "ghost" villages with few or no amenities is good to see.

The Exposure battery could belong to Debs. I'll check with her...
Thanks again Dee and Stu. It's a unique event, there really is nothing like it. Thanks.
I think that was my 4th and final BB. But already looking forward to the WRT. xxx

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Oct 07, 2024 9:19 am
A few people asked me whether this would be the final BB200. The answer to that is ... if people still want to come, then it will continue. The weird thing is, the BB200 really doesn't feel like 'our' event or 'my' event but very much 'your' event. It's become something that belongs to the riders, so while those riders exist, it does too.

Some folk also asked about the decision to make it invitational. Well, I feel completely justified in that given that the only stress I received was by way of an uncooperative circuit breaker on Sun morning. At no point was I worried about anyone riding and I never felt that I had to question anybodies ability to deal with whatever circumstances they found themselves in ... that peace of mind was the aim in making it invitational.

This makes me almost want an invite to 2025...

I may not have ridden a 200 since 2019 (DNF), but I treasure the community that Stuart and Dee have made.

Long may it continue...

Si

whitestone wrote: ↑Mon Oct 07, 2024 11:12 am Speaking in the past to Dee and yourself it's apparent that the BB200 (and other BB events) help with the usage and therefore upkeep of the community centre in Llanbrynmair which in these days of "ghost" villages with few or no amenities is good to see.

Related, after a thoroughly bizarre / memorable pub stop in Trawsfynydd I was saddened to read that it's been slowly dying since the closure of the train station.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trawsfynydd

Though maybe some hope with the nuclear plant being redeveloped?

Polisherman wrote: ↑Mon Oct 07, 2024 1:38 pm The Exposure battery could belong to Debs. I'll check with her...
Thanks again Dee and Stu. It's a unique event, there really is nothing like it. Thanks.
I think that was my 4th and final BB. But already looking forward to the WRT. xxx

What about the January Winter Event?

JohnClimber wrote: ↑Mon Oct 07, 2024 9:25 pm What about the January Winter Event?

Most people have the good sense not to venture into the wilds of mid Wales in winter!