Audax rides

I think I am keen but because it's a long bloody way and a very hard bloody ride, we'll need to be a bit ruthless about whether you can/can't get to the end.

Happy to share my itinerary and if you fancy it we can meet up and have a chat about it.

I'm in Aberdeen so just a couple hours on the train for me.

No doubt its a hard rid, but think I'm up for it. Did a 19hr 400 this weekend, so with a 60hr limit for the 800 of the NC500.

A 19hr 400k? chapeau!

Current plan and route.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29820001

Inverness to Gairloch
Saturday 15th June, Inverness Station, 10:00: AM
Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, 09:15: PM

Gairloch to Thurso
Sunday 16th June, Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, 04:30: AM
Sandra's Backpackers Hostel, 11:00: PM

Thurso to Inverness
Monday 17th June, Sandra's Backpackers Hostel, 05:30: AM
Inverness Station, 05:00: PM

The big 350km stage in the middle is going to be bloody hard.

What's the deal with checking into the your second night hostel? I found on the Highlands 1000k last year most had a cut off time for checking in of 10pm, 11pm if you let them know in advance.

Yeah, we've told them 11pm. Expecting to be there for 10pm though.

Looks great - I'd love to do that! Or Mark Rigby's west coast one. One year I'll manage to fit it in.

Having a mini panic attach about my lights. I've got a cheapo Bikehut 1000 + Sigma (below) which works well and plenty of light/battery for a 300k but may need to bring a battery pack for the 400. Anyone know if these lights typically work when plugged into the battery pack?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GTN4YNG/r­ef=pe_3187911_189395841_TE_dp_1

I have the 1600 Bikehut one, that deffo does. You should check the Sigma one at home!

Thanks, that's helpful! Yeah, plugged the Sigma in and looks like it works too. Panic over

As long as day two goes to plan it's not a worry, big day though! It looks awesome, will be keen to hear about it once you've done it, been thinking about things to do next year.

@jaeyukdapbap I've caved and signed up to the Herts so good ride on Monday - riding out from Twickers to the start... see the group there?

We'll be with Clement, hiding.

@plasticniki are you still thinking of getting the train in the morning for WCW? I'm thinking of cycling to Windsor after work on the Friday and staying in a Travelodge there for £70. Seems worth it for how much easier it would make the start I reckon

that does sound better. £70 though (!)

WAIT, the start's in bray i think which is closer to maidenhead travelodge which is £40

Anyone else trekking out to the Brevet Cymru this weekend? Bit the bullet, weather forecast is holding out so far.

I am

That's even better haha

Rad, I'll be the one covered in brightly coloured shapes, do say hello.

DIYs.
Is it considered ok to use a calendar event as a DIY on a different date? Or is that bad form?
There are things I'd like to ride but don't want to piss people off.

As long as it's not the same day as the calendar event I would feel comfortable.

If the organiser offers a perm I would ride that instead of doing it as a DIY.

Thanks

Always worth asking the organiser. When I've done this I've offered to make a small donation to a charity of their choice. One time I received the organiser's notes and improved routesheet (i.e. i'd go this way which is much nicer if I wasn't having to create a ride for 100 people and cater for the lowest common denominator, etc).

London-Wales-London was bloody freezing when the sun went in wasn't it. Christ.