Who's riding the Grand Old Dukes in four weeks time, and who's ridden it before?

https://www.dukesweekender.com/god

Having had a quiet 2024 I thought I do a single day event at the other of the country this year.

I'm going to be in the "Run what you brung" category on my rigid Highball but this comment on STW from last year makes me think Jones bars and 2.25" Mezcal/Terrano won't be a bad choice:

Mix of different types of track, from perfect smooth to almost single track to short sections of horribly rough stuff and the odd wee section of road. There is quite a lot of climbing, so it’s is quite a day

Anyone ridden before and reckon it's worth swapping to my lightly-treaded 40mm gravel tyres?

Hi Dyffers - I'm in too, hopefully recovered from the Highland Trail by then!
Will be using the Stormchaser on 45mm tyres which will be fine. I've not ridden it as a route but ridden 95% of everything on it. The singletrack 'Great Trossachs' path and the Loch Venechar cycleway is generally pretty smooth (and huge fun) Some of the forest tracks are a bit chunky but only for fairly short sections.

Just got the joining info - need to get there for a 5.30am registration and a 6am start! For crying out loud it doesn't get dark until 11!
*sigh*

Indeed. I'm staying local the day before so might sign on Saturday afternoon. I'll be able relax in the evening whilst ziptieing that all important race number in the right place.

I see the route has changed a bit too (and the climbing total up by quite a bit). Hey ho, I've paid up now so I need to stop moaning and get on with it!