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So, I take bivvy and can't sleep in Wales, then don't take bivvy and it would've been really handy in Hexham.
Yes, the temperature has warmed up a bit now so it's better conditions for testing sleeping stuff (as long as you're not completely waterlogged, that is). I'm going to give it a go this weekend: I've entered the Gospel Pass 200 which starts near Tewkesbury, about 150km away. So I'll ride out on Friday night, find a spot along the way and see how it goes.
frank9755
hippy
Tan Hill 600 done. Some pics on twitter/yacf. Feckin' loads of climbing. TT bike not optimal but I managed ok. Gearing was too high (40 rpm when I looked in the Dales, probably less on the 30% steep climbs in Lakes) but it was all I had. Pissed down hard at night such that I decided to grab a hotel rather than risk crashing in the middle of nowhere - roads were lakes and my vision was pretty bad with the light shining off the water and "it's rainin' sideways!". I didn't do a bag drop because I was planning to ride through - didn't factor in such heavy rain (or that I'd miss the pub opening by arriving too early).
So, I take bivvy and can't sleep in Wales, then don't take bivvy and it would've been really handy in Hexham. Oh well.
Waited around chatting to a cycle tourist since the pub didn't start serving until 11am - had to have a pint at Britain's Highest pub! Winning! Needed it after the farm track to get up to it. Literally a farm track, not just a euphemism for Britain's shitty roads.
Really beautiful scenery. Even though it was harder and the weather was much worse I seemed to enjoy this ride much more than the BCM for some reason. Maybe there wasn't enough time to get miserable when there's another 20% climb to deal with... and another... and another...