However, even then expect up to four seasons in one day as you will be travelling through terrain between sea level and 800m. United Kingdom. It was my good friend and fellow racer Scott who abandoned his own ride to help me off the hill and into an ambulance, although I dont remember much until getting to the hospital in the middle of the night. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Brand-X dropper post. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Clothingwise, Ill be wearing a mixture of DHBs Aeron ultra and trail lines. The food stops are excellent, but you will need to check opening hours and distances carefully. Bikes of Highland Trail 550 19 May, 2022 Alan Goldsmith Name: Alan Goldsmith Age: 58 Location: Wiltshire, England Bike: Trek Top Fuel. At the very least, riding this route continues to shape how I navigate the highs and lows of life and how I perceive myself. Ive got a 30T oval chainring and a 10-50 Eagle cassette with Shimano SLX gears. Fox 150mm fork is a bit of an overkill for the race but at the same time, its so much fun! Im running stock ENVE M525 wheels along with a Schwable 2.25 and 2.35 tyre combo and a SRAM XX1 Eagle 12s groupset. The following day starts with a test Ive been dreading for 12 months. Also looking forward to trying out these SQlab Innerbarends on my handlebars. (CTR). Weather has been damp. Dumped the Jones Bars Ive been riding for three years and fitted Stooge Moto bars with taped bar inboards (cant be bar ends, can they!?) Perthshire, Scotland The bike features a Pike 130 fork, Maxxis Rekon 2.4 tyres, a SRAM Eagle drivetrain with 30T chainring, Reserve wheels, and Bike Yoke dropper, plus an SQLab 12 handlebar with bar-ends. The Highland Trail is a self-supported mountain bike route 550 miles in length with over 16000m of climbing. My ankles have stiffened up, and I can feel the beginnings of tendonitis in my Achilles from the previous days hike-a-bike. BIKE: Mason RAW, built up with Shimano XT, RockShox SID 120mm, and PNW dropper. Ive been lumping the highs of setting outbrief chats with friendly riders, the Ben Alder singletrack, familiar placeswith the downsides. Its late in the ride, and the time for rigid plans is over. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The kit will depend on the weather forecast but even then on the cautious side. BAGS: Full set of Restrap Adventure Race range kit. Lighting the way with an Exposure Toro and a Led Lenser MH10 head torch. Photo by Huw Oliver. In no mood to waste time probing the changeable shingle banks, I head straight for the bar at the river mouth since its reliable, if a little deeper. The water comes up to my neck, but the weight of the bike above my head keeps me planted on the gravel even as waves lap my chin. The small but crucial decisionsdeciding not to undress for the crossing, monitoring energy, warmth, and mood are taking care of themselves in the background, with the collective goal of endless forward motion. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The saddle is fantastic. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SON dynamo powering Garmin phones and lighting duties. No idea what the wheels are but they seem decent, set up tubeless with some Bontrager tyres. BAGS: In terms of bag, I will be taking a self made frame wedge, a Wildcat saddle pack and a pair of top tube bags. Ft. 671 Trillium Pl, Camano Island, WA 98282. Im running Thomson bars with Ergon grips and a Specialized Mimic saddle. SOLD JUN 3, 2022. yet! Ive got a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1p, which will house my Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20-degree bag and Uberlite pad (which might double as a packraft if the river crossings are high), a small down puffy, wool socks, and a merino shirt and long underwear that will hopefully remain my dry layer throughout. Issue 141 - Early February 2022; Issue 142 - Early April 2022 . Exposure Lights enable night riding, a Wahoo Roam for navigation, and a Garmin InReach Mini does the tracking. BAGS: Ive got a hodgepodge of bags up front: old Apidura handlebar pack, Restrap stem bags (an excellent recent addition to my kit, supporting the ability to eat continuously), Alpkit fuel pod, Lomo frame bag. I ask myself again if Ive left bits of me behind in some of the lonely glens or if Ive picked up new bits to add to myself. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: This year, my aim is to try and document the voices of the HT550 in an audio project that focuses on riders motivations. Theres just the tick-tick-tick rhythm of eating, drinking, and turning pedals. BAGS: A set of Revelate Designs bags: Ranger framebag, Harness/Saltyroll/Egress bar bags, Feedbags, and Mag Tank top tube bags. The excitement of going into the unknown territory of such a long stint adds a lightness to my legs as the sun begins its leisurely rise over the mist-cloaked and wooded shores of Loch Affric. PHD sleeping bag with Exped Symat. However, even then expect up to four seasons in one day as you will be travelling through terrain between sea level and 800m. BIKE: Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod Carbon model 2018 with Lefty 2 fork. 2022 Day 1 - Tyndrum to Melgarve Bothy In the morning I was relaxed - a little too relaxed - and I was still running around between van and pod when the group photo was taken and only just made it to the start line for the end of the "speeches". Ive done long rides since then, but no multi-day racing, so theres a suspended moment while I begin pedalling and feel for energy that eventually seems to flow back into me, despite the miles and lack of sleep. Rarely a dry day in May makes for excellent dotwatching and some serious efforts from racers. An eTrex 20 for navigation. It was a chilly morning around 4C, but the forecast was looking positive. Exposure lights. The most impressive sections [] Silk Road Mountain Race 12th august 2022 kygyzstan. I contemplate going one better and doing the 230 miles from Knockdamph to Tyndrum in one shot, neatly solving the issue of groggy morning sadness. I bump into Pete, whos riding part of the route to catch brief audio interviews with riders as he meets them. The long glens that morning arent my cup of tea. BAGS: Mix of bags; Restrap frame bag, Restrap bar bag, Topeak top tube bag and saddle bag. Some mini tribars to help with the road sections. We ride north together into the warm glow of the evening and chat about anything and everything in the way you do; the shared anxiety and excitement of adventure is the fastest way I know to break down the barriers between strangers. The Highland Trail 550 is a mountain bike race through the Scottish Highlands. It was one of the most euphoric experiences Ive ever shared with anyone, and since then, I havent been afraid of this road. Cut off cheap waterproof trousers. The majority of the route is on excellent trails and quiet roads, but includes some boggy and very technical sections. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ive gone with a tent as its going to take me quite a while to get round, and itll be better for getting away from the rain and/or the midges. ; if youre lucky, you can eat here twice as the Northern Loop also returns through this point on the way back. Both bike and the wheels are locally designed and its name comes from our beloved descent. Garmin eTrex 20. Everyone should expect some extended periods of hike-a-bike, even the best climbers and technical descenders will find plenty of terrain beyond their ability. I also use some Apidura, Revelate Designs, and Ortlieb bags. Running 29 carbon HUNT dynamo wheels with Nobby Nic 2.25 tyres. BAGS: Bags all by Alpkit (as is probably 90% of my gear!) The SON dynamo will also make sure I never run out of power (especially for the long stretches), but realistically I will probably only use it to charge my Wahoo Roam, which I will use for navigation. PHD sleeping bag, Exped synmat. The prototype bags are really going to help me go light and carry weight over the middle of the bike for optimum handling. Revelate Gas Tank and a modified Straight Cut Harness. Annie Le rides singletrack beside Cam Loch with majestic Suilven as a backdrop. Tools and spare on downtube. Power; carrying 2 x 10000mAh and 1 x 20000mAh. These efforts are not without reward; the most difficult sections yielding the most impressive scenery, especially if you are fortunate enough to have the lovely clear skies we experienced on the HT550 2016. Should you need to keep moving in limited visibility or darkness know how to find your way. It doesnt matter if youre riding or walking, as long as youre moving forwards with minimal effort, ghost-like. BIKE: BTWIN Carbon Rockrider XC900. . BIKE: Shand Shug Hardtail, Barzo front, Mezcal Rear, Shimano 111, SQ Labs bar inners, Ergon GA3 grips. You need to be logged in to use these features. I decide to go into the night with an open mind. Theres an expectation that such a long time spent riding alone should bring revelation, but Ive found an unravelling instead. My choice of sleep system will depend on the weather, but most likely Sea To Summit Spark Sleeping bag and ultralight mat plus a Nordisk Lofoten Tent for emergencies if the weather comes in. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Garmin eTrex 32 for navigation, small head torch, and down-free jackets for sustainability. 32t x 10/50. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleeping setup consists of an MSR Hubba NX tent, a Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Mat, and a Nomad Orion700 sleeping bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: eTrex 30x with 520 backup, Fenix lights with an old BT10; Montbell Bivvy with Cumulus down bag. Its where I scratched in 2018 after a stomach bug I likely picked up back in Tyndrum laid me out beside the trail. BIKE: Ill be racing the HT550 on a Santa Cruz Tallboy. No stove. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. The trail took a great tangle of knotted thoughts and feelings from inside me and slowly spooled them back out into the places they came from, one mile at a time. BAGS: A mega Straight Cut Design custom frame bag fills the main triangle, and just as custom but a bit more homebrew is my seatpack. Day 1: Tyndrum to Corrimony Distance: 191.48km Elevation Gain: 3,488m Moving Time: 13:18:19 Elapsed Time: 15:12:49 I woke at 07:00 in my hiker hut at By The Way Hostel with a noisy anxious belly. This project links in with my wife Alices PhD looking at cycle journeys in nature at Sheffield Hallam University. 3 Beds. Thats been true in the past, but today Im holding outthis is becoming less of a bike ride and more of a balancing act between movement and total collapse, and the line is getting thinner. Ergon saddle and grips. It rolls on VYTYV aviator XC wide wheelset and Ill add some Vittoria Barzos 29 x 2.25 tires. BAGS: Im using Straight Cut Designs new prototype small frame bag, large top tube bag, and food pouches alongside their production front sling. Weve finally arrived at the section where I can travel lightly and draw the most energy from the landscape. For the HT550, I have gone with a 120mm RockShox SID ultimate up front and the standard 100mm on the rear using the RockShox brain. The route features world class singletrack and dirt roads with stunning views throughout, but you must put in some serious effort to reap the rewards. I feel the draw to ride harder, to race, but it only lasts a moment. The suggested date for the group start is in late May but feel free to test and enjoy yourself on the route at another time. The majority of the route is on excellent trails and quiet roads, but includes some boggy and very technical sections. On the rear, Ill be using a Tailfin AeroPack with bottle cages on the sides. Carbon Rockshox Monarch XX 100mm shock, SRAM XO1 Eagle 12-speed 10-50, Hollowgram Carbon Rims, Vittoria Barzo front and Mezcal rear tires. Tonight too, the coast road numbs my pain by providing sea views and the jagged trolls teeth outlines of the Assynt hills. Love my Albion insulated jacket for when it starts to get nippy, and with it being the HT550, I should get to test out the Albion Zoa rain shell too. Host virtual town halls, onboard and train employees, collaborate efficiently. BAGS: Homemade frame bag and bar harness, Apidura top tube bag, and an Apidura dropper-compatible seatpack. I lie in my bivvy bag in the bark chips beneath the kids playground, and in the small gap between stopping and falling asleep, I think to myself that perhaps Im nearly there. BAGS: Im really lucky to be on the Research and Design team for Tailfin. The Highland Trail is the pinnacle of UK bikepacking routes. Its a kind of emotional debrief: a chance to unpick the thing youve just done with some of the only people in the world who know exactly what youre trying to say, despite the inadequacy of words. The river crossing at Shenavall is peat-stained and deep thanks to yesterdays rain and the north-westerlies that pile up water at the eastern end of the loch. Highland Trail 550 - 2016 on Vimeo Solutions BAGS: Ortlieb handlebar bag and seatpack. It works, man. Im running the bike with a rigid carbon fork this year to save weight and hoping the big front tyre will help with the bumps. To facilitate these efforts, we rely on our Bikepacking Collective and the greater bikepacking community to call attention to critical issues and opportunities that are discovered while riding these routes. BIKE: Scott Spark FS Team Issue 2021. Two stem cells, one for water and purification tablets and one full of trail mix. 2022 Highland Trail 550 Perthshire, Scotland, United Kingdom 550mi (885km) Next Event: Warszawa - Praha - Berlin (2022) 1 A long distance self-supported mountain bike time-trail route through the Scottish Highlands. Its well over 24 hours since Ive seen another rider. The cockpit is based around the excellent Sonder Confucius bars. I have a 36T chainring at the front and an 11-46 Sunrace cassette on the back. Montbell waterproof pants, Rab Primaloft insulated jacket, wool layers and arm/leg warmers. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: For sleeping, I will carry a one-person Big Agnes Copper Spur tent and a Sea To Summit Spark dry sack. Ill carry Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Stickpacks to aid recovery and electrolyte intake. With such a short rear end, the chain line was too severe and kept dropping the chain. Early registrations by 25th April will receive $300 worth of shopping vouchers*. Shimano 11-speed XT drivetrain with a 30T chainring and an 11-46 cassette. Of course, this is a bikepacking race, and my tracker isnt working, so the two figures in waterproofs standing at the finish are all Im getting. BIKE: 2018 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 with SRAM Eagle 1x (30 oval x 10/52), XT Brakes, Maxxis Ardent 2.25 tyres. The only explanation is that Angus must have stopped to sleep somewhere out of sight. Read on to discover Huws unique approach to racing and the lessons hes learned from the trail, paired with a moody gallery of images by Annie Le, Words by Huw Oliver (@topofests), photos by Annie Le (@a_girl_outside). . Saturday morning at Tyndrum will see the biggest field yet for the HT550, with a very sizable contingent of women after Alan making a special effort to encourage more along. There are also Topeak and Bontrager top tube bags. Unravelling: A 2022 Highland Trail 550 Story. I went with a 2.25 Maxxis Rekon up front and a 2.25 Rekon Race in the back. Just being here at all is taking everything I have, so theres no space left to think about why. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Might swap out the small frame bag for the large one! Were going in opposite directions with wildly different journeys behind us, but I recognise the same weary elation in their eyes that says they too feel alive this bright afternoon. Originally conceived by veteran endurance mountain biker Alan Goldsmith as a training route for the Colorado Trail Race (CTR), The Highland Trail was later developed into one of the most challenging self-supported off-road individual time trials (ITT) in the world. Ergon grips with bar ends paired with an Alpkit Confucius handlebar gives me lots of hand positions. Lastly, for navigation, Ill be using a Garmin eTrex30. I wish him luck as we separate, and I remember something he shared earlier: When I feel low, I picture the faces of people I love, who make me happy. Back for his third attempt at the iconic Scottish bikepacking race, 2022 Highland Trail 550 winner Huw Oliver penned this gripping reflection on his three and a half days on the course. The bike has been a trusty race steed over the years and has constantly been evolving. I keep those faces close as I tread softly through the peat hags and puddles. It could be about growth, or it could be about shucking off grimy layers of insecurity and past failure. Even with a GPS unit you should be prepared for its failure, and carry a paper version of the route. The Apidura frame pack has all my electronics and tools. A basic but reliable SRAM NX 111 drivetrain with a 28T in the front and an 11-46 in the rear. BAGS: The most colourful part of my bag setup is a Oveja Negra Wack Pack half frame bag, it has seen four bikes and many, many miles. Tyndrum , The place Im trying to get to is unclear, and Im still unsure of the directions. Its another 18 hours at least to Tyndrum, and I really dont have the energy to be thinking about it, so I bow my head to the handlebars, tell my ankles to be quiet, and round the corner to Glen Affric, slipping out of sight. Deda blast mini clip-on bars. In the face of mounting sleepiness, I put in headphones to listen to the Gaelic-electronic bagpipe fusion of Niteworks, which feels appropriate, and aim for Knockdamph Bothy to sleep, deciding that a roof will help against the lingering showers. Ive popped at 34T chainring on especially for HT550. 7th July 2022. SRAM AXS on the drivetrain with a 34T Quarq Power Meter up front and a 10-52 out the back. Window insulation foam for a good night sleep, virtually unbreakable. Hope front hub and SP dynamo hub. The only thing left from the original bike is the frame, fork, crankset, and rear tyre. BAGS: Custom Revelate designs frame bag, Pronghorn harness, Shrew seat bag, and Mag-Tank for all the snacks! BAGS: Luggage courtesy Tailfin nice and solid, no tail wagging here! GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I like to get good rest, so Ill be taking a Forclaz MT900 Tent, Oex leviathan EV900 sleeping bag, and Alpkit Cloudbase mat. Its 24 hours since I set off from Knockdamph, and it looks like Im heading home in one shift.
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